Trail running has always had a special meaning for me, at once rejuvenating my spirit and allowing me to reconnect to nature on her own terms and unencumbered by at least the major trappings of our technogical world. For me it is a reminder of, as David Suzuki writes in The Sacred Balance, the fact that we no longer seem to have a workable "story" of where and how man fits into the universe around us. Trail running is a humbling, inspiring reminder of our true connection to the world we live in. Technology has caused a disconnect that must be bridged if we are to survive as a society and perhaps even as a species.
My daughter started school in 2003 at Flintridge Prep which sits just a couple of miles from the entrance to the Angeles National Forest. On my car pool day I have decided to take the kids to school and remain there to do my long run on the trails I used to run before life got so complicated. My goal is to run all the trails on the Mt. Wilson sectional trail map before the school year is out.
I was chatting with a customer who suggested I keep an on line journal of these runs to inspire others to venture out on the trails. Trail running is challenging, but the rewards, both physical and mental are well worth the effort and I hope this journal motivates others to experience the joys of the trail. I am no longer keeping a log, per se, but have decided to reorganize the information into a guide that is better suited to folks trying to find a place to run.
If you want any information about these runs, please call the store. There are several books and maps that you will find useful and interesting if you want to explore the San Gabriels. See the link below for a list of those resources.
A word about trail running is in order, however. You MUST be prepared. Take LOTS of water with you and whatever your energy food of choice is. There are VERY few places on these trails to obtain water. It is VERY easy on these hot days to sweat out close to a gallon per hour. You cannot replace it that fast - even if you HAVE the water, your body can only process about 32 ounces per hour. SO - plan your routes and times to take advantage of the shade. Consult the trail guides, as what you see on a map in terms of distance may have NO relationship to the actual time and physical effort the route will take. Dress for the weather - hats, sunscreen for the summer, warmer windproof gear in the winter. And remember that termperatures can vary widely due to the micro climates in the canyons. You can be quite warm on the ridges, and 20 minutes later wish you had your winter woolies down in the canyon bottom, so try to take along some light weight warm tops and gloves if you are running in the canyons in fall or spring, even on a warm day. I lash them to my water pack.
Remember that you are in WILD country. There are rattlesnakes and potentially bears or mountain lions. I have never seen the latter two, but rattlesnakes abound and I have seen bobcat quite often, so exercise caution, especially on the single tracks and in rocky areas. This is THEIR territory, not OURS, and precious little is left for them. Remember to keep an ear and an eye open for mountain bikers, too, as you will find them on trails that you can't imagine as being rideable! And please stray on the trails - don't take shortcuts. Erosion on trails is a real problem and hikers and runners do contribute to the problem if they don't stay on the trails. For added safety let someone know your route and expected return time.
A new feature I am adding is to make available a topo map of each run and an elevation profile. This will help you get a feel for what the run might be like in terms of effort. Click the button for "Map and Elevation Profile" at the end of the description of the run. These maps and profiles are produced using the National Geographic Topo CD set for California.
Have fun and enjoy the wilderness.
Charlie
