Saturday, January 03, 2009

St. Peter(s Canyon)

I don't know if there is a patron saint of runners. But after today, I'm convinced that he is St. Peter.

As you know I haven't been running since Memphis. Over the holidays I took up serious walking as a substitute mental/physical boost. I've put in at least 5 miles a day for the last week, consistently. This morning the CA Cruisers were meeting in Orange County for a little trail running in Peter's Canyon. From the Alberton's on Jamboree, around the reservoir, up and over East Ridge View Trail and back Peters Canyon Road is a little over a 6 mile loop. For something different to do besides Bonelli, I decided to join the group and would walk the loop.

Our group today was quite large. We had runners from the Brea Snails Pace store joining us for a change of pace running venue. The group took off and I was surprised how quickly I was left behind. I knew I would be alone, so it wasn't a huge factor. I marched along, up and down the rolling hills of the East Ridge View Trail. There were several runners coming in the opposite direction as well as many people out for their morning walk, so I wasn't exactly alone. Peters Canyon is wedged between to fairly expensive housing developments, so many people take advantage of the park. Civilization is almost always in your peripheral view.

Once I made it too the far end of the park and began to head back on the flat Peters Canyon Road, I was feeling pretty good. I decided to give my leg a little test run. I set my watch for a one minute interval and off I jogged. There was some stiffness and a little weakness, but things held up. I followed that with a one minute walk segment. One minute later, the watch beeped again, and I was off and "running". I kept that up until I reached the end of the park and was back on the sidewalks. I think I ran at least ten 1-minute segments on the forgiving path for about 1 mile of running. I can't tell you how good it felt to even get that little bit of running in. It was a giant step forward.

I was all smiles when I met up with the Cruisers for some carbs, protein and coffee at the coffee shop where we'd parked. Then I was off to the gym back near my home. At the gym I rode the stationary bike for 60 minutes and then did some leg and core exercises. I've gleaned a lot of good tips from books I have, from the web and from fellow bloggers. I want to thank Wes and Nick for their ideas on how to beat the ITB and to strengthen the core.

And thanks to St. Peter for being kind to me today and letting me run, even a little bit, for the first time in 4 weeks.

13 comments:

Joe said...

Now this is good news, Darrell...so glad to hear it! I think your rigor of regular walking sure helped you get there. Coupled with the forgiving nature of the trail. Glad you tried the 1/1...that got you moving.

Enjoy the weekend!!

Backofpack said...

Darrell,
Yay! It's great to hear you got some running in. I think the run/walk combo will be key - maybe even following in Joe's footsteps. Good deal!

Anne said...

That's one way to let nature takes its course.

Anonymous said...

Yay for a little running. I know how that can improve the mental state when you're injured. Take care and get healthy!

Neese said...

I was in Ohio over Christmas didn't pass through Wellington this time, but did run with my brother on a trail in Elyria. We ran 4, then on our way to leave we bumped into some of his running buddies who asked us to run "1 more", well that turned into 4 more! It was fun to get in 7 though! and of all days in Ohio in December the temps were in the 60's!

Happy New Year!

David said...

Everything in moderation is what Dad always said. The ups and down of what moderate means in the space of time is where the euphoria and anguish of effort display themselves. I think I'm feeling a little light-headed over St. Peter's Canyon. How about you?

Billy said...

oh man...it's been 4 weeks?? Wow. I would be going ape-shit if I couldn't run for that long.

Glad to hear you're back it Darrell!

Wes said...

I am honored that anybody even listens to anything I say :-) I really think the key to successful running is running smarter! Not longer or harder. Well done!!

Lindsay said...

glad to hear you were able to get a taste of running again, while still taking it easy and not trying to overdo it. i really struggle with that personally. take the comeback slowly and enjoy every step of (painless) running!

Billy said...

whoa...dig, dig, DIG the new layout Darrell!

suh-weet!

Pat said...

great looking layout.

congrats on the great hike and a bonus run on top of it.

When I was hurting, I just sat on the couch. You'll be back running in no time.

Unknown said...

I like the new blog loo. It seems as everyone is going for a new look these days. Glad to hear you were able to knock out a few 1 minute segments of running. I hope there are many more to come...and soon.

iJuls said...

I like the new layout too. Hang in there. Glad to hear you are making progress. I love my internet friends too.