Bighorn Wild and Scenic 50-Mile Run

Since finishing my first 50k race in August, I've been searching for my next big running goal: something to motivate me, and give some focus to my training -- and of course, a fun adventure to look forward to!

The answer came to me over the weekend: I have decided to run the Bighorn Wild and Scenic 50-Mile Run in June. I've been dreaming of running this race for more than a year, since reading about it in TrailRunner Magazine. Well, no more dreaming -- I'm going to run it!

The photo on this page was taken by Don Charles Lundell, who posted a gorgeous slideshow of the 2004 Bighorn Trail 100-Miler, the 100-mile Bighorn race, which takes place on the same trail. I must admit that his photos are part of what cemented my decision to run this race!

Registration begins in February, and you better believe I'm going to be checking the Bighorn website daily starting in January, to make sure I don't miss out -- I've heard this race fills up quickly! In the meantime I'll be putting in the miles to arrive at the start line prepared.

So . . see you on the trail -- in Wyoming, this June!

Topanga State Park-Fire Road 30 & Eagle Spring Fire Road

Los Angeles is not the first place that springs to mind when someone says "trail running heaven." The longer I live in Los Angeles, though, the more I recognize that we are truly blessed with a wealth of trail-running riches.

Perhaps the largest of these is the vast network of trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Thanks to multiple contiguous public lands, it's possible to do a point-to-point thirty-mile run without touching pavement or leaving the city limits.

One park within the National Recreation Area is Topanga State Park. That's where I headed last Sunday, to do a 15-miler on Fire Road 30 and Eagle Spring Fire Road. I began at the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, the trailhead at the top of Reseda Boulevard, then headed west on Dirt Mulholland to Fire Road 30. At the intersection known as "The Hub," I proceeded down Eagle Spring Fire Road, then turned around for a 15-mile round trip.

It was a gorgeous, overcast day. Enjoy the photos!














A view to the west from Dirt Mulholland, looking toward Fire Road 30.



The variety of plants gives each hill a slightly different color.




More hills, these seen from Fire Road 30, heading south.



A short rise, climbing toward The Hub, and the rock formation I call "Corvid Rock."



"Corvid Rock," so called because of the huge ravens that perch on its heights.



Descending the Eagle Spring Fire Road: gorgeous views of the Santa Monica Mountains.



Eagle Rock. Haven't seen any eagles here (yet) but the view is great!




See you on the trail!

The Ray Miller Trail

To give myself a special treat on this Columbus Day holiday, I drove out to the coast to experience the Ray Miller Trail at Point Mugu State Park. In part, I ran the trail today to prepare myself for my next race: the Santa Monica Mountains Trail Run. Every time I go for a run at Point Mugu, I'm reminded how beautiful California is, and how lucky I am to have such fantastic trails so nearby.

I was so moved by the beauty of this trail that I took lots of photos today, and as a result I was inspired to figure out how to post a slideshow on my blog. (Sorry for the ads; it's freeware!) Click "play" below to view the slideshow. Enjoy!

Interested in visiting the trail and seeing the wonders for yourself? Use Mapquest or some other online mapping page to get directions, plugging in "9000 Pacific Coast Highway, 90265" as your destination.

See you on the trail!

Verdugo Mountain via Beaudry South Fire Road

Ever have one of those days when you feel like doing something a little differently, like you need to break out of your usual routine? I had that feeling this morning when I headed out for a run up Verdugo Mountain. There was something about the foggy sky, the rain practically hanging in the air, that made me want to do something different today.

I've always taken the Beaudry North Fire Road up Verdugo Mountain when I needed a quick uphill run and a great view over the city. Today I decided to try the Beaudry South road instead.

To reach this trail, follow the directions in my blog on Beaudry North, bearing left at the first fork in the road rather than continuing straight ahead. Posted signs label each road Beaudry South or Beaudry North, so it's pretty tough to get lost. The trail conditions are very similar: both are fire roads with their predictable mix of packed dirt and some gravel -- and very runnable.

Where Beaudry North tends to hug the hillside and climb very gradually in switchbacks, Beaudry South often crosses exposed ridges and extends across the "backbone" of the hills rather than tracing their sides, giving great views over the velvety hillsides on the north and the city on the south. This also leaves you a bit more exposed, though -- so if intense sun or lightning is in the forecast, Beaudry North is probably the better choice.

Close to the top of Verdugo Mountain, you'll encounter a crossroads with the Las Flores Fire Road. Continuing straight ahead takes you to the top of Verdugo Mountain (where, if you like, you can descend via Beaudry North). Turning left and following the Las Flores Fire Road to its end will take you to the top of Sunshine Drive in Glendale, not far from Verdugo Park.

There seemed to be fewer people on Beaudry South than I usually encounter on Beaudry North, but maybe it was just the weather. The skies advertised rain (though I felt nary a drop on the trail) and the wind gusted, teasing at my hair. I guess the less intrepid runners stayed home this morning. But between the 360-degree views of the city and the mountains, the dramatic skies, and the soft footing, I had a wonderful run on the Beaudry South Fire Road, making me glad that I didn't stay inside today.

See you on the trail!