Rob and I have been trying to do an organized race/run every month, to encourage us to keep up with the running. Rob discovered Pacific Coast Trail Runs and, when possible, that’s what we do.
Today was my second one. Ow. I can feel it.
We did the 8km (5mi) up Mt. Diablo. The run started out going straight up and didn’t let up for about the first 3 miles. Here’s the elevation map for our run. It was tough going from the start (went straight up for what felt like forever, but I see was about a quarter of a mile). I lost my ability to control my breathing — that is, I was panting like a little pup — right at the start. Mile 2 to 3 was a fire road that went straight up. I felt like it was never going to end.
From there it was all down hill, and the views were pretty spectacular when we had an opportunity to take our focus off the gravel-laden path or the roots creating an obstacle course.
The weather was fantastic: from a very nippy morning in the parking lot, waiting for the start, the temperature warmed up until it was warm but not too warm for a good run.
After we left Mt. Diablo, Rob and I wanted to get some coffee. We didn’t see one coffee place the whole way back to the freeway. Walnut Creek: no reason to live. We stopped in Danville and got some pretty good coffee at a bagel place.
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I know I’d find these hill runs a lot easier if I lost some weight. Sigh.
Good news! There is a Peets in the shopping center across from Heather Farm Park. There is also a Peets downtown on Locust St but that was not on your way. There are more Star-yuks than I can keep track of.
Walnut Creek has many reasons to live – Peets is just the first 2!