Muddy Buddy

I lay awake at 3am envisioning myself on the dreadmill, bashing through another run. I couldn't commit and went back to sleep.  Its noon and the sun is kissing me awake. It was a rather welcoming change from the rain and wind (and apparently tornadoes).

I slipped on my tights and zipped out for a bike ride. I warmed up while heading to the trail head. It wasn't crowded today so I thought it perfect to try for a personal best.  Unfortunately it was super muddy. I was fishtailing through several sections. At one point the mud was too deep. I dismounted and hiked off the trail. Luckily I know the city. I made my way to turtle ridge which is less traveled and looped back home. I wasn't satisfied so I added an extra six miles down portola and back.

The highlight of the ride was during a left turn at an interction. I'm in traffic. I clip out my right foot, but didn't commit to a rightward lean. A leftward teeter begins... crap I can't get out... my right foot magically swung over the handle bar and kept me from totally falling. Super embarasing, but thankfully I didn't scratch the paint on my bike.

Distance: 31.92 miles
Time: 2 hours

Recap: Week 3

This weeks training was just 'okay'.  The recovery from the mountain bike clinic wreaked havoc on my system. I fell three times, once in a rock garden trying to move around someone who'd given up. A rock stabbed my butt pretty hard. The other two occurred as I attempted to negotiate a string of tight uphill switchbacks.

The slicks on my MTB are a fun addition. They are 26x 1.25 and I get about 2-3mph faster on flat roads and loads faster on downhills. I even maintained 30mph on a slight downhill grade for about 2 miles(Culver  & Shady Canyon to Culver & University). This additional speed makes it easier to impale joggers and small dogs so I added a dorky bell. It was necessary evil as most are blasting music so they can't hear anything.

As for my running, I've alwasy found that music distracts me and messes up my stride. Besides, the mp3 adds weight. I skipped a weeks worth of runs. I do my runs at the weeks begining so its closer to two weeks without running. I took care of that on thursday and woke up friday with sore tendons. I read an article in Competitor Magazine that after taking time off, one needs to ease back into that activity. I wish I'd read that first.

My bilateral breathing is going not so well. I get flat, I drink a lot of water, and I noticed I close my eyes like a scared child. Its a weird instinct. Shaving has become a real chore, but the swim brief allows for an even tan so totally worth it.

Because my work schedule is screwed up for right now I've switch from a swim focued BT plan to a balanced plan. So I'll perform each discipline  2x a week with one day off.  I will also add weights into the mix.
  
Week 3 Totals:
Swimming: 
2400.00 M
1h 08m 52s

Cycling:
46.15 Mi
2h 53m 11s

Running: 
2.85 Mi
25m

Strength Training: 
1h 00m

Maple glaze doughnut; have I earned it?

My training has been consistent thus far. However, I've reached a point where I'm mildly addicted to the workouts, which could be dangerous. I was 'supposed' to take Friday off but instead tried a pilates workout. Sunday was apartment hunting. My Saturday bike clinic was rEdiciLous!!  Naturally,  I'm debating a real day off, aka the maple doughnut..


Orchard Hills Summit (my image stitching is horrible)

I swapped my Saturday long bike ride for a MTB skills clinic.  It began with instruction and drills in wheelies, body position, and braking. Then we head off for the trail. which is four miles of narrow single track that passes through an avocado orchard. The first half was action packed with tight switch backs and steep climbs to the hill top. The trail was gorgeous and the view was worth all the punishment.  The final decent was lightning fast. The steepness was  100% grade in some parts.  I was leaned waaayyy back behind the seat. The finish was a half mile of smooth, hard packed fire trail returning the group to the trail head.

Here is more info about the trail.
http://www.irlandmarks.org/Explore/Orchard-Hills.aspx

Quail Hill Loop

 The Irvine Ranch Conservancy has preserved several hundred acres of land that is near several great bike/run trails. The three I'm aware of are Shady Canyon, Jeffery Trail, and Quail Hill Loop. Quail Hill loop is two miles of groomed off road trail. I think its perfect for a beginner mountain biker or trail runner.  After 10am I noted foot traffic picking up. There is also a small picnic area.

Tall brush and hard packed dirt throughout the trail.

The trail also features a cell phone audio tour. (949) 743-5943  press 7# and it will describe the view in the photo. Not bad for a phone camera?

 

Suggested Links

Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
http://www.irlandmarks.org/

Not much information, but the idea is to travel out and discover the land for yourself.  Most of the area is restricted without a tour guide and these arrangements are made through this web site.I've noted IPD and IFD patrol at irregular intervals to keep patrons on the main trail.

Bike Pics:Trek 820 Antelope

Still kinda cool..

Peter Canyon: Mountain to Sea Trail

I decided on a bike ride instead. It was hard to focus with the wind chill and strong gusts. Despite my best efforts to warm up it was too cold for me. On the return I took pictures.

Sorry, no food here!

I love this trail! Always full of surprise..

 

The End

 

Here is the portion I ride (The map is interactive):

Peter Canyon (Mountain to Sea)

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

Here is the full trail map:
http://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/mountains_map.asp#

My Bicycle: Trek 820 Antelope

Here she is!!  I am the original owner beginning in 95 (maybe earlier). This bike has gotten me through everything - Steel is Real!! 

The bar ends are inboard for comfort. I replaced the grips and shifters while I was at it.

I bought new cantilever brakes without realizing that v brakes seem to be the new vogue.  No disk brakes her future.

Overall its a great fitness bike.