This past week I was able to get back on trail with a pair of trekking poles and a pack full of water and snacks. The multi hour solo long run is one of my favorite types of runs. To be alone with my thoughts, the terrain, and a lot of time.

The day after the tax deadline, April 16, is a holiday for my firm. After working many long hours for the previous couple months, it is good to get a break. I chose to use my holiday the same way I did last year: running a 28 mile loop route on the front country trails behind Santa Barbara. This was my first run over 3 hours since December 2024 as my legs had been having various pains and tax season left me little time for activity.

The day was cloudy and gray but no rain. Temperatures in the low-mid 60s, just about perfect for a long run. As I got started, a feeling of freedom came over me. It was good to be back on trail without feeling a time constraint to get back to work. I could allow myself to feel the moment.

Of course that warm feeling faded as I hit the first steep climb. This route had a quite a bit of climbing, with about 7,500 feet of ascent and descent. The terrain was a mixture of tough rocky paths, smooth singlet track, and paved road. As I worked my way through the route I felt challenged but also strong. The months of consistent biking seemed to help build cardio endurance. I was able to push through feelings of discomfort, accepting the feeling and deciding to keep going. To give my body and mind the chance to persevere through a challenging time. To learn to live in the discomfort for a while.

By the time I closed the loop and finished the route, my body was pretty worked and ready to be done. It took about 6 hours and 20 minutes to get it done, an improvement over the 8 hours it took last year. Overall, I was very happy with the effort. It was a confidence boost that my body is getting in shape for the long summer miles. Tahoe 200 is less than 2 months away. The peak training will begin soon. I am looking forward to more long trail days with the trekking poles and a full pack.

Some music selections from the week of training:

Eggy 4/10/2025 Wilmington, NC. Thanks to taper: Dennis Bryant.

Mj Lenderman albums Manning Fireworks and Boat Songs.

Billy Strings 4/12/2025 Savannah, GA. Thanks to taper: Z-Man.

My Morning Jacket albums The Waterfall and The Waterfall II.