Xterra Malibu Creek

So begins my training for R2R2R. What better way to guage your ability then a hard Xterra trail race one week after Wildflower? My friend Cami and I drove up to LA Friday night, had dinner in Topanga then woke early Saturday for the race.





Malibu Creek State Park is where M*A*S*H was filmed and a really pretty area. Even though I lived in LA, I'd never been. The race is a 14 mile trail run wtih 2,500+ feet of climbing and descending, including "Bulldog" which is 1,500' up over a couple of miles.





We ran through along and across the creek then headed up. My heartrate was maxed trying to run and I found power walking to be more effective. I passed a number of "runners" this way. At the top were treated to a beautiful view of the fog covered valleys with the peaks sticking out.



You reach the highest point at mile 6 and the rest is rollers with a big downhill at mile 10. Traversing around the rim of the canyon was great with views on both sides. I hit the big descent and let my legs go to see what I had. I felt this would give me an idea of how I'd feel during the descents in the Grand Canyon on R2R2R. I felt good going down and was surprised to find I had no soreness in the hips, knees or ankles after.



I caught Cami in the flats around mile 12 and we ran in together for a time of 2:27. We had a great time after with Brent, Rachel, Mark and the other SD folks who showed up.



Great location...great event...great confidence boost. Now to find a 50K in August that isnt' super hot!