Winter Croc Running – California Style!
It’s kind of cold here now, but how can we Southern Californians complain when our friends and family back East are buried under three feet of snow? But still, when the temperature starts dipping under 50 degrees here in SoCal my running buddies and I dig out the winter gear and worry that we’re going to freeze out there. Actually, it’s a great excuse for us to wear our cool high tech, foul weather clothes that are usually hidden beneath our shorts and singlets. Jackets, tights, gloves, beanies, and wool socks are all so cozy and warm this time of year, even in “sunny” California.
All bundled up - and it looks like rain...
A few weeks ago my running club, the SoCal Trail Headz, planned a winter excursion up to the San Bernadino Mountains for a cold weather romp. There was a storm heading in, but we hoped to miss it or out run it. We drove an hour east and then headed up the winding mountain road only to be greeted with fog and dipping temperatures. Maybe this run wasn’t such a good idea after all. The rustic lodge we passed sure looked inviting. Maybe a hot chocolate and piece of pie was reason enough to visit the San Bernadino Mountains. No, the pie and hot chocolate would be our reward after we put in the miles…
So off we went to explore the Santa Ana River Trail. This amazing trail originates in the San Bernardino National Forest at the Pacific Crest Trail at 8,600 feet. It crosses over 33 miles of National Forest before it winds its way down into San Bernardino, Riverside, Corona, and finally Orange County. Its ultimate destination is the Pacific Ocean, a total of 110 miles and 8,600 feet of elevation change. In fact, the Orange County section of the trail is one of my favorite asphalt biking routes. It’s quite a diverse trail to say the least!
June, Lori, Lo, and Annie on the trail,
On this winter day the trail was soft and the forest fragrant. The on and off rain was gentle and not too cold. The trail offered miles of singletrack that both challenged and invigorated us. We covered about 18 miles that day and then we *really* started thinking about that rustic lodge and that apple pie!
The SoCal Trail Headz might not all run in their Crocs but they sure are the post-run shoe of choice.
Our Post-Run Crocucopia!!
