Kicking 2024 off at Wilder Ranch

I've fallen so behind with my blog, I still have to write the blog post I intended to on January 1... 2023, dang! For 12 years (2007-2018), I was able to hold a weekly pace. With the hamstring tendon injury of November 2018, which hampered my running for almost 4 years, there was less to write about. Besides, with and since Covid and job changes, I'm not traveling much for work so less opportunities to share about new places. But 2023 was almost back to normal, otherwise and running wise in particular, it's just that busyness and other focuses got in the way. Let's see what 2024 has in store, starting with this New Year Day run.

As a matter of fact, although not much exceptional from a running standpoint, still a very meaningful run for two key reasons. First, Agnès love this opportunity to kick off the year with an outdoor activity, shared together! And it would certainly be a pity not to respond to that invitation with the outstanding weather we are enjoying in California. Second, she picked a State Park and there is so much to love and appreciate about our California State Park system, which contributes to make California so special.

Why did I mention this outing wasn't spectacular? Because, due to the rain of these past weeks, 80% of the park was closed, that is all the trails North of Route 1. That still left the spectacular trail and views along the shore but I was looking forward to exploring the various inland loops while Agnès was hiking along the coast. In particular, I was looking forward to explore part of the numerous loops: Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Enchanted, Cowboy, Eucalyptus, Engelsmans. Maybe even as far as running a section of Twin Oaks Trail. Quite a disappointment to get blocked by these trail closure signs right off the bat, at the entrance of the highway underpass behind the visitor center!

At least the visitor center provides a picturesque experience of California coast farmland and is worth the stop.

With that I only ran a total of 20K today, mostly on Ohlone Bluff Trail then, enjoying the spectacular views of the Ocean on such a clear day!

After taking a week off since I passed that 4,000-mile milestone the day before Christmas, today's run was a nice way to get back at it and spend some of the calories amassed over the Holidays. A Relive.cc flyover, full of Ocean views, including a few from Agnès, out of sync (click on this link, or that screen shot, below):

I certainly need to get back to explore the rest of the vast network of trails on the other side of the highway. Although, as some of you know have heard, I so much prefer not to drive to run, except to races.

All the best to you all for a wonderful 2024, hoping for a saner World especially! Meanwhile, after this resuming of my second job, back to work tomorrow already, at the one paying the bills, and in that new role. Life goes on, keeping navigating change and uncertainty about the future!