Another epic run today, this one from the edge of the Redwoods (Pinehurst Rd & Canyon Rd) to the top of Rocky Ridge through EBMUD lands and back on the same trails.

10.65 miles each way (21.6 miles @ 3:35:59) with 4,382 feet of climb.

2:04:53 out, 1:31:06 back. 10:00 per mile EXACTLY.

All I can say is that speed work WORKS. There were times during this run I thought “holy crap, this is faster than race pace” and “I think I’m gonna bonk” but didn’t. It’s all thanks to going balls-to-the-wall hard lately after taking 5 weeks off of long runs (I think my longest run in that stretch was 9.5 miles).

My legs feel lighter these past few weeks.

I joined Strava, too, here’s the GPS map. I’m still undecided if I like it or not. I’ll give it another week.

Here’s some pics. Oh, it rained most of the time, too.

I also learned how to do panoramic shots, here’s my first ever:

Soooooo much sweet California single-track…

More panoramas:

These canyons are very green right now. I say “yes” to rain.

Another panoramic, this one from the top of the ridge looking east at Mt. Diablo and the radio tower.

This one starts at the radio tower and looks south.

Here’s the happy runner-slash-photographer-writer:

…and some more single-track to take you home:

Just to give you an idea, here’s a zoom in of the above shot to show the distance between these canyon ridges:

That’s all. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night run tomorrow!