Day 1
Will Rogers to Tapia
Mileage: 24.8 miles. Total time: 6.5 hrs. Moving time: 5:45. Ascent: 3766 ft. Start time: 5:48am
Inspiration Loop Trail – Rogers Rd Trail – Temescal Cyn: The bridge was a good place to stop and take in views of downtown LA + Hollywood, remove layers and watch the beautiful sunrise which was an intense red/burnt orange. This first section is a 7 mile stretch of single track with desert plants, decent climbs on dry, loose, rocky terrain and even the occasional flat section. It cooled down further into the run, even brisk at times. Legs loosened up after the bridge but I started experiencing a mild but familiar left foot pain. As I turned the corner to the fireroad connector trail, I spotted Michael waiting for us.
Didn’t sleep well leading up to this day so it wasn’t surprising how tired I felt when the alarm went off at 3:45am. Went thru the morning routine which all worked out nicely with the exception of fiddling in the kitchen to prep my oatmeal and turning on too many lights. Mieko picked me up exactly as planned but we were derailed by the parking situation which delayed our start time. It was great to see her as it had been years! Weather conditions were nearly perfect with slightly warmer temps than I am used to. Legs did not feel fresh at the start which alarmed me but I think it needed to warm up.
The Hub to Trippett Ranch: Unfortunately, Mieko had to turn around at The Hub due to a work emergency. As Michael and I continued onto Eagle Springs Fireroad, I picked up the pace to keep him in sight but still staying comfortable. Once the descent started on Musch Trail, the left foot pain became sharper, still able to run but my gait patterns were altered by the time we reached Dead Horse Trail. Thankfully, the aid station at his place was literally steps off the trail. He had a really nice spread with just about everything from glide, sunscreen, nutrition/electrolytes and even a map of the Santa Monicas – now this was a 5 star aid station! It was a short restroom break, change of shirt as I was pretty soaked, refuel and apply CBD onto the left foot. It helped with the pain, though I’m not sure if it was from the rest or me beating the crap out of the soft tissue. I also unloaded quite a bit of my pack as I had over packed in case I ended up without aid. Ahh, everything felt so much better after that!
Hondo Canyon Trail – Backbone Trail through Saddle Peak and Stunt – Malibu Creek State Park – Piuma Rd – Tapia: it was great to have Michael navigate us through Topanga Canyon as it is tricky with lack of signage. Hondo Canyon was a favorite for today with softer terrain and much more lush. My well trained legs didn’t even mind the climb up the switchbacks! It was warming into the upper 60’s, wishing I didn’t have on my long sleeve or that I hadn’t soaked thru my short sleeve shirt earlier. We took a break at Lois Ewen Overlook, which was a potential second aid station but because we were making good time we decided to keep moving. After a short climb up the ridge to pick up Backbone – we were at the water tower where we encountered firefighters and crew working. We were able to pass without any issues. So on we went on our next climb towards Saddle Peak (saw a few rock climbers on the popular Corpse Wall to our left), followed by a long descent to Piuma Rd. Left foot decided to act up then, hindering my ability to take advantage of easy downhill running, though it miraculously recovered 10 minutes into it. My friend Patty thinks it’s phantom pain from nerves! We picked up the single track after crossing Piuma Rd and finished the last rolling segment to our destination of the day, Tapia. Legs were definitely tired at the end, but not trashed. We waited 45 minutes for a pick up as Adam & Greyson were stuck a mile away due to a helicopter rescue over Malibu Creek State Park. I did suggest running to meet them, but no takers lol. It gave Michael and I a chance to chat, eat my half turkey sandwich and snacks which I completely forgot about and stretch out.
Nutrition:
Pre run: oatmeal and almond butter
Hydration: 30 oz water + 15 oz Maurten = 45 oz fluid
During: 2 spring energy gels, 1 AB+J sandwich,1 spam musubi
I ate 2 hrs into the run and tried to eat every hr afterwards, but was not consistent as hunger and time did not match up! I ended up saving the Maurten for the last hour, which worked out well since solids did not look as appealing by then. I’ll have to try that same strategy again tomorrow.
Recovery: lots of water, self massage of plantar fascia and mid foot using guasha tool, foam roll, deep squats for ankle mobility, hip/low back mobility and ab work. Early to bed.
Day 2
Tapia to Mishe Mokwa
Mileage: 26.7 miles. Total time: 7hrs. Moving time 6:19. Ascent 4639 ft. Start time 5:38am.
I was looking forward to today’s run, especially thru Trancas Cyn and Etz Meloy Motorway as it was the last sections to complete the Backbone Trail, plus the segment from Corral Cyn to Latigo which reopened recently after damage from the Woolsey fire in 2018. Woke up super pumped and anxious, yet somehow managed to stay focused on getting ready. Made some minor changes including the use of my headlamp for light and found a better hair tie! Decided I would start with a long sleeve shirt + windbreaker and pack a short sleeve shirt for the afternoon to avoid making the same mistake from day 1. Finished with my warm up routine, leaving 5 minutes to spare before Mieko came for pick up. It was a short 20 minute drive to Tapia.
Mesa Peak Trail – Corral Cyn – Latigo Cyn – Kanan Rd 38 degrees at the start….brrr. I was glad for my gloves and base layer under my windbreaker. We quickly warmed up with the climb on Mesa Peak trail and was rewarded with another amazing sunrise, an entirely different color scheme from yesterday, plus incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal fog below us. Legs were sore on the climb, hinting at the possibility of having ran yesterday but finally let up once we made it to a flatter section. Oddly enough, my right foot started aching an hour into the run. Was my brain playing tricks on me?! Mieko had informed me this morning she planned to turn around early for a zoom meeting and so we parted ways 3 miles in. I had done many of my training runs solo, yet I felt lonesome once she left. I did stand for a good 5 minutes before talking myself into moving forward. My thoughts shifted once I reached the sandstone formation leading into Corral Canyon Trailhead. I stood there in awe of the beauty, turned around and watched the sun peak, wishing I had time to scramble. I easily found the single track to Latigo Cyn which turned out to be my favorite segment of the day. It was very runnable with fun switchbacks consisting of bare sections to tree covered canopies and dry riverbeds filled with cool rocks. Signage was amazing, even informing you of mileage to the next intersection. You could tell the trails were still recovering from the recent fires, but I was happy to see green on the mountain side!
Kanan Road Trailhead – Zuma Ridge Motorway – Trancas Cyn – Encinal Canyon: Stopped for a restroom break at Kanan Rd Trailhead before heading onto Zuma Ridge Motorway. A mellow climb along easy switchbacks where I passed some hikers and saw a couple bikers coming down the trail. I read it was pretty popular with mountain bikers but I only encountered a handful, most likely from it being a weekday. I noticed the plaque along Trancas Canyon thanking Arnold Swarzenegger and Betty Weider for their contributions towards the Backbone Trail. Made my way to Encinal Canyon after a small climb passing a sign that said “Agony”; turns out it’s a side trail, not an emotional warning of what was coming! I had planned for an aid station at Encinal Canyon Trailhead, but because I arrived 45 minutes earlier than expected, I decided I had packed enough food and water for an unsupported run. After a quick stop for a shirt change, refuel and sit, I continued the climb up Encinal Cyn.
Encinal Cyn Trail – Mulholland – Etz Melroy Motorway- Yerba Buena to Mishe Mokwa: The first 17 miles went by quickly with the last 10 being more of a mental drain. Physically I felt great besides the right foot continuing to cry for attention. I started to wonder if it was a shoe issue since I switched over from Brooks to Asics in August? This section was a wider single track, very exposed, dry and warm (wait – sounds like most of Backbone lol). It did offer views of the ocean with intermittent ocean breeze, but it was a long gradual climb. I broke out the snack pack and played old skool hip hop tunes in my head to keep the legs moving. I thought back to what I read recently “fatigue is just an emotion” and that became my mantra. Passed by a few hikers and mountain bikers. Once I was at the top of Etz Meloy, the rest of the run was downhill on rocky terrain. With a mile to go on Yerba Buena, I ran into my friend Ann who had offered to pace me but somehow we didn’t coordinate it. She left me with good vibes for a strong finish and I was pleasantly surprised to see Adam and Greyson hiking down the trail with a couple hundred yards to go! It was the perfect ending to a long day.
Nutrition/Hydration:
30 oz water + 15 oz Maurten = 45 oz fluid
2 spring energy,1 AB+J sandwich
snacks: salt/vinegar chips, yogurt covered pretzels, japanese crackers
I was more consistent with eating every 1-1.5 hrs today. I tried eating while running to see my body’s response and all was good. I was dehydrated after the run per my urine color.
Recovery: more water, more focus on the foot, adductors, low back mobility work, plus some glute activation. Deep ankle stretches. A round of hundreds.
Day 3
Moshe Mokwa to Ray Miller
Mileage: 16.2 miles. Total time: 4hrs. Moving time 3:20. Ascent 1952 ft. Start time: 7:15am
Woke up with tired eyes after a restless night and despite a later start time, I still automatically got up at 3:45am.. ugh! I was grateful to have Adam and Naomi join for day 3. Getting to Mishe Mokwa took about an hour on a narrow and windy road. There were several cars already there.
Mishe Mokwa – Sandstone Peak – Chamberlain – Old Boney – Blue Canyon – Danielson Ranch The morning started with an incredible orange-ish glow and amazing sunlight over the Santa Monicas. All was nearly perfect except for high winds and as Pooh Bear would say “it’s a blustery day!”. We literally held onto our hats and hiked our way to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. There’s a registry you can sign at the top. After enjoying views of the eastern mountains, surrounding boulders and ocean, we made our long descent to Danielson Ranch. Lots of hikers and folks backpacking going up. It was fun flying down Chamberlain and I couldn’t believe how effortless it felt – thinking maybe all the downhill tempos had something to do with it. My vivid memory of chaparral alongside the trail was now just bare. I read about SMMTC and their wonderful efforts towards restoring the trail. Adam didn’t even recognize the trail saying he had never run on them, but I reminded him how he used to mark it for our trail running club when we lived in SoCal!
Big Sycamore – Wood Cyn Vista – Overlook – Ray Miller Trail I was happy to turn onto Wood Canyon Vista for some climbing after a flat and boring stretch on Big Sycamore. A popular trail among cyclists, proven by our encounter with at least 15+ bikes coming down the trail. I hit a small wall on the Overlook trail so I switched to drinking Maurten and ate snacks. It kept me moving and before we knew it, the last stretch was here! 2.7 miles of mostly down Ray Miller to La Jolla Canyon. It was a clear day so we could see the ocean and the Channel Islands. Lots of hikers, runners and apparently we passed the AC 100 champ who was running the same route in reverse. Happy for an easy finish and just in time for lunch!
Nutrition/Hydration:
20 oz water
1 spring energy
1/2 AB+J sandwich
snacks: salt/vinegar chips, yogurt covered pretzels, japanese crackers
Only a hint of right foot pain during run today. Another dehydrated run + uneventful exercise induced hematuria.
Recovery: nap!
How amazing that the entire Backbone Trail was accessible for the three days! It was a wonderful adventure secluded in nature, no major wildlife sightings, minimal human encounters and witness to the rebirth of native plant life and its resiliency. Consistent training (mind>body) and trust in your run coach is key. + dial in your own nutrition/hydration and sleep. Thank you, Lon. + have a partner who supports your dreams and chases them with you. Love you, Adameroni. + tell some family/friends about your adventures. Thank you for all the text messages during and after the runs. It kept me going!
