By Rick Rodriguez
I discovered what I've been missing all these years in the Oakland Hills last Sunday! More beautiful trails to run! I knew they were up there but for some reason or another I seemed content scouring the trails of East Bay Regional Parks, Mount Diablo, and Mount Tamalpais. What could I possibly find up there that I couldn't find next door at Lake Chabot? How about majestic Redwoods closer than Muir Woods for starters! And, cool damp trails without having to drive to the coast to find a covered canopy that Redwoods provide. But, I think what I enjoyed the most was the proximity to my casa! It's kind of nice not having to get up so early in the AM for some trek to the far reaches of the Bay Area!
Unfortunately, the proximity cost me this time and for the 1st time in my running career--I missed the start! Yes, I was late to the run and while that wasn't such a big deal a few wrong turns made a scheduled 17k just a twinge longer; in fact, I could only guesstimate adding an additional few miles! I really had no idea how far I was off course and headed off twice in the wrong direction before reasoning that I had missed a turn! Thankfully, the spring day made it a pleasure to be up in Redwood park and the adjacent Roberts Recreation area.
So, instead of a hard tough run, I cruised and enjoyed my 1st time up there and I'll certainly return sooner, perhaps tomorrow morning! Early on my wind was tested but the trail flattened a bit and then went back up for a long climb. Tomorrow might be a great day to head back to Oakland for another attempt to find the right trail. This time I'll take a map! Anybody up for a run?
