Category Archives: nature

Malibu Creek Challenge 2009

I glanced at my watch — 5.25 miles. Clouds and fog had kept temps on the cool side for more than three-quarters of the Bulldog climb, but the sun was finally breaking through. Even though temps were down a few degrees, the long climb had still been grueling. The runner next to me was breathing heavily, and I mentally repeated my Bulldog mantra — don’t redline, don’t redline.


Malibu Creek Challenge 22K Elevation Profile
For many of us, that’s the problem with Bulldog — some of it is runnable and some of it isn’t. For the moment I was running, but I knew the grade well, and just ahead the fire road switchbacked right, and steepened.

I’ve been over the “I can run this hill no matter what” thing for a long time. For me, and the majority of trail runners, walking the steeps is a good thing. The little bit of time lost by walking is generally made up — and more — on other sections of the course.

Rounding a corner, the grade did steepen, and I slowed and started to walk. Taking advantage of the slow pace, I ate a Gu, took a Salt Stick cap, and gulped down some Gatorade. Another runner and I had been swapping leads up the hill, and he passed me — again. As he increased his lead, I wondered if I should be pushing a little harder.

A left turn never felt so good! A few minutes before I had reached the top of Bulldog grade, and the highest point on the course. Now gravity was on my side, and I was enjoying the downhill. There were more challenges ahead, but for now I was lost in the moment — savoring the wind in my face, the far reaching views along the rocky crest, and that wonderful feeling of being a runner.

Here’s a Cesium browser View of a GPS trace of the 22K course with my half-mile splits. (Generated in SportTracks.) See the XTERRA Malibu Creek Trail Run web page for race results and additional info.

Some related posts: Malibu Creek State Park Shadow & Sun, Fog Along Malibu Creek, Bulldog Loop and the Corral Fire, Rock Formations Along the Backbone Trail

Classic Cheeseboro Canyon

Cheeseboro Canyon

The 13 mile keyhole loop through Las Virgenes and Cheeseboro Canyons from the Ahmanson Victory trailhead is a classic Southern California mix of multi-use fire roads and single track trail.

The segment from Shepherd’s Flat down through Cheeseboro Canyon is especially popular, and on the weekend you’ll find an assortment of hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and sometimes an equestrian group or two. Even on a warm day, the oak-shaded sections of the canyon can be surprisingly comfortable.

Here’s a Google Earth image and Cesium browser View of a GPS trace of the loop, and links to trail maps for Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (formerly Ahmanson Ranch) and Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons.