Whiting Ranch and Santiago Truck Trail

The plan was an estimated 14 miles, which would be my longest run in quite a while. The route was moderately hilly.  I knew this effort would require some serious fuel, so I downed two large pieces of anchovy and black olive pizza for breakfast.  I followed that with two double espressos.  Alright, bring it on!

Santiago Truck Trail is one of my favorite places to run.  The road is not that steep and some beautiful ocean views can be had on a clear day.  You can also construct some very long runs there because it eventually connects to Joplin Trail and the Main Divide.  I was scouting out a new route to the trail head because Modjeska Grade is now covered with NO PARKING signs.  You can't get anywhere near it!

So I had this great idea:  Why not park at a shopping center on Portola Parkway, run through Whiting Ranch to Four Corners, take Whiting Spur to Santiago Canyon Road, cross the road, turn left and  run  walk up Modjeska Grade and you're there!  Well, I must have been the last person to think of this because it seemed like everyone we met (all mountain bikers) was already using that route! 

Joining me this morning were OCTR members Sheila and Kelly, who don't seem to mind following me down the wrong trail and getting lost at least once every run (and today was no exception!).  We started out with one mile on sidewalk, then went into Whiting, crossed Santiago Canyon Road, on to STT and eventually turned around at Vulture Crags (start of "The Luge").  Below is my GPS track of our route.

15.28 miles with 2,540 feet of elevation gain

Gear:  Worthy of note is how I carried my water today.  I sometimes try different methods, but today's experiment required no water bottles or hydration packs.  That's because I carried the water in my stomach.  I drank a full bottle at the start, then drank my fill at Four Corners both on the way out and the way back.  How did it work?  Actually, I was a little surprised at how well it went.  I felt great the whole way, and it was kind of nice not having anything in my hands or strapped on my back.  When I got back to the car, I drank some more.  I will definitely try this again, and I'm curious about how well it will work on a warmer day.