My long training session this weekend marked the end of another 70-mile week in preparation for my first 100-mile ultra marathon. I’ve been training on the SD100 race course in Cuyamaca State Park frequently so for a scenery change, Marie and I got on the Noble Canyon trail located 45 minutes east of San Diego in Pine Valley, California. From the top-down, its one of the most popular downhill mountain biking trails in southern California so running up it is perfect for my training. The trail climbs over 11 miles to the Sunrise Highway for a vista of the Anza-Borrego Desert.
My beautiful view
At the top of Noble Canyon, we crossed Sunrise Highway, connected to the Pacific Crest Trail and traveled south for a gorgeous stretch on the PCT with the desert in full view. Instead of looping back on the Big Laguna trail that reconnects to Noble Canyon, we opted to run on the road for a few miles back to meet the trail. The lollipop-shaped route then descended back into Pine Valley for a total of 31.5 miles.
4/18: 14M Run-commute
4/19: 31.5M Noble Canyon Trail
4/20: 9M Mission Trails Regional Park
I was strong all day, legs never got tired and training is on right track. 7 weeks until the SD100!!!
A resource for adventure created to inspire. First-hand trip reports, wild stories and ideas for excursions of your own. Questions about gear and trip planning are encouraged. Feel free to offer your stories and suggestions. Active Toby