Sole Runners Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Run

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for a short run at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve this morning.

As I was heading south on Pacific Coast Highway towards Bolsa Chica, I saw cones lined up in preparation for the Run Seal Beach 5k/10k.

Turns out some of the Sole Runners ended up getting stuck in the race course traffic closures so our group got a bit of a late start.

I didn't have my trusty Mr. Green Garmin with me so I tried to listen to my body.

We spotted California Least Terns, Common Loons, Snowy Egrets, and a female Northern Pintail duck watching over her ducklings in the water below.

Bolsa Chica Stewards led youth groups in wetland restoration. They planted potted plants, pulled weeds, and watered.

Cheery yellow beach primrose spotted the marshlands. We also saw a cluster of bright orange poppies.

The wetlands had a calming effect on me. I took in long, deep breaths, and exhaled all the stress and tension in my body.

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Green Girl's Sunday Bolsa Chica and City Run

The Green Girl missed her Saturday morning Sole Runners run because she had to attend an Advanced Topics Seminar (ATS) on Special Regulations and Requirements for the Healthcare Industry.

In order for me to maintain my Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, I must accrue 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years and this involves attending meetings and training courses on a regular basis.

One of the Sole Runners, Michelle, joined me for an early afternoon run at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

As we ran, the occasional raindrop fell from the dark stratus clouds low in the sky.

It had been awhile since I had the opportunity to run on dirt and I was thrilled to feel the soft, uneven ground beneath my feet.

As the drizzle become more consistent, large breaks of clear blue sky appeared in between the grey clouds.

There are many things I love the cooler months and being able to run later in the day is one of them. In the summer, I feel like I'm always trying to squeeze a run in before it gets too hot or after the sun goes down.

I admired the ripples created as the ducks skimmed the water's surface in formation.

On account of the impending rain, we cut our run short but later on in the evening, I decided to go for a run around the city.

As I headed out, it started to sprinkle again. I wasn't expecting this so I didn't bring any rain gear.

As I continued to run, the drops became more consistent. I ducked under business awnings for temporary shelter from the rain as I ran.

Much to my relief, Mr. Green Garmin appeared indifferent to the precipitation.

The Green Girl's Morning Run and Ragnar Spectating

The Green Girl met up with the Sole Runners for our last Saturday morning run at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Our summer season will be starting next weekend and we'll be training out of Long Beach.

As I was heading southbound on Pacific Coast Highway, I saw some of the Ragnar Relay runners. The Ragnar Relay is a 200 mile relay from Ventura to Dana Point.

There were orange cones to warn drivers of the runners in the sections where there was no sidewalk. I also saw a handful of signs that warned 'RUNNERS ON ROAD'.

On our run, we chatted about the Ragnar Relay. A few of our teammates had registered and we were wondered how they were doing.

The sky was overcast and the air was muggy but the beauty of the wetlands still shined through. Surprisingly, there were more bird watchers with their giant hunting camouflage telescopes out than usual.

I feel like the trail running has made me a stronger runner. I'm a clumsy Green Girl but since I started trail running, I trip and stumble a lot less. I believe the uneven ground has also helped strengthen my ankles.

Even though I took it easy today, it was a satisfying last mid-season run.

After working up an appetite on our run, we stopped to get some breakfast. It was cool because we got to see the Ragnar runners as we walked up Pacific Coast Highway. We also opted to sit outside and eat so we could watch the relay go by.

We all got a good chuckle as the different team vans drove by with the clever names plastered all over the body of the vehicle. We saw a fake torso with a lacy black bra and a team called 'I think I've made a huge mistake'. Heh.

One of the highlights was when we spotted a fellow Sole Runner running by.

The Green Girl's Beautiful Morning Run

The Green Girl went for another Saturday morning run with the Sole Runners at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Our running group will only be on hiatus for one more week before our summer training session will start the first weekend in May.

I missed my run last week because I was feeling under the weather so I was really looking forward to getting back out there today.

It was a beautiful morning and I couldn't ask for a more idyllic location for a trail run.

The estuary features many different types of plants and wildlife. We ran through bright yellow Beach Primroses and saw brilliant purple Sea Rockets. We passed a hillside covered in cactuses.

There was a little bunny hiding in the sand among some foliage.

I was chatting with one of the runners, Isabelle, and she mentioned we will be exactly 26 weeks away from the Athens Marathon when our official summer training season begins. 26 weeks for 26 miles.

I am cautiously optimistic about Athens. I am hopeful that with strengthening exercises, proper training, and adequate rest, my right arch will hold up and I will be able to cross the finish line.

As soon as the training season kicks off, I am going to start experimenting with my nutrition. I'm not fond of chews, gels, or other nutritional supplements but I recognize the convenience factor. I want to be to easily transport everything I will be drinking and eating during the marathon.

I also want to start looking for a new personal trainer. My former trainer moved out of state and I haven't found a replacement yet.

On my run, a giant bird landed in a tree above me. As it took flight, I quickly snapped a shot.

Saturday Morning Sole Runners Run (with Brisa!)

The Green Girl joined the Sole Runners for another Saturday morning run at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. This run was special because my non-runner friend, Brisa, joined us.

As I mentioned before, the Sole Runners are officially on a short hiatus between the winter and spring training sessions so a much smaller group of runners are showing up to these mid-season runs.

This time, we ventured a lot deeper into the Ecological Reserve. I had no idea the wetland area was so big.

Apparently, the intertidal saltmarsh vegetation provides critical breeding habitats for many endangered bird species and is also home to the California Least Tern. We saw a couple bird watchers out with their tripods and equipment.

The morning started off chilly but it warmed a little as the sun came up.

I was really proud of my friend, Brisa. I made it clear that there was no pressure to keep up with the group but she was a real trooper and ran a lot more than I'd expected. I think she's well on her way to becoming a runner. ::grins::

My friend even ended up with a battle wound from her first run. I was traumatized when I saw all the blood on her ankle but she assured me it was nothing.

After we worked up an appetite on our run, we stopped by the Harbor House Café for some breakfast.

Sole Runners Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Run

The Green Girl went for a run this morning at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with some of the Sole Runners.

Our running group is officially on a short hiatus between the winter and summer training sessions so there were only a handful of runners who showed up today. The weather was absolutely perfect for a run.

This was my first time visiting the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. I had trained many times across the street on the beach path but I had never ventured to the other side of Pacific Coast Highway.

I've been doing a lot of city running lately so it was a nice change to get out on trails again.

I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. Initially, the trail consisted of hard packed dirt but further out, it softened into loose sand. Some sections were also partially paved.

The contrast between the yellow flowers and the green foliage was breathtaking. We passed a few photographers with their tripods set up.

I'm really looking forward to visiting the Bolsa Chica marsh again.