In a new wrinkle, a few of the Saturday morning crazies are running into the city from a trailhead just west of HW 101,  near the Waldo Grade.  After a series of rocky switchbacks made trickier by the darkness of a 6:00am start time, the Morning Star trail climbs 500 feet to join the Alta Trail,  I use my bike headlight to guide us through the dark until the fog is sufficiently illuminated by the first rays of morning.   The Alta trail then follows the ridge high above the morning commuters for a couple of miles, then descends to reach the north end of the Bridge near Vista Point.  From there, it’s the reverse of the seven mile evening runs I’ve done with Ben from my office.  All in all, it’s 10 miles, and if it wasn’t so foggy (and dark), it would  truly be spectacular.  I”m looking to repeat the run next week, though may go on my own at a slightly later start time!

One thing I can’t help but notice is how different I feel after completing the Bridger than I did after finishing the Napa Marathon in 1992.  Back then, I felt crippled, everything hurt, and I had no desire to run again, and didn’t for several months.  Now, in stark contrast, I’m seeking out new running adventures, and feel great.  Part of it may have been that the Bridger RIdge Run was so darn technical that it slowed me down enough to make it bearable, but I think the explanation lies in the difference between road running and trail running.  The natural beauty of our trails through Muir Woods and all over Mt. Tam are a big part of it too, but the pounding of pavement and the toll it takes on the body that is the critical difference between now and then….