“Start early; start often” has become one of my bi-lines and personal philosophies. Applied to school work and you’ll be on top of all your assignments. Applied to work and your boss will never need to question what (or how) you are doing. Applied to running and you’ll feel accomplished and have fun. It’s not about getting up early… early birds and night owls can both benefit from starting “early”. And “start often” speaks to perseverance and stick-to-itness (is that a real word?).
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
One of my favorite trail runs is through part of the Almaden Quicksilver County Park located at the end of McAbee Road (near Camden and Meridian). It takes about an hour to run, longer to hike. A scenic place to hike or run, there are multiple loop paths that take you through the hills above Almaden Valley. If you “start early” you may see rabbits, deer, wild turkeys, or an occasional lizard. Friends have even reported seeing boar and bob cats. Runner’s World (http://runnersworld.com/) should / could list this as a “Rave Run” as it is both challenging and picturesque, and, all within minutes of south bay communities. It is also a “Rave” hike for family and friends. Thank you to my young brother in Christ, Brad Moody, for introducing me to this great hike!
Within a quarter mile of the entrance you come to a map showing different paths. I like to turn left and head up into the hills. Part shade and part sun, the loop trail of approx. 4.5 miles takes you through oak lined hill sides with views of downtown San Jose, Mt Hamilton, Mt Umanum and the Guadalupe Reservoir & creek. In the Spring you see wild flowers galore and in the Summer there is a beauty in the golden browns of the hillsides as the breeze rustles the grass and leaves overhead. Yes! This is a hard run. Bring water with you! Don’t expect to run the whole route the 1st, 2nd or 3rd time. I’d say, don’t even try (to kill yourself). Run, walk, run, etc. Build up to it! Trail running articles say running trails is not only great for building strength and aerobic capabilities, but it strengthens your ankles as the trails aren’t at all smooth like streets. I also think that trail running toughens your mind for when you are tired and you have to keep going and going. I highly recommend trying this as a hike and a run!
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