When: June 29
Where: Pittock Mansion
Who: Just me
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 950 Feet
Highlight: Testing out the new gear!
I wasn't planning on going for a run. The previous day was leg day, the day before that was a long run, so I was going to take a rest day.
Here's what happened I got some mail. I ordered a new running vest and trail shoes, and they were delivered. I couldn't not test them out.
I drove to the Lower Macleay lot and decided I would run-walk from there. The goal was six miles, but I was going to see how the legs were feeling.
The run started great, with some climbing. The second I step into the woods, I was immediately grateful for the beautiful place I live. Portland is incredible, and the fact that there are miles of beautiful trails right in the city is a dream. It's a pretty cool feeling to feel so far removed from everything, and yet I was a 15-minute drive from home.
Anyway, I ran about a mile before I started run-walking. My legs felt heavy, and the route I chose was a majority uphill. The Lower Macleay trail runs into the Wildwood Trail. Wildwood is 30 miles total, and it's a trail I've run quite a bit in sections. One day I would love to run the whole thing in one go. Maybe I'll train up for that soon.
Back to the run. I followed Wildwood along a stream and continued climbing. The trail crosses a road at one point and continues up. At that point, I decided I would try to get to Pittock Mansion. This meant a lot of uphill with some switchbacks. It was a slow trek, but getting to the top was worth it. Pittock Mansion is beautiful, and the grounds feature some gorgeous flowers. The view of Portland is pretty stellar as well. The mansion itself is closed, but the grounds are open.
I did a lap around the grounds and snapped a couple of photos. At that point, I was 2.5 miles into the run. Originally I had planned for six total, but I decided I would turn around here. My legs were tired, and I knew the steep downhill on the way back would take a toll.
I ran the whole way back for a negative split that would've made my high school track coach proud. It was a great, short trail run right in my city.
I will say this trail is crowded. I had to run with my mask. There were a lot of people on the trail and many who were not wearing masks. It's not the best trail for social distancing, and I don't think I will run this one until the pandemic is over.
I'm happy I went. I'm even happier with my new gear, and I can't wait to use it again soon.
