Trail running is different from road running. Time and distance goes by faster than on the road. I had a rare kid free morning and decided to meet two of my girlfriends to run the trails at Rattlesnake Bar. I haven’t run (or hiked) this particular trail before, so it was a new-to-me trail to #BlazeNewTrails with friends. Fun!
My boys were at VBS Art Camp for the morning and I had a few kid free hours. I decided to drive up the hill to meet and run with two dear friends, whom I haven’t run with since the Rock-N-Roll San Francisco half marathon a few months ago.
I have been doing much of my runs solo, because of the heart rate training. However, this was a day that I really needed girlfriends to run and chat with. It was a heart pumping run… but very stress free and happy. I love runs like that.
My Impressions of Rattlesnake Bar Trail
The trail is well worn and a single track trail. It is relatively flat with good rollers thrown in the mix to keep you guessing. The trail is mostly shaded which is nice on sunny warm days. While you not only have to watch out for and dodge rocks, roots, and uneven terrain you also have to watch out for horse piles.
Oh yes, not to mention the abundance of Mountain Lion warning signs that litter the trails. I think they want to make sure you are aware that others are watching you as you enjoy THEIR backyard.
Living in northern California, this is a usual sight on trails. However, each and every time I see one of these signs (especially like the one above placed under a large cliff), it makes me wonder if a lion is perched on top looking down. I guess that is the lure and excitement of trail running and never knowing what critters you will see.
Critters We Saw
We did see a few critters while out. Although, nothing as exciting as a mountain lion or bear… thank goodness! We saw a fawn and his mother, a fox, and two turtles. Thankfully no snakes, ticks or other yucky nature critters. Although I did wonder if rattlesnakes frequent that trail often… because of the name.
It was a warm mid-morning run (we started around 10:45) and were a hot, sweaty, salty, dusty mess by the end of our 4 mile run. We were strapped for time because I had to drive back down the hill to pick up my boys from camp. Ah, the things we do to run, workout, and hang out with friends.
It was a great run. My Mizuno Wave Kazan trail running shoes held up great and I still stand by my word of loving these trail shoes. They were flexible, lightweight, comfortable, and gripped the various terrain.
I know that I totally ran outside of my heart rate zone the entire run: heat, hills, trail, talking, running and getting caught up in the moment. Even though I never felt like I was dying this flat lander girl got a good workout from running the rolling hills on Rattlesnake Bar trail!
I enjoyed running this trail. I thought it was pretty (yet dry because of the California drought). The water in Avrey’s Pond was low as well as the river (super low). It really makes you aware of how much we are desperately needing water. It also reminds you to be thankful for how beautiful northern California is… and all the amazing sights, sounds, and trails we can explore!
You know I love this, right? I’ve had the Kazan trail shoe on my mind after reading your review.
Yay! The Wave Kazan’s are pretty awesome!
What a beautiful location! You can’t go wrong exercising in an environment like that. I can’t wait till it cools down here so I can get out more.
Thank you. It was nice and remote. 🙂 Yes, exercising when it is hot makes it extra challenging.
Now that looks like a gorgeous view while running! Though the trail name is a bit scary.
Thanks. I am very lucky that where I live… there are many beautiful trails within driving distance. 🙂
And yes… that name is a bit of a scary one that gives me pause before running on it. 😉
What a beautiful spot for a run. It must be a nice motivator.
Yes. Thank you. Running outdoors. With friends. On the trail. SOLO no kids. Those were all fantastic motivators! 🙂
I hear you about the mountain lion warnings, we have them here in Sonoma {up in the hills}. I tell my family or running friend that I will pack some hot dogs and toss them out to distract any we come across. LOL
Yes. We have gotten quite used to the signs and rumors of sightings. Even bear warnings. 🙂
Although I wouldn’t think to carry hot dogs to toss at them. haha… I would fear they woudl smell it and trail me JUST for the snack. LOL
Well, being chased by a mountain lion would certainly improve my run time, LOL!! One of the things I love about living right by the ocean is jogging on the beach. No matter how long I live here, it will never cease to be gorgeous to me.
Haha! That would totally be true! Even though I think I would be an easy prey on the trail. 😉
Yes, beach running is always nice! 🙂 Especially when it is on the wet (hard) sand. Soft/dry sand is SUPER hard! 🙂
How lucky that you have a couple of friends to hook up with for a run. I think it goes so much quicker when someone’s right there with you. 🙂
Yes! I totally agree! 🙂
I don’t really do trail running but looks like you had a great time!
Thanks. Yes. Trail running is a totally different beast to road running. Both are fun with friends. 🙂
I don’t really trail run because I have to get in the car and drive a bit to do it. So most of my running is done on the treadmill or road. I did do some trail running when I ran Ragnar this last month. You are right, it is a whole new ballgame. It looks like a pretty place to run! WTG!
Thanks. Oh I do love the race series Ragnar puts on! I have run Ragnar So Cal and Ragnar Napa Valley. I would love to do another in the future! 🙂
loved that you drove all that way for a relatively quick run! the trails is where I can get lost while chatting and working my way through life.
Yay! You are welcome! 🙂 You are always worth the drive, my friend! 🙂
Fun times! My niece sometimes goes there with her friends. 😀
Yay! There are so many great trails to hike, run, and explore around here! 🙂
I like to hike, but I am not a runner. It seems like a gorgeous place to work out. I like a pretty place with great friends
Thanks. Yes. You can totally hike this trail. In fact we saw a few hikers (and fisher men). 🙂
I feel tired just reading this — haha! I prefer working out with friends because they hold me accountable. 🙂
Yes. I totally agree.
I’m not a runner, but I definitely prefer working out alone. I think my favorite outdoor spots for hikes, etc. have been in national parks.
The name totally would have intimidated me, but how gorgeous! Looks like a great place for some trail running!
You make trail running look like so much fun. I know it is but every time I want to head out to try it something *coughkidscough* get in the way in terms of sports obligations.
Haha! You hit the nail on the head *kidscoughkids* that make it hard to get out and run the trails. 🙂 That is why I took advantage of the kid free time when I had it. 🙂 LOL
I don’t run or work out, It looks lovely. Have you ever ever seen one of the mountain lions? That would be scary and beautiful at the same time I think.
Beautiful! I’m not a big runner, but if I was I’d like to go there.
I just recently did my first 5K…so much fun! I signed up for another in the fall. I can see how running can become addictive, but a good addiction! Maybe I’ll check out those shoes soon!
I am not a runner but when I an manage to exercise (joint and other health issues hinder it quite a bit) I prefer to workout alone. My house is so loaded with people that I like the time to just be in my own head.
Love this! And I love my Kazan’s, too!
Haha! I think seeing lions (or any critters out there) would be motivation for me to run! How fun!
I am heading out to CA soon and since I am not used to them the mountain lion signs freak me out a bit.
I live in Vegas so we have a lot of the same critters you guys have, so I am always super careful out there! I’ve never seen anything scary on a hike but I saw a coyote by my in-laws’ house a few months ago.
That trail looks lovely! Maybe not the lion part but the rest 🙂
I don’t get to do a lot of trail running here but I’ve just learned there’s a nice 8 mile route very close to me that I plan on checking out next spring. Apparently you park at Costco and head out. Nothing that starts and ends at Costco can be bad, right?!
Great pics! I didn’t realize you live in northern CA? We’re looking at houses there.
I’ve never been trail running, but it looks like a lot of fun.
I’m a city girl so rarely get to go on hiking trails, but the best ones I’ve been on have been in Portland. So peaceful.
This is awesome. I am working on my walking now but I intend to move up to running at some point. Slow and steady for now.