Tequepis + Lake Cachuma, April 3, 2022

I knew I wanted to combine running Tequepis with Cachuma after my first time on the former per Coach Kris’ high and enthusiastic recommendation. The climb, technical terrain, and remarkable views make Tequepis a must for any trail runner, and with Cachuma right across the way, and Born to Run 100 taking place in nearby Los Olivos on April 15th, I saw a beautiful fit for my last long run (22 miles) leading up to race day.

I parked at Cachuma mid-day, geared up with a full 2L bladder in my Vapor Air 7L NATHAN hydro pack, GU gels, and my HOKA Speedgoat 4s, and off I went to start with the hard part.

Tequepis itself offers over 2,400 feet of gain in under 8 miles round, though you can continue on to catch as much mileage as you want at the top, and enjoy views of both Cachuma to the east and the ocean to the west.

On Sunday the sea was covered by a thick, puffy blanket of clouds, which spoke to the ideal conditions for the entire area: cool, breezy, but sunny where the hills kept the moisture from reaching over to the Cachuma side.

I just finished a 70-mile week on Saturday, which felt good but demanding, and to follow it right up with this amount of volume and vert was definitely a challenge, but as usual that’s all I’m interested in pursuing.

I tripped maybe three times total but never went to the ground, and I’m happy that my quick self-catches like that are getting better, especially under fatigue.

Eating right with veggies and fruit on top of more veggies and fruit (golden and purple beets, oranges, artichoke hearts, & brussel sprouts being big headliners, among many more), being reasonable with meat, and timing meals right have proven to be winning directions for me.

I had debated taking this run before lunch, but was thoroughly gassed around mile 15 even after two meals, so a big takeaway for the day remains a common one: when in doubt eat more, especially with the weight loss that’s come with the work load, both of which I’m not mad at.

Cachuma and Tequepis provided and surpassed a much-needed getaway into natural splendor for me, which included incredible views, a bulky King snake lying across the path who, thankfully, didn’t mind me jumping over him, and an abundance of birds, if anyone knows the species I photographed I’d love to hear it.

Getting to see two of my favorite places in one day made this one of my favorite runs I’ve ever done, and I feel like everything the adventure gave me points to more good things ahead.

I hope the weekend treated everyone well, stay safe and fiery, everybody!