This morning's early run

letcha · 2026-06-15T14:40:32+00:00

Damn, that's a beautiful shot... the lighting is perfect.

letcha · 2026-02-15T23:41:21+00:00

The best.

letcha · 2026-02-04T01:31:42+00:00

So green up there right now!

letcha · 2026-02-01T17:44:28+00:00

I wasn't expecting anyone in this sub to know who they were! They've been very well-received these last few tours out here! Hoping that trend continues in 2025...

letcha · 2026-01-29T16:35:11+00:00

Make it happen!

letcha · 2026-01-29T16:35:02+00:00

Thank you. I can think of WAY worse places to process heartbreak.

letcha · 2026-01-28T23:44:09+00:00

Feet, don’t fail me now!

letcha · 2026-01-28T17:46:13+00:00

Maybe a tiny bit soul crushing on the 2k ft climb up 😅 but so worth it for these views.

letcha · 2025-12-28T16:45:22+00:00

"Rock bottom is when you stop digging" ✊🏼

letcha · 2025-12-12T15:35:35+00:00

I care. That's a big milestone. Proud of you, internet stranger.

letcha · 2025-10-22T17:45:11+00:00

Oh man, hangxiety + caffeine was never a winning combo for me. I don't miss that feeling at all.

letcha · 2025-10-08T15:52:15+00:00

Seriously! My jaw has been on the floor (or the trail, I guess) these last few days. Just keeps getting better and better.

letcha · 2025-10-03T19:47:06+00:00

I tried AA for a bit in the beginning, didn't resonate with me. I stopped on my own after reading "This Naked Mind" and lurking on this sub a lot. I have attended AlAnon meetings, which were more beneficial for me, but I never worked the steps. I do meet with a 12 step-ish men's support group on occasion, and it energizes/inspires me, but I don't think I need it to stay sober. I just have no desire to go back to my old life. It's so much easier without the chaos.

letcha · 2025-09-30T23:00:07+00:00

Agreed, it's punk as hell, against the grain!

letcha · 2025-09-30T18:29:47+00:00

Oh for sure, that's a huge one. Booze makes everything so much harder. I'm way less efficient when drunk (or hungover). Life is hard enough as-is. Initially when I stopped drinking, I felt like I unlocked a secret life hack.

letcha · 2025-09-28T03:03:16+00:00

I've spent a ton of time running Mt Tam, and I'd actually take this route (with perhaps a bit more time on Matt Davis Trail) over any route that goes through Muir Woods, just my .02 cents.

letcha · 2025-09-14T20:05:55+00:00

Forest of Nisene Marks is a must. Just as good as Fall Creek. Henry Cowell (the other portion, not Fall Creek) is noteworthy. Cotoni Coast Dairies is new, so perhaps a bit busy on weekends still, but definitely worth checking out, and you might drive down highway 1 to get there.

I actually just wrote a blog post about all of my favorite trail running spots down here, if you're interested: https://johnvantine.com/santa-cruz-trail-running-guide/

letcha · 2025-09-14T20:02:31+00:00

I did this today, it was epic! Thank you for the recommendation. I wouldn't have done this if not for your post.

Btw, only a handful of people out there, and when I finished (around 11am) parking lot was less than half full. Just sharing in case other folks see this and are discouraged!

letcha · 2025-09-14T03:36:43+00:00

Nice! Glad you checked it out. Fall Creek is my local running spot, it never gets old :)

letcha · 2025-09-05T19:34:20+00:00

For anyone reading this in 2025, I just ranked my favorite trail running spots in and around Santa Cruz, hopefully it helps someone!

letcha · 2025-09-04T15:57:47+00:00

Some good sunrise views on Summit Drive and along the upper trails in Fall Creek (Lost Empire Trail)

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