Just finished an 18.5 mile battle on a new trail, Guardian Trail in Upper Bidwell Park. It was as brutal as it was beautiful. The trail was ran along the side of a canyon with a lot of rugged terrain and steep climbs and drops.Overall ascension was probably 1200 feet or so.After getting to the end of Guardian there was a fire road with a very steep descent. Decided to go down it for a quarter mile and then run back up it. It was vicious. Got back to the top and went back the way I came. Views at sunset were absolutely beautiful, running weather was perfect at 70 degrees. Had a water bottle full of Heed with me, and a Hammer Gel. Also took 2 ginsengs and 4 Hammer anti-fatigues. I was very well prepared energy-wise for the run and had plenty in the tank at the end, though all the my feet got pounded on all the ups and downs. I was/am pretty sore, but as far as energy I had a lot in the tank. A very solid run, very happy with the result. | 