One Craptastic Run

I don’t know how you run-walk folks do it.

Terri suggested the next time I rave about a great view on one of my runs, that I take a picture. So, I packed my digital camera as I headed out to run around Del Mar. Every time I thought something picture-worthy, I slowed to a walk to point and shoot. This haphazard system threw off my sense of pace, my breathing pattern, my digestive system and my final mileage. (And, yes, I know the true walk breaks are timed and in set intervals. I'm just messin' with ya.) But what ended up being bad for me may be good for you who wish to be warmed vicariously by the following photos of what was otherwise a fantastic morning. (I’ve saved a few for upcoming Wordless Wednesdays.)

I arrived just before sunrise. The first surprise, other than there being so few cars parked along a normally packed lot, were temps just above freezing with the wind chill. My fingers felt frozen within a couple of minutes. However, it was 15 degrees warmer once I climbed up into Del Mar proper, so I was glad I’d ditched the sweatshirt.

Shortly after taking a dirt path into a residential area, I noticed a giant trailer blocking the road. Turns out there were more trailers behind it belonging to a production company. A security guard later let me in on what was happening: they were shooting a commercial for a hair care product at the house on the cliff below.

After about another mile I hit Seagrove and Powerhouse parks, where I gave bad advice to a runner named Joe visiting from Springfield, Missouri and made a beeline for the public restroom. Joe wanted to run on dirt and I sent him to the sand, neglecting to also let him know how to get around a channel.

I, too, decided to run along the beach. By now the sun was up and a lot of people were out and about.

Feeling another restroom run was imminent, I turned around at Dog Beach.

I briefly talked to a guy who’d just gone for a swim and then hit the head again.

Realizing my intestinal turmoil would continue, I elected to head back to my car a few miles away, rather than run in the other direction to Solana Beach and make this my long run for the week.

I love the homes along this stretch.

It was much busier as I headed down to my car, now completely surrounded by cars, surfers, runners and beachcombers.

I saw a group of kids doing drills across the street.

And lots of wind-hardy cyclists.

I returned home far more sore than I should have for only having run an hour total. Our neighbors just came by with plates of pancit, lumpia and other delicious Philippine dishes from their granddaughter’s 1st birthday party. Something tells me I might not make it too far tomorrow morning either.