I was supposed to run a Half Marathon this weekend in Savannah, Georga.
AND…I actually traveled on a red-eye flight overnight through Seattle-Atlanta-Savannah, went to the race expo, and was ready to run. Trying to save money on travel costs ended up having me not sleep for 32 hours.
Then, on race day Saturday, the weather turned rather bad including heavy rain, high winds, and low temperatures. Having run in cold/wet conditions (2012 Toledo Ohio Half) I ended up taking my first DNS (did not start) for this race. If this was my first Half Marathon I would have definitely run it, but this would have been my 50th half. Running in miserable weather is a “been there, done that” experience.
I packed my bags and flew home to California.
Don’t get me wrong, I still wanted to run a long-distance this weekend. It is important to me when training for these events to have an area where I can continuously run without having to cross busy roads, have access to clean hydration and have points along the course for restroom breaks. One of my local go-to spots is Doheny State Beach near Dana Point. I usually take the Ortega Highway when I go to this location. The lookout point above Lake Elsinore was most enjoyable.
Arriving at the State Beach, I used my California Park Pass to enjoy some free parking. I put on my sunblock and set off for the San Clemente State Beach pier. It is about 5-6 miles from Doheny and features some really wonderful ocean-side running. There are a few spots where the view is blocked by homes, but most of the trail is a lot of fun. If you like trains, from time to time you will see the Amtrak Surfliner or the Metrolink.
Arriving at the pier, I stopped for a short restroom break and then continued down the coastline. There is an additional 1-2 miles that can be run, though some of it passes over loose sand. Wanting that 13.1 distance, I added the out and back needed. Passing by the pier again, I took a short detour out to the end for a photo or two. I love treating my friends and family to the oyster bar at this location from time to time.
Working my way back towards my car, I took a short break at mile 9 and got a snack and beverage from 7/11. It is important to try and stay fueled and hydrated and it was starting to get a little hotter outside. Some of the last few miles are sandwiched between a private beach house community, railroad tracks, the PCH, and a sandy cliff. But, the last part is the open beach. I love hearing the waves crash.
