In that spirit, on Tuesday morning I reponded to a 'tweet' by the good people at LA Marathon and got up early to meet some runners for an out-and-back run of the last 3.2 miles in Brentwood. Only problem is that I went to the wrong Starbucks on the street we were supposed to meet at (there are 2), and by the time I realized it and showed up to the 2nd location, they had a good 15 minutes on me following the 6:30am start time. So I basically started pounding the pavement hoping to either catch up to them, or come across them on the way back. Thankfullly, Peter (who works for the race and led this run) and several LA Marathon Legacy runners (participants of the race since its inception in 1986) were standing around the 'finish line' talking on Ocean and Santa Monica by the time I caught them. 
With Peter at the finish line of the LA Marathon course
After catching my breath and introducing myself to these good folks, we all started back together and shared in some great conversation which always makes the miles tick by faster. Before we knew it, we were back to the start, shook hands and parted ways.
On Thursday morning (yesterday), I finally answered the call of the SoCal Coyotes - a local trail club comprising of some really strong runners - and hit up the local Westridge trail. I ended up showing up JUST as they were taking off because I spent a good 15 minutes in bed engaging in inner dialogue about whether to stay in my warm bed, or get up at this ungodly hour to brave the wind, rain and cold. Ultimately, the side of me that said that I would NOT regret getting up as opposed to regretting staying in bed, won out.
While I brought my camera with me, I think I was too cold and it was too wet out to bring it out. Besides, I've done this trail numerous times. We did the usual approximately 3.5 miles up (which is almost a continuous climb up a fireroad) and then back the way we came. I got to meet a couple of nice folks on the way back down and shared some ideas about upcoming races.
The only shitty part of that morning was that somewhere between the Whole Foods stop on my way back and at my apartment, I lost my @#$&% wallet. Put a major wet blanket on an otherwise great morning.
Anyway next month, I'm looking forward to seeing my running friends again when I run the Surf City Half and also when I volunteer at the Twin Peaks 50/50 trail race. March will be even busier...til then!
8 comments:
I TOTALLY agree! One of the main reasons I do my running group is to meet other runners and in running groups and at races their are NO NEGATIVE THINKERS! Which is a huge plus because who wants to be around grumpy people who are mad at the world!
Also, we have a girls group called Sports Bras 2 Sports Bars where we meet at a bar every week run and then have dinner/drinks definitely a highlight to my week!
I feel as if I have been replaced. NO ME GUSTA!
JK super fun meeting up with others and I'm glad you got the chance to meet up with the LA people! Looks like a great run.
"Answer the call of the Coyotes" was taking it a little to far though...
That's really neat you got to meet some of the legacies! I was reading a couple of them's profiles on the website...all I can say is wow! I wish I lived further down south so I can join in on some of these runs!
That sounds like a good experience! Except for the being at the wrong Starbucks (too many of them) and the lost wallet. Hope it turns out ok. I just lost my Costco card-and it sucks.
for years, I trained almost exclusively on my own, but since the move to LA, I've been doing a lot more group training and loving it. Give me just a couple more weeks and I'll be joining you on some of those!
You are so lucky to live in an area where there is not only great places to run, but great people to run with. Just don't forget about Danica!!
How was the condition of Westridge? It would be nice to hit the trails this weekend.
Is that sweat that I see in that picture? Someone finally made you work hard huh?
You are correct about running with people. I spend way too many hours running alone. It's nice when I run with my club on Saturdays. That being said, why am I still sitting here Saturday morning?
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