13.1 Miles in San Diego

No, I didn't run a half marathon, but over the course of two days I did run 13.1 glorious miles in the early California morning.

Because my trip was a short one it was pretty easy for me to maintain East coast hours. Wednesday night I was asleep before 9:30 PM and It felt likeI was sleeping in when the alarm went off at 5:15 AM. I was out the door at 5:45 AM and headed toward the harbor.


Disclaimer: I totally snagged this picture from www.shelterislandsailing.com

When I was out in December, I finally found the harbor and if I remembered correctly, I thought it was somewhere between 6 1/2 and 7 miles.

I thought I knew the way, but I missed a turn. When I got to the next block I knew I needed to backtrack. I made my turn and then it started to look familiar. I ran through a little industrial area that is a one way street and before I knew it, I was two turns away from being at the harbor.

It's so pretty and peaceful there. I'm surprised by how few people are out, there were a handful of other runners, and a lot of homeless people still sleeping - (A friend calls it bums.com) I ran past the Star of India and past the U.S.S. Midway. The path continues along or you can, as I did, breakaway to the city.

I ran up a block and took a left. This street goes straight through the edge of downtown and through Little Italy. It then turns into another one way street. I take a right on Washington Street and then a left to head to Old Town.

Yesterday my iPod told me 6.57 miles in 1:02:25.

I ran the same route today - although there was no need to backtrack because I knew where I was. My iPod reported 6.56 miles in 1:04:17.

There is a possibility I was a bit slower today. Although I did have to wait at a significantly more stoplights this morning.

It was wonderful to get out there and get a great start on the day.

One of the things I love about coming to San Diego is my morning run. That and looks of astonishment when my co-workers find out that I have been up so early and run what they consider a ridiculous distance.

My employer will require me to make at least seven more trips to San Diego this year. (No complaining from me about that!)

I am looking forward to more harbor runs!