Ocean Beach Trail to Mission Beach
The Ocean Beach bicycle and pedestrian trail began just a few blocks from the hotel where I was staying while presenting at the EMS Administrators of California Conference. After finishing my presentation I was quickly on my way to run to the ocean and back.
The trail runs west along the San Diego river. After about 3 miles of gradual downhill running, and before reaching Ocean Beach, I crossed the river on a bridge heading to the Mission Beach area. All the time running on smooth and flat bike/pedestrian paths I angled northwest to reach the boardwalk on Mission Beach. My run took me past several marinas and through the Hyatt hotel complex (thanks Hyatt for the pit stop in the conference center).
Mission Beach Boardwalk
Just past a small roller coaster I reached the boardwalk which is actually a paved multiple use path. Running north the beach was to my left and was filled with swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and people of all ages enjoying a cool and sunny afternoon. I continued running north passing pedestrians, slow moving bikers, and other runners. Occasionally a skater or cyclist would zoom past. It was a great few miles of running and people watching.
Shoe Scuffer You Will Never be a Ninja
Just after I turned on to the boardwalk another runner turned on the bath right behind me. He was foot scuffer. With each stride his shoe scuffed on the sandy pavement. About thirty feet behind me and running the same pace I was stuck with his rhythmic scuffing. I wanted to tell him that he would never make it as a ninja scuffing and shuffling with each step. I even tried dropping the hammer for a couple of blocks and he stuck with me. Gratefully after two miles of scuff…scuff..scuff…scuff he turned around. Never to be seen or heard again. This was nearly as bad as running with someone holding jangly car keys as they run.
Spectacular Ocean Views
Just after entering Pacific Beach the trail climbed steeply to the top of the bluff overlooking the ocean. The scenery was spectacular and I was comfortably running in a cool ocean breeze. I found a good place to turn around at the bottom of a steep hill that led down a break in the bluff. Good to start the run back to the hotel with a steep climb.
Final Thoughts
The run back was equally enjoyable just with more people out recreating on the beach and running/cycling paths. 15.75 miles in about 2:15.
Stay Classy San Diego!