The Run

Let me start by saying that the "run" was really an 8 mile obstacle course disguised as a run.  To be fair, the first two & last two miles were flat & on gravel/pavement.  The 4 miles in between were anything but.

I ran through what seemed to be an old Army or Navy fort/barracks, through a small tunnel up some stairs, up a hill & then along a dirt path along the cliffside road.  The cliff was probably about 100-200 feet to the bottom with some great views of the Pacific Ocean.

I guess I didn't realize that part of the run would be along the beach.  Beach running is not my favorite & honestly, I suck at it.  & that is unfortunate because I am lucky enough to live close enough to the beach to practice running along the beach.  Oh well, live & learn.  After my mile run on the beach....this is what I had to look forward to....the sand ladder.

Not the easiest thing I have ever done, but I made it.  I think it's 453 steps from the beach back up to the dirt path along the roadway.  This was right after the turn around spot at mile 4.  After this, I knew that I would make it.  It wasn't my best day, but I knew I could finish it.  & here's the proof!

Course map.  A little blurry, but you get the idea.