8/28/2014
Google maps told me the pedestrian route would be thirty-six miles. I thought I’d be smart and run restricted roads and bike paths. I thought I’d get away with twenty-nine miles. I reached a happy medium of thirty-four because of mistakes. I’ll take it.
The evening before, Crystal and I were visited by her former soccer coaches. They had come to donate shoes and show their support for our project. It was fun to talk about all things not related to the run. We met at the rooftop lounge. A fire pit in the middle of the place kept the atmosphere warm while being on the roof provided a great view of the stars and fresh air. Not too long into the evening, chatting with Pete and Simon on the rooftop lounge of the Doubletree Hotel Dana Point/Doheny Beach, exhaustion hit. My eyelids felt like they were being held down by weights. I needed sleep. Especially since a thirty plus day was looming.
A mosquito feasted on me while I slept but the bed and pillows were so comfy I didn’t even notice. In the morning I woke up so refreshed, the powerful rays of the sun cutting into my room didn’t even bother me. I wanted to meet the Didra, the kind lady that helped us with book this restful hotel. I wanted to tell her that the complimentary walnut, chocolate, oatmeal cookies hit the spot after a run. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance. I had to try and get a jump on the sun which was quickly gaining strength. I could taste the salty air as I hit the road. Surfers were out in force trying to take advantage of the waves. Solitude greeted me right after San Clemente. Gone were any traces of city or businesses. The freeway cut a path between my beach path on the west and a more desert like path on the east. Going on the no name trails was a gamble. It paid off mostly but I lost in a few areas. The net gain on the day was 2 miles. I will take it. 
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