I rarely travel for work, maybe two or three trips a year. And usually to Dallas or Atlanta. But for this trip, I got to go to Los Angeles to start my focus group research. There was enough time before my flight to Dallas that I was able to get in a run. Here’s my recap of my exploits:
Tuesday started with a flight that was incredibly early. But you know the one good thing about an early flight? Sunrise!
Absolutely gorgeous!
It was amazing. I slept for the first leg but got to catch the sunrise towards the end. Absolutely brilliant. After one more flight, I touched down in LA and went right to work. At the hotel, I received good and bad news. The bad: they were sold out for the night. The good: they were upgrading me to the penthouse floor. Sweet!
I woke up for an early morning conference call, then headed down Santa Monica Boulevard to run on the beach. Massive photos incoming!
Santa Monica State Beach
Yeah, I think this will do for a five mile run! Damn was it beautiful out: low 70s and sunny, very gentle breeze.
I could get used to this
For those that don’t know, Santa Monica State Beach has both jogging/walking paths and a cycling path. At times, they intersect and are shared. I saw lots of runners, walkers, cyclists of all ilks, out enjoying the morning.
Fashion Shoot
I came across some sort of fashion shoot. I was hoping Chrissy Tiegen was there, but alas she was not. Sad face.
Volleyball!
There were also several groups playing/practicing volleyball. This one looked to be a womens team practicing with their coach.
The return
When I had gone 2.5 miles, I turned around and headed back. I had the sun in my face and the gentle breeze. I was loving every sweaty minute of it! It felt sooo good!
Reppin’ Memphis
Of course I had to rep my Memphis shirt from Breakaway Running, my local running store. At the end, I finished up a lovely five miler at just under 9/mile pace. I was very tired but happy.
Step One
My recovery was in two parts. First part was swinging by Starbucks for a strawberry-banana smoothie. I love those things. I may have also had a slice of coffee cake. Definitely.
Step Two
Part Two, after taking a shower and getting cleaned up, was swinging by In-n-Out Burger on my way to the airport. I absolutely love this place and go whenever I can. Evidence: while in San Francisco I walked four miles over the hill just to get a burger. In fact, I’m now in Dallas and I’ve gone to In-N-Out AGAIN already. Since we don’t have it back in Memphis, I take full advantage when I can.
So there you have it, my LA run. I can safely say that I understand why people want to live in LA now. Good food, great weather, etc. It was awesome.
Til next time!
