WOW...VENICE BEACH IS STILL HAPPENING!!

Today started out pretty good. I had plans to hit the We Ho 24 Hour Fitness but instead I just chilled chatting with my BF. Until we both realized how hungry we were and it was time to introduce me to Tommy's Original Burgers. Apparently, another So Cal burger thing, like In & Out. But these burgers are smothered in some soy looking meat product chili. At first I thought sure a chili hot dog with no cheese that's better than a burger right. OMG! If it brings back the memories I'm glad it can make people food happy.

After yesterday's run I got it in my head that I was gonna go to the beach today to run. This afternoon (after the chili dog settled like a brick) it was time to hit the beach. Thinking of all the things we have seen and heard about Venice Beach since I was kid, I thought maybe it's not like that anymore. I WAS Wrong! Yes, I said it. I admit when I'm wrong. It just so happens it doesn't occur very often. Anyhow!

So, I'm approaching the beach and it is crowded with people. I see the pier and the minute I step on it I hit the MapMyRun app on the phone and start down the pier. OMG talk about running into the wind. I hit the end and circled the benches and made my way back to land. It was an awesome view. People walking everywhere. Rugrats (I mean kids) running around getting in my way. I then start at the beginning of the bike path. People it is painted that it is for bikes only why do you insist on having you and your entire family walk like turtles down the bike path. And you get annoyed when someone says "On Your Left".

Anyhow, during my 2 mile run I saw the crowd surrounding the basketball courts that still trys to prove that "White Men Can't Jump" well some can. Then there was the skate park, oh where the kids with cuts and bruises are on their boards trying to be another Tony Hawk or Mark Gonzales. Then there was the THROW BACK skate park where the older skaters are on the old school roller skates dancing and doing hand stands to good 'ole school jams. I had to take out my ear piece to hear the music and the spectators yelling and joining in on the sidelines.

I finished my two miles and thought why not keep going but then I remembered don't over do it. Take your time then I thought is that Santa Monica Pier? Can I really run all the way to the big ferris wheel. At that point I stopped and turned around trying not to get hit by a family of bike riders. I decided to pull over and take off my shoes and socks. I started towards the ocean and just walked the 2 miles back to where I started. It was so great to feel the salty cold water reach my toes then my calves. Back to the BEACH!

Didn't see the muscle beach but ladies hold on because let me tell you the Baywatch is still in full effect at Venice Beach. I saw a Lifeguard in action. He was running to save some young kids that were just too far out into the ocean. He jumped into the water and started diving into the water coming up for air quickly then returning into the ocean. He was like a dolphin but only hotter. WOW! I was walking it was as if I was an extra in a Baywatch episode. There were three other lifeguards watching the action unfold. The kids where safe and the HOT Hero walked tall.

Lastly, I just have to say to the CA runners...this is an advantage that you have. If I lived close to the beach I would be running along the ocean as much as I could. I was so inspired by the other beach runners that I broke out into a quarter mile run along the beach barefooted. It was exhilarating!! That's the only way to describe it. All I have to say is I WANT MORE VENICE BEACH! Next time I'm actually going to check out all of the tents shops along the way back. And who knows...I think its time for some tattoos (henna! y'all know I'm not ready to make that kind of commitment to ink).

TOOTLES...

WEEK 14 TALLY: 8 Miles