| Location: | Santa Monica, CA, USA |
| Description: |
This run is one of the favorite routes of the L.A. Leggers Running Club, voted as the best running club in L.A. by The Los Angeles Magazine.
The run starts real easy at the Santa Monica Pier and winds through the paved running trails at prestine Santa Monica Beaches. During the summer weekends, you can even be treated to a taping of the world famous TV skin show, "Bay Watch", on site at around mile 2.5.
The course turns inland, an "uphill challenge" for about 3/4 mile until you reach the Santa Monica Mountains. Then it gets to be an "uphill struggle" for about 3 miles from the top to the bottom of the mountain.
The views all the way to the top of the mountain are awe inspiring. You can see urban sprawl in forms of mansions near the top along with your experiences of a mountain run.
There is also a nice "little waterfall" near the top. For a desert area, yes, it's a waterfall.
The run up takes about 45 minutes to an hour, the run down is about 30 mins and can be tricky if you don't watch your steps.
The climb down ends at Sunset blvd. and takes you a picturesque small town of Pacific Palisades. You will see the "backwoods" of private residences and hilltop residences.
The run again challenges you at mile 10 with the infamous "Stairs". It's a stairway that will lead you to heaven if you have a heart condition. There are many people who work out in these steps. I have never seen it with less than 10 people taking it on.
You will feel you buttocks burning, if you ascended the proper way, as you run towards "Inspiration Point" and "The Totem Pole". Inspiration Point will give you a birdseye view of the beach route you ran earlier.
You will run the final flat mile along the beautiful parks on top of Santa Monica cliffs.
There are water fountains along the route except for the mountain portion.
This run will give you a feeling of accomplishment and wonder why didn't bring your camera along!=o)
It's a great workout!
You can change and use the bathroom facilities at The Santa Monica Senior Center, a stone throw away from The Santa Monica Pier.
You can then have some fun at the Pacific Park, an amusement park in the SM Pier. They have a roller coaster, ferry's whell, arcade games, games where you can win stuffed animals, kiddie rides...etc.
For a more relaxing activity, you can always take your shoes off and stroll along the beach or swim if you like cold water!
You can even go to another world, Venice Beach, if you can walk another 2 miles....
In Southern California, life cab be such a beach! |
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