On Saturday, according to my marathon training plan, I was supposed to run 9 miles. However, Saturday was a bad day and plans changed, as they sometimes do, so I decided to move the long run to Sunday. I originally planned a run from Point Loma to La Jolla Cove via The Boardwalk and through various and sundry side roads; however, those plans changed once I realized it would be about a 14 mile run. So, I drove to and parked at the cove (parking is free and not limited to 3 hours on weekends) then ran to Mount Soledad. I was pretty excited because I've never been to the top of this controversial site. (The controversy revolves around the gianormous* cross at the summit. Pictured above.)
This is a view from the top:
I figured I would run the 6 mile out-and-back trip from the cove to Mount Soledad, and then finish the 9 miler with an easy 3 around some La Jolla neighborhoods. HA! What really happened: I nearly had a heart attack running straight up for 3 miles. Well, let's be honest, I did not run the whole time. But I would love to shake the hand of the person who can run from the cove all the way to the Mount Soledad cross without walking.
So by the time I got back to the cove at mile 5.34, I had been on my "run" for an hour and a half. My body said, "Enough you psycho. Stop this." So, I cooled down for another half mile and called it good. I then (and this is why I love running so much) sat down (without thinking about the calories & carbs) to the best french toast breakfast on the planet at Cody's. After I got home a few hours later, I did another three miles around Point Loma, just so I could say I met my mileage goal.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or your third marathon, I think the lesson here is: listen to your body! I was done after those six miles up and back from Mount Soledad, and if I had pushed myself to do three more miles right then, I might have injured myself or tossed my cookies (something that's not exactly kosher in a place like La Jolla). Any seasoned runner will tell you that the key to staying healthy during training is to keep checking in with your body and be willing to adjust to it. It's sort of the like the Vera Wang mentality from "Bride Wars." (Yes I'm quoting this movie...I'm as shocked at myself as you might be with me.) In the movie Kate Hudson says, "You don't alter Vera! You alter yourself to fit Vera." It is the opposite when it comes to race training...
Don't alter yourself to fit the schedule! Alter the schedule to fit you.
For those daring enough to run up hill for 3 miles (don't think I'll be doing it again any time soon) this is the route I followed thanks to Schad's book Trail Runner's Guide: San Diego. I parked down at the cove and ran up Prospect Street to Torrey Pines Road. (Parking is always free and the 3 hour rule doesn't apply on the weekends.) From Prospect, hang a right on Torrey Pines. One block down take a left onto Exchange Place (the uphill begins). Exchange Place turns into Soledad Ave (so stay left) and then turn right on Al Bahr Dr. You'll keep truckin' it up hill, go around a super cute curved, arched bridge and take a right on Crespo Street. Keep going up..and then when you get to a slight downhill respite look for Castenalana on your right. You'll continue downhill for a little bit, but get ready because the uphill is only just beginning after you go under another super cute bridge and hit Hillside Dr. Turn right and follow this steep winding path until you get to an old, dirt path (a continuation of Hillside) that runs up the north slope of Mt Soledad. After a mile of trekking pretty much straight up, you'll hit the main road and entrance to Mount Soledad. Run along the road, stick to the left, and then you're at the cross. Toilets and a drinking fountain can be found at the base of the cross.
*gianormous= giant + enormous
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