I’m “Live from Los Angeles!!!” I heard that somewhere once, and it always stuck. Maybe it was a radio station or a sports announcer. Well, not “live” since this is post is reporting yesterday’s news, but you get the idea. My work travels have taken me to LA. Since I controlled the schedule, you know I had to fit in some quality run time. This is especially the case after the DNF. Actually, I scheduled the trip a few weeks ago not even realizing I had a race on the would-be travel day. Dumb. Being Father’s Day, the family was none too pleased with this development, but what was done was done. So off I went, missing the family, but very glad to put the DNF and generally feelings of beat down behind me for new environs.
You would think a cross-country flight would be the last thing an ailing mind (and probably tired body) would need. Normally this would be the case if I had to sit budget (economy is the more politically correct term), which I generally do. However, I dug into my bag of accumulated mile upgrades and pushed up to Business Class … no different from First Class. Good for me. Most importantly the seat was huge and comfy. The flight attendant kept trying to ply me with booze before, during and after dinner (I must have looked like I needed it). I passed on the booze (done forever) and sipped water, ate my meal, watched Anchorman (for the 33rd time) and vegged out. By the way, Sarah Silverman was in the seat directly behind me … no pics, although when she was sleeping, I was tempted, but that would have been a horrible thing to do. On the rare occurrences when I see celebs, I always leave them alone. Generally, I have no interest in them, but with Ms. Silverman, both the wife and I are big fans. Aside from my brush with comedy fame, the flight was uneventful and I even felt more rested when we landed.
I’ll be upfront. I hate LA. Or at least I hated LA prior to this trip. For the uninitiated, I’m from Chicago and lived the better part of my adult years in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. By definition, I should not and do not like LA. I hate driving. Despite spending much of my career around media, I don’t like Hollywood. As a father and husband, I view LA as the antithesis of all that I hold dear … how does any of this have to do with running … I’ll get there. LA is fake, plastic, soulless, etc. You get the idea. Not sure where I was going with that, but I guess now you know my view of Lala land.
After a restful night of sleep, I woke up at 5:45 am for a run. Without the benefit of a nearby park near my West Holly hotel, I thought I might end up on the dreadmill. Fortunately, the hotel mapped out a couple of running routes.
Me to myself: “Hmmm. Pre-printed running maps. Good start. Good looks are the currency of choice out here. Maybe true fitness (vs. Dr. 90210) is a reality in LA, so let me get my butt outside and give it go.”
So off I went west on Sunset Blvd. I passed the Viper Room, Whiskey A Go Go … not what you would call inspiring, but it was relatively new to me so whatever.
Since I try to avoid concrete at all costs, I ran on Sunset Blvd proper in the direction of traffic … in a bright orange CPTC sleeveless shirt. In theory, drivers could see me and I could see them. To their credit, no one tried (or at least succeeded in trying) to hit me.
Me to myself: “Ok. Road rage may be a problem in LA, but no one tried to kill me. Good show LA.”
I was only looking to a recovery run, so pace didn’t matter at all … I just wanted to like running again after DNF. After 2 dull miles, I finally hit upon a bit more scenic route.
Note: I did NOT stay at the BH. 
I just ran by it and figured I take a pic for the blog. And I freely admit, running by palm trees did not suck. In fact it was a baller run. After See Jess Run / Houston-like humidity for the better part of 4 weeks in NYC, running in ZERO humidity was Heaven-sent. If you’ve ever been to Beverly Hills, the part of Sunset I ran is tourist central … Beverly Hills Hotel, Aaron Spelling mansion, Rodeo Drive and more mansions than should be legal in most countries. I’m not big into huge homes (more to clean and how much house do you need?), but the greenery surrounding the homes was beautiful, picturesque. I could definitely feel the difference as I breathed that air vs. the more urban-like first 2 miles. Also, I was not alone. I saw a trainer out with a couple of folks. No Real Housewives of Orange County-type stuff either. These were folks actually doing some work on the roads.
Me to myself: “Hmmm. Rich folks in LA out early handling their workout business. I like that.”
After about 3 miles I spooled around and made the return trip back to my hotel. I was very glad I got out for the run. It felt great. It was fun. And it may have somehow softened my stance against LA. 6 easy, happy miles.
The West Coast tour continues tomorrow in Palo Alto. Stay tuned …
Share this:
Like this:
LikeBe the first to like this post. Categories: CPTC, Daily Run Comments (10) Trackbacks (1) Leave a comment Trackback
-
marathonmaiden June 22, 2010 at 1:49 pm | #1 Reply | Quote jealous of the LA run! no humidity is just what i need. but after hearing about how nice new england is compared to houston from jess i think i need to stop complaining hahah! but way cool about the hotel having pre-printed running maps
also way cool about seeing sarah ailverman on the flight!
-
a marathoner June 22, 2010 at 1:58 pm | #2 Reply | Quote None of it sucked.
Yeah, every day I run in the Northeast soup I think about Jess running in that garbage 9-10 months of the year. Not sure I could handle that.
-
Running on Faith June 22, 2010 at 2:27 pm | #3 Reply | Quote Sweet! Where else does your CA trip bring you? I live in the Bay Area, so Palo Alto caught my eye. If at all possible, you should run around and near Stanford. Really pretty campus. You have nice weather up here
-
-
Stephanie June 22, 2010 at 2:28 pm | #5 Reply | Quote No humidity is a blessing, and that is awesome that they have pre-printed running maps, I wish every hotel had that!
-
-
shelby June 22, 2010 at 2:34 pm | #7 Reply | Quote I used to live in LA and hear ya on the plastic-y thing.
But it’s still a pretty cool city! And yeah, the weather is just awesome. 85* in SoCal feels so different from 85* in NYC.
Glad you’re getting some good runs in while traveling! I love exploring new places in my running shoes.
-
I’ve come to grips with my recent running issues. It is 200% the weather. It’s not even a cop out or excuse. It’s just reality. It took 3,000 miles away from home to realize that, but it DEFINITELY the weather.
-
Ian June 24, 2010 at 7:00 am | #9 Reply | Quote When we were out there a few weeks back we did what must be that exact same route from our hotel on Sunset. The culture clash from W Hollywood straight over the border into BH is incredible. It is an odd place but I suppose you have to see it for what it really is and do your thing and move on… plus we met a really cool person there too and so this made it a good visit.
-
The contrasts in LA are amazing. As picturesque as Beverly Hills is, Compton is even more sobering. Bizzare place.
- June 23, 2010 at 11:37 am | #1 Circling Stanford « A Marathoner
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Circling Stanford Race Report: Father’s Day 5-Miler for Prostate Cancer