4th of July in L.A.!

We just got back from a GREAT holiday weekend in Los Angeles. We stayed with a family friend (my west-coast mom) in Manhattan Beach. So on Saturday and Sunday morning I went for runs on the beach. On Saturday, I ran on pedestrian path on the Strand. There is a pedestrian path that was packed with runners and walkers. The bikers have their own separate path so you don't have to worry about getting run over. Because it was the 4th, there were tons of people setting up for parties on the beach so it was great people watching (even at 7 am). I ran about 6 and 1/2 miles before I had to get back home and shower for our beach party.

On Sunday morning, I somehow dragged myself out of bed early because I didn't want to waste an opportunity to run on the beach. I was exhausted from such a busy Saturday, and my legs were a little sore from Saturday's run on the concrete pedestrian path. So I decided to run on the sand, which always adds a little extra challenge. There were tons of surfers, volleyball players and triathlon teams out. But much less crowded than on Saturday. Most people were probably still passed out from the festivities.

Great weekend. Beautiful beaches and people. Perfect running conditions.

Here are some pics that I took during the weekend....

Manhattan beach and the running/biking path:

Surfers and volleyball players at Manhattan Beach:

View from the deck of our 4th of July party in Hermosa Beach:

The beautiful beach home where we stayed - I could only get a bit of it in the picture because it goes for an entire block!: