What Would You Do For A Run?

I know I shouldn't complain about the warm weather California is having since a lot of you are on the East Coast and dealing not only with heat BUT humidity (I don't know how you do it!).  But...it does get warm here!  Actually, this week has not has been as oppressive as it has been, but none the less, when I get home from work and the thermometer is reading 85, I go bananas!  I'm sure it makes me stronger (I keep telling myself that) but man, I just want some 70's...or maybe some 60's?

So, when I got home yesterday I got Ari and the pooch to get in the car with me and go over to Santa Cruz - the beach!  It's about a 40 minute drive for us, and although my inner environmentalist is screaming at me for driving unnecessarily, it is actually quite accessible to hit cooler temps to get a run in.  The drive over is beautiful too, going through the Santa Cruz mountains.  Lilly just loves to have her head hanging out while we drive and loves a trip to the beach!

I had a medium long run on the books of 10 miles and the thought of running around my usual running route, in the heat, was just too much to take.  Thankfully though, Santa Cruz was my sanctuary and greeted me with 65 degree temps, fog and a beautiful sunset :)  I ran through the town of Capitola, down by the beach with all the cute surfers hang and then back.  It's also super hilly, which gave me an impromptu hill work out.  The locals are also a fun added bonus, since many of them are hippies just 'livin' la vida loca'!  Never a dull moment at Pleasure Point!

So while I ran, Ari and Lilly played at the beach!  Notice he is wearing a sweatshirt!

I had 10 miles on the books but I stopped at 9 - the hilly course and my bad math skilz left me a mile short - but I'll take it!  It was my best run of the week and one of my best in a while!
9 miles - 1:11:07 - 7:54/mi pace :)

Horrid picture of me - why didn't I smile? Hahaha!
By the time we were headed home it was finally cooling off in San Jo and was so glad we made the little drive to enjoy the sand, surf and nice weather.  I'm not usually good at being so spontaneous, but when I have to get my run on all rules go out the window!  What would you do for a run?  I know many of you not only juggle your work schedule into training, but you juggle families and kids, housework and other social responsibilities.  Sometimes though, putting a few other things aside to feed your inner runner is just what you need.
And, it seems Lilly really enjoyed herself, too!  This is the look of one tired pup-pup!

I'm so stoked it's Friday!  The only thing I have planned is running and relaxing (oh, and piles of laundry)!  I've been going non-stop the past few weekends and some time at home to just veg is just what I have been craving.  I do have a long run on the books - 18 miles at some point, just got to figure out which day I want to do it.  I love having things up in the air!

Good luck to all of you racing this weekend, especially TMB!  You're gonna rock it girlie! AND an extra special shoutout to my friend TARA, doing her first 70.3 this weekend!  Good luck - you're going to do awesome!  Run strong, run fast and have FUN!
Happy Friday peeps and Happy Running!
P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway - ends next Friday! Spread the word!