This Saturday afternoon, I took off for my long run from the intersection of Torrey Pines and La Jolla Village Drive roads with the goal of running north toward Del Mar through Torrey Pines State Reserve Park. I was hoping to get to see the golf course and some of the park but maybe not make it all the way down the hill. I ended up making it all the way down the hill and then part of the way up the hill in Del Mar. Running back up that hill more than six miles into a long run is a challenge. Yikes. That hill just keeps on going...
I have to say that the views from some of the trails in Torrey Pines State Reserve are amazing. You're basically running along the cliffs overlooking the ocean, which tends to re-energize you after the hill has been kicking your butt. If you live in the San Diego area and haven't done a run through these trails, I highly recommend it!
I ended up running the 10.5 mile loop at just about a nine minute mile pace. Not too shabby but I'm hoping to get closer to 8:20-8:30/mile pace for the AFC half. Still have some work to do.
