Okay, so yesterday I decided to actually do it. I’ve been talking about “running the bay” for weeks, and I finally laced up my shoes and just went for it.
Planning is Key (Sort Of): I started by sorta planning. I knew I wanted to hit the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. I figured, “Six miles paved, easy peasy!” I checked the weather – looked clear, maybe a little breezy. Didn’t bother with a map; figured I’d just follow the coast. Famous last words, right?
Getting There: First hurdle, getting there. I live in the city, so I hopped on the 280. The drive itself was beautiful, as always. Cruising down the highway with the Pacific on your left is never a bad way to start the day. Except for the traffic, there was quite a bit. It took longer than expected so I was a little flustered when I actually got to the trail.
Hitting the Trail: I parked near the Ritz Carlton, figured that was a good starting point. The trail was surprisingly busy, even on a weekday. Lots of walkers, bikers, and other runners. The first couple of miles were fantastic. The views were insane – cliffs, ocean, birds everywhere. The path was indeed paved and pretty flat. Felt like I was flying!
The Unexpected Detour: This is where things got… interesting. I was so busy admiring the scenery that I totally missed a turn. Suddenly, I was no longer on the paved path. Instead, I was on some kinda sandy, overgrown side trail. I thought, “Eh, no big deal, I’ll just cut back over.” Famous last words, part two.
Getting Lost (Slightly): This “side trail” turned into a full-on adventure. It wound through some scrubby bushes, got super sandy in places, and even had a few little hills. I was definitely not running anymore; more like scrambling. I probably added at least another mile to my run just trying to get back to the main trail. I didn’t drink any water during this detour so I was starting to get a little thirsty.
Back on Track: Finally, I spotted the paved path again. I climbed back up, a little sweaty and definitely dirtier than when I started. The last couple of miles were a breeze, though. I was just happy to be back on solid ground.
Fueling Up: Of course, no “run the bay” adventure is complete without a post-run snack. I stopped at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for a burger and a beer. Definitely earned it after that detour!
Lessons Learned: So, what did I learn from this experience?
- Actually look at a map.
- Pay attention to trail markers.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a good detour.
- Always bring water.
- Beer tastes better after getting slightly lost.
Final Thoughts: All in all, it was a great run. Even with the unplanned detour, the views were amazing, the weather was perfect, and I felt awesome afterwards. I will definitely be doing it again. Maybe next time I’ll even stay on the paved path!
Next Time: I’m already thinking about my next adventure. Maybe I’ll try a different part of the Coastal Trail, or maybe I’ll explore some of the other trails in the area. Stay tuned!
