Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Colorful Characters of the Beach Path

I tweeted a while back about what I saw on a run and I knew I would have to post about it soon. I live in an area where there are a lot of homeless people, and a eclectic collection of people. Many of them, on hot days, seem to go to the beach in front of my place, thus ensuring an interesting crowd to watch as I run by. It was super hot two weekends ago, so it seemed that EVERYONE was at the beach. Take for example:

One larger woman was in the water ahead of me. I was watching the 'group' she was with because they were very loud. She then started walking up from the ocean and I almost had to double take. She was wearing a black trash bag as a swimsuit. She had a hole for her head, and two arms. I had to slow down to take in this site. I first thought about how unsafe this seemed, and also how swimming in the ocean, the trash bag must 'go-up' as you swim around, since it wasn't attached to her legs or anything. Let that visual sink in.

A little later, I saw the same guy I have seen many times before. He was running in his BOXER BRIEFS that were tight and incredibly short. I have seen him in the mornings other times too and he wears the exact same outfit. He sweats, but only in one place. It is weeeeeird. You're blinded by his white legs and then you're like WHOA. Not okay. Get some shots over those briefs buddy.

Another really strange thing that happens on the beach path is that people come out and walk (good for them) but have their blue tooth on and just chat away on their phones. I've seen so many people doing this, it's like they go out to walk the beach path and make an important call. It's usually when I run by they are going on and on about something. Sometimes it's interesting to eavesdrop a little bit.

Then I decided to run on the bluff path instead of the beach path for the run home. This is on a bluff overlooking the beach. This is where I saw a lovely women who was using a shopping cart as a stroller. She had two kids in the shopping cart and even had the thing you hang on the stroller for the kids to play with. It was a little strange to say the least.

Oh how I love residing in the same town Snoop Dogg grew up in. Never disappointing in the people watching department.

Photobucket

And it's really, really gorgeous. Sigh.

On a completely random and unrelated note, Mother's Day is quickly approaching and there are two sites that I LOVE for gift giving. I am a stationary freak, and I love getting and giving personalized gifts. Check out Expressionary for some GREAT stationary and stamp gifts. I love their stuff and it's GREAT quality. Also you can get a 40% discount (hello! That's huge!) if you enter "Mom40" at the checkout. Another great site is Personalization Mall. I have gotten some great gifts off there and especially love their canvas printing selection. They have great prices and you can make some really sweet stuff on their site. You can get free shipping on any order over $50 if you use the code "Momshipfree". Creep both of those. :)

Tonight I got a lovely 8 miler planned. I'm hoping it's not to windy. Also are any of you running this PCRR Cinco De Mayo 1/2 or their super cute site can be found here on Sunday? I think I will run it because 13 miles would be a great and fun distance for me to run this weekend, but running this race is pretty pricey. So that's some expensive fun. We'll see if I can get dragged out there. It looks like a great race though, so maybe I'll jump in last minute. I would hate to bandit, but $75 bucks is $75 bucks. I won't even drink any of their water at their stations! :) Shall I race or not.... that is the question.

xoxo

40 comments:

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Great photos and commentary about the freaks at the beach.

YES you need to do the PCRF. I'm doing the 5K. It's a great race and there will be beer at the end, plus Wahoos!!

Nicole said...

Bahahahahaha i wish there was that kind of people watching in boring old michigan! maybe if i ran through the ghetto of deeetroittt i could get that kind of entertainment--- i might need a ccw though! :) :)

i think you should do the 1/2 this weekend!!! gooooooooo d! :)

PunkRockRunner said...

Race!!! duh.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can only imagine seeing the trash bag lady... Wow.

Do the race - $75 is steep, though, but maybe it's worth it for the free beer? LOL

RunningLaur said...

I love watching crazy people when I run - and it's so fun to hear about other peoples crazy people too.

$75 is a tough call - if you do run, it sound like a great time!

P.O.M. said...

Hi Pumpkin. I'm back. I love all the crazy people watching - just wait until summer and all the annoying tourists come out.

Expressionary is my fav. It's my "go-to" gift when I can't think of anything else.

When is your next race? Hit me up of FB.

Anonymous said...

Your bluetooth comment made me think of somehthing..people that talk while running/walking...I just don't think I could do that! You lucky you have people to watch---I run downtown where the streets are deserted after 5pm :(

Ashley said...

Interesting post...wish my running experiences were as entertaining. ;)

X-Country2 said...

I never pass people on my runs, so I double appreciate your stories. Hee!

Denise said...

I love your people watching commentary!!

Marlene said...

Oh man, those sound like some interesting people to say the least. Can you snap some pics for us next time? But maynot of of trash bag lady or sweaty briefs man. Ewww.

it is everlasting said...

It sounds like you have some very interesting characters there in Cali... the trash bag woman is my personal fav. :)

Oh and that picture, amazing. Absolutely breathtaking... Could be worth the creepy folks to have a view like that.

Julianne said...

Omg, that was wayyy too much of a visual. So glad you didn't take any pics of these crazy people on your run!!

Btw, great photos!! You are so lucky you get to run with a view like that. :-)

Do the race!!

Alisa said...

Haha visual overload!

Sooo pretty though, not the peeps, the nature =).

Do the race if you think it'll motivate you to get out there and run the distance...don't do it if you think you can swing a long run on your own and will be just as happy.

The Shabby Princess said...

Yikes, $75 is kind of a lot--but, if you want to do it, do it!

Ahh, how I love me some good ol Southern California people watching. I miss it. Texas people watching is good too, believe me, but, there's just something about the beach that seems to bring out such colorful people.

Eric said...

Race it at a trianing run is better to do 13 with 500 people than loneley nice pic remins me home

Susan said...

I love people watching! Sounds like you've got some interesting people to see...that would definitely make my runs more entertaining!

Oz Runner said...

a trash bag for a swimming suit? seriously? wow....only in california....

amazing that you can just say 'I think I'll do a half marathon this weekend" like it's no big deal...maybe someday i'll be able to say that...maybe...

thanks for the nice comments about my family, by the way!

Tara Gibson said...

thats some entertainment! gorgeous photo!

Jamie said...

I love people watching on runs. There are some really "interesting" ones :)

Anniversary Moments said...

i hope you're wearing sunglasses as your oogling these people running by (i find it helps and allows you to gawk a little longer) b/c i would for one of them to catch you! although, that could add some sprints to your workout ;)

J said...

oK honestly you guys in cali have all the good races!

Secondly, I think you win on seeing the weirdest things on a run!

I would only run the half if you get some freaking awesome stuff for 75 dollars!

Unknown said...

California...just crazy. Good luck with the 8-miler!

Brandi said...

Great post and love the picture! I imagine you see a lot of 'characters' out there while running. Believe me we saw a lot out on vacation as well!

Oh I tagged you on an award! :)

Amy said...

I went out to Venice Beach this summer and your running totally reminded me of that. Fun post!

aNd! said...

Nice people watching! That would get me out running more for sure, lol.

RunEatRepeat said...

When I lived in the LBC I would love people watching while running :)

Lucky in Love said...

Wow...that sure is an interesting crowd you ran by!

Chocolate & Chants said...

Ah yes, the freaky people from Long Beach. I always see something when I go running as well. Welcome to the LBC!

joyRuN said...

Whoa. Thanks for those visuals ;)

Sounds like the West Coast has waaay more interesting beach characters than the East Coast!

Ms. V. said...

Pretty beach! I think gwjones00 (twitter name) is doing CincoDeMayo.

Do it! :)

Anonymous said...

That's hilarious... and thanks for the Expressionary link... totally ordered some cute notes!

Eunice K. said...

People watching is great - i get quite an eyeful as well running in NYC. One time it seemed like an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog ran past me. Literally 8 dudes shirtless, cut, and in black tight spandex underwear ran past me. They could have also been the NYU running team lol but A&F catalog sounds so much cooler.

J.J. said...

Awesome links!!!! I will have to come back ans link to them tomorrow and shop when I have more time. That stationary store is too awesome!!!

FLYERS26 said...

What a great photo!
Gotta love crazy people.

Glenn Jones said...

Trash bag as a swim suit. Okay.....

I Love Your Whole Face said...

75 for a half is steep. I would run bandit!!!!

Marcy said...

Awwhhh girlz you gots to take pics next time. You know I gotta see that stuff HAHA!

jlc said...

Nothing I repeat nothing is wrong with some retail therapy!!

Even when there is no therapy needed!

Run For Life said...

Oh man, I cannot imagine what my expression would be if I saw that lady in the garbage bag!

Thanks for the stationary links, I love that too so I'll check them out!

I say go for it if you won't feel guilty for spending the $75.