California Dreamin’
Part 1 Huntington Beach
I love California. The sun, the water, the beaches, the weather, the feeling. While I would still have an opportunity to enjoy all these things, this trip was different. The first part of this trip was about completing the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach.
When identifying my hotel I wanted to make sure it was walkable to good food options and a few sights. In this case I chose something near South Coast Plaza mall and the Orange County Museum of Art.
Day 1 (Jan 30, 2026)
On my first day in Costa Mesa, I took a walk to South Coast Plaza. It was a beautiful blue sky with not a cloud in sight. It was as if the palm trees, aloe plants and birds of paradise were my welcoming committee to Orange County. I was surprisingly inspired when I entered the mall, not just by the endless luxury brands that provoked me, but by the kaleidoscope of a sky light in the center of the plaza. I wasn't expecting to see beauty inside competing with what I experienced during my walk. Yet I did.
I decided to cut the mall excursion short and that my time would be better served going to the marathon expo to pick up my bib number and other gear. The sun was slowly setting as I arrived at the expo and I realized I couldn't have picked a better time to come. The sun was casting long shadows of the palm trees that lined the entrance to the beach, near the starting line for the marathon. The beach was calm as it seemed I missed larger crowds from earlier in the day. I swiftly picked up my bib, tees and other stuff from the American Cancer Society tent. After gathering all my things I enjoyed a peaceful sunset walk along the beach by myself. Thinking of the snow filled streets I trained in all winter and just left in Cleveland, this was just what I needed.
Day 2 (Jan 31, 2026)
It started with another walk. This time to the Orange County Museum of Art. Another beautiful day. As I looked up to search for any clouds in sight, I just saw the tops of the palm trees that accompanied me along the way. As usual I had my playlist setting the vibe and enhancing my experience. I was in heaven. Again, my timing was impeccable. A fascinating new photography exhibit by Sophie Calle just opened that day. As I walked through to the other exhibits, I realized the museum itself was just as impressive, if not more so than the art within it.
On my walk back to the hotel from the museum, I got a little more intimate with the local plant life. The clear blue sky and the art walls each provided a beautiful backdrop to the cactus and aloe plants. I immediately envisioned a collection of scarves (stay tuned).
I thought it would be nice to feel the pre marathon energy, so I decided to visit the expo again. Once I pulled up, I realized I didn't necessarily want all that energy, I just wanted to be at the beach again. It just feels right there, especially just before sunset.
Day 3 (Feb 1, 2026)
ITS RACE DAY! I woke up around 4am, got dressed and threw on my SWB Surf City marathon hoodie. I wanted to show it off and knew it would be too hot after the marathon.
The way the full moon met me at the starting line of the marathon brought me so much peace. It was shining so bright as if it was smiling at me with a feeling of pride for the journey I had been on to get here. The work has been done, now just try to enjoy the race.
It kicked my ass, but that is what marathons are supposed to do. To run along the ocean during the sunrise, feeling the breeze and the energy from the other runners and supporters was extraordinary. This is why I chose the Surf City Marathon.
Crossing the finish line, receiving my medal and walking straight to the beach was something I had envisioned for months. The cold, snowy days training in Cleveland led me here. The countless family members, friends and strangers that supported me with encouraging words and donations for the American Cancer Society all led me here. My dads fight with cancer is what led me here. Now it's time to meet up with my folks and celebrate the next part of the trip in LA.
Part 2 Los Angeles (Feb 1-6)
There really isn't as much to share about my time in LA. It was simply time to catch up and be present with my people. Every morning…get up, go to a different cafe, sit outside and chill, enjoy every sip and don't check my watch. At night maybe stroll the streets, pop in a bar, swing by the studio perhaps. California. Always a good time, always know I'm going to come back with some inspiration.
Stay tuned…
