Hi – Kate here aka Dave’s girlfriend and part of his run support team (I drive the van, give massages, make meals and now write the blog!). For the remainder of the run I will update the blog in order to give Dave time to focus on running, time to answer inquiries, and rest. I’m so thankful to be on this journey and am lucky to be able to take part in supporting such an important cause.
In Ocean Rescue Run
From the Inner City to the Bu
April 21st, 2016 (Day 4)
total distance completed: 54.78 km / 34.04 miles
start: Newport Beach, CA
stop: Redondo Beach, CA
ran through: Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Sunset Beach, Anaheim Bay National Wild Refuge, Seal Beach, Long Beach, and Torrance
We managed a 7:30am start; we are quickly learning to be flexible and to listen to what Dave’s body needs and this morning it was rest! Dave ran through Huntington Beach this morning which was beautiful. He got some solid mileage today which we were happy about. When we went through Long Beach Dave reminded me that this was the birthplace of Snoop Dogg (Snoop Lion, etc.). Parts of this section felt a bit risky but very cool to say all went well and we were lucky to have been there!
April 22nd, 2016 (Day 5)
total distance completed: 46.45 km / 28.86 miles
start: Redondo Beach, CA
stop: Malibu, CA close to Pepperdine University
ran through: Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Playa Del Rey, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Will Rodgers State Beach, and Pacific Palisades
An early start as the temperatures have been hovering between 26 and 30 degrees and Dave likes to get some good distance in before the heat hits. Today was packed with amazing places and it is so nice that Dave has such a scenic running route; all the areas are charming in their own way. One thing I have come to notice is how well California keeps up their beaches. Most (if not all) state beaches have a fee you need to pay to get in and this fee goes toward upkeep, visit www.parks.ca.gov. There are garbage and recycling bins everywhere and signage reminding people to care for the environment. Obviously this area is highly populated with surfers and they (and other citizens) have a deep respect for the ocean and I can only hope that through this run we can inspire people to adopt this same view.
April 23rd, 2016 (Day 6)
total distance completed: 10.15 km / 6.31miles
start: Malibu, CA close to Pepperdine University
stop: Malibu, CA close to Point Dume State Beach
Dave got a bunch of much needed rest last night; we iced and elevated his leg the whole evening and I’m happy to say that the stiffness and slight swelling we started to see has reduced a lot. We are learning that to be in this for the long haul and make this the success we hope for, we have to make sure to accommodate necessary detours to keep Dave healthy. We spent the day going through Malibu, previous home to Leonardo DiCaprio. We value and are inspired by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and their extensive environmental work!
Dave’s passion to make this run a success gets stronger every day.
April 24th, 2016 (Day 7)
total distance completed: 38.62 km / 24miles
start: Malibu, CA close to Point Dume State Beach
stop: Oxnard,CA just past the Ventura County Naval Base
ran through: Point Mugu State Park
Today was a good one and we both could tell that the rest day yesterday did Dave good. Slowed the pace some, but sill covered good distance. While on the run Dave connected with a man who was making the journey from northern Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina; he started last May. While waiting for Dave, I gave him an 18k ride down the road. The man parks his van, gets a ride back north and then walks back to his van. Check out his Rolling South blog. He had some interesting stories to tell and gave Dave a small donation for the Friendly Drifter program; a great bonus – thank you!
1967 film clip from The Graduate, how prophetic; Plastics – an enormous impact on our world!
To raise awareness on the effects of plastic waste in our oceans and funds for management solutions in Raja Ampat, Friendly Drifter Co-Founder David Pennington began the Ocean Rescue Run on April 18th, 2016 at the US/Mexican border and will end in Vancouver, Canada. The route for the run along the Pacific Coast Highway was chosen to connect ocean coasts, remove international boundaries and bring attention to this global issue. “Some of our western technologies, plastic culture and production have had serious negative impacts on the environment, all over the world. I feel we have a responsibility to create solutions for areas ill-equipped to deal with the waste issues.” states David.
Blast from the Past - Beach Clean-up - Click Photo
The Ocean Rescue Run is approximately 2700 km / 1740 miles. If you have the means and wish to participate please visit the Go Fund Me website. Additional details and more information on our program can be located on our Home and Participate pages. News and articles can be found on the Media link.
Thank you!