Student pilot has runway incursion on Runway 23 and Taxiway C at MYF. Reporter had asked for progressive taxi instructions to the runway but missed the run-up area and the hold line.

Narrative

At XA00 local time I was parked in the transient parking area at MYF. I requested clearance from ground to taxi to Runway 28R for downwind. Ground instructed me to taxi to Runway 23 via Taxiway Hotel and Charlie. I did not clearly understand the instructions so -- I requested progressive taxi instructions to Runway 23 because as I put it -- 'I'm not familiar with the way to Runway 23.' Ground then told me to make a right turn on Taxiway Hotel; and a left on Taxiway Charlie to Runway 23. I readback instructions and proceeded down Taxiway Hotel and then left on Taxiway Charlie to Runway 23. Since I had never used or been on Runway 23; I was looking for the run-up area as I approached not seeing it (because its not marked and there were no other aircraft present); I unknowingly passed the unmarked run-up area and before I knew it I became disoriented and passed over the very faded hold short line and then into the very end of Runway 23. Ground Control never mentioned another word or provided any assistance to me knowing that I asked for their assistance in getting to the runway as I approached what was the run-up area; passed it (looking for it); then accidently crossed the hold short line. All this time with no comments or assistance from ground controllers whom I had asked for assistance. While all of this happened there were no aircraft on the runway; in the pattern on approach to the runway; or on the taxiway. I was the only aircraft present in the area; no one is the sky or on the ground at that moment or for the next few minutes. Ground Control then called me to tell me I was on the runway. At that very moment I realized I had already passed the line and I immediately turned my aircraft around and headed back the 20 FT the other side of the hold short line. Following that I requested clearance to taxi back to transient parking. Ground granted my request and gave me instructions that I then readback and proceeded back to transient parking. The ground asked me to telephone the Tower with a phone number they provided me.