Just signed up for the San Juan Ten Miler. A neat flat race at an interesting distance that I have not run every year as it usually lands on a working Saturday. This year not! So I am in. This race, many years ago was my fastest. I ran 10 miles in under seven minutes a mile. Ain't gonna happen this time, but am looking forward to it.
This event is in its 25th year. It is sponsored by the Hollister Rotary Club and all proceeds go to benefit local scholarships and charities. San Juan Bautista is a small California Mission town just off Hwy 101 approximately 50 miles south of San Jose. The two races, one 10 miles and one 5k in distance, both start and finish in front of the historic and beautiful San Juan Mission. The area is rural and the course takes runners through farm land and up the Anzar hills. Medals are awarded three deep in standard age categories. We also hand out door prizes. The 10 mile race is particularly good training for upcoming spring marathons. Fees include LS-shirt. Good training for marathon base. Both races timed w/awards.
www.sjbca.com; Online www.theschedule.com; wgtt@sbcglobal.net; 831/637-0071; 831/637-0092 Bill Tiffany, 535 Monterey St., Hollister 95023
Event Date:
Jan. 30, 2010 (Saturday)
Location:
Mission San Juan Bautista (45 min. south of San Jose)
City:
San Juan Bautista, CA US
Web Site:
Visit event website
Register Online:
Click here to Register Online
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
It was a Long Dark Night
The longest night or shortest day just past. We got a good bout of rain, followed by two real clear and cold mornings for running. Black, black sky and twinkly little stars all about. Heard a Christmas owl the last two mornings too.
Mushroomin'
With the recent rains I have noticed a good number of mushrooms on the trail.
When armed with my little Buster Brown flashlight in the dark on the trails I see the little white caps pushing up through the rich dark earth and feel as if I have entered a Disney animation world...Fantasia or Alice in Wonderland.
There was an article in the local paper about mushrooming. The usual warning, but not necessary for me. Fortunately I have not been bitten by the bug to go toadstooling for consumption. I will stick with the items in the grocery store in the little pink and blue boxes.
Aside from the white ones, I say a cool pink one up the Tank Road the other day.
When armed with my little Buster Brown flashlight in the dark on the trails I see the little white caps pushing up through the rich dark earth and feel as if I have entered a Disney animation world...Fantasia or Alice in Wonderland.
There was an article in the local paper about mushrooming. The usual warning, but not necessary for me. Fortunately I have not been bitten by the bug to go toadstooling for consumption. I will stick with the items in the grocery store in the little pink and blue boxes.
Aside from the white ones, I say a cool pink one up the Tank Road the other day.
Vibram Five Fingers
Saturday at long last I purchased a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers "shoes." Also known as Monkey Toes, or Foot Gloves. I got a nice black pair at the Treadmill in Carmel. They fitted me nicely as always and one of the staff had a pair on. She runs about 100 miles a week, (oh my) and suggested starting out slow...like five minutes a day.
I got the KSO model...which stands for Keep S*%t Out apparently another staffer suggested.
They are all black which works with my wardrobe, such as it is, but also makes for something padding around the house that indeed resembles gorilla toes. Very disconcerting.
So I have run a block or two a day with them. Heightened sensations all 'round. Ones skin tingles, need be aware of running posture, road hazards...
We will see.
I got the KSO model...which stands for Keep S*%t Out apparently another staffer suggested.
They are all black which works with my wardrobe, such as it is, but also makes for something padding around the house that indeed resembles gorilla toes. Very disconcerting.
So I have run a block or two a day with them. Heightened sensations all 'round. Ones skin tingles, need be aware of running posture, road hazards...
We will see.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Geminids
Got out early this morning and tried to catch a peak at the Geminids. It was partially overcast at first and could not see anything...just barely a few stars sneaking through. By the turn and heading home things cleared a bit. I thought I had missed it all, but then I saw one and then a couple more...pretty cool.
Late tonight is the peak of the year's most prolific annual cosmic fireworks show—the Geminid meteor shower (Geminids picture).
The meteor shower has been growing in intensity in recent decades and should be an even better holiday treat than usual this year, since it's falling in a nearly moonless week.
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Coming fast on the heels of its more famous cousin the Leonid meteor shower—which peaked less than a month ago—the Geminid show should feature as many as 140 shooting stars per hour between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
The Geminids are slow meteors that create beautiful long arcs across the sky—many lasting a second or two.
Favoring observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Geminids are expected to be most frequent within two hours of 1:10 a.m. ET in the wee hours of Monday.
The shower's radiant—the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate—is the constellation Gemini, which rises above the eastern horizon after 9 p.m. local time.
Astronomers recommend observers head outside between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. local time.
As with any meteor shower, the Geminids will be muted in light-polluted cities, but even suburban sky-watchers may catch as many as 60 meteors per hour during peak time.
Geminid Meteor Shower: Rising Star
The Geminids have been historically overlooked, simply because of their timing so close to the busy holiday season and during frigid winter nights, astronomers say.
But that's beginning to change, thanks to the Geminids' rising intensity over the past few decades.
In fact, for many astronomers, the December meteors have now dethroned the more popular August Perseid meteor shower as the shooting star event of the year.
"It may come as a surprise to many, but the Geminids are currently richer and are brighter on average," said Anthony Cook, astronomy observer at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California.
Why the sudden illumination?
Earth is plowing deeper every year into an ancient stream of rocky debris left behind by a mysterious 3.1-mile-wide (5-kilometer-wide) object that orbits the inner solar system, he said.
When Earth's atmosphere crosses paths with that debris cloud, the rocks are superheated and burn out—and new Geminids are born.
Geminids' Mystery Parent
The Geminid meteors all appear to be chips off a mysterious rocky object called 3200 Phaethon.
Other meteor showers come from material shed by melting comets—which are massive chunks of dirty ice and rock—as they pass close to the sun. (See asteroid and comet pictures.)
But no one knows for sure whether the Geminids' parent object, first identified in 1983, is an asteroid or the core of an ancient comet that simply sputtered out.
Recent observations of Phaethon, though, suggest it's a nearly dormant comet, and the Geminids' parent is now officially classified as such by NASA.
The research revealed that Phaethon is the rocky skeleton of a comet that lost its ice after too many close encounters with the sun, according to NASA.
The shooting stars' rocky, hard exterior—as well as the fact that they, unprotected by ice, get baked by the sun—may help explain why Geminids are slower and last longer in the sky than other shooting stars, said Peter Brown, a meteor expert at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.
"They have the ability to penetrate deeper into Earth's atmosphere," Brown said, "and burn up at much lower altitudes than meteors associated with the Perseids and Leonids."
Late tonight is the peak of the year's most prolific annual cosmic fireworks show—the Geminid meteor shower (Geminids picture).
The meteor shower has been growing in intensity in recent decades and should be an even better holiday treat than usual this year, since it's falling in a nearly moonless week.
Enlarge Photo
Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
What's This? SHARE
Digg StumbleUpon Reddit
RELATED
Perseids: What They Are, How to Watch the Meteors, More
Interactive Solar System Map
Coming fast on the heels of its more famous cousin the Leonid meteor shower—which peaked less than a month ago—the Geminid show should feature as many as 140 shooting stars per hour between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
The Geminids are slow meteors that create beautiful long arcs across the sky—many lasting a second or two.
Favoring observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Geminids are expected to be most frequent within two hours of 1:10 a.m. ET in the wee hours of Monday.
The shower's radiant—the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate—is the constellation Gemini, which rises above the eastern horizon after 9 p.m. local time.
Astronomers recommend observers head outside between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. local time.
As with any meteor shower, the Geminids will be muted in light-polluted cities, but even suburban sky-watchers may catch as many as 60 meteors per hour during peak time.
Geminid Meteor Shower: Rising Star
The Geminids have been historically overlooked, simply because of their timing so close to the busy holiday season and during frigid winter nights, astronomers say.
But that's beginning to change, thanks to the Geminids' rising intensity over the past few decades.
In fact, for many astronomers, the December meteors have now dethroned the more popular August Perseid meteor shower as the shooting star event of the year.
"It may come as a surprise to many, but the Geminids are currently richer and are brighter on average," said Anthony Cook, astronomy observer at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California.
Why the sudden illumination?
Earth is plowing deeper every year into an ancient stream of rocky debris left behind by a mysterious 3.1-mile-wide (5-kilometer-wide) object that orbits the inner solar system, he said.
When Earth's atmosphere crosses paths with that debris cloud, the rocks are superheated and burn out—and new Geminids are born.
Geminids' Mystery Parent
The Geminid meteors all appear to be chips off a mysterious rocky object called 3200 Phaethon.
Other meteor showers come from material shed by melting comets—which are massive chunks of dirty ice and rock—as they pass close to the sun. (See asteroid and comet pictures.)
But no one knows for sure whether the Geminids' parent object, first identified in 1983, is an asteroid or the core of an ancient comet that simply sputtered out.
Recent observations of Phaethon, though, suggest it's a nearly dormant comet, and the Geminids' parent is now officially classified as such by NASA.
The research revealed that Phaethon is the rocky skeleton of a comet that lost its ice after too many close encounters with the sun, according to NASA.
The shooting stars' rocky, hard exterior—as well as the fact that they, unprotected by ice, get baked by the sun—may help explain why Geminids are slower and last longer in the sky than other shooting stars, said Peter Brown, a meteor expert at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.
"They have the ability to penetrate deeper into Earth's atmosphere," Brown said, "and burn up at much lower altitudes than meteors associated with the Perseids and Leonids."
Cupertino
Had a holiday party in Cupertino last Friday evening. It was late enough that my wife and I thought it best to find a place to stay overnight. We had no real schedule to attend to, so we got a room at The Cypress, which happens to be a Kimpton Inn. We have stayed at Kimptons before. This was a nice enough hotel, but I was thrilled to find a nicely laid out Jogging Map on the desk with all the other propaganda.
So Saturday morning, though it was raining, and I did not find another vict...um I mean volunteer to run with me, I went out using the map. It had a couple two mile loops and a four and 1/2 mile loop. I did the longer one and added a bit. Ran real well through a nice neighborhood...with the proverbial tree lined boulevard. It was very flat, but a good time. Finished a little too soon and needed some more exercise time so I went into the Fitness Room at the hotel. This too was nice but typical. I sent some time on the StairMonster...low impact and since it was right after I finished my run, it took no time to get a pretty good froth going.
Anyway, not to be pimpin the Kimptons, but they seem to be nice hotels with that cute little jogging map.
So Saturday morning, though it was raining, and I did not find another vict...um I mean volunteer to run with me, I went out using the map. It had a couple two mile loops and a four and 1/2 mile loop. I did the longer one and added a bit. Ran real well through a nice neighborhood...with the proverbial tree lined boulevard. It was very flat, but a good time. Finished a little too soon and needed some more exercise time so I went into the Fitness Room at the hotel. This too was nice but typical. I sent some time on the StairMonster...low impact and since it was right after I finished my run, it took no time to get a pretty good froth going.
Anyway, not to be pimpin the Kimptons, but they seem to be nice hotels with that cute little jogging map.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Winter Running
It is winter in our 'hood now...as it is across the country. Seems it turned all at once. Running in the early mornings the last ten days has been a new and different feeling...for us here on the Central Coast, rain marks a distinct difference from the norm. But last week and early this week, the coldest temperatures we ever experience were here. I suspect that we were low 20s a couple days. On Tuesday, I smiled to myself as I was stretching at the end...I had on an extra layer, and had done a full 60 minute run plus and noticed, "Hey...I did not even break a sweat this morning." Usually I at least get a little damp, but nothing.
I have run in much colder and even drier weather. Running Steamboat Springs in the winter is mighty chilly, but this was pretty cool for our area.
Gots to keep running though.
I have run in much colder and even drier weather. Running Steamboat Springs in the winter is mighty chilly, but this was pretty cool for our area.
Gots to keep running though.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Midnight on the Old Coast Road
Last week Tom Treanor and I rode the Old Coast Road at midnight during the full moon. Not a run per se, but a great outdoor adventure and with the hills involved there indeed was some foot time. Just could not ride the whole way. The second long sustained climb got to us.
What a great and exilarating experience. As we started it was overcast and not nearly as breathtaking as last year, but we got going and rode down into the Bixby Creek Canyon and all the way up. Worked up quite a lather on the ride up, so much so, that I got cold on the long decent. Riding along we notice that we had not needed our headlights. Finally as we crest the first hill the moon starts to break through.
We climb the second hill in the moonlight and both take advantage of the chance to walk the bikes up. Too much work to crank those things up that second hill. As we get to the top I notice there is little wind over the ridge. A nice time and we get to see the stars at the crest.
The ride down starts gently down, and through several redwood groves and switchbacks. We had to take a couple almost on faith as we plunge into darkness of the trees and then pop back out into the moonlight.
We start to get some speed going down and just before we finish a giant yellow shooting stars streaks across the sky!@
"Dude...did you see that...?!?," we exclaim...and finish the ride to a wonderful Blue Moon beer.
What a great and exilarating experience. As we started it was overcast and not nearly as breathtaking as last year, but we got going and rode down into the Bixby Creek Canyon and all the way up. Worked up quite a lather on the ride up, so much so, that I got cold on the long decent. Riding along we notice that we had not needed our headlights. Finally as we crest the first hill the moon starts to break through.
We climb the second hill in the moonlight and both take advantage of the chance to walk the bikes up. Too much work to crank those things up that second hill. As we get to the top I notice there is little wind over the ridge. A nice time and we get to see the stars at the crest.
The ride down starts gently down, and through several redwood groves and switchbacks. We had to take a couple almost on faith as we plunge into darkness of the trees and then pop back out into the moonlight.
We start to get some speed going down and just before we finish a giant yellow shooting stars streaks across the sky!@
"Dude...did you see that...?!?," we exclaim...and finish the ride to a wonderful Blue Moon beer.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Las Vegas
Just spent a couple days in Vegas for a family wedding.
Surreal...is the best way to describe the whole experience.
Running Vegas is surreal magnified. Went out from the hotel, Paris, and down the backside of the strip to Paradise Blvd. the first day. By the time I came back on the strip there were a good number of other runners out. It has been a long time since I was in Vegas and to see a goodly number of others out did my heart good.
The second day out and east again but went out to the end of town, past Mandalay Bay and past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
Very weird to be behind the scenes as it were and the terrain is really just a fairly uninteresting desert.
Felt good to run regardless.
Surreal...is the best way to describe the whole experience.
Running Vegas is surreal magnified. Went out from the hotel, Paris, and down the backside of the strip to Paradise Blvd. the first day. By the time I came back on the strip there were a good number of other runners out. It has been a long time since I was in Vegas and to see a goodly number of others out did my heart good.
The second day out and east again but went out to the end of town, past Mandalay Bay and past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
Very weird to be behind the scenes as it were and the terrain is really just a fairly uninteresting desert.
Felt good to run regardless.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Born To Run
I just sent Nathan, my step son, a copy of Born To Run. My new favorite gift for anyone with the slightest interest in running.
Cool book and a real good story.
Cool book and a real good story.
Portland OR
Three days in Portland. Raining and cold of course. It must be like that always during most of the year. We were staying way up by the airport PDX so the area was not all that interesting to run in.
The first day I did manage to run all the way to the river. The mighty Columbia. Very impressive, but by the time I got there wet and cold it was time to go back.
The first day I did manage to run all the way to the river. The mighty Columbia. Very impressive, but by the time I got there wet and cold it was time to go back.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
300
Sunday was number 300 for the year. Every year I make a written goal for the number of days I want to run. This year as in recent years I set the goal at 300. Well Sunday was it. Obviously well ahead of schedule. I am thinking next year I may reset at 365...
Beaver Moon
Tuesday morning was magical. The full moon and incredibly moderate temps made for a wonderful morning run. Everything seemed to be aligned and right in the world. Come to find out that the full moons have names. That one was the Beaver Moon.
Here is the Wiki list...
Full moon names
Month
English names
Native American names
Other names used
Hindu names
Sinhala (Buddhist) names
January
Old Moon
Wolf Moon
Moon After Yule, Ice Moon
Paush Poornima
Duruthu Poya
February
Wolf Moon
Snow Moon
Hunger Moon, Storm Moon, Candles Moon
Magh Poornima
Navam Poya
March
Lenten Moon
Worm Moon
Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Chaste Moon
basanta (spring) purnima, dol purnima (holi)
Medin Poya
April
Egg Moon
Pink Moon
Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, Seed Moon, Waking Moon
Hanuman Jayanti
Bak Poya
May
Milk Moon
Flower Moon
Corn Planting Moon, Corn Moon, Hare's Moon
Buddha Poornima
Vesak Poya
June
Flower Moon
Strawberry Moon
Honey Moon, Rose Moon, Hot Moon, Planting Moon
Wat Poornima
Poson Poya
July
Hay Moon
Buck Moon
Thunder Moon, Mead Moon
Guru Poornima
Esala Poya
August
Grain Moon
Sturgeon Moon
Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Lightning Moon, Dog Moon
Narali Poornima, Raksha bandhan
Nikini Poya
September
Corn Moon
Harvest Moon
Corn Moon, Barley Moon
Bhadrapad Poornima
Binara Poya
October
Harvest Moon
Hunter's Moon
Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Blood Moon
Kojagiri or Sharad Poornima, lakshmi puja
Vap Poya
November
Hunter's Moon
Beaver Moon
Frost Moon, Snow Moon
Kartik Poornima
Il Poya
December
Oak Moon
Cold Moon
Frost Moon, Long Night's Moon, Moon Before Yule
Margashirsha Poornima
Unduvap Poya
Here is the Wiki list...
Full moon names
Month
English names
Native American names
Other names used
Hindu names
Sinhala (Buddhist) names
January
Old Moon
Wolf Moon
Moon After Yule, Ice Moon
Paush Poornima
Duruthu Poya
February
Wolf Moon
Snow Moon
Hunger Moon, Storm Moon, Candles Moon
Magh Poornima
Navam Poya
March
Lenten Moon
Worm Moon
Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Chaste Moon
basanta (spring) purnima, dol purnima (holi)
Medin Poya
April
Egg Moon
Pink Moon
Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, Seed Moon, Waking Moon
Hanuman Jayanti
Bak Poya
May
Milk Moon
Flower Moon
Corn Planting Moon, Corn Moon, Hare's Moon
Buddha Poornima
Vesak Poya
June
Flower Moon
Strawberry Moon
Honey Moon, Rose Moon, Hot Moon, Planting Moon
Wat Poornima
Poson Poya
July
Hay Moon
Buck Moon
Thunder Moon, Mead Moon
Guru Poornima
Esala Poya
August
Grain Moon
Sturgeon Moon
Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Lightning Moon, Dog Moon
Narali Poornima, Raksha bandhan
Nikini Poya
September
Corn Moon
Harvest Moon
Corn Moon, Barley Moon
Bhadrapad Poornima
Binara Poya
October
Harvest Moon
Hunter's Moon
Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Blood Moon
Kojagiri or Sharad Poornima, lakshmi puja
Vap Poya
November
Hunter's Moon
Beaver Moon
Frost Moon, Snow Moon
Kartik Poornima
Il Poya
December
Oak Moon
Cold Moon
Frost Moon, Long Night's Moon, Moon Before Yule
Margashirsha Poornima
Unduvap Poya
Fording the River
On Saturday last I was out and going for something in the ten mile range. Went down the trail to the river and ...Oh Yeah! They had taken out the footbridges for the rain season. I have had issues lately with the concept of backtracking, so I sat down and took off my shoes and socks and forded the river. It was not up too high and real pretty and cool, so no big deal. Made for and interesting start to the run. The rest was just out the Valley Road. A good 10-11.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Skunk on the Bridge
Monday morning in the dark dark I was returning across the one lane bridge and as I usually do now I flick on the light to check for my smelly little buddies. I did not see any, though the light must not have reached to the end and I head across. Much to my dismay, just about 3/4 of the way across I sense a little movement on the right hand walk. Flick on the light and sure enough, he is waddling along. His white fur seemed real dull or matted so I must not have seen him earlier. So I just walked slowly behind him.
Whew that was close.
Whew that was close.
Bushwackin'
Went for a run on Sunday looking for an annoying roster in the next canyon. I got over there and he was not crowing...so I looked for the next adventure. Demonstrating an amazing poor sense of judgement, I saw a line of telephone poles running up the hill and thought..." Ya know...if I just go up there I will get to that satellite road...and" Well I got up the line pretty well and even past it and up another meadow, but then could not find the road I was looking for. So I go around a big rock outcrop and start down a rabbit trail that soon ended. I am stuck in the brush up to my chest.
I bang away and am just struggling with it. I of course had on my shorty shorts and ankle socks and am now getting tore up but the chaparral and sage brush. Really dumb.
Finally I get to a stand of oaks and figure I am in for a Technu bath anyway, might as well brave the poison oak...and finally head down and home.
I looked like I had been in a cat fight. Really funny looking scratches all over my legs in every direction...
Cleaned em real good and they seem to be ok, but a stark reminder of my poor judgement.
I bang away and am just struggling with it. I of course had on my shorty shorts and ankle socks and am now getting tore up but the chaparral and sage brush. Really dumb.
Finally I get to a stand of oaks and figure I am in for a Technu bath anyway, might as well brave the poison oak...and finally head down and home.
I looked like I had been in a cat fight. Really funny looking scratches all over my legs in every direction...
Cleaned em real good and they seem to be ok, but a stark reminder of my poor judgement.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hootin' Owls and Shootin' Stars
Hootin' Owls and Shootin' Stars all week. Plenty dark and nice and clear so the sound travels and you can really see the stars. Saw five on Tuesday morning alone.
Good running. Trying the new mantra...Light Smooth and Easy.
Good running. Trying the new mantra...Light Smooth and Easy.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
First Rain of the Season
We got a big storm today...big for us and the first real rain of the season. I started out in a light sprinkle. The moisture made all the smells different and was a nice still and calming influence. As implied...I started out in a light sprinkle. By the time I got home it was coming down pretty hard. I got wet basically. Stretched in the rain, but was too wet for sit ups.
Nice to get the water.
Nice to get the water.
Monday, October 12, 2009
New addition
I added a nice little piece to the usual weekend trail run. A trail called Live Oak that I had not been on prior that I can remember. It was so cool and just a perfect day for running. Felt like I could go a lot longer. Autumn with all its splendor or as much splendor as we can muster here.
Some color and fewer leaves on the trees. Just pleasant.
Not a lot of people on the trails either. Almost everyone I saw was down on the lower trails and all dog walkers by and large.
Live Oak trail...a nice new little addition.
Some color and fewer leaves on the trees. Just pleasant.
Not a lot of people on the trails either. Almost everyone I saw was down on the lower trails and all dog walkers by and large.
Live Oak trail...a nice new little addition.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon was up, though waning all week. It makes for great running in the dark mornings that are now the norm in early autumn. In particular, early in the week, I got to the trail portion of the run, and though the moon is there, I still need to turn on my little buster brown flashlight...and am just down a few yards when a big night bird flies right over head. The ghostly light cast by the LED flash is just enough to make it easy to miss the rocks in the trail, but certainly not enough to make one feel completely at ease. The bird was just at the top of the cylinder of light. Big like and owl big maybe...
This morning 10.9.09 I got up to be on the road by 4:30 am just in case I could get a view of the space capsule crashing into the moon. It was all foggy so a moot point but got a nice run in.
This morning 10.9.09 I got up to be on the road by 4:30 am just in case I could get a view of the space capsule crashing into the moon. It was all foggy so a moot point but got a nice run in.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mindful Eating
We had a nice safety meeting topic the other day entitled Mindful Eating. Being more aware of the process of eating, being present in the moment while enjoy a meal, being thankful for what it takes to place that in front of one, and realizing why you are eating.
I am pretty clearly eating because I am hungry. We do eat meals and the evening meals in particular with some reason. We eat at a set table, and are thankful for what we eat.
My improvement opportunities lie in the quantity and speed with what I eat.
Be mindful of mind, body and spirit when eating. Breath deep, give thanks, lengthen and straighten the spine, and be present for every bite.
I am pretty clearly eating because I am hungry. We do eat meals and the evening meals in particular with some reason. We eat at a set table, and are thankful for what we eat.
My improvement opportunities lie in the quantity and speed with what I eat.
Be mindful of mind, body and spirit when eating. Breath deep, give thanks, lengthen and straighten the spine, and be present for every bite.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Half a Dozen Shooting Stars
What a beautiful clear morning. Dark with plenty bright stars. With a busy seven day work week in the past and a longish run yesterday I just went for a shorty this morning, but in the brief time I saw at least six shooting stars. All different directions and all different durations. Very fun.
Come On Baby Needs Some New Shoes
Got some new shoes the other day. Boy did I need them. My wife helped with a very generous gift certificate for our anniversary and I once again went to my favorite local running store, The Treadmill and got another pair of The Beast by Brooks. The size now is 11 1/2. That is bigger than it used to be. Must be a combination of age and all the miles on the roads.
So I went out for a nice road run of over eight miles. At least the shoes can stay dust free for one weekend.
The Treadmill was very helpful as always and they are great supporters of local events.
Brooks does a nice job of marketing...the box was hilarious. Comments linked to different running distances like..."5 miles...'is this entire race uphill?'" and " 13.1...I should have gone before I started..." and " around the block...'I shouldn't have stayed out so late.'" They also have some quaint remarks on the tissue lining like you hold in your hand the perfect hall of fame for your baseball cards, or the perfect organizing device.
Might have to look into Brooks more closely. Plus I just love the shoes. The guy brought them out and put the first one on and all I could say was, "Ah...I am home." They just felt so good and I obviously was in dire need of a new pair.
I generally keep three pair in rotation. The oldest has the most miles on them. I generally try to get a new pair for every marathon.
So I went out for a nice road run of over eight miles. At least the shoes can stay dust free for one weekend.
The Treadmill was very helpful as always and they are great supporters of local events.
Brooks does a nice job of marketing...the box was hilarious. Comments linked to different running distances like..."5 miles...'is this entire race uphill?'" and " 13.1...I should have gone before I started..." and " around the block...'I shouldn't have stayed out so late.'" They also have some quaint remarks on the tissue lining like you hold in your hand the perfect hall of fame for your baseball cards, or the perfect organizing device.
Might have to look into Brooks more closely. Plus I just love the shoes. The guy brought them out and put the first one on and all I could say was, "Ah...I am home." They just felt so good and I obviously was in dire need of a new pair.
I generally keep three pair in rotation. The oldest has the most miles on them. I generally try to get a new pair for every marathon.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pacific Coast Cancelled
Carmel Valley Trail Run
8 Km, 19 Km, 25 Km, & 50 Km
(Hikers welcome)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
8:30 a.m.
We regret that this event has been cancelled. The park has withdrawn all permits for running events at Garland Ranch Regional Park due to medical risks associated with potential yellow jackets/wasps.
We will be getting in touch with those of you who have registered for this event.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
We have replaced this event with Diablo
8 Km, 19 Km, 25 Km, & 50 Km
(Hikers welcome)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
8:30 a.m.
We regret that this event has been cancelled. The park has withdrawn all permits for running events at Garland Ranch Regional Park due to medical risks associated with potential yellow jackets/wasps.
We will be getting in touch with those of you who have registered for this event.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
We have replaced this event with Diablo
Dark
The last three mornings have been beautifully clear and consistently getting darker as the last of the crescent moon faded away. It was so clear all the stars are out and one can see the Milky Way. The last little fingernail of a moon is riding lower and lower in the East and bright little Venus right beside.
Really nice, but this morning the moon was gone and when I got to the trail it was really dark in there. I ran up on a large deer that was almost right in the middle of the path.
Really nice, but this morning the moon was gone and when I got to the trail it was really dark in there. I ran up on a large deer that was almost right in the middle of the path.
Monday, September 14, 2009
ROCK and RUN at the Quarry
A fun run and finished just over 50 minutes. Interesting to organize, set up a run and then participate.
Rock & Run 2009
Overall Finish List
September 13, 2009
Finish Line Productions, LLC
10K
Place
Name
City
Bib No
Age
Gender
Age Group
Time
1
Andrew Peirce
Salinas CA
172
18
M
1 15-99
36:40.9
2
Jon Erskine
Soquel CA
106
38
M
2 15-99
37:41.5
3
Richard Norman Robinson
Santa Cruz CA
134
51
M
3 15-99
41:26.1
4
Pedro Gutierrez
Salinas CA
112
58
M
4 15-99
43:34.0
5
Jason Sanchez
Watsonville CA
131
30
M
5 15-99
44:27.0
6
James McGowan
Aptos CA
182
41
M
6 15-99
44:44.1
7
Sydney Niiyama
Capitola CA
129
8
F
1 1-14
45:06.5
8
Alexandra Niiyama
Capitola CA
127
13
F
2 1-14
45:06.8
9
Aaron Johnston
Santa Cruz CA
139
33
M
7 15-99
45:15.0
10
Linda Sereno
Salinas CA
111
49
F
1 15-99
45:59.9
11
Scott Chapin
79
26
M
8 15-99
46:01.4
12
Lucia Dalle Ore
Cupertino CA
178
13
F
3 1-14
47:51.5
13
Cathy Philipovitch
Santa Cruz CA
168
41
F
2 15-99
48:01.2
14
Jim Poje
Aptos CA
142
49
M
9 15-99
48:06.9
15
Shawn Tennenbaum
Soquel CA
63
40
M
10 15-99
48:15.1
16
Erika Brand
Aptos AS
9
38
F
3 15-99
48:47.8
17
Sam Loforti
162
26
M
11 15-99
49:13.5
18
J. Armando Rubalcaba
75
60
M
12 15-99
50:06.7
19
John Cook
Aptos CA
14
50
M
13 15-99
50:41.5
20
Keith Severson
76
53
M
14 15-99
50:48.4
21
Cameron Carlisle
Aromas CA
13
15
M
15 15-99
51:16.5
22
Franz Mairhofer
San Jose CA
109
48
M
16 15-99
51:18.1
23
Margie Biccick
Aptos CA
161
50
F
4 15-99
51:41.7
24
Manuel Quiroz
Watsonville CA
167
50
M
17 15-99
52:48.1
25
Georgia Handleman
77
25
F
5 15-99
53:19.7
26
Rodney Jenny
Cupertino CA
34
46
M
18 15-99
53:32.6
27
Mystere Sapia
Salinas CA
114
47
F
6 15-99
53:41.7
28
Alex Ruiz
Aromas CA
185
10
M
1 1-14
54:52.9
29
Jayse Rinehart
Aromas CA
187
11
M
2 1-14
54:53.5
30
Shirley Gonzales
Watsonville CA
120
44
F
7 15-99
55:28.8
31
Elizabeth Ruiz
Aromas CA
184
40
F
8 15-99
56:55.1
32
Larissa Ruiz
Aromas CA
186
7
F
4 1-14
56:55.6
33
Sally McCollum
Aromas CA
123
38
F
9 15-99
57:04.8
34
Kathy Cook
Aptos CA
15
46
F
10 15-99
57:07.5
35
Terry Beers
Aromas CA
3
54
M
19 15-99
57:08.9
36
Erika Guiterrez
117
30
F
11 15-99
57:57.5
37
Katy Stonebloom
Aromas CA
197
55
F
12 15-99
58:03.4
38
Mike McKinney
Aromas CA
138
42
M
20 15-99
59:17.2
39
Karl Philipovitch
Santa Cruz CA
52
40
M
21 15-99
59:26.6
40
Tammy Perez
Aromas CA
171
31
F
13 15-99
59:47.5
41
Ann E Humphreys
La Selva Beach CA
32
50
F
14 15-99
59:51.3
42
Amy Rivas
Watsonville CA
153
41
F
15 15-99
1:01:11.0
43
Dave Tomasini
81
49
M
22 15-99
1:01:21.6
44
Jana Tomasini
82
39
F
16 15-99
1:01:21.6
45
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Aromas CA
24
37
F
17 15-99
1:01:22.2
46
Melissa Beers
Aromas CA
2
43
F
18 15-99
1:01:23.2
47
Andrea Harrington
Hollister CA
26
26
F
19 15-99
1:02:09.0
48
Dora Moreno
Hollister CA
149
43
F
20 15-99
1:02:22.5
49
Lindsay Hurley
Watsonville CA
122
28
F
21 15-99
1:03:50.8
50
Steve Snodgrass
Watsonville
169
54
M
23 15-99
1:04:17.4
51
Terese Bonesio
Gilroy CA
8
40
F
22 15-99
1:04:22.9
52
Cybele Candau
Aptos CA
166
39
F
23 15-99
1:04:50.2
53
Cynthia Castro
Capitola CA
163
43
F
24 15-99
1:04:50.5
54
Cori McLaughry
Oakland CA
165
36
F
25 15-99
1:05:12.3
55
Tracy Inkles
Santa Cruz CA
164
38
F
26 15-99
1:05:28.1
56
Rey Mendoza
Aromas CA
189
19
M
24 15-99
1:09:47.9
57
Jay Thomas
Aptos CA
64
59
M
25 15-99
1:10:31.3
58
Neal Coonerty
Santa Cruz CA
16
63
M
26 15-99
1:10:37.3
59
Dave Dierking
Boulder Creek CA
18
48
M
27 15-99
1:20:06.0
60
Denise Wostowicz
Aptos CA
124
54
F
27 15-99
1:25:33.0
5K
Place
Name
City
Bib No
Age
Gender
Age Group
Time
1
Stephen Hart
Watsonville CA
119
16
M
1 15-99
21:04.0
2
Charles Pierce
Salinas CA
152
51
M
2 15-99
22:21.0
3
Carlton Oler
Hollister CA
45
52
M
3 15-99
22:41.2
4
Jeff Arnett
Santa Cruz CA
141
60
M
4 15-99
23:31.8
5
Diane Phariss
Watsonville CA
155
50
F
1 15-99
23:49.0
6
Alex Samuels
Aromas CA
148
13
M
1 1-14
24:05.5
7
Sam Jimenez
Aromas CA
201
12
M
2 1-14
24:30.6
8
Moises Kristich
Gilroy CA
121
14
M
3 1-14
24:45.9
9
Valerie Perez
Aromas CA
170
12
F
1 1-14
27:05.6
10
Matthew Robinson
Santa Cruz CA
135
11
M
4 1-14
27:22.9
11
Kyle Henn
Watsonville
158
10
M
5 1-14
27:49.7
12
Robin Mills
San Jose CA
159
58
F
2 15-99
28:03.7
13
Katlin Johnson
200
30
F
3 15-99
28:14.0
14
Steve Duke
Aptos CA
22
36
M
5 15-99
28:50.6
15
Zachary Tomasini
Aromas CA
160
12
M
6 1-14
28:57.1
16
Charlee Tomasini
99
11
F
2 1-14
29:13.6
17
Erika Eberhardt
93
11
F
3 1-14
29:17.6
18
Sean Covington
Aromas CA
136
31
M
6 15-99
29:18.5
19
Matthew Blackmun
Soquel CA
147
10
M
7 1-14
29:21.6
20
Alli Blackmun
Soquel CA
146
8
F
4 1-14
29:49.3
21
Debby Henn
Watsonville
157
40
F
4 15-99
30:21.9
22
Holl-Lee Huffman
Aromas CA
30
22
F
5 15-99
30:27.7
23
Bernd Heubner
Santa Clara CA
110
42
M
7 15-99
30:35.4
24
Nancy Jane Stevens-Brown
Soquel CA
61
61
F
6 15-99
30:42.8
25
Rachel Lau
San Jose CA
108
41
F
7 15-99
30:43.8
26
Cheryl Vessey
Soquel CA
65
61
F
8 15-99
31:12.4
27
Marcia Parsons
Salinas CA
49
64
F
9 15-99
32:06.9
28
Michelle Brown
Aptos CA
10
59
F
10 15-99
32:48.7
29
Michelle Kjellesvig
Gilroy CA
35
33
F
11 15-99
33:38.6
30
Mary Hart
Watsonville CA
118
49
F
12 15-99
34:49.3
31
Mike Null
Salinas CA
44
13
M
8 1-14
35:10.8
32
Caiteyn Covington
100
11
F
5 1-14
35:47.7
33
Heather Pappas
Gilroy CA
48
35
F
13 15-99
35:47.8
34
Kyle Niiyama
Capitola CA
128
10
M
9 1-14
35:55.0
35
Dante Stowbunenko
98
11
M
10 1-14
36:42.0
36
Jarret Deamaral
Aromas CA
176
11
M
11 1-14
36:44.1
37
Brandy Montagna
Hollister CA
41
34
F
14 15-99
36:48.2
38
Kendra A Fortino
Gilroy CA
23
32
F
15 15-99
36:48.2
39
Susan J Paulsen
Hollister CA
50
37
F
16 15-99
37:20.2
40
Melissa Bennett
Gilroy CA
4
38
F
17 15-99
37:27.6
41
Julie Regallo
Gilroy CA
57
35
F
18 15-99
37:27.7
42
Christine Erskine
Soquel CA
107
38
F
19 15-99
38:14.2
43
Christie Wilcox
Gilroy CA
68
24
F
20 15-99
39:03.7
44
Heidi Ramirez
Watsonville CA
156
41
F
21 15-99
39:12.3
45
Aryanna Buttrey
Watsonville CA
194
11
F
6 1-14
39:26.8
46
Kristen Kelly
Watsonville CA
195
38
F
22 15-99
39:28.1
47
Karen Riechers
Aromas CA
59
27
F
23 15-99
39:31.5
48
Stacy Beard
74
38
F
24 15-99
40:28.0
49
Raquel Mendoza
Aromas CA
188
32
F
25 15-99
40:30.6
50
Jason Hoving
Aromas CA
198
37
M
8 15-99
41:03.7
51
Brendan Hoving
Aromas CA
175
11
F
7 1-14
41:03.9
52
David Delfino
17
58
M
9 15-99
41:41.0
53
Leti Contreras
116
33
F
26 15-99
41:49.7
54
Leah Hernikl
Aptos CA
28
56
F
27 15-99
42:29.4
55
Jennifer Lucido
Hollister CA
38
40
F
28 15-99
44:44.8
56
Marcos Vazques
Salinas CA
113
26
M
10 15-99
45:58.9
57
Gabe Millican
Monterey CA
39
26
M
11 15-99
47:05.3
58
Jennifer Millican
Monterey CA
40
26
F
29 15-99
47:05.8
59
Merrall Madzen
Aromas CA
196
8
M
12 1-14
47:13.6
60
Charlene Merrell
80
47
F
30 15-99
47:17.0
61
Emily Frick
72
7
F
8 1-14
48:22.2
62
Cathy Reichers
115
54
F
31 15-99
48:46.6
63
Evan Reade
Aptos CA
54
7
M
13 1-14
48:47.2
64
Matt Reade
Aptos CA
56
41
M
12 15-99
48:55.2
65
Colleen Fisher
Aromas CA
150
0
F
1 0- 0
49:20.3
66
Andrea Mendoza
Aromas CA
190
0
F
2 0- 0
49:35.9
67
John Puje
Aptos CA
140
20
M
13 15-99
49:36.7
68
Corin Sutton
Hollister CA
62
29
F
32 15-99
49:47.2
69
Wendy Abercrombie
Hollister CA
1
33
F
33 15-99
49:47.6
70
Patty Huffman
Aromas CA
31
54
F
34 15-99
50:59.5
71
Robert Hoffman
Monterey CA
29
0
M
1 0- 0
51:09.1
72
John Biddick
Aptos CA
5
55
M
14 15-99
52:34.8
73
Christine Vanderbundt
Santa Cruz CA
125
0
F
3 0- 0
53:08.2
74
Kim Dawes
Aromas CA
151
46
F
35 15-99
53:18.5
75
Lon Eberhardt
88
43
M
15 15-99
53:18.7
76
Amy Neff
Hollister CA
143
33
F
36 15-99
53:47.8
77
Nicole Duke
Aptos CA
20
33
F
37 15-99
55:12.3
78
Nina Duke
Aptos CA
21
3
F
9 1-14
55:12.3
79
Luiz Munoz
Aromas CA
199
8
F
10 1-14
55:32.8
80
Skylar Tomasini
92
6
M
14 1-14
55:36.2
81
Amy Power
Santa Cruz CA
132
0
F
4 0- 0
55:40.3
82
Eleanor Deamaral
Aromas CA
177
9
F
11 1-14
55:55.1
83
Laurie Niiyama
Capitola CA
126
43
F
38 15-99
56:41.0
84
Laura Blackmun
Soquel CA
145
41
F
39 15-99
56:41.3
85
Charlotte Keldson
Watsonville CA
191
51
F
40 15-99
56:57.7
86
Cindy Lerma
Aromas CA
193
52
F
41 15-99
56:59.1
87
Jason Blackmun
Soquel CA
144
37
M
16 15-99
58:29.5
88
Brad Riechers
Aromas CA
58
29
M
17 15-99
58:30.3
89
Ross Niiyama
Capitola CA
130
46
M
18 15-99
58:31.5
90
Sophia Elizalade
Royal Oaks CA
173
8
F
12 1-14
58:54.4
91
Stephanie Elzalde
Royal Oaks CA
174
35
F
42 15-99
58:55.2
92
Mary McGowan
Aptos CA
183
37
F
43 15-99
59:36.9
93
Cara Vanderford
89
39
F
44 15-99
59:42.6
94
Vera Roper
71
33
F
45 15-99
1:00:02.1
95
Lance Null
Salinas CA
43
41
M
19 15-99
1:00:05.0
96
Samantha Vanderford
91
8
F
13 1-14
1:00:20.7
97
Larry Vanderford
90
43
M
20 15-99
1:00:21.1
98
Michelle Jenny
Cupertino CA
179
47
F
46 15-99
1:00:31.4
99
Ruth Angulo
Aromas CA
154
59
F
47 15-99
1:01:15.5
100
Brenda Mahler
Aromas CA
192
55
F
48 15-99
1:01:34.9
Place
Name
City
Bib No
Age
Gender
Age Group
Time
101
Rob McEwan
Royal Oaks CA
137
54
M
21 15-99
1:01:57.9
102
Nancy Quintero Perez
Salinas CA
53
29
M
22 15-99
1:03:32.6
103
Susan Vinsky
La Selva Beach CA
133
0
F
5 0- 0
1:04:20.3
104
Suzanne Johnson
84
55
F
49 15-99
1:16:47.8
Rock & Run 2009
Overall Finish List
September 13, 2009
Finish Line Productions, LLC
10K
Place
Name
City
Bib No
Age
Gender
Age Group
Time
1
Andrew Peirce
Salinas CA
172
18
M
1 15-99
36:40.9
2
Jon Erskine
Soquel CA
106
38
M
2 15-99
37:41.5
3
Richard Norman Robinson
Santa Cruz CA
134
51
M
3 15-99
41:26.1
4
Pedro Gutierrez
Salinas CA
112
58
M
4 15-99
43:34.0
5
Jason Sanchez
Watsonville CA
131
30
M
5 15-99
44:27.0
6
James McGowan
Aptos CA
182
41
M
6 15-99
44:44.1
7
Sydney Niiyama
Capitola CA
129
8
F
1 1-14
45:06.5
8
Alexandra Niiyama
Capitola CA
127
13
F
2 1-14
45:06.8
9
Aaron Johnston
Santa Cruz CA
139
33
M
7 15-99
45:15.0
10
Linda Sereno
Salinas CA
111
49
F
1 15-99
45:59.9
11
Scott Chapin
79
26
M
8 15-99
46:01.4
12
Lucia Dalle Ore
Cupertino CA
178
13
F
3 1-14
47:51.5
13
Cathy Philipovitch
Santa Cruz CA
168
41
F
2 15-99
48:01.2
14
Jim Poje
Aptos CA
142
49
M
9 15-99
48:06.9
15
Shawn Tennenbaum
Soquel CA
63
40
M
10 15-99
48:15.1
16
Erika Brand
Aptos AS
9
38
F
3 15-99
48:47.8
17
Sam Loforti
162
26
M
11 15-99
49:13.5
18
J. Armando Rubalcaba
75
60
M
12 15-99
50:06.7
19
John Cook
Aptos CA
14
50
M
13 15-99
50:41.5
20
Keith Severson
76
53
M
14 15-99
50:48.4
21
Cameron Carlisle
Aromas CA
13
15
M
15 15-99
51:16.5
22
Franz Mairhofer
San Jose CA
109
48
M
16 15-99
51:18.1
23
Margie Biccick
Aptos CA
161
50
F
4 15-99
51:41.7
24
Manuel Quiroz
Watsonville CA
167
50
M
17 15-99
52:48.1
25
Georgia Handleman
77
25
F
5 15-99
53:19.7
26
Rodney Jenny
Cupertino CA
34
46
M
18 15-99
53:32.6
27
Mystere Sapia
Salinas CA
114
47
F
6 15-99
53:41.7
28
Alex Ruiz
Aromas CA
185
10
M
1 1-14
54:52.9
29
Jayse Rinehart
Aromas CA
187
11
M
2 1-14
54:53.5
30
Shirley Gonzales
Watsonville CA
120
44
F
7 15-99
55:28.8
31
Elizabeth Ruiz
Aromas CA
184
40
F
8 15-99
56:55.1
32
Larissa Ruiz
Aromas CA
186
7
F
4 1-14
56:55.6
33
Sally McCollum
Aromas CA
123
38
F
9 15-99
57:04.8
34
Kathy Cook
Aptos CA
15
46
F
10 15-99
57:07.5
35
Terry Beers
Aromas CA
3
54
M
19 15-99
57:08.9
36
Erika Guiterrez
117
30
F
11 15-99
57:57.5
37
Katy Stonebloom
Aromas CA
197
55
F
12 15-99
58:03.4
38
Mike McKinney
Aromas CA
138
42
M
20 15-99
59:17.2
39
Karl Philipovitch
Santa Cruz CA
52
40
M
21 15-99
59:26.6
40
Tammy Perez
Aromas CA
171
31
F
13 15-99
59:47.5
41
Ann E Humphreys
La Selva Beach CA
32
50
F
14 15-99
59:51.3
42
Amy Rivas
Watsonville CA
153
41
F
15 15-99
1:01:11.0
43
Dave Tomasini
81
49
M
22 15-99
1:01:21.6
44
Jana Tomasini
82
39
F
16 15-99
1:01:21.6
45
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Aromas CA
24
37
F
17 15-99
1:01:22.2
46
Melissa Beers
Aromas CA
2
43
F
18 15-99
1:01:23.2
47
Andrea Harrington
Hollister CA
26
26
F
19 15-99
1:02:09.0
48
Dora Moreno
Hollister CA
149
43
F
20 15-99
1:02:22.5
49
Lindsay Hurley
Watsonville CA
122
28
F
21 15-99
1:03:50.8
50
Steve Snodgrass
Watsonville
169
54
M
23 15-99
1:04:17.4
51
Terese Bonesio
Gilroy CA
8
40
F
22 15-99
1:04:22.9
52
Cybele Candau
Aptos CA
166
39
F
23 15-99
1:04:50.2
53
Cynthia Castro
Capitola CA
163
43
F
24 15-99
1:04:50.5
54
Cori McLaughry
Oakland CA
165
36
F
25 15-99
1:05:12.3
55
Tracy Inkles
Santa Cruz CA
164
38
F
26 15-99
1:05:28.1
56
Rey Mendoza
Aromas CA
189
19
M
24 15-99
1:09:47.9
57
Jay Thomas
Aptos CA
64
59
M
25 15-99
1:10:31.3
58
Neal Coonerty
Santa Cruz CA
16
63
M
26 15-99
1:10:37.3
59
Dave Dierking
Boulder Creek CA
18
48
M
27 15-99
1:20:06.0
60
Denise Wostowicz
Aptos CA
124
54
F
27 15-99
1:25:33.0
5K
Place
Name
City
Bib No
Age
Gender
Age Group
Time
1
Stephen Hart
Watsonville CA
119
16
M
1 15-99
21:04.0
2
Charles Pierce
Salinas CA
152
51
M
2 15-99
22:21.0
3
Carlton Oler
Hollister CA
45
52
M
3 15-99
22:41.2
4
Jeff Arnett
Santa Cruz CA
141
60
M
4 15-99
23:31.8
5
Diane Phariss
Watsonville CA
155
50
F
1 15-99
23:49.0
6
Alex Samuels
Aromas CA
148
13
M
1 1-14
24:05.5
7
Sam Jimenez
Aromas CA
201
12
M
2 1-14
24:30.6
8
Moises Kristich
Gilroy CA
121
14
M
3 1-14
24:45.9
9
Valerie Perez
Aromas CA
170
12
F
1 1-14
27:05.6
10
Matthew Robinson
Santa Cruz CA
135
11
M
4 1-14
27:22.9
11
Kyle Henn
Watsonville
158
10
M
5 1-14
27:49.7
12
Robin Mills
San Jose CA
159
58
F
2 15-99
28:03.7
13
Katlin Johnson
200
30
F
3 15-99
28:14.0
14
Steve Duke
Aptos CA
22
36
M
5 15-99
28:50.6
15
Zachary Tomasini
Aromas CA
160
12
M
6 1-14
28:57.1
16
Charlee Tomasini
99
11
F
2 1-14
29:13.6
17
Erika Eberhardt
93
11
F
3 1-14
29:17.6
18
Sean Covington
Aromas CA
136
31
M
6 15-99
29:18.5
19
Matthew Blackmun
Soquel CA
147
10
M
7 1-14
29:21.6
20
Alli Blackmun
Soquel CA
146
8
F
4 1-14
29:49.3
21
Debby Henn
Watsonville
157
40
F
4 15-99
30:21.9
22
Holl-Lee Huffman
Aromas CA
30
22
F
5 15-99
30:27.7
23
Bernd Heubner
Santa Clara CA
110
42
M
7 15-99
30:35.4
24
Nancy Jane Stevens-Brown
Soquel CA
61
61
F
6 15-99
30:42.8
25
Rachel Lau
San Jose CA
108
41
F
7 15-99
30:43.8
26
Cheryl Vessey
Soquel CA
65
61
F
8 15-99
31:12.4
27
Marcia Parsons
Salinas CA
49
64
F
9 15-99
32:06.9
28
Michelle Brown
Aptos CA
10
59
F
10 15-99
32:48.7
29
Michelle Kjellesvig
Gilroy CA
35
33
F
11 15-99
33:38.6
30
Mary Hart
Watsonville CA
118
49
F
12 15-99
34:49.3
31
Mike Null
Salinas CA
44
13
M
8 1-14
35:10.8
32
Caiteyn Covington
100
11
F
5 1-14
35:47.7
33
Heather Pappas
Gilroy CA
48
35
F
13 15-99
35:47.8
34
Kyle Niiyama
Capitola CA
128
10
M
9 1-14
35:55.0
35
Dante Stowbunenko
98
11
M
10 1-14
36:42.0
36
Jarret Deamaral
Aromas CA
176
11
M
11 1-14
36:44.1
37
Brandy Montagna
Hollister CA
41
34
F
14 15-99
36:48.2
38
Kendra A Fortino
Gilroy CA
23
32
F
15 15-99
36:48.2
39
Susan J Paulsen
Hollister CA
50
37
F
16 15-99
37:20.2
40
Melissa Bennett
Gilroy CA
4
38
F
17 15-99
37:27.6
41
Julie Regallo
Gilroy CA
57
35
F
18 15-99
37:27.7
42
Christine Erskine
Soquel CA
107
38
F
19 15-99
38:14.2
43
Christie Wilcox
Gilroy CA
68
24
F
20 15-99
39:03.7
44
Heidi Ramirez
Watsonville CA
156
41
F
21 15-99
39:12.3
45
Aryanna Buttrey
Watsonville CA
194
11
F
6 1-14
39:26.8
46
Kristen Kelly
Watsonville CA
195
38
F
22 15-99
39:28.1
47
Karen Riechers
Aromas CA
59
27
F
23 15-99
39:31.5
48
Stacy Beard
74
38
F
24 15-99
40:28.0
49
Raquel Mendoza
Aromas CA
188
32
F
25 15-99
40:30.6
50
Jason Hoving
Aromas CA
198
37
M
8 15-99
41:03.7
51
Brendan Hoving
Aromas CA
175
11
F
7 1-14
41:03.9
52
David Delfino
17
58
M
9 15-99
41:41.0
53
Leti Contreras
116
33
F
26 15-99
41:49.7
54
Leah Hernikl
Aptos CA
28
56
F
27 15-99
42:29.4
55
Jennifer Lucido
Hollister CA
38
40
F
28 15-99
44:44.8
56
Marcos Vazques
Salinas CA
113
26
M
10 15-99
45:58.9
57
Gabe Millican
Monterey CA
39
26
M
11 15-99
47:05.3
58
Jennifer Millican
Monterey CA
40
26
F
29 15-99
47:05.8
59
Merrall Madzen
Aromas CA
196
8
M
12 1-14
47:13.6
60
Charlene Merrell
80
47
F
30 15-99
47:17.0
61
Emily Frick
72
7
F
8 1-14
48:22.2
62
Cathy Reichers
115
54
F
31 15-99
48:46.6
63
Evan Reade
Aptos CA
54
7
M
13 1-14
48:47.2
64
Matt Reade
Aptos CA
56
41
M
12 15-99
48:55.2
65
Colleen Fisher
Aromas CA
150
0
F
1 0- 0
49:20.3
66
Andrea Mendoza
Aromas CA
190
0
F
2 0- 0
49:35.9
67
John Puje
Aptos CA
140
20
M
13 15-99
49:36.7
68
Corin Sutton
Hollister CA
62
29
F
32 15-99
49:47.2
69
Wendy Abercrombie
Hollister CA
1
33
F
33 15-99
49:47.6
70
Patty Huffman
Aromas CA
31
54
F
34 15-99
50:59.5
71
Robert Hoffman
Monterey CA
29
0
M
1 0- 0
51:09.1
72
John Biddick
Aptos CA
5
55
M
14 15-99
52:34.8
73
Christine Vanderbundt
Santa Cruz CA
125
0
F
3 0- 0
53:08.2
74
Kim Dawes
Aromas CA
151
46
F
35 15-99
53:18.5
75
Lon Eberhardt
88
43
M
15 15-99
53:18.7
76
Amy Neff
Hollister CA
143
33
F
36 15-99
53:47.8
77
Nicole Duke
Aptos CA
20
33
F
37 15-99
55:12.3
78
Nina Duke
Aptos CA
21
3
F
9 1-14
55:12.3
79
Luiz Munoz
Aromas CA
199
8
F
10 1-14
55:32.8
80
Skylar Tomasini
92
6
M
14 1-14
55:36.2
81
Amy Power
Santa Cruz CA
132
0
F
4 0- 0
55:40.3
82
Eleanor Deamaral
Aromas CA
177
9
F
11 1-14
55:55.1
83
Laurie Niiyama
Capitola CA
126
43
F
38 15-99
56:41.0
84
Laura Blackmun
Soquel CA
145
41
F
39 15-99
56:41.3
85
Charlotte Keldson
Watsonville CA
191
51
F
40 15-99
56:57.7
86
Cindy Lerma
Aromas CA
193
52
F
41 15-99
56:59.1
87
Jason Blackmun
Soquel CA
144
37
M
16 15-99
58:29.5
88
Brad Riechers
Aromas CA
58
29
M
17 15-99
58:30.3
89
Ross Niiyama
Capitola CA
130
46
M
18 15-99
58:31.5
90
Sophia Elizalade
Royal Oaks CA
173
8
F
12 1-14
58:54.4
91
Stephanie Elzalde
Royal Oaks CA
174
35
F
42 15-99
58:55.2
92
Mary McGowan
Aptos CA
183
37
F
43 15-99
59:36.9
93
Cara Vanderford
89
39
F
44 15-99
59:42.6
94
Vera Roper
71
33
F
45 15-99
1:00:02.1
95
Lance Null
Salinas CA
43
41
M
19 15-99
1:00:05.0
96
Samantha Vanderford
91
8
F
13 1-14
1:00:20.7
97
Larry Vanderford
90
43
M
20 15-99
1:00:21.1
98
Michelle Jenny
Cupertino CA
179
47
F
46 15-99
1:00:31.4
99
Ruth Angulo
Aromas CA
154
59
F
47 15-99
1:01:15.5
100
Brenda Mahler
Aromas CA
192
55
F
48 15-99
1:01:34.9
Place
Name
City
Bib No
Age
Gender
Age Group
Time
101
Rob McEwan
Royal Oaks CA
137
54
M
21 15-99
1:01:57.9
102
Nancy Quintero Perez
Salinas CA
53
29
M
22 15-99
1:03:32.6
103
Susan Vinsky
La Selva Beach CA
133
0
F
5 0- 0
1:04:20.3
104
Suzanne Johnson
84
55
F
49 15-99
1:16:47.8
Friday, September 11, 2009
Yeah...what they said.
Donald Buraglio & Mike Dove: Finding the Fountain of Youth
Donald Buraglio & Mike Dove Running Life
Updated: 09/10/2009 09:06:12 AM PDT
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Any runner will tell you that age is just a number. Our local running club has about two dozen members who are in their seventies, many of whom can keep up with the youngsters. The younger runners don't see this as unusual at all; they know that age doesn't matter if someone can keep the pace.
Legendary Bay Area runner Jack Kirk ran the fabled Dipsea race in Marin County a record 67 times, up to his most recent finish at age 95. The race starts with a climb up 700 stairs — equivalent to the height of a fifty-story building — before rambling up and down mountainous trails and treacherous terrain for over 7 miles. Kirk once famously said, "You don't stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running."
The Tarahumara Indians in the desolate Copper Canyons of the Mexican Sierra Madres are folk heroes of distance running. They reside in caves and adobe huts separated by great distances, and their only means of transportation is running on narrow footpaths up and down the steep canyons. Running is part of their culture, as kids play games where they run up to 100 miles at a time. Amazingly, their civilization knows no heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, depression, or hypertension. Furthermore, many of their best runners are 50 to 60 years old.
The lesson from these stories is this: if you want to be healthy and productive in your golden years, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get running. It's like sipping from
Advertisement
yld_mgr.place_ad_here("adPosBox");
a fountain of youth.
Our local "older" runners are a great example of this. They make running a daily activity. Instead of talking about ailments and medications, they talk about their next race or next vacation. Many of them are among the fastest seventy plus runners in the country. In fact, four of them will be attempting to break a world record later in the year.
The world record for an age 70-and-over, 4x1500m relay (yes, they keep track of such things) is 27 minutes, 50.22 seconds. This works out to a 6:57.5 minute pace for each mile — and our local runners Rod MacKinlay, Jim Allen, Doug Shankle, and Jay Cook have a real shot at taking the record down. Rod turned 70 on Sept. 1 and has run a 6:20 mile in a recent workout. The four of them will be setting up a certified attempt in December when Jay Cook turns seventy. We wish them luck and will follow their training progress closely.
Our outstanding local septuagenarians aren't confined to the track, however. Phil Short, who took up distance running at age 60, does about 15 marathons per year, and plans on making his 200th marathon finish at next April's Big Sur Marathon. Gloria Dake is 76 and has run every one of Big Sur's 24 previous marathons. Next year will be Gloria's 25th.
In addition to being great mentors to their younger training partners, all of these great older runners are perfect examples of how the benefits of running are available at any age. Even if you're in your fifties, sixties, or seventies, it's never too late to start! The fountain of youth is right before you; feel free to take a sip.
Email and archives at www.montereyrunninglife.com.
Donald Buraglio & Mike Dove Running Life
Updated: 09/10/2009 09:06:12 AM PDT
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Any runner will tell you that age is just a number. Our local running club has about two dozen members who are in their seventies, many of whom can keep up with the youngsters. The younger runners don't see this as unusual at all; they know that age doesn't matter if someone can keep the pace.
Legendary Bay Area runner Jack Kirk ran the fabled Dipsea race in Marin County a record 67 times, up to his most recent finish at age 95. The race starts with a climb up 700 stairs — equivalent to the height of a fifty-story building — before rambling up and down mountainous trails and treacherous terrain for over 7 miles. Kirk once famously said, "You don't stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running."
The Tarahumara Indians in the desolate Copper Canyons of the Mexican Sierra Madres are folk heroes of distance running. They reside in caves and adobe huts separated by great distances, and their only means of transportation is running on narrow footpaths up and down the steep canyons. Running is part of their culture, as kids play games where they run up to 100 miles at a time. Amazingly, their civilization knows no heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, depression, or hypertension. Furthermore, many of their best runners are 50 to 60 years old.
The lesson from these stories is this: if you want to be healthy and productive in your golden years, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get running. It's like sipping from
Advertisement
yld_mgr.place_ad_here("adPosBox");
a fountain of youth.
Our local "older" runners are a great example of this. They make running a daily activity. Instead of talking about ailments and medications, they talk about their next race or next vacation. Many of them are among the fastest seventy plus runners in the country. In fact, four of them will be attempting to break a world record later in the year.
The world record for an age 70-and-over, 4x1500m relay (yes, they keep track of such things) is 27 minutes, 50.22 seconds. This works out to a 6:57.5 minute pace for each mile — and our local runners Rod MacKinlay, Jim Allen, Doug Shankle, and Jay Cook have a real shot at taking the record down. Rod turned 70 on Sept. 1 and has run a 6:20 mile in a recent workout. The four of them will be setting up a certified attempt in December when Jay Cook turns seventy. We wish them luck and will follow their training progress closely.
Our outstanding local septuagenarians aren't confined to the track, however. Phil Short, who took up distance running at age 60, does about 15 marathons per year, and plans on making his 200th marathon finish at next April's Big Sur Marathon. Gloria Dake is 76 and has run every one of Big Sur's 24 previous marathons. Next year will be Gloria's 25th.
In addition to being great mentors to their younger training partners, all of these great older runners are perfect examples of how the benefits of running are available at any age. Even if you're in your fifties, sixties, or seventies, it's never too late to start! The fountain of youth is right before you; feel free to take a sip.
Email and archives at www.montereyrunninglife.com.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Turkey Vultures
Sunday morning I was out after coffee and paper with my love.
Beautiful late summer morning. I am going on a fairly flat road run on a course I have not run in a while. As I head out I notice in the clear blue sky a beautiful formation of a half dozen large birds circling well above. No I am not running so slow they think that it is something dead. They make a pretty sight, but I know they are Turkey Vultures...not the prettiest thing ever created. I run along for a while and get up on a road that winds through the foothills. As I come up to a fairly open meadow that is fenced, there are 6-8 of the same kind of Vultures, that have not taken wing yet this morning. They are each on a separate fence post. Many just soaking up the warm rays of the sun. One has his wings spread and is really sunning himself. I am below them and stealthy enough as to not disrupt what must be a real nice way to warm up in the morning.
They are big, and are very efficient when on the wing...just circling and floating--riding the thermals. But man they are ugly up close.
Beautiful late summer morning. I am going on a fairly flat road run on a course I have not run in a while. As I head out I notice in the clear blue sky a beautiful formation of a half dozen large birds circling well above. No I am not running so slow they think that it is something dead. They make a pretty sight, but I know they are Turkey Vultures...not the prettiest thing ever created. I run along for a while and get up on a road that winds through the foothills. As I come up to a fairly open meadow that is fenced, there are 6-8 of the same kind of Vultures, that have not taken wing yet this morning. They are each on a separate fence post. Many just soaking up the warm rays of the sun. One has his wings spread and is really sunning himself. I am below them and stealthy enough as to not disrupt what must be a real nice way to warm up in the morning.
They are big, and are very efficient when on the wing...just circling and floating--riding the thermals. But man they are ugly up close.
You're in Mountain Lion Country
Went out for a quiet little Saturday jog and headed down to the River Trail. That is the M-F trail I run a bit of in the dark. Well Saturday morning was around nine am and a sunny beautiful day. As I enter the park trail I notice some new signs and they warn of a Lion sighting at the entrance to the Trail and Saddle Club. Yup...I just as I had seen him...or one there have been other sightings. Unfortunately right where I run. The quote at the bottom of the note said "You're in Mountain Lion Country."
Just a little something to think about running in the dark next time.
Just a little something to think about running in the dark next time.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
It's a gusher
Oh the things you see...when running early in the morning. I head out the other day at O'dark thirty and just at the next door neighbor's drive is a water main leak. That is bad news in the area we live. Water is a ever more precious commodity.
I was just doing a short run so when out and around and came back. I figured I had better call it in. It was interesting to see where the water went. Down the gutter yeah...of course, but it split on the top of the grade and part of it went out around and returned to the street on the other side. It was a very interesting drainage pattern, but you had to be there to appreciate it.
At any rate, finally got the water company, and they fixed that one. By the time I got home they had another one just twenty paces away. Our water main is old...obviously... and they keep patching it.
I was just doing a short run so when out and around and came back. I figured I had better call it in. It was interesting to see where the water went. Down the gutter yeah...of course, but it split on the top of the grade and part of it went out around and returned to the street on the other side. It was a very interesting drainage pattern, but you had to be there to appreciate it.
At any rate, finally got the water company, and they fixed that one. By the time I got home they had another one just twenty paces away. Our water main is old...obviously... and they keep patching it.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dipsea
The Dipsea is an incredibly unique running experience. Because I had run to the top of Mt. Tam on a very rocky surface the day prior, I was not going to do the entire Dipsea, but it was a fun run non the less. From the base in the city of Mill Valley the Dipsea is a series of thousands of stair steps up and then over the top of the ridge and eventually to the ocean.
I was a little tired so only did the first flight of 250 steps.
Good work out... way better than a Stair Monster.
I was a little tired so only did the first flight of 250 steps.
Good work out... way better than a Stair Monster.
Mount Tamalpis
The next day was in Mill Valley. Up at the end of town is a beautiful redwood valley that holds Mill Creek. The creek was still running this late in the year and the shade was a delight to start the run. I finish with a steep and rugged trail up to a fire road. Am running along and thinking how far I was going to go. I had not intended to go to the top. I have been there before. But as time past and I saw the sign that said 2.6 miles to the top I thought what the heck and went for it.
The fire road up to the top of Mt. Tam is very rocky. The rocks are sharp and angular so the foot fall seems is never flat.
At on turn where the Weaver Trial is there is a 270 degree view from the ocean with tankers to the Golden Gate, to the City, to the Richmond Bridge. Not a cloud in the sky and no fog so my oh my what a sight!
Get all the way to the top and after some water, fly down as best I can on the rocky terrain.
Beautiful and big run.
The fire road up to the top of Mt. Tam is very rocky. The rocks are sharp and angular so the foot fall seems is never flat.
At on turn where the Weaver Trial is there is a 270 degree view from the ocean with tankers to the Golden Gate, to the City, to the Richmond Bridge. Not a cloud in the sky and no fog so my oh my what a sight!
Get all the way to the top and after some water, fly down as best I can on the rocky terrain.
Beautiful and big run.
San Francisco
Took a little vacation and went to SF and Mill Valley. Got to stay in a new part of San Francisco for me anyway...Pacific Heights. Right on the top of Pacific and Broderick. Just had time for about an hour and so I head down first thing toward the Marina District. This is the most incredible downhill ever. Remember the Streets of San Francisco...well this was one of them. Steep steep downhill, but through a very nice area. Homes were all stately and well kept. It was a very foggy morning in the City...go figure...but the sun shining through light a Monet painting. Got to the Marina and there were a bunch of runners there. It was nice to see so many healthy people out and what a great place to be. Much nicer running environment than down in the Union Square area.
Turned and head home and oh yeah...that giant hill I went down...I need to go up. I knew it and had circled around a bit to make it less daunting, but still a good stout hill to finish.
Nice SF run.
Turned and head home and oh yeah...that giant hill I went down...I need to go up. I knew it and had circled around a bit to make it less daunting, but still a good stout hill to finish.
Nice SF run.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Four Canyons
Sunday was less of an event after the sighting of the big cat on Saturday. I went into the park to start training for the upcoming Pacific Coast trail run.
There were a lot of people of all sorts in the park and on the trails. I saw hikers, dog walkers, people on horseback, runners, and even the neighbors Bill and Priscilla walking their dog and with some friends.
It may be the end of summer and everyone trying to get one more good day in, or maybe just a pleasant Sunday, begging for some outdoor activity.
I ran up Garzas and Oakview Terrace, (1), the trail that was taken away from the Fiesta Run, and then down Redwood Canyon, (2), up the switchbacks of Garzas Canyon (3), and on to the Mesa, and then up Crest and down Maple Canyon (4). Felt pretty good but could not run the whole way up the switchbacks...more training needed.
There were a lot of people of all sorts in the park and on the trails. I saw hikers, dog walkers, people on horseback, runners, and even the neighbors Bill and Priscilla walking their dog and with some friends.
It may be the end of summer and everyone trying to get one more good day in, or maybe just a pleasant Sunday, begging for some outdoor activity.
I ran up Garzas and Oakview Terrace, (1), the trail that was taken away from the Fiesta Run, and then down Redwood Canyon, (2), up the switchbacks of Garzas Canyon (3), and on to the Mesa, and then up Crest and down Maple Canyon (4). Felt pretty good but could not run the whole way up the switchbacks...more training needed.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Mountain Lion!
Well it happened. It is a beautiful late summer Saturday morning. I head out a bit after 9 am. The plan is to run up Middle Canyon to the water tank, and then take the tank trail to the next water tank. I was going to run down Country Club and home. It is a good sized hill but just a light little Saturday go...
So I run all the way up the hill and am marveling at the beauty of the day. In spite of having worked a long tough week I seem to feel light on my feet and take the hill relatively well. I am playing tag with the US Mail truck until she wins to the top cul-de-sac. I am past her up the final approach to the water tank when I spot a relatively large animal sauntering up ahead by 50 yards or more. Well that will stop you in your tracks regardless of the time of day or circumstances. My first thought is a big bobcat, but it is too slinky and then--swoosh the tail...the tell tail? ouch...It was a mountain lion. As mentioned the neighbors had seen one last week. This must be the guy. He/she/it is not very big. A juvenile I would suspect. Being out so late in the day would indicate the same. As known they are beautiful animals.
I stop running as soon as I see him, but I do walk at his pace behind to continue to get a good look. He eventually rounds a bend and out of sight, so I stop. Then he looks around the bush. Yup, definitely a lion. Great classic feline facial features. He does not know what to make of me. I decide to do what we are told to do. Keep eye contact and appear large. So though I have on my dark glasses, I keep staring right at him, pull my shirt up and spread it out in my arms above my head. I did not make a lot of moves aggressive or defensive, but just made myself big.
He did not like that. He looked away and looked back. Then rather than deal with whatever I was he headed off.
That was my cue to depart as well. Just to be on the safe side I backed up for a while looking up the hill. Then turned and walked down checking behind every couple steps.
When I got to the cul-de-sac, I resumed my running, and yes, making a new plan for the day.
Wow...a mountain lion sighting! Cool, but definitely heightening the senses for running in the trails. Again, not a great specimen in that he was clearly out in the middle of the day, close to housing, and not very large. I know where he is and he can have that area. I will run elsewhere for a while. They are supposed to cover 30 square miles in their haunts. Nice to encounter the awesome power and beauty of nature while running.
So I run all the way up the hill and am marveling at the beauty of the day. In spite of having worked a long tough week I seem to feel light on my feet and take the hill relatively well. I am playing tag with the US Mail truck until she wins to the top cul-de-sac. I am past her up the final approach to the water tank when I spot a relatively large animal sauntering up ahead by 50 yards or more. Well that will stop you in your tracks regardless of the time of day or circumstances. My first thought is a big bobcat, but it is too slinky and then--swoosh the tail...the tell tail? ouch...It was a mountain lion. As mentioned the neighbors had seen one last week. This must be the guy. He/she/it is not very big. A juvenile I would suspect. Being out so late in the day would indicate the same. As known they are beautiful animals.
I stop running as soon as I see him, but I do walk at his pace behind to continue to get a good look. He eventually rounds a bend and out of sight, so I stop. Then he looks around the bush. Yup, definitely a lion. Great classic feline facial features. He does not know what to make of me. I decide to do what we are told to do. Keep eye contact and appear large. So though I have on my dark glasses, I keep staring right at him, pull my shirt up and spread it out in my arms above my head. I did not make a lot of moves aggressive or defensive, but just made myself big.
He did not like that. He looked away and looked back. Then rather than deal with whatever I was he headed off.
That was my cue to depart as well. Just to be on the safe side I backed up for a while looking up the hill. Then turned and walked down checking behind every couple steps.
When I got to the cul-de-sac, I resumed my running, and yes, making a new plan for the day.
Wow...a mountain lion sighting! Cool, but definitely heightening the senses for running in the trails. Again, not a great specimen in that he was clearly out in the middle of the day, close to housing, and not very large. I know where he is and he can have that area. I will run elsewhere for a while. They are supposed to cover 30 square miles in their haunts. Nice to encounter the awesome power and beauty of nature while running.
Are the Stars Out Tonight?
Friday morning actually, a very dark sky, no new moon yet, and clear so indeed the stars were out. I am not a big astronomer but I know Orion's Belt...that is the three across and three down making the belt and sword. It was three quarters up the eastern sky. And the dippers of course.
It was just a remarkably dark morning and the stars were clear and bright.
A great day for a run.
By the time I head home the sky has lightened and turn pre-dawn gray and the only item left is a bright planet appearing as a star in the east...Venus or Mars I am thinking.
It was just a remarkably dark morning and the stars were clear and bright.
A great day for a run.
By the time I head home the sky has lightened and turn pre-dawn gray and the only item left is a bright planet appearing as a star in the east...Venus or Mars I am thinking.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Scaredy Cat
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My. We had some friends over for dinner last night. I made pizza and we had soup and salad to go with. These friends happen to be neighbors. They live around the corner, down 1/2 block and up a hill...all tolled six houses away, maybe. Why is this important? Because they reported seeing a fully grown mountain lion sauntering up the driveway a week ago. This is their fifth sighting in five years. Why is this important? Because I run past them just about every weekday morning at 5 am, and runners look just like the prey (deer) that mountain lions like to fee upon.
So this morning, a dark, starless morning, with no moonlight, felt a little creepy. As previously mentioned I carry a flashlight and a robust pepper spray. But having learned how they attack, clamping on the back of the neck, I am not so sure I stand a chance. But run I did. It certainly heightened the senses and added a little spring to the step this morning.
Who is a scaredy cat?
So this morning, a dark, starless morning, with no moonlight, felt a little creepy. As previously mentioned I carry a flashlight and a robust pepper spray. But having learned how they attack, clamping on the back of the neck, I am not so sure I stand a chance. But run I did. It certainly heightened the senses and added a little spring to the step this morning.
Who is a scaredy cat?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Worshipping at the Church of Mother Nature
Ah...the Sunday morning run. Long work weeks, make short weekends and can cut into the running time. But a beautifully clear, cool and breezy long run on a Sunday morning can make it all ok...
Ran up into the park on my favorite usual route. A few more hikers than usual and there were people with fishing poles heading to the pond on the Mesa. Haven't seen that all summer.
Got up to the crest and down the cool shaded paths of Maple Canyon and got swept up in the wonderful towering trees...dappled light shining through making an absolute cathedral of Mother Nature. The yellows and greens with the sun sparkling made multi-hued panes. The earth was cool yet inviting and the path soft as I head down with nary a soul around.
The Church of Mother Nature...great place to be on Sunday morn....
Got back to the Valley Road in time to watch some of the big iron that was in town for the Concourse and all the related activities...lots of the new four door Porsche.
Ran up into the park on my favorite usual route. A few more hikers than usual and there were people with fishing poles heading to the pond on the Mesa. Haven't seen that all summer.
Got up to the crest and down the cool shaded paths of Maple Canyon and got swept up in the wonderful towering trees...dappled light shining through making an absolute cathedral of Mother Nature. The yellows and greens with the sun sparkling made multi-hued panes. The earth was cool yet inviting and the path soft as I head down with nary a soul around.
The Church of Mother Nature...great place to be on Sunday morn....
Got back to the Valley Road in time to watch some of the big iron that was in town for the Concourse and all the related activities...lots of the new four door Porsche.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
It was a little smokey this morning...more than a little actually. There is a wildfire raging in Santa Cruz county and the smoke drifted all day and night across the Bay. I could really smell it when I awoke, and decided to not push it too hard. The air was/is really smokey. Talk about "Red Sky in the Morning..," the stars were glowing orange in the pre-dawn sky.
You can really smell it and it is a little tough on the lungs. No where near what we dealt with last year, but you can now see the ash on the decks and the cars.
You can really smell it and it is a little tough on the lungs. No where near what we dealt with last year, but you can now see the ash on the decks and the cars.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Perseids
The last two mornings I have been trying to see if I can catch any of the Perseids meteor shower. Yesterday was foggy and even the moon was barely visible as I totter out. Today was beautifully clear. The moon was pretty bright though. I was thinking it might be too bright and/or I might be too late. I got out just at 5 am both mornings.
One of the keen things many people do not get to see are wonderful celestial bodies and dark sky events, that us early morning runners do.
So just about through the run and thinking..."no luck..." swoosh-- a big shooting star from the north. I head home mostly northerly and it was nice and bright and made the morning run.
I read the paper to see what the sky might have to offer sometimes so I know what to look for...aside from watching where I run.
Nice to see...make a wish...
One of the keen things many people do not get to see are wonderful celestial bodies and dark sky events, that us early morning runners do.
So just about through the run and thinking..."no luck..." swoosh-- a big shooting star from the north. I head home mostly northerly and it was nice and bright and made the morning run.
I read the paper to see what the sky might have to offer sometimes so I know what to look for...aside from watching where I run.
Nice to see...make a wish...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
That Felt Better
Nice cool gray fog shrouded morning. That run certainly felt better. Felt stronger on the straights and actually charged the hills. Funny how you do basically the same thing everyday and it differs so much. Nice to have a smooth easy run and just get in rhythm, get the work in but feel good afterward. I guess that is what it is all about.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Just a Bit Too Far
Actually it was just a bit too hot. Went out a little late yesterday and it is hot already. Since I have been up in the hills lately, I thought it would be nice to just run a flat road run. So off I go and though I never seemed to get in a good rhythm I keep heading out. Finally saying to myself we will go one more hill and loop around. Do you do that? Just one more hill? Well yesterday it may have been one hill too far.
Did not bring water since I was only planning something in the six mile range, but ended up doing eight and a half or nine. So was a little gassed on the way back. So much so, that I made an unscheduled stop at the Garland Park Ranger station for water. I figured it was better to be found in there then out on the road.
Wasn't that bad really just a bit too far...
Did not bring water since I was only planning something in the six mile range, but ended up doing eight and a half or nine. So was a little gassed on the way back. So much so, that I made an unscheduled stop at the Garland Park Ranger station for water. I figured it was better to be found in there then out on the road.
Wasn't that bad really just a bit too far...
Monday, August 3, 2009
It was all that and more...
The Carmel Valley Fiesta Run was all that was advertised...and more. Hilly and trails that were full of roots and rocks...Advertised as an 8.3 mile run the Race Director informed the lucky 200 that had registered early (sold out and no race day registration available) that "Man and nature were working against us."
Co-workers Rodney and Rob K. and I chatted before the race and settled in with the crowd at the start to hear that the park rangers had required a course change on Thursday just before the race. That one single track on Oakview Terrace was deemed unsafe at any speed and so they had to re-route the run. It was now going to be an 8.5 mile race, and there were to be five ascents instead of four. And the worst part in my opinion was we had to run up Redwood Canyon, not down. I was so looking forward to that downhill. That was the Man against part.
The Nature against part was that a nest of yellow jackets had been discovered along the trail. This was an additional warning as to the dangers that are inherent in this sort of activity and should someone have and allergy now would be a good time to back out.
And so off we go...running in bunches....jockeying for position. We climb the first real steep section and are feeling like we have gotten warmed up when we go through the swarm for the first time. (Yes...the first time...) I did not realize exactly what it was until we were through. Some of the runners in front and behind got stung. I did not and just hit with some of the little varmints. So tough run...and frankly I hate to admit it...I did walk part of the last hills. Still hanging in and making ok time...we ascend the last time out of the creek canyon and there is a race staffer warning we are going past the swarm again and offering another exit if needed. We all charge ahead and again I escape. I wrote the Race Director today and told him I felt so lucky I went and bought a lottery ticket.
Finally sprint(?) to the finish. I come in at 1:35:36 good for 82. I am 12 in my division and just ahead of middle of the pack. Rob K. in front a couple minutes and Rodney behind by just a couple. Great race and lots of camaraderie all about.
Co-workers Rodney and Rob K. and I chatted before the race and settled in with the crowd at the start to hear that the park rangers had required a course change on Thursday just before the race. That one single track on Oakview Terrace was deemed unsafe at any speed and so they had to re-route the run. It was now going to be an 8.5 mile race, and there were to be five ascents instead of four. And the worst part in my opinion was we had to run up Redwood Canyon, not down. I was so looking forward to that downhill. That was the Man against part.
The Nature against part was that a nest of yellow jackets had been discovered along the trail. This was an additional warning as to the dangers that are inherent in this sort of activity and should someone have and allergy now would be a good time to back out.
And so off we go...running in bunches....jockeying for position. We climb the first real steep section and are feeling like we have gotten warmed up when we go through the swarm for the first time. (Yes...the first time...) I did not realize exactly what it was until we were through. Some of the runners in front and behind got stung. I did not and just hit with some of the little varmints. So tough run...and frankly I hate to admit it...I did walk part of the last hills. Still hanging in and making ok time...we ascend the last time out of the creek canyon and there is a race staffer warning we are going past the swarm again and offering another exit if needed. We all charge ahead and again I escape. I wrote the Race Director today and told him I felt so lucky I went and bought a lottery ticket.
Finally sprint(?) to the finish. I come in at 1:35:36 good for 82. I am 12 in my division and just ahead of middle of the pack. Rob K. in front a couple minutes and Rodney behind by just a couple. Great race and lots of camaraderie all about.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Taper
Big run tomorrow so just a short taper run today. Since it is only an 8 mile race tomorrow, I could run today without much problem. If it is a half marathon or longer I would generally not run at all the day before. It feels so weird.
You really get conditioned to running for your regular period...M-F an hour generally for me and to not do that can make you cranky. The little half this morning was fine.
Looks like most of the fellow runners from work are not making the trip...just one...Rodney...so it will be a sparse crowd. I am excited to be running an organized event. First one since the Relay.
You really get conditioned to running for your regular period...M-F an hour generally for me and to not do that can make you cranky. The little half this morning was fine.
Looks like most of the fellow runners from work are not making the trip...just one...Rodney...so it will be a sparse crowd. I am excited to be running an organized event. First one since the Relay.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Upcoming Saturday
The Carmel Valley Fiesta Mountain Run is next Saturday, August 1st. Here are a few things that you should know to help get you ready for the race. We will follow up this e-mail with another one, later in the week, with details about the awards ceremony, the great prizes we will be giving away, the Just Run Kids' Race, and other exciting Carmel Valley Fiesta events.
Breaking News
The Carmel Valley Fiesta Run is over three-quarters full! The race is limited to the first 200 people who sign up and, at our current registration rate, the event may sell-out before race day. If you know anyone who has not yet registered, you should let them know that there could be limited or no race-day registration.
Directions
The race start and finish are at Dampierre Field baseball park. To get to Dampierre Field, take Carmel Valley Road east to Carmel Valley Village. Turn right on Paso Hondo and keep left as you proceed down the hill. After approximately 0.7 miles, look for the entrance to the ball park on your left. Be sure to drive slowly and keep noise to a minimum. This is our inaugural event and we ask for your help in avoiding neighborhood complaints. Click for a map of the area.
Parking
Once you arrive, you will be directed where to park by volunteers. Please follow directions and park in the designated areas only. Parking is very limited and we need to make the best use of the space available. If at all possible, please carpool with other runners. There is no event parking in the residential neighborhood.
Check-in
You can pick-up you bib, t-shirt and goodie bag between 6:30 and 7:45 AM. The race will start at 8:00 AM.
Water and Porta-potties will be available in the start area.
The Course
The Fiesta Mountain Run is challenging: with narrow trails, steep climbs and descents, rocks, roots, limited passing opportunities and poison oak. Be prepared for dry and hot conditions. There will be one aid station at about 4.5 miles (Garland Park mesa - by the pond) with water, Gatorade and Gu. We recommend you carry your own water bottle. The course will be well marked, with signs, pink ribbons and volunteers at some intersections. Some sections of the course will have traffic in both directions; please be alert and yield to downhill runners.
Awards
The course closes for official finishers at 11 AM. Awards are given to the top 3 male and female official finishers in the following age groups, 14-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-and-over. First place age group finishers will receive custom-designed awards, and raffle tickets will be awarded to 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
For more Information about the race visit:
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1740365
http://www.cvkclub.org/run
Breaking News
The Carmel Valley Fiesta Run is over three-quarters full! The race is limited to the first 200 people who sign up and, at our current registration rate, the event may sell-out before race day. If you know anyone who has not yet registered, you should let them know that there could be limited or no race-day registration.
Directions
The race start and finish are at Dampierre Field baseball park. To get to Dampierre Field, take Carmel Valley Road east to Carmel Valley Village. Turn right on Paso Hondo and keep left as you proceed down the hill. After approximately 0.7 miles, look for the entrance to the ball park on your left. Be sure to drive slowly and keep noise to a minimum. This is our inaugural event and we ask for your help in avoiding neighborhood complaints. Click for a map of the area.
Parking
Once you arrive, you will be directed where to park by volunteers. Please follow directions and park in the designated areas only. Parking is very limited and we need to make the best use of the space available. If at all possible, please carpool with other runners. There is no event parking in the residential neighborhood.
Check-in
You can pick-up you bib, t-shirt and goodie bag between 6:30 and 7:45 AM. The race will start at 8:00 AM.
Water and Porta-potties will be available in the start area.
The Course
The Fiesta Mountain Run is challenging: with narrow trails, steep climbs and descents, rocks, roots, limited passing opportunities and poison oak. Be prepared for dry and hot conditions. There will be one aid station at about 4.5 miles (Garland Park mesa - by the pond) with water, Gatorade and Gu. We recommend you carry your own water bottle. The course will be well marked, with signs, pink ribbons and volunteers at some intersections. Some sections of the course will have traffic in both directions; please be alert and yield to downhill runners.
Awards
The course closes for official finishers at 11 AM. Awards are given to the top 3 male and female official finishers in the following age groups, 14-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-and-over. First place age group finishers will receive custom-designed awards, and raffle tickets will be awarded to 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
For more Information about the race visit:
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1740365
http://www.cvkclub.org/run
Senses
Saturday was a trial run for the Carmel Valley Fiesta Run coming up on Saturday August 1. I was acutely aware of my senses as I headed out on the trails...in particular was the sense of smell as I was nearing he first crest. The Bay Laurel trees smelled so good. They are interesting in the locations they grow. They need some water and relatively cool locations which makes them just in the right place as you ascend the switch backs. The next great smell was coming down Redwood Canyon. The warmth on the redwood mulch and the trees in general smelled of cedar almost...I am sure it was just the redwoods, but what a wonderful whiff...
The next sense to make it to the fore was the sense of sound. Coming down the Redwood Trail, the mulch just deadened all the sound. It was close to silent and in spite of my rumblin', bumblin'and stumblin' I was absolutely stealthy.
A great run, but certainly tough. There are four climbs and the last was the steepest. Gonna be a tough run on Saturday.
The next sense to make it to the fore was the sense of sound. Coming down the Redwood Trail, the mulch just deadened all the sound. It was close to silent and in spite of my rumblin', bumblin'and stumblin' I was absolutely stealthy.
A great run, but certainly tough. There are four climbs and the last was the steepest. Gonna be a tough run on Saturday.
Friday, July 24, 2009
It was a Dark and...
Just seems dark all of a sudden. Had to go early this morning...it was foggy, and it is staying dark longer now. Just the course of nature, but it was just real dark this morning. It has been a nice long stretch of running in the pre-dawn light.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Great Wildlife
It maybe that the summer is dry or just a lucky day, but this morning when I was coming back to cross the river I saw a doe and her fawn--high on the cute meter--and a skunk on the bridge--low on the cute meter--hawks, screaming and and cawing...all within a few hundred yards.
The skunk was funny...the bridge is an expanded steel single lane bridge with two very skinny walking rails on each side. I saw him up ahead and am about halfway through the bridge and had to stop as he waddles off. Well a car comes along so I stand to the side and point...the cars slows and understands I think.
So finally I get to run past as he heads down the bank. That is right where I got sprayed...the only time ever and was a very dark morning and I did not even see him. I think I got hit with one drop that day...and it lasted all day through every thing I could put on it. Ugh...skunks. The worst.
The fawn was super cute though.
The skunk was funny...the bridge is an expanded steel single lane bridge with two very skinny walking rails on each side. I saw him up ahead and am about halfway through the bridge and had to stop as he waddles off. Well a car comes along so I stand to the side and point...the cars slows and understands I think.
So finally I get to run past as he heads down the bank. That is right where I got sprayed...the only time ever and was a very dark morning and I did not even see him. I think I got hit with one drop that day...and it lasted all day through every thing I could put on it. Ugh...skunks. The worst.
The fawn was super cute though.
Portland Oregon
Went to visit family in Portland Oregon over a long weekend. It was a beautiful stretch of weather, which made for a wonderful sightseeing tour time...but I know and you know that it can be a damp dreary place when the rain sets in.
Portland is a neat place, lots of hips and modern people and of course the evergreen and towering mountains...Mt. Hood and the like.
Running was nice and as always when running on a vacation trip a great way to learn the area. We were in Southwest Portland and the runs were on surface streets, in and around towns like Tigard and Lake Oswego.
Really special running in the Pacific Northwest when it is warm and sunny.
Portland is a neat place, lots of hips and modern people and of course the evergreen and towering mountains...Mt. Hood and the like.
Running was nice and as always when running on a vacation trip a great way to learn the area. We were in Southwest Portland and the runs were on surface streets, in and around towns like Tigard and Lake Oswego.
Really special running in the Pacific Northwest when it is warm and sunny.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Western States 100
http://montereyrunninglife.blogspot.com/
http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/07/western-states-100-race-report.html
Check out this report from a local runner's experience at the Western States 100. OH MY.
http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/07/western-states-100-race-report.html
Check out this report from a local runner's experience at the Western States 100. OH MY.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Blanket of Fog
This morning the fog had pulled into the valley. I started from the house just above the small layer and turned uphill and did the hills above my house first instead of last...to see above the fog. Then when warmed up I headed to the river and the trail and could feel the transition into the fog zone...cooler, gray of course, and comforting...lots of moisture suspended and made for just a real nice running environment.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Mid-Summer Classic
This morning felt like a mid-summer classic, a clear warm morning. A bit unusual for this area. Summer is here and today of course is the MLB All Star game. The tune in my head was Take Me Out to the Ball Game..."buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack..." I guess 'cause I was thinking through what I had to do today and that was one of the things I needed to get done...buy peanuts and Cracker Jacks to take to our friends that are hosting...
Diesel
On Sunday I wanted to run the Oak View Trail which is that last part of the August 1 Course, which I did not run the last time I was out. Running along and just starting up to the back entrance to the park, I see a black dog in the middle of the road. As I got closer he had a kind of guilty look like he was not supposed to be out. I had not seen him before and of course did the quick assessment of him for safety. Turns out he was still a bit of a puppy. Black lab but skinny with a tag. I am starting up the hill in earnest and pay little heed once past. But he starts to follow. I talk with him and he just keeps following.
I get up on the trail and he is following for real now. I stop and try some commands to no avail. Not too well trained, but friendly and enthusiastic as is the want of such creatures. I toss an old ball back to the park entrance and street we had met, but after he chased it he just came back.
So I head on up the trail with Diesel in tow...or in front, or on the side, and wait was that a squirrel? he asks. And back again. Run with a dog--very different than solo and running with this pup was a challenge. He did not seem to know the trials and did not know how we were going to negotiate them together. He almost brought me down more than once.
I decide we better stick to the trails and will have to alter my plan. I want to crest Oak View and then into the main part of the park and on to the Valley Road for the usual Sunday trek. But surely did not know how Diesel was around other people, dogs and certainly all the cars on the Valley Road. So I decide to crest the trail and then come back down Garzas Canyon.
Wonderful run but hot and dry. I am thinking the pup is going to need some water. The last time I was in the creek there was still water up there so I head that way. Sure enough a nice spring still running and I splash some at Diesel so he knows to drink. Hope he does not get sick from it.
After the creek bottom we have to go up the other side of the canyon. As we ascend we come upon some nice young CDF guys out training to climb the hills with packs on. I ask if they have a cell to call the number on the tag--and they do. The address is 1 Paseo Rio...almost all the way back where I met Diesel. They say just leave him in their truck and they will return him.
When we get to the bottom, I do not see the truck, so decide to just return him myself. Added a little more the run, but what the heck.
I ring the bell and a nice little old lady say "Oh My, where did you find him." Diesel is gone to the cool of the house and a water bowl I hope. I tell her the story, and she, it turns out is dog-sitting for her son who is in San Luis.
Diesel was fun and running with a pup is a hoot.
I get up on the trail and he is following for real now. I stop and try some commands to no avail. Not too well trained, but friendly and enthusiastic as is the want of such creatures. I toss an old ball back to the park entrance and street we had met, but after he chased it he just came back.
So I head on up the trail with Diesel in tow...or in front, or on the side, and wait was that a squirrel? he asks. And back again. Run with a dog--very different than solo and running with this pup was a challenge. He did not seem to know the trials and did not know how we were going to negotiate them together. He almost brought me down more than once.
I decide we better stick to the trails and will have to alter my plan. I want to crest Oak View and then into the main part of the park and on to the Valley Road for the usual Sunday trek. But surely did not know how Diesel was around other people, dogs and certainly all the cars on the Valley Road. So I decide to crest the trail and then come back down Garzas Canyon.
Wonderful run but hot and dry. I am thinking the pup is going to need some water. The last time I was in the creek there was still water up there so I head that way. Sure enough a nice spring still running and I splash some at Diesel so he knows to drink. Hope he does not get sick from it.
After the creek bottom we have to go up the other side of the canyon. As we ascend we come upon some nice young CDF guys out training to climb the hills with packs on. I ask if they have a cell to call the number on the tag--and they do. The address is 1 Paseo Rio...almost all the way back where I met Diesel. They say just leave him in their truck and they will return him.
When we get to the bottom, I do not see the truck, so decide to just return him myself. Added a little more the run, but what the heck.
I ring the bell and a nice little old lady say "Oh My, where did you find him." Diesel is gone to the cool of the house and a water bowl I hope. I tell her the story, and she, it turns out is dog-sitting for her son who is in San Luis.
Diesel was fun and running with a pup is a hoot.
My Dogs are Barking
Saturday morning my dogs were barking...usually I seem to be writing about what is going on in my head or the great sights I see as I run. Saturday morning followed a day full of Company functions that kept me on my feet for more than 12 hours, mostly on concrete and all in my ever present cowboy boots. When I got up to run on Saturday prior to going back to work, my legs and feet were tired...whine, whine, snivel...so just a shorty and stayed fairly flat.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Five Degrees of Seperation
There were just about five degrees of separation between the moon and Saturn this morning. A nice thing to see on the way to the river...with Little Feat--Time Loves a Hero as the sound track.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July Full Moon
What a great day for running. Full moon, clear sky and the moon was up high enough that it was visible throughout the entire morning run. It was particularly cool when I turned to go home, crossing the river bridge and looked over my shoulder to see the full moon, and looked in front and the sky was rosy with the dawn.
Shoulda been there...great day for running.
Shoulda been there...great day for running.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
I went to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for a long weekend over the 4th. I highly recommend it as a destination summer or winter. My parents have lived there a long time and my youngest brother was raised there. Dad was a ski jumper as was that young brother--that now resides in Park City, Utah. Fortunately he and his family was able to join my wife and I for the weekend.
The first day I was able to run in The 'Boat was Friday. I set out about 7 am on a cool gray morning and headed down to a great trail that runs next to the Yampa River as it runs through town. The weekend crowd was not yet in place and those that were were not stirring. I got to a train trestle, and a great looking deer was standing near the tracks enjoying a little breakfast. As I moved along enjoying the mountain scenery I ran with a gent from Nebraska. He was chugging a bit and said he had run a 1/2 the first of May, in a very respectable 1:47, but had not run since and the altitude was killing him. Steamboat is at over 7,000 feet and can be a challenge. Did not seem to bother me on the trip much though I did just go no more than an hour a day or so.
Everyday I was there at least one hot air balloon rose off the valley floor--a great pastime for visitors to this as in many vacation spots.
After that great run on the first day, we had a pretty good family hike up Fish Creek Falls. Another must if visiting.
Ran again on the 4th and this day broke clear which made the balloon that much more impressive. I ran way to the end of town on the trail and then back right downtown main street as it was all blocked off for the upcoming parade. Lots of fun and a neat old town...real western feel to it.
The 5th I went out of town on the same path. New scenery and ran right under the balloon for a while out and back. Very cool to see the flame filling the envelop.
The final day was a high-light as I got to run with my youngest brother. We only had time for a shorty, so we headed up from the rented condo in the cool clear morning and run through the golf course and neighborhood up that way. My brother is and always was a much better athlete than I. Even figuring for his youthful exuberance. We had the good fortune of running the St. George Marathon together a couple years back. We managed to run the first half together, got separated at a water stop and finished just minutes apart. At any rate a great run to finish a wonderful vacation and series of runs through Steamboat Springs.
The first day I was able to run in The 'Boat was Friday. I set out about 7 am on a cool gray morning and headed down to a great trail that runs next to the Yampa River as it runs through town. The weekend crowd was not yet in place and those that were were not stirring. I got to a train trestle, and a great looking deer was standing near the tracks enjoying a little breakfast. As I moved along enjoying the mountain scenery I ran with a gent from Nebraska. He was chugging a bit and said he had run a 1/2 the first of May, in a very respectable 1:47, but had not run since and the altitude was killing him. Steamboat is at over 7,000 feet and can be a challenge. Did not seem to bother me on the trip much though I did just go no more than an hour a day or so.
Everyday I was there at least one hot air balloon rose off the valley floor--a great pastime for visitors to this as in many vacation spots.
After that great run on the first day, we had a pretty good family hike up Fish Creek Falls. Another must if visiting.
Ran again on the 4th and this day broke clear which made the balloon that much more impressive. I ran way to the end of town on the trail and then back right downtown main street as it was all blocked off for the upcoming parade. Lots of fun and a neat old town...real western feel to it.
The 5th I went out of town on the same path. New scenery and ran right under the balloon for a while out and back. Very cool to see the flame filling the envelop.
The final day was a high-light as I got to run with my youngest brother. We only had time for a shorty, so we headed up from the rented condo in the cool clear morning and run through the golf course and neighborhood up that way. My brother is and always was a much better athlete than I. Even figuring for his youthful exuberance. We had the good fortune of running the St. George Marathon together a couple years back. We managed to run the first half together, got separated at a water stop and finished just minutes apart. At any rate a great run to finish a wonderful vacation and series of runs through Steamboat Springs.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Plenty of Room on the Track
I always say that there is plenty of room on the track at 5 am. You often hear people say that their gym or fitness center is crowded or they can never find a machine or get a court time when they want it. Well, maybe they ought to be out running...this morning I got to run a little later, at 6 am. Worked out well and even saw another running. We passed as I was turning around, and yes he was younger and faster...we exchanged pleasantries...he runs about 3 miles in the morning as do I. Said he was going to the river, and I panted that I live up the hill a bit.
Fun to see someone else out.
Saw the flock of turkeys again...not Flock of Seagulls silly. There were two hens and 12 chicks in the brood now...
Fun to see someone else out.
Saw the flock of turkeys again...not Flock of Seagulls silly. There were two hens and 12 chicks in the brood now...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Where the Dogs Are...
A relatively uneventful run this morning compared to yesterday. Found a tennis ball on the way home...found objects while running will be the theme of at least one other entire blog...but this one was just outside the drive where a dog lives. So in the spirit of the day, I kicked the ball back up the drive for him to find when he gets out.
Knowing where the dogs are is certainly a key for your normal everyday routes. I am fairly lucky that they are all nice and well behaved little critters. I do take care by running the far side of the street. Some are so well trained they just come out and get the paper (yes the newspaper, some people still get it and read it) and just head back to make the master happy.
I do not go to the extreme of carrying a biscuit or anything...
It is always an attention getter up on the trails. The people are walking cluelessly along and the dogs way out in front...sometimes the really cool owners will say something like "He won't bother you..." big relief.
Know Where the Dogs Are...
Knowing where the dogs are is certainly a key for your normal everyday routes. I am fairly lucky that they are all nice and well behaved little critters. I do take care by running the far side of the street. Some are so well trained they just come out and get the paper (yes the newspaper, some people still get it and read it) and just head back to make the master happy.
I do not go to the extreme of carrying a biscuit or anything...
It is always an attention getter up on the trails. The people are walking cluelessly along and the dogs way out in front...sometimes the really cool owners will say something like "He won't bother you..." big relief.
Know Where the Dogs Are...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Angry Cat
Monday morning was gray with a hazy fog. I am cruising down to the river, with my head in the clouds and not seeing much of anything, when I came 'round the last big bend and was 20 meters from the river, maybe and heard a real loud angry growl. It sounded like a cat, for sure, but big and really pissed. I howled again and a third...maybe a fourth time. I was standing still in my tracks by this time. I had my little wimpy light on but it was not cutting through the gray. I thought I saw something just across the front of the bridge, but not sure. The more I think and replay the more I am thinking it was a bobcat, but still I understand one does not want to tangle with an angry bobcat. So being the sensitive and intelligent being that I am I decided that was where I would turnaround this morning.
Very cool, but it still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Here kitty kitty...
Very cool, but it still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Here kitty kitty...
Sunday Morning
Saturday morning was a short dark run as I had to be in SF by 7:30...so that meant hitting the trail at 4:30. But Sunday Morning broke clear and hot. After a cuppa joe and the paper with my lovely, I set out to High Meadow. It was a beautiful crystal clear blue sky day. Had to run fast as it was going to get too hot. After cresting and heading up to the Homestead Site I stopped for a moment of reflection inside what must have been the house. I had not seen anyone for sometime and felt ok to just breathe in the feelings from that space.
Headed down the Maple Canyon trail and passed a nice little ol' lady. I gave the usual "Mornin' How you doin'?" Greeting...she was sure happy to have someone by as she leaned on one of her Euro-style hiking poles, pointed up the hill with a grin, and said in a Germanic accented voice..."The devil makes me do it." It was cute...I hope he had some water for her at the top 'cause it was gettin' toasty.
Headed down the Maple Canyon trail and passed a nice little ol' lady. I gave the usual "Mornin' How you doin'?" Greeting...she was sure happy to have someone by as she leaned on one of her Euro-style hiking poles, pointed up the hill with a grin, and said in a Germanic accented voice..."The devil makes me do it." It was cute...I hope he had some water for her at the top 'cause it was gettin' toasty.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Turkey Chicks
Is that what you call baby turkeys...on the way home this morning I looked up from staring at my shoes and saw some bird activity up ahead...but they were a funny size and funny movements...not crows, not hawks or birds of prey...there in the middle of the road was a turkey and several chicks...and as I stumbled and bumbled my way up three more chicks flew in from the side to gather with the clan.
Pretty cool to see...this being the end of June these "babies" were indeed chicks and in short for chickens...they are now easily as big as a good sized chicken with longer legs and can now fly pretty effectively. It was fun to see them and to see mom trying to get everyone together in a flock...she had a funny little call too. Not a full gobble, but more of a cluck. Just a short call as if to say, "Hey you kids get over here."
The whole fam went off into the brush and not very subtle at that, crashing and crushing leaves and twigs. I thought I made a lot of noise as I run...
Pretty cool to see...this being the end of June these "babies" were indeed chicks and in short for chickens...they are now easily as big as a good sized chicken with longer legs and can now fly pretty effectively. It was fun to see them and to see mom trying to get everyone together in a flock...she had a funny little call too. Not a full gobble, but more of a cluck. Just a short call as if to say, "Hey you kids get over here."
The whole fam went off into the brush and not very subtle at that, crashing and crushing leaves and twigs. I thought I made a lot of noise as I run...
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Dark already?
This morning though just days since the Summer Solstice, seemed pretty dark. I was struck by the weather map last night and the whole of the country is warm orange red and 100 degrees and we here on the coast are 55 in the morning and shrouded in coastal low clouds and fog and I am sure that added to the gloom. At any rate I needed to carry my little handful of tools. This I do most M-Fs as it is so early. I carry a little LED flashlight and a new powerful pepper spray. The light is to make myself seen if needed, (very rarely as I can see cars way before they can see me), to light the trail I have added, (less rarely but a real good thing to keep the ankle biters at bay), and to see what critter is about...deer, and ugh...skunks.
The pepper spray is cause my dear and lovely wife insists. There have been big cats in the area...though not in recent years and I am now venturing into the trail a bit, so I carry it in hopes I get a shot off if attacked. I asked the security professional if it works on mountain lions and he said anything with eyes and lungs...
It was a nice run...just a little dark after the nice light mornings recently past.
The pepper spray is cause my dear and lovely wife insists. There have been big cats in the area...though not in recent years and I am now venturing into the trail a bit, so I carry it in hopes I get a shot off if attacked. I asked the security professional if it works on mountain lions and he said anything with eyes and lungs...
It was a nice run...just a little dark after the nice light mornings recently past.
Y is Yoga
Ummm Yummy...on Tuesdays at our Corporate Office (CO) at noon we have a guest Yoga instructor...Wendy. She used to be paid for by the Health and Fitness Program, but now things being what they are, we the attendees pay for her...but oh so worth it. Wendy is a wonderful instructor. She is calm and holds the poses or Asanas longer and really focuses on breathing.
This week we had a guest...Vonnie, and she gave us a bit more of a workout.
Why am I discussing Yoga? It is just the best stretching method and a good hour long session does wonders for us tighty-whities...my legs are sooo tight.
I am a stretch after kind of guy. I am warm and things seem to work much better that way, but I am not a real limber fellow. My usual stretch routine includes a hodge podge amalgamation of runners stretches and warped yoga poses. It always feels good, but I have a hard time even touching my toes. As mentioned I have run a number of long runs, marathons and the relays and I get pretty sore by Tuesday after a Sunday event. This Yoga session is so well timed and works magic.
I got a new Yoga book this week too...Hatha Yoga Illustrated and will try to do more at home whether on the Wii, by tape, the book or just a couple poses.
This week was a real refresher and felt great. Y is for Yoga.
This week we had a guest...Vonnie, and she gave us a bit more of a workout.
Why am I discussing Yoga? It is just the best stretching method and a good hour long session does wonders for us tighty-whities...my legs are sooo tight.
I am a stretch after kind of guy. I am warm and things seem to work much better that way, but I am not a real limber fellow. My usual stretch routine includes a hodge podge amalgamation of runners stretches and warped yoga poses. It always feels good, but I have a hard time even touching my toes. As mentioned I have run a number of long runs, marathons and the relays and I get pretty sore by Tuesday after a Sunday event. This Yoga session is so well timed and works magic.
I got a new Yoga book this week too...Hatha Yoga Illustrated and will try to do more at home whether on the Wii, by tape, the book or just a couple poses.
This week was a real refresher and felt great. Y is for Yoga.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
But why Daddy?
This morning was a beautiful morn, and it seems summer has finally arrived on the Central Coast. It was warm and clear and breezy. The first couple days of summer were so cold due to the heavy marine layer...as the man said, " the coldest winter I ever spent, was a summer in San Francisco"..read Monterey Bay, but alas a very pleasant day to run.
We had a nice dinner party the other day,...Father's Day as a matter of fact..., and as is our wont talk turned to health and exercise. Some of the guests said they were starting to exercise again or needed to get back to it and lamented the fact that they sit at the computer to check out just one more Web site...and the window of opportunity to get up and stretch it out is gone...and that my dear friends is why I run first thing. Life happens during the day and oh so many things can get in the way or small items can become big enough excuses to inhibit one from gettin' out there.
I am often asked how and why and what is the toughest thing about doing it...running only on days that end in Y. But why Daddy? Many years ago in a galaxy far far away I was a single parent dealing with the trials and tribulations of life and needed to get some exercise for both my physical and mental health. As I had little ones at home and no money to speak of I needed something that would fit...and not impact the fam. So 5 am running it is...was...and shall always be running. It works so well on so many levels. The dinner guests all agreed that doing your exercise first thing in the morning makes an improved life. It is obviously good for the cardio-vascular, helps clean the pipes...for those of you that challenge yourself and are list makers, you get a big ol' check mark, sometimes before it is even light out. For those of you climbing some corporate or social ladder, it gives you a leg up on everyone...cause trust me there is very little competition on the track at that hour of the morning.
So what is the hardest thing about getting this done a 0'dark-thirty...? I always say the first step. Once you turn off the alarm, if you can just get one leg out of the bed you are on your way to a great run...
We had a nice dinner party the other day,...Father's Day as a matter of fact..., and as is our wont talk turned to health and exercise. Some of the guests said they were starting to exercise again or needed to get back to it and lamented the fact that they sit at the computer to check out just one more Web site...and the window of opportunity to get up and stretch it out is gone...and that my dear friends is why I run first thing. Life happens during the day and oh so many things can get in the way or small items can become big enough excuses to inhibit one from gettin' out there.
I am often asked how and why and what is the toughest thing about doing it...running only on days that end in Y. But why Daddy? Many years ago in a galaxy far far away I was a single parent dealing with the trials and tribulations of life and needed to get some exercise for both my physical and mental health. As I had little ones at home and no money to speak of I needed something that would fit...and not impact the fam. So 5 am running it is...was...and shall always be running. It works so well on so many levels. The dinner guests all agreed that doing your exercise first thing in the morning makes an improved life. It is obviously good for the cardio-vascular, helps clean the pipes...for those of you that challenge yourself and are list makers, you get a big ol' check mark, sometimes before it is even light out. For those of you climbing some corporate or social ladder, it gives you a leg up on everyone...cause trust me there is very little competition on the track at that hour of the morning.
So what is the hardest thing about getting this done a 0'dark-thirty...? I always say the first step. Once you turn off the alarm, if you can just get one leg out of the bed you are on your way to a great run...
Monday, June 22, 2009
How long does it take for a muscle to get sore?
Hummm...remember the horse riding lesson? It was fun and the instructor said I did fine...I have only been on a horse a couple other times and none in this decade...well as many and most know, it is not just the horse that is getting a workout. After we were done we discussed how good it was for one's core muscles and you know it has to be good for those tender inner thighs...but this morning I found out one other little place that I did not think would be sore. I think it takes muscles 36-48 hours to get sore...what say thee? Agree?
While at the lesson we did a lot of posting...standing up in the saddle. The foot is in the stirrups on the ball of the feet and the heels are to be lower. So that position apparently really worked my high ankle, outside calf. Ummmm, yummy little soreness on this morning's run. The core and legs were fine otherwise but and interesting point to be sore.
Good day for a run and a fun way to exercise somethings that do not get it usually.
While at the lesson we did a lot of posting...standing up in the saddle. The foot is in the stirrups on the ball of the feet and the heels are to be lower. So that position apparently really worked my high ankle, outside calf. Ummmm, yummy little soreness on this morning's run. The core and legs were fine otherwise but and interesting point to be sore.
Good day for a run and a fun way to exercise somethings that do not get it usually.
Running the Fiesta Trails
Finally, Sunday was a nice long run. Since I realized the Fiesta was coming up I have been hankerin' to run the course...so made me a little copy of the map and away I go. Right at the end of the M-F Run is where the tough part of the course starts so it was perfect. I have run most, if not all of these trails before but not in this order...so first up, and I mean that in every sense, was Garzas Creek Trail. A steep little bugger, that gets you to your target heart rate in a hurry. Then to Terrace Trail. I am thinking of the race and how all the bodies are going to handle these tracks. If there is such a thing as a technical--trail this is it. Up hill, and definitely a single track, cut into the side of a mountain, with steep drops to the right as you hug your way around and up.
Some steps cut in, and lots of switchbacks...even some guard cables...this tops out on Eastridge. Anything with ridge in the name let's you know there is vertical gain involved. Then it goes down into Redwood Canyon. Fabulous...towering redwoods (dah) and a stunning silence. This is what trail running is meant to be. Several foot bridges of various design are scattered about the trail and plenty of roots, rocks, reggae...depending on the tune in your head. Finally across the permanent bridge and guess what? Up another trail...this one called Garzas Canyon. Steep and winding and it will wilt those unsuspecting on August 1. At last on the top and around the Mesa to the water and had to go...so down and out to home. There is one more uphill in the race but just out of time...nice day for a run.
Some steps cut in, and lots of switchbacks...even some guard cables...this tops out on Eastridge. Anything with ridge in the name let's you know there is vertical gain involved. Then it goes down into Redwood Canyon. Fabulous...towering redwoods (dah) and a stunning silence. This is what trail running is meant to be. Several foot bridges of various design are scattered about the trail and plenty of roots, rocks, reggae...depending on the tune in your head. Finally across the permanent bridge and guess what? Up another trail...this one called Garzas Canyon. Steep and winding and it will wilt those unsuspecting on August 1. At last on the top and around the Mesa to the water and had to go...so down and out to home. There is one more uphill in the race but just out of time...nice day for a run.
Ahhh...do you bruise easily?
Went for a shorty on Friday as it was an early departure for San Francisco...the big city. Good and productive day topped off with a great game at AT&T and the Giants win. Got to see the Big Unit...very impressive and sat right behind the plate...
Then Saturday had another nice but abbreviated run. Got to go on a horse riding lesson with my wife. More on what that does to one in a future blog post. So I went out on some of the surface roads that make a nice loop and I have not been on for a while...cruising along and got to the turn around of the loop and noticed a quaint old red chicken coop that had really become a hang-out for cats was gone...I am sure the fine folks that live there needed to upgrade and clean up a bit...but it was a nice little piece of country living, now replaced with the ubiquitous grapevines.
Not that there is anything wrong with a bit of the grape...so around I go and pass the biggest oak I know of. This is a beautiful specimen. Big round and full and looking really healthy. Very nice to see he is still there. I come down the run to the Valley road and was in my own little world and turn and head for home when what to my wondering eyes should appear...a runner passing me on the other side of the road...a girl runner...ouch. She was younger than I, and much thinner, and faster obviously, and as it turns out probably sprinting to finish her run which she completed in just a bit...while I trudged on dragging my soft, old, bruised ego along...stuffing healthy scoops of those juicy rationalizations into the skin of reason, I came to realize that is one of the challenges of running by one's self--you can get complacent or lethargic in your pacing...still a good run.
Then Saturday had another nice but abbreviated run. Got to go on a horse riding lesson with my wife. More on what that does to one in a future blog post. So I went out on some of the surface roads that make a nice loop and I have not been on for a while...cruising along and got to the turn around of the loop and noticed a quaint old red chicken coop that had really become a hang-out for cats was gone...I am sure the fine folks that live there needed to upgrade and clean up a bit...but it was a nice little piece of country living, now replaced with the ubiquitous grapevines.
Not that there is anything wrong with a bit of the grape...so around I go and pass the biggest oak I know of. This is a beautiful specimen. Big round and full and looking really healthy. Very nice to see he is still there. I come down the run to the Valley road and was in my own little world and turn and head for home when what to my wondering eyes should appear...a runner passing me on the other side of the road...a girl runner...ouch. She was younger than I, and much thinner, and faster obviously, and as it turns out probably sprinting to finish her run which she completed in just a bit...while I trudged on dragging my soft, old, bruised ego along...stuffing healthy scoops of those juicy rationalizations into the skin of reason, I came to realize that is one of the challenges of running by one's self--you can get complacent or lethargic in your pacing...still a good run.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Here Comes the Sun...
Woke to a wonderfully clear morning with just a crescent moon and two morning stars...Venus and Mars I suspect and realized this will the the lightest early morning run I do this year. Tomorrow is a very early start so it will be in the dark...at 4:30 am and Saturday and Sunday will be mid-morning runs. Sunday is the Summer Solstice and so today is my Summer Solstice run. A great day it is to run too...clear as mentioned and I head out to see an object in the sky just above the ridge to the south southwest that looked like a star at first but traveled east for a bit and disappeared...musta been a plane but a nice sight.
Saw a doe on the way back up from the river and she just watched as I sauntered by...and then half way home saw a little prong-horned buck. Neither cared much that I was there and probably felt sorry for my poor form when they could have easily out run me.
Nice day...Here Comes the Sun...
Saw a doe on the way back up from the river and she just watched as I sauntered by...and then half way home saw a little prong-horned buck. Neither cared much that I was there and probably felt sorry for my poor form when they could have easily out run me.
Nice day...Here Comes the Sun...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
New Wrinkle in the M-F Routine
Ran up Garzas Canyon Trail today as a new wrinkle in the Monday to Friday routine. It is about at the end of the outward bound trail and goes up on a rough, rocky, and rooted trail. It is doable at this time of year 'cause it is light enough to see the ankle biters. I run that trail from time to time during daylight runs, but have not been up there in a while. There is a new dedicated bench there looking back north toward the house and a nice panoramic view of the other side of the river valley...a side I do not usually see. Those dedication benches are a nice touch and useful mostly for the hikers in the park. A couple weeks ago I ran across one in particular I was looking for...the one dedicated to Mel and Elizabeth Grimes. A tragic local story of a couple that was pretty involved in the running community. That story can be discussed another day...it was a nice memorial though.
Felt great to add a new wrinkle to a regular route...and good sights...
Felt great to add a new wrinkle to a regular route...and good sights...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
...That Song in Head
You ever wake up and go running and there is a song stuck in your head? As mentioned I run commando...that is no iPod and carry as little as possible. So this morning I got Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd stuck in my head...why one might ask...? I think I heard it live by a band on Sunday and it must have taken a couple days to digest? It is a snappy little ditty and certainly a good tune to run to if you like that ilk, and I do, but and interesting sound track to the day. Maybe it takes a couple days to make it through all the noise in my little pea brain.
The other day it was Watching the Detectives by Elvis Costello. My favorite Elvis song to date, no doubt, but again an interesting sound track to a run. Great lyrics in that song..."she's filing her nails while their dragging the lake.." Funny little minor chords and all together a great though not hugely popular song from long ago. He is an interesting cat and I like him in Spectical with Elvis Costello on cable...interesting guests, including his lovely wife Diana Krall. Seems he knows his stuff as far as music is concerned. I have read some fair reviews of his new one and should try to pick it up.
Beautiful morning to run...ran past a couple different cats out doing a dawn hunt. Do not usually see many cats on this M-F route...I must have been particularly stealthy this morning...yeah right.
As I turn at the top of the big hill at the end to head home the sun must have just come up and touched the top of the far ridge and set it ablaze with fiery red and orange to light the mist on there. Shocking beautiful finish...to a great day for a run.
The other day it was Watching the Detectives by Elvis Costello. My favorite Elvis song to date, no doubt, but again an interesting sound track to a run. Great lyrics in that song..."she's filing her nails while their dragging the lake.." Funny little minor chords and all together a great though not hugely popular song from long ago. He is an interesting cat and I like him in Spectical with Elvis Costello on cable...interesting guests, including his lovely wife Diana Krall. Seems he knows his stuff as far as music is concerned. I have read some fair reviews of his new one and should try to pick it up.
Beautiful morning to run...ran past a couple different cats out doing a dawn hunt. Do not usually see many cats on this M-F route...I must have been particularly stealthy this morning...yeah right.
As I turn at the top of the big hill at the end to head home the sun must have just come up and touched the top of the far ridge and set it ablaze with fiery red and orange to light the mist on there. Shocking beautiful finish...to a great day for a run.
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