This is one of my favorite races. While last year started with rain, this year had the potential to be the perfect running weather. This would be my 3rd time on this course and apparently, this has classified me as a legacy runner. It was a beautiful morning with perfect temperatures. I decided to take it easy this race as I had finally healed from last race’s...
It was a rainy Sunday Morning. I was fresh off a long trip and in no way wanted to run my 21st half marathon. But there was something interesting in this race. Each runner would get to run through a large wooden building that has stood since World War 2. The wood part was the biggest surprise for me. From the outside, I thought these massive hangers were either...
I decided to run this nice February race for the second time. Last year they changed away from the unique surfboard medal and got many complaints so this year they went back to what works. I wanted one! The starting line was its usual energetic self. I took a few moments to absorb the positive energy. The race started and I was well on my way. I’d been...
I’ve now lived in Californa for 2 and a half years. For the most part, I still love it. Yes, the cost of living frustrates me. But the good weather and opportunities still balance out for me. I still wake up most days to sunshine and blue skies…ready for a run… Farmers Markets are something I have been starting to get more active with. I absolutely...
I’ve lived in Californa for almost 3 years and have wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park ever since I got here. I finally found some time over the weekend to take a fun road trip with the girlfriend. It is about an hour and a half drive from Irvine. The national park pass I purchased last year at the Grand Canyon got us into the park for free. This place...
When I have a work trip scheduled during mid-winter, I tend to dread going to cold places. I moved to California for the primary reason of escaping the cold weather. I lived through 33 winters…I’ve done my time. In spite of that, I ended up having a good business trip. There were quite a few good sunsets to witness. Here are a few highlight photos. The...
It can be rather expensive to travel from California to Ohio when it is not for a work trip. I promised my dad that each year I would at least try to be home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. This year was an xmas year. Back in July I spent some of my airline miles to book a first class ticket home. I do not like to fly during the holidays so anything I can do to...
As my year comes to a close I am getting to enjoy home more and more. I’ve made sure to get out and do a lot of running along the trails. In addition, I’ve also spent some time kayaking the Newport Bay. Here are some highlights… Why do I do all this? First, I love the outdoors when the weather is this nice. Second, I want to eat junk food. But I...
Imagine the length of a football field. Next, image a tree as long as that field. Stand the tree upright and you’ve got the monster redwood trees of Northern California. I’d been arguing with myself for a few weeks about driving further north from San Francisco. It’s once thing to do a 7 hour drive there and another thing to do 4 more hours north of...
For a few years, as I have discovered new race destinations, I have had a growing list of places I want to run. One of these goals was to run across the historic Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. Last June, thanks to another race, I was made aware of one occurring this month. While this is not the official SF Marathon, this smaller event was perfect for my needs...