Local Road Race Spirit

This weekend Natasha and I jumped into a local road race for some low-key action. I had previously competed at this meet a few years back and remembered it to be a great community event and I wasn't disappointed. We got up at the crack of dawn (4:30AM!) and ate our typical pre-race meals- some toasted bread, banana and UCAN for me, and dried bananas and soy-nut butter for Natasha. After showering to wake up and packing up our things we made the quick twenty min drive down to Bonita, CA. The race was being held at beautiful Rohr Park, the site of many of my high school cross country invites (nostalgia always sets in when I revisit places like these). 

We were one of the first to arrive when we pulled into the almost empty parking lot. A few tents had been set up and volunteers (the majority of which were local high schoolers) milled about in oversize race t-shirts trying to keep warm in the soft chill of the morning. Natasha and I wandered over to the sign in table and picked up our bib numbers before starting our warm-up. As more and more people showed up I started to recognize familiar faces. I was excited to be back into the San Diego running scene! 

As the 7:30AM race time neared, I pulled out my jersey and slipped it on. Jogging over to the start line I rehearsed my plan for the day: just go out hard and push - nothing fancy. Now, towards the end of my racing season I'm focusing on staying fresh and sharp, and in two weeks time I want to be prepared for a quick 10k at the US Championships. 

The start

At the line the small crowd of racers settled in- and at the starters command, took off! I popped into the lead right away and led a small group of five through the first mile in 4:40. Hoping to drop off a few of my chasers I threw in some surges that next mile. A little after the second mile it was down to three, two competitors right at my heels. One final surge to break them going into the final long stretch didn't work and I made the rookie mistake of letting up just a bit. As they passed I felt the air in my lungs escape me and, recovering too late, found myself gapped. In a blink of an eye I had finished. Third place, under the old course record, and $75 dollars richer, not to mention a road personal best (14:39). Natasha cruised in for first place and a nice payday as well, running 16:48. 

Leading the group past a mile and a half

What I appreciate most about races such as these is that you can enjoy in pleasures of racing and competing with the community of runners that assembles. Whether you are an elite, a weekend warrior, age-grouper, or just out for a run and cool shirt, you can share in the experiences of others. For instance, while others may be impressed by how fast I can run, I am equally if not more impressed by the old-timers (I'm talking 70-90 year olds here) that come out on a regular basis to run these 5ks, 10ks, halfs, and marathons(!). Big props to Richard Gauntner, Richard Williams, and Martha Walker for throwing down paces of 6:55, 8:28, and 9:50 per mile for this 5k! Incredible. 

So next time you want to have a great start to your weekend, pick out a local road race and join in on the spirit of community and running! You never know who you could inspire! 

Planes (Trains and Automobiles) and Coaching

US 8k Championships:

The internet, ipods, robots, and hot pockets....even though we live in the 21st century it seems like travel is lagging behind our other futuristic inventions. Shouldn't we be able to beam ourselves to any location through our mobile phones GetMeThereNow app? In any case I spent the better part of a weekend traveling to and from the charming town of Carmel, IN. If it wasn't delays that lasted for 4 hours due to inclement weather, it was oddly arranged layovers and connections that brought me farther from my destination before ushering me home. In spite of this, I did enjoy a well-planned championship event and great competition. 

Pensive before the start.

The race itself was filled with very capable runners and the early pace demonstrated that. After a slow first half mile the pack quickly hastened forward covering the first mile in under 4:30. It had been a while since I had gone out so quickly and I felt the effects later. I was slowly spit out the back of the lead pack and relegated to chasing the competition. A rough last two miles had me finishing in 19th place, but optimistic for my upcoming competitions (Race Replay on Runnerspace: US 8k Championships
Finish Video here) . My body is still adjusting and training has been solid. Patience, patience, is the key. Up next are a local 5k in Bonita this weekend, and then the US 10k Championships the following week in Atlanta!  


In other news:

Since moving back I have been searching for coaching opportunities around San Diego and recently was contacted by Coach McCarthy of University City High School, a school in my old league. He offered me a position and I have recently accepted his offer. I am really looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the future champions of our sport. This group of high schoolers is very dedicated and summer training has begun in earnest! Got to love the enthusiasm! 

check them out here!

Connecting with old friends has also been a theme since returning and it has reminded me of how important a role my friends in the running community have played in supporting me. It has been their enthusiasm that refuels my own passion for the sport and makes me yearn for more. One group in particular, the San Diego Track Club, is an exceptional example of how running fosters community well-being. If you are an SD local and have an interest in running or are already an avid runner I highly recommend checking out this fun group (the schedule can be found on their site, see link above). An integral leader of the group, and mentor of mine, Paul Greer, continues to inspire me every day with his passion for the sport and genuine interest in helping others succeed. Paul inspires me in the same way I hope to inspire others through my words and actions. Always remember to ask yourself, who have you inspired? 

A Jam Packed Weekend: Moving, Marathon, and More!

It was a very very busy week and weekend for me! Making the final move to San Diego, a couple job interviews, the SD Marathon Expo, and of course training! I left Flagstaff for San Diego around midday Wednesday after a frenzied couple days getting my car road-trip worthy. Eight hours later I was back home, my car packed full of my most prized possessions and lots and lots of shoes. 


While it may have been the busiest I've been in a while it was also my most productive set of days ever. Since deciding to move back to home to continue my career I have been reaching out to any and everyone I know that might be able to offer me guidance and help. In the process I have reconnected with the community that helped me become that individual I am today. I am proud to say I have the finest support group around and that it is what makes me such a strong individual, without them I wouldn't be quite the same. 


Before I begin I must say that if you have never been to a marathon expo and you are a running junkie, you must plan to soon. I had never been before but it was very cool to see all the newest gizmos and gadgets that are available to athletes. How do people come up with this stuff? Over the two day expo I helped Movin Shoes (a popular shoe store in town) with a booth of theirs and also spent some time at my new (and first!) sponsor's booth SLSTRI. Sylvie and Sebastian are very passionate about the product they produce and the compression socks, sleeves, and suits they make reflect their commitment to excellence. Keep up the good work (my calves thank you!). 


It is always great to meet a fellow Bruin when you cross paths, so it was doubly great to run into Meb and his brother Hawi at the expo as they came to support Generation UCAN (also another great company). Being from San Diego and an alum of UCLA it is inspiring to follow Meb's career and look up to the things he has accomplished. He continues to be an amazing role model for future running stars. 


As I wrap this entry up I'm forced to reflect on how fortunate I have been. I continue to pursue the things I love and along the way I meet fantastic individuals. This weekend I will continue my racing season in Carmel, Indiana, at the US 8k Championships. All these months at altitude are paying off and I feel the life in my legs awakening. I'm excited to pound the pavement again and look to report back with some positive news next week! Thanks again for following blog!