Owner: Pete Vara URL:http://petevara.blogspot.com Join Date: Thu, 05 Apr 2007 17:08:25 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Race Reports on Swim, Bike ,Run. Ultra Trail Races in Souther California. Site statistics:Click here
Spirit Run 10K/Kids Run March 25th 2007-04-01 20:38:00 I have participated in this 10K now 2 times, last year my time was 55:10. This year I finished at 50:25. I felt pretty strong, going into the race. I figured with all the trail running I have been doing my times would be faster. Also, for about 1 month I have had this nagging left hamstring that just has NOT gone away. I have been taking yoga classes for the last 3-4 weeks which have helped, but I think with the countless miles I’ve been putting on my body things are starting creep up. Overall the experience at this years 10K race was very pleasant, the weather was ideal, it was overcast and slightly windy. Pre-race was fun I ran into my sponsor aquaphore team-mates, and other running partners for the orange country tri club. Post race there was plenty of water support, and a nice spread of booths offering samples. I feel in love with this one product called Bonk Breaker. They offered samples of their Peanut butter & Jelly, it was packaged like a cliff bar, the rep assured me that th Read more:March
Los Angeles 5K Race Report 2007-03-11 21:21:00 Recap: LA 5K March 4, 2007 Leading up to the race, was an interesting week. First the whole family had the flu, leading up to the race I was in my third day of recovery. Nonetheless I still felt like it was in my chest. On Friday March 2nd, I was invited to attend a group dinner at Lucianos in Dana Point. The guest speaker was Dave Scott. Dave Scott is a 6 time Ironman Champion, he is an engaging speaker. He had a little talk on Success in sports, I found it to be very informative and motivating. Dave was in down for the weekend for a triathlon clinic for the Orange County Triathlon Club. On Saturday March 3rd, I participated in a group trail run with my fellow Orange County Trail Runners. The run was located in Aliso Woods which included a 11mile loop. We had a great turn out, 17 trail runners were in attendance. The purpose of the trail run for me was to get a good idea of how the legs felt. The leg turnover was not there, and my coughing persisted turning the run. On Sunda Read more:Angeles
, Los Angeles
, Race Report
Recap 50K 2007-02-06 05:19:00 Recap
: Fast Race Facts: 1st ultra distance trail run in Orange County. Read About the Twin Peaks 50/50 in the Paper. For the 50K (31miler) there were no potty restrooms, and only 2 aid stations. First Aid station was located at mile 9, then at the turn around at mile 15, then as you came back down the mtn. at mile 22. Total Elevation: 6,000 feet (1.8KM) Temp: Low 70’s felt like 80 in direct sun. Buildup: The buildup prior to the twinpeaks ultra was very mixed with highs and lows throughout the day. Saturday Feb 3rd, started with a easy 20mile bike ride with all of my tri-buddies, I have missed countless bike rides with the group due to trail running training. Saturdays were replaced with 14-29mile trail training runs, followed by running with my Sunday Snails group for 10-18mile runs. Why? Good question continuing on with my day after the bike ride, was having the great pleasure of hear Dean Karnazes speak at Fleet Feet. It was around 1:30pm and I realized I am way be
Short Bike Recap in Temecula 2007-04-29 20:27:00 I received a email last week to join in on a challenging bike ride in Temecula, CA.This attached photo of Floyd Landis, was part of the email.This was a very challenging course without a doubt, I had no idea what to expect. I would like to thank Johnnie and Tiffany for providing SAG support, during the ride. Below is the ride profile from that day.Below is a ride profile of Santiago Canyon, our usually route for training. I usually do pretty well on this course. As you can see from comparing the two, the course in Temecula makes the canyon look like a speed bump. Overall I was humbled from this accomplishment, it was a big character builder ride for many reasons. One reason is because I have not been on bike in 2months, another reason was after that first climb, my legs felt like jello, I had to dig deep to finish out the ride. Thank Johnnie I owe you one :) Read more:Recap
, Short
Shadow of the Giants Recap 2007-06-09 09:26:00 Shadow
of the Giants
is not to be confused with Ave of the Giants that was my mistake when opting out of running a marathon in May. For other reasons besides not having any desire to run on the road, I thought running inside the forest would be fantastic opportunity to explore. After several dozen of emails going back and forth Charlie on how long it would take to drive to the race site. I soon discovered my assumption of the race he was talking about was about 450 miles in a different direction. Shadow of the Giants was held in a small town called Fish Camp, CA which is located 60miles away from Fresno, CA or about 2 miles away from the entrance of Yosemite Park. Fast Forwarding to a few days before the event and again several dozen back and forth messages on our group board at OCTRAILRUNNERS.ORG someone that should remain nameless but resides in Riverside, suggested we take totally different route that would have added about the same time it would taken me to complete my journ Read more:Recap
Holcomb Valley Recap 2007-06-26 07:43:00 Holcomb valley 15 mile trail race. I had originally signed up for the 33mile race, but at the last minute, changed my mind to race the 15mile option. I am happy I did. After running the Shadow of the Giants, I thought it would be wise to not overdo it and run a good solid race with the 15mile option. Between the shadow of the giants and Holcomb I only ran once. I went to big bear on Saturday, and stayed at a local hotel. Other club members from the OCTRAIL club also stayed at the same hotel. I felt well rested going into the race. Race morning, I set the alarm for 5am, and went to the local am/pm for a hot cup of coffee. Wow I did not realize how cold it was outside, I had the shakes… I noticed there no cloud cover, which told me that will be very clear and hot. I arrived at the race site, and chatted with the other runners that were doing the 33mile race. 30min later our 15 mile race started. This was my first trail race where they put us in waves. I was of course in t Read more:Recap
, Valley
Quick Update 2007-07-30 13:41:00 After my race in Big Bear, I was feeling fairly confident on my race pace strategy. However, I still felt a nagging knee pain especially going down hill. I sent in my registration for the Camp Pendleton Tri, and started to train on my bike again. Then on June 20th I received my check back from the race organizer stating that the race has been closed. That really put me through a tail spin, because my strategy was to run a super fast 10K, recover then race the camp Pendleton and beat my time from last year. End result I canceled both races and decided to rest the knee and take a mini vacation in Las Vegas. I don’t remember the last time I took off 10 days without any activity. After Vegas my focus was on ramping up a two workshop for work, and getting ready for the Wild West relay in Colorado. We had a team of 6 runners from the club, 2 dropped out, and our team captain couldn’t join because of work obligations. Which left us with kinda unorganized, to make a long story short c Read more:Quick
, Quick Update
, Update
Wild West Pre-Recap Post 2007-08-13 19:02:00 Ok I am lagging in my updating my blog, but here is a quick teaser that I put together for the team in Colorado. Enjoy!The Hottest Ass on the pass Read more:Recap
, Wild West
My Trip to Denver 2007-08-12 18:08:00 I arrived in Denver
on Aug 1st, and my good friend and old college roommate Mike, picked me up at that airport. Mike had just moved from the bay area to live with his brother in Denver. Mike and I stayed at nearby Marriott Courtyard in the city center.We walked around strip mall to find somewhere to eat. I noticed the Coytote Ugly bar, I had only watched portions of the movie but was interested in checking it out after dinner. We went to a local Italian restaurant and had a few cocktails, after dinner we headed to Saloon and noticed that the bartenders putting on a show. It was still early in the night, I would assume the place gets really busy during the weekend. I wanted to head back to the room, because I knew I had a full day of activities lined up. More on that later...
Wild West Part II 2007-08-12 19:49:00 More about the race, I personally had great time. I was fortunate enough to have a pit support crew of Jennifer and Alexa. Both are great people and were gracious enough to make a running vacation out of the trip. As of 5 weeks prior to the race we were a strong team of 6 runners. And after 2 people dropped our team quickly dwindled to 3-4 runners. We collectively decided to drop out of the race as a team. But Jennifer, Alexa, and I had non-refundable airline tickets so we were going regardless. I found a 12 person team that was looking for 1 runner. I joined the team, and added that 2 fantastic runners from OC wanted to get in some extra miles and would pace the others at night. The night prior to the race, I was informed that I would be needed in Van #1, because they needed a runner to run a 10mile leg, and also the runner that I switched with was about 2 weeks pregnant. I was a little bummed at first, because I had wanted to get to Anca a little bit more in her van #2. But it turn Read more:Wild West
Wild West Relay Recap 2007-08-12 19:18:00 I arrived in Fort Collins. on Thursday. I met Stephanie from the group who is currently on summer break from school. Her and I agreed to met up for easy 5mile run, also to run many errands. The picture above is a photo of directions to the Car Rental place as well as the directions to Anca (team captain) office. I never seen directions posted on a paper towel before...The day past very fast, after dropped off the Vans, and went shopping for food and other last minute supplies. Race Morning consisted of alot of moaning and groaning due to the early wake-up call at 5:15am. Before the start of the race, our first runner of leg #1, was nervous that she would get lost, so she decided to write directions on her hands. The banana guy custom was short lived, about 3miles into the run, half of his suite was peeling off.... Read more:Recap
, Wild West
25K Bulldog Trail Race Report 2007-08-26 07:52:00 This local trail race was really easy to get to, it turned out to be about 1hr15min drive from my house. The race started in Malibu Creek State Park, the course offered great views of the ocean, and some interesting rock formation. I was also told parts of the TV Series M*A*S*H where filmed here... Although that Hit TV show series was before my time, I took their word for it.I had a fantastic time with my race running partner Kim French. We have not ran together since Lake Hodges. She has been plagued with some foot problems and took several months off. But we pretty much picked up where we left off... I feel real fortunate to have running partner like Kim, I think we are a great team, it really felt like we were in synch... our breathing patterns were the same, and other aches and pains. I officially signed up for the 25K, and Kim registered for the 50K, which is a second loop of the first loop. Months ago when I signed up I knew Aug was typically a very Hot month, so I wimped out a Read more:Bulldog
, Race Report
, Trail
Thursday Update 2007-09-27 09:37:00 I am using the next few days to rest up for a long month of racing.Oct 6th Xterra Trail RaceOct 14th Long Beach HalfOct 27th Xterra Trail RaceNov 10th Saddleback MarathonThese races should get me fully prepared for the Back-to-Back races in Feb, Twin Peaks 50K and Pacific Shoreline Marathon. Read more:Thursday
, Update
Weekend Results 2007-10-08 15:54:00 Weekend of fun in the sun. I went into the trail race about 70%, I have been bothered by some IT band issues along my left leg. It started with a short 6 mile tempo run on Thursday. I was on the foam roller for the last 18hrs trying to iron out all the kinks. Going into this weekend was a big test. I wanted to see how my body would recover from back to back runs. Saturday Trail race included a 18K (2:06 finish time)run thru point mugu. I had alot of fun on Saturday, both during the race and after. A group of us from OCTRAILRunners carpooled, and opted for a post race dip into the ocean at Zuma Beach. The water was icy cold, but I think it did wonders for my ankles, and quads.On Sunday, I went out for a long 17 mile road run in Huntington Beach, I tried doing much as possible of the Surf City Marathon course. I started out super early at 5:30am, I wanted to be done before 9am, I was finished by 8:30am. I kept a pretty easy pace for the first 10miles, and started to push what I had left Read more:Weekend
Quick Update 2007-10-17 11:02:00 I am still recovering from the Long Beach Half marathon believe it or not...After last years horrible experience of trying to beat 4hrs. I swore I would never do this course again. I somehow convinced myself to run the half with a few friends, I finished the race with an very sore ankles, hamstring issues. At one point during the race I opted to run on the beach sand. There is something to be said about concrete, basically I come to accept that concrete and my size 13 feet don't mix well. Today I am waiting for my 3pm 1hr massage, I can't wait. I hope for a speedy recovery and I am looking forward to a easy 9 mile trail run this Saturday, followed by a 18-20 mile road run in Huntington beach on Sunday. My plan is to train on most of the Surf City Marathon Course. Read more:Quick
, Quick Update
, Update
Sunday Foggy Run 2007-11-04 11:41:00 This past week has been a big challenge getting back into the swing of training. After our local fires I pretty much had no training for the past 7-8 days. Yesterdays trail run was cut short in terms of getting access to El Moro, due to a Red Flag warning the park ranger told us not to run inside the park. Instead we ran along Crystal Cove.Today with the time change I was able to squeeze in 16 miles. The body felt better and I felt like I was back in rhythm. The fog along the beach kept me cool enough to finish strong.This week is a big for me, I have a trail marathon on Saturday, then I plan to run 18 miles of the Surfcity Marathon course. So hopefully this will be good indicator to see where I am in terms if I can pull off this back to back 50K Ultra (TwinPeaks), and Surfcity race Superbowl weekend. I plan to be a good boy all week now that Halloween is over, I promise to eat all my fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water. By 10:00am next week I should be pulling out my credit Read more:Foggy
, Sunday
Entrepreneur Workshop-Getting to Results- 2007-11-13 11:32:00 Interactive boot camp style workshop focusing on effective business execution, getting from concept to reality and achieving the Big difference, the ability to show results.read more | digg story Read more:Entrepreneur
, Workshop
Weekend Recap-Part 2 2007-11-16 10:59:00 After my marathon I was trying to figure out how and the heck am I going to get ready for 18miles on Sunday. To be honest the only aches and pains that I was experiencing was very sore shoulders, and a good workout on the lungs. I made a effort to fall asleep by 8:30pm for my early start the next day. I met with Lisa at 5:00am, and started our journey for 18miles. I felt pretty good, the body was not too stiff as I thought it was going to be. We kept the pace fairly consistent in the first half, then we were able to take it up a notch on the way back. I started to feel the body rejecting the fast leg turnover at mile 17. For that last mile I decided to use that as a recovery or cool down mile :)- The rest of my Sunday included alot of NOTHING, I was entertained with watching the Packers, Cowboys, and Colts. However, Monday was the wake up call that I was expecting, I had sore calves and quads. I somehow made it to my local gym and jumped in the pool for kickboard workout. I felt ref Read more:Recap
, Weekend
Weekend Recap-Part 1 2007-11-16 10:07:00 Saddleback MarathonIt is the toughest marathon in California.I am not sure what I was thinking when I decided to undertake a challenging course so early in the season. I somehow convinced myself it would be a good indicator of where my fitness/insanity level.I have been toying with this idea of doing long distance races back to back since August. So after the race, I was preparing for my long 18mile training run in Huntington Beach. (more on that later)On Saturday morning I had the chance to carpool with my race buddy Kim. The last time I saw her was at Bulldog in August. I feel very fortunate to have easy going training partners. Kim made the race very entertaining, we even had a chance to sing and dance a along a christmas tree that was decorated along the course. We the opportunity to start early to help mark the course, I was very please with the early start. It gave us the some time to clear alot of broken tree branches along the course. Kim and I started with 2 other people but Read more:Recap
, Weekend
The Art of Doing Nothing 2007-12-14 12:19:00 Over the past 3 weeks have been well Kinda Mixed. After months of considering doing back-to-back events. I was informed that Twin Peaks would be post-phoned due to the recent fires here in OC. So I have been doing pretty much doing nothing... my main focus for 2008 is still Leona Divide for my first 50miler. I have researched plenty training bibles to help me have a positive experience for my first 50. Official training begins on Monday Dec 17th, I will continue to get in the proper training for the Surfcity Marathon, but will consider that a Low Priority Event. If anyone knows of some cool 50K's that I can use as training run I would like to do one in early March. Read more:Nothing
Encouragement 2008-02-14 17:08:00 Last weekend 2/10/08 a week after my Surfcity Marathon, I scheduled a 28mile trail training run. The run consisted looping El Moro 3 times. I was really impressed with the turnout of company. We had various level of athletes out for a good run. I was pretty much DONE by Loop 3, it was really hot and felt like it was 90 degrees.While still in Recovery mode, I still wanted to attend our track workout on Tuesday. Not feeling 100%, I told the coach what I have been doing for the last 2 weeks, and he asked what I have been smoking.... He recommended that I do easy pace 4-1mile repeats. I recruited a fellow runner to run with with me, this runner usually runs with our group but sometimes has a hard time of keeping up. Like many new runners, he usually would start the race too fast and quickly
Surf City Marathon 2008-02-05 15:07:00 Chance of showers in Southern California?Well I can't complain I normally thrive in raining weather, but when you add 15-20mph winds the fun rapidly goes away.This was to be my big party weekend, with back-to-back races. A 50K ultra Twin Peaks (Currently Postponed) followed by a Road Marathon
the next day. So instead of running 31miles the day prior I opted to run only 12miles out in the Saddleback mountains. I went into this road marathon with alot of hesitation because it was not my main focus. I was privilege enough to have a running partner (pacer) to keep me company for most of the race. I honestly just wanted to finish without getting injured. I am convinced that my body type is just not made for running on the streets. I feel I can handle 13miles or less without any significant da
Happy New Year 2008-01-11 12:24:00 Things are starting to take shape now in the new year. For the last 3 months I have working with a fellow runner train for a road marathon. I trained with her because I had a marathon myself in Feb. The endless road miles did begin to wear me down. At times I was running trails on Saturday, then running long road runs on Sunday. Now that my friend is off to Arizona for the Rock in Roll marathon this weekend, I can charge ahead, and really focus on whats ahead.I have a small trail race on Saturday (21K), then on Sunday I managed to have others join me in a early 5am trail run out in El Moro, we will be using our headlamps for about 90min. With this large of a turnout I expect to have a blast. Read more:Happy
, Happy New Year
New Balance 790 Trail Running Shoe 2008-03-17 17:01:00 Finishline.com has the men's New Balance
790 Trail
Running Shoe
for almost half-off the $74.99 retail price at only $39.97. Better yet, take 10% off via code 141705 (exp. 4/30) to drop the price to $35.97. The shoe is available in most sizes and in two different color schemes. If you're spending over $60, use coupon code 140387 to take an additional 15% off. Finish Line shipping is $6.99, plus $1.99 for each additional pair. Taxes vary by location. Instructions: 1. Go to Finish Line via this and add the item(s) to your cart. 2. Enter this coupon code during checkout: 141705 (10% off) OR Enter this coupon code during checkout: 140387 (15% off $60) 3. Confirm that the discount has been applied prior to purchase.My Personal Review. (March 16th)I purchased this trail runner s
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