DMR 1st Run

DMR 1st Run
July 12 Harford Springs Reserve Park Gavilan Hills

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Back by Popular Demand: Winter Scavenger Hunt

Hi everyone! Miss me?

The Virtual Winter Run is just around the corner and what better way to motivate you to train on those cold and windy mornings then a scavenger hunt? And since I put the U in run and fun and we all know that both running and fun involves YOU! (See what I did there? Yeah I am clever.) So what better person then yours truly to get YOU motivated by sending everyone out on a crazy scavenger hunt? So grab your running shoes and get ready to play.

The Route
Ok this is more of a location. Mt Rubidoux has over three miles of paved paths. So as long as you are running on a paved path inside the Mt. Rubidoux Park you are on the correct route. I found clues starting at both the 9th St and Glenwood entrances, so make sure you explore both. Go up the steep side, go down the long way, loop around the top but make sure you cover every paved path.

The Clues
Now this is where it gets hard. I jumbled the pictures up so there is no set order and you don't know where I started. The clues are all visible to some extant from the paved path but to get a decent picture from my phone I had to go off trail and get a close-up. (It was also VERY windy when I did this, so I apologize for my dicey camera work, I was hanging onto the cross for fear of being blown off the hill at one point.) I did cheat on a few clues. For example: you will have to hike up the steps to the base of the flag and the cross to find a few of the markers. The flag and cross themselves are not clues because they are just too obvious. There a lot of clues, so don’t expect to find them all. Make sure you read the fine print under the picture for hints and you’ll be fine. Told you I made it hard.

The Rules

Teams are ok. You can only run the route once and find clues. That means one email with a list of all found clues per team or individual, no going back on a different day to find more clues. 

We are checking off instead of taking pictures this time because there are quite a few clues to go through. Each picture is numbered, so email me a list of what pictures' numbers you found. For example if you find picture number 3, go ahead and list that as a clue you've found. If you don't find picture number 3, leave it off your list and don't count it. If you are not sure if you are looking at the right clue (the pictures don't quite match or a natural feature seems questionably close) go ahead photograph it and send it my way for final judging. 

Winning team or individual will be announced at the Winter Virtual or by Facebook post. The contest is open to all area SRTT/MRTT members, not just us Riverside people, so feel free to share. Happy hunting and send the results to keeperterrier@gmail.com. Ready to play?

1. Located near an entrance.
2. Someone forgot their re-bar.
3. Near an entrance, but which one?

4. Prickly in both Spanish and English.

5. Match the distance, not the particular mile marker.

6. Lots of these on the hill, find just one.

7. Found a short cut!

8. A railroad man who has affairs...?

9. Look for the three palm trees and go see who this memorial is for.

10. If you run in the morning you can balance the moon on this rock.

11. Match the distance, not the particular mile marker.

12. Every time I sit down I will remember Mrs Stacey. Find the right bench.

13. Match the distance, not the particular mile marker.

14. Who the heck is this guy? 

15. Another shortcut!

16. What a good guy.

17. Might have to go up the stairs to see this one or look up.

18. Is the rock holding this up?


19. Might have to hike for this one.

20. Might have to hike for this one.

21. Might have to hike for this one.

22. Now I know where all the clues are!

23. Might have to hike for this one.


24. Is there a troll under this bridge? 

25. There are about 10 of these painted on the rocks and trails you  might see one.

26. Several of these, you just need one.

27. Match the distance, not the particular mile marker.

28. Huntington got two markers?

29. Find the missing Raincross.

30. Match the distance, not the particular mile marker.

31. Filtered water? No way!

32. So what entrance is this sign by?

33. Secret way to get on the trail.

34. The Raincross is everywhere, but where does this one live?

Monday, September 8, 2014

Dirty Mother Runner Summer Series 2014 *UPDATED INFORMATION*

We are getting close to our last run, so if you are not following Facebook closely I have updated the Dirty Mother Runner Summer Series 2014 *UPDATED INFORMATION* post. Change of start location for the last run. Check it out and make sure you comment or post on Facebook if you have any questions..
http://mrtt-riverside.blogspot.com/2014/05/dirty-mother-runner-summer-series-2014.html

Sunday, August 31, 2014

MRTT National Summer Safari 5k/10k/Half Route Information!


Hi Gang!

This event snuck up on me, so I am pleased to finally announce the course details for the Safari Run. I can’t promise lions, tigers and bears (oh my) but I can promise you: bunnies, squirrels and a possible roadrunner. I can bike this route, so strollers shouldn’t be a problem. You will run by some drinking fountains and a park, but bring water with you. If you are running the half, there will be a marked unmanned water stop on the course, but make sure you bring extra water and snacks with you. Be careful at all street crossings, traffic does not stop at a few of them so run for safety and not for time. The bathroom at Washington Park is usually not open early in the morning, but the market next door has bathrooms. Hope to see you there and let me know if you have any questions.

So with no further ado here is your course information brought to you by this dude and gal right here.

Helmets not included.
 

Here is a map:


Can you see the dog head? Give you a hint: the Jackson makes the ears.
 
The route will be marked, but just in case how about some turn by turn directions?  Ok, keep in mind, these are just a guideline (I might have gotten them wrong) so make sure you look at the map and the course markings first. But hey! At least you’ll know where the water stops, turn around points and the names of the streets you’ll be on.

Start at Washington Park on the corner of Mary and Victoria
Water stop #1 is the drinking fountain at the Library House on Victoria and Madison
5k Turnaround will be at the corner of Victoria and St Lawrence St.
10k Turnaround will be at the corner of Gibson and Victoria
Turn LEFT onto Gibson
Water stop #2 is inside the Arlington Heights Sports Park
Turn LEFT onto Cleveland
Turn RIGHT onto Irving
Turn RIGHT onto Jackson
FOLLOW Jackson until it dead ends Turn LEFT to stay on Jackson
Turn RIGHT onto Irving
Follow Irving onto Monroe
Turn RIGHT onto Gratton
Water stop #3 is on Gratton (please dispose of water bottles in the trash bag provided)
Turn RIGHT onto Dufferin
Turn LEFT onto Adams
Turn LEFT onto Cleveland
Turn LEFT onto Monroe
Water stop #4 is the house with the drinking fountain on Monroe
Turn RIGHT onto Dufferin
Turn RIGHT onto Irving
Turn LEFT onto Cleveland
Turn RIGHT onto Gibson
Turn RIGHT onto Victoria (go back to the jogging path and head back to Washington Park)
End at Washington Park

Here is a picture of the start and the end at Washington Park:

Scavenger hunt veterans will recognize this place.

Here is the 5k turn around:

Don't panic! This will be marked!
 

And the 10k turn around:

Don't panic! This will be marked!
 

Water?! Got you covered!

Yay! The library house on Victoria and Madison has a drinking fountain.

10k and Half runners will have to take a quick detour into the park for water and a bathroom.

There will be a water drop at the top of Gratton and Monroe.
 

Drinking fountain in front of the house on Monroe.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Do you own your pace?

Reprinted with permission from Melissa, MRTT San Diego Chapter Leader. http://momsrunthistown.com/sandiegoca/do-you-own-your-pace/
Thanks Melissa for letting me post this and thanks Tyree for bringing it to my attention.

Going happy at my own pace,
Cheryl


When I first started running, I asked my husband to go on a run with me. As we started to run, he slowly sped up leaving me in the dust. He said I was too slow. So, between being “too slow,” not really enjoying running (because it was hard), and knee pain… I gave up! I gave up running rather abruptly, numerous times. That was how running always was for me. I NEVER enjoyed it. In school, I avoided running like the plague. I made up ALL kinds of excuses as to why I couldn’t run — luckily I had very sympathetic, male teachers who let me out of a lot of activities. It wasn’t until about 2 years ago after I had Danika, I decided I wanted to figure out this running thing. I had been active for years (actually most of my life) and did weight training but never really picked up running. So, I decided I wanted to learn how to run pain-free and then run faster. I focused on a 5k. I figured if I could run a 5k and keep up with my husband then I would MAYBE enjoy running…long story short — Not so much! I really didn’t start to enjoy running until I didn’t care if I could keep up with my husband or anyone else.  So I slowed down, took it one run at a time, and figured out how to run without pain.

I started this process when, after years of trying, my runner sister finally made me realize that I too could be a runner and that speed doesn’t matter.  Once I realized that, I realized that I am not fast or slow, I am a runner — plain and simple. Of course there are people faster than me and people slower, but there will always be people faster and slower. All I can do is run for me. I am my best competition. I am my best training partner and motivator. Once I fully believed that and stopped comparing, I learned to love running. I love running for the pure pleasure of running with other people, as well as competition. I love running to just get away and clear my head. I love my slow days and fast days.

One thing I have come to realize is that one person’s 6 min pace is just as hard as someone’s 12 min pace. It is all perception. Sure the person running a 6 min mile is faster, but their top speed effort is no different than your top speed effort. When I am running my tempo runs I am struggling at times and running with almost all my effort…it is not easy and it does not get easier. I may get faster, but my hard effort will always remain hard.

I always cringe when I hear people say I am so slow…followed by negative comments that can only have a negative affect on their running. My philosophy is, if you believe in yourself and speak positive words, your running will be transformed. If you talk and believe negatively, your running will be hampered. This is a philosophy I apply to all aspects of my life. If you want to perform well, you need to start with your attitude and words.

So instead of saying you are slow and thinking negatively, just own your pace and be proud of your current pace and know you could improve if you wanted to. You are working hard for your pace and should be proud of your hard work. Most runners don’t care if you are slower, so why put down your pace or PR. Be proud! To be honest, I pretty much think everyone is fast and before I was a runner everyone was fast. When people tell me their race times I am always excited for them because they finished. I usually don’t calculate the pace because that is way too much effort on my part. I am just proud of your accomplishment, as should you. And the people that excite me the most are the beginners and people with challenges. The person running her first 5k, the person running while getting healthier, the person battling cancer and the person who is missing a limb– these are the people that inspire me/us all. So don’t worry about how fast or slow you are, just enjoy it!
Do you own your pace? Let us know your pace and PR (any pace or PR you want to share — any or all) without any negative commentary or story trying to explain. And maybe next time you say your pace, you will not talk or think negatively.

I don’t think I am fast or slow…I just am a runner. Because, truth be told, I can always be faster or slower. Both of those can be trained and will change with time.

Oh, and I should mention that my husband can no longer keep up with me since he won’t run more than 3 miles ;) and if he can avoid running altogether he will. So now when we run, I can leave him in the dust (although I don’t do that — well except for when he upsets me haha). Although, we still RARELY run together. He prefers to cycle. :)

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Safety Minded


I was flipping through my pace leader packet from the Riverside Road Runners and I came across a few documents that I would like to share with everyone since we are starting a new season of training. Some of this information is common sense and other parts took me by surprise. But when you get down to it, we could all use a little reminder on runner’s safety and etiquette. If you are interested in learning more about the Riverside Road Runners, check out their website at http://riversideroadrunners.com/. The 2014/2015 season starts this Sunday, but membership is open all year. Come out on any of their scheduled training sessions and see what they have to offer.  
So with no further ado, I reprint with permission from the Riverside Road Runners: RRCA General Running Safety Tips and Etiquette for Runners.

Be safe out there. Why? Because we like you!
Cheryl

Etiquette For Runners

Whatever the pace, wherever the race, manners matter.

Rules of the road and trails

•Run against traffic if running on the road. If running on the sidewalk or multi-use trails, travel on the right and pass on the left.

•Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a group. Don’t be a road or trail hog.

•Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.

•If you are running an out-and-back route, don’t just make a sudden u-turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass. Ensure the road or trail is clear of oncoming traffic (runners, cyclists, in-line skaters, etc.) then make your u-turn. Making a sudden u-turn without looking over your shoulder is a good way to get hit.

•Alert pedestrians when you are passing them – don’t assume they are aware of their surroundings. A simple “on your left” warning will suffice.

•Be alert on blind curves.

•Stop at stop signs and ensure oncoming traffic yields to you before proceeding across a road. Don’t assume cars will stop if you are entering a cross walk.

•Respect private property along your route. Don’t relieve yourself in the neighbor’s bushes or trees. 

•Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your trash home.

General Rules for Running in an Event

•Follow the rules of the race outlined on the race entry form! All runners have a collective responsibility to keep the event safe. Races generally discourage running with dogs, headphones, cell phones, and jogging strollers.

•Pre-register even if same day registration is offered. This will help ease the registration process for everyone involved.

•Arrive early for the event, especially if you are picking up your number on race day. Check your registration information carefully, especially if you are racing for an award or prize money.

•Use the facilities before the race start to lessen the need once on course, and help keep the facilities clean for person in line after you.

•Pin your race number on the front of your shirt/shorts. This is where it is most visible for photographers and race officials.

•Line up according to how fast you plan to run or walk the event. Slower runners and walkers should move to the back of the race pack. Just because you arrived early does not mean you should be at the front of the starting line.

•Pay attention to the pre-race instructions. This is not the time to be blaring your favorite song on your personal music device (which should be locked in your car or at home).

Race Etiquette on Course

•If you drop something as the race starts, don’t stop and pick it up! Wait until almost everyone has crossed the starting line; then retrieve it.

•Don’t drop clothing on the course after you warm-up. If you must shed layers of clothing, tie them around your waist or place them on the side of the road where no one will trip over them. If you drop it; don’t expect to get it back.

•Run or walk no more than two abreast.

•Do not block runners coming up behind you by swerving needlessly back and forth across the course.

•If you are walking in a group, stay to the back of the pack and follow the two abreast rule.

•Bodily functions are a fact of life during a race. If you need to spit, blow your nose or throw-up, move to the side of the road and do it there. If nature calls, check for a port-a-potty, an open business, a kind neighbor along the course, or as a last resort, a discreet clump of bushes before relieving yourself.

•Move to the side if someone behind you says “excuse me” or “on you’re your right/left”. The person behind you is giving you a heads up before passing. It’s proper race etiquette to let that person pass you without blocking their effort.

•If someone in front of you is wearing headphones, and they are blocking, gently touch their elbow or shoulder as you pass to alert them to your presence.

•If you need to tie your shoe or stop for any reason (phone call, nose blow, etc) move to the side of the road and step off the course.

•Pay attention to your surroundings. The course may or may not be closed to traffic. It is your responsibility to watch for oncoming traffic!

•Yield the right of way to all police and emergency vehicles. Yield the course to wheel chair athletes, you can change direction or stop more quickly then they can, especially on a downhill.

•Don’t cheat! Don’t cut the course or run with someone else’s number.

•Enjoy your race!

Aid Station Etiquette

•When approaching an aid station to hydrate or re-fuel, move to the right and grab your fluid/nutritional needs from the volunteers or the aid tables then continue forward away from the volunteers or aid table.

•If you need to stop at an aid station step to the right side of the road and proceed to the aid station, but do not block others from accessing the aid tables or volunteers handing out fluids.

•Throw your used cup to the right side away from the course as close to an aid station as possible. Drop your cup down by your waist as opposed to tossing it over your shoulder. The person behind you may not appreciate the shower if the cup is not empty.

•Say thank you to the volunteers manning the aid station.

•If you see someone in distress on the course, report their number to the aid station and try to recall the approximate mile maker where you saw them.

Finish Line Etiquette

•If you neglected to leave your personal music device at home, now would be the most important time to remove your headphones.

•Follow the instructions of the race officials at the finish.

•If a friend or family member is running the last stretch with you and isn’t in the race, he/she should move off the course before the finish chute starts.

•Once you have crossed the finish line, keep moving forward until the end of the finish chute. Stay in finishing order if the event is not electronically timed so the finish line volunteers can remove the pull tags for scoring.

•If the event is electronically timed, be sure to return the timing tag/chip before leaving the finishers’ chute.

•Exit the chute and wait for friends or family in a central location.

•Enjoy the post-race refreshments, but remember it is not an all you can eat buffet for you and your family.

•Stay around for the awards ceremony to cheer on the overall winners along with the age group winners. Running is one of the few sports where the participants get to mingle closely with the event winners.

•Be proud of your accomplishment!
 
RRCA General Running Safety Tips
•Don’t wear headphones. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during evening or early morning runs.
•Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.
•Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.
•Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.
•Carry a cell phone.
•Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you’re unsure. If something tells you a situation is not “right”, it isn’t..
•Run with a partner. Run with a dog.
• Tell other group and clinic director if you group is going on a different route.
•Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.
•Ignore verbal harassment and do not verbally harass others. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
•Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.
•Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.
•Carry a noisemaker. Get training in self-defense.
•When using multi-use trails, follow the rules of the road. If you alter your direction, look over your should before crossing the trail to avoid a potential collision with an oncoming cyclist or passing runner.
•Call police immediately if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately
The RRCA encourages our members and the press to reproduce and circulate these tips. Please be sure to acknowledge the RRCA as your source for General Running Safety Tips.
 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

KRTT (Kids Run This Town) Summer Safari Color Run FAQ

Kids hate running? Do they refuse to run with you? Tired of them parked on the couch all day? Need to wear them out a little so YOU can nap on your couch for a while? Well your local chapter of MRTT has the cure for you! How about a run they want to do? A color run!

1.       When and Where

Tired of seeing this all day?! Make them run!

Saturday August 2 at Orange Terrace Community Park 20010 Orange Terrace Pkwy, Riverside, California 92508. Fun starts at 8:00 am.

2.       What to Expect

We will meet at the corner of Deercreek and Grove Community and walk the kiddos down to the Bunker Loop Trail where they will do a 1k out and back. Adult volunteers will happily throw non toxic colored cornstarch at them and maybe even hose them down with colored water. (Payback for your little couch “french fry”.)

3.       What to Wear

White of course! So they can show off how colorful they get. If you do it right, some of the color will stay on their clothes.

4.       Will there be medals?

Updated: Yes, they were out of stock but Tyree was able to order another set. They look a little different from the others, but the kiddos won't care. $5 each (swag included). You can send payment to Tyree at calltyree@calltyree.com via PayPal using the friends and family option.
 
5.       Do I need to register?

Yes please. In order to provide adequate support we need to have a head count. To register simply join the event you wish to attend, preferably in the Riverside MRTT chapter’s Facebook page.

6.       Is there a charge to run?

No the event is free but space is limited.

7.       What happens after the run?  

Informal pot luck picnic at the park’s water pad. Bring something to share.

8.       But I don’t have kids?!

No problem, bring your nieces, nephews, grandkids and even your neighbor’s kids. The more targets…oops I mean kids out there, the more fun it will be for the for the color throwing grownups…I mean kids.
Kitchen disaster? No way! Make her do the color run.

9.       Any other color related hot tips?

I found a pdf document put out by the Color Run folks. They suggest wearing swimming goggles if you want to keep the color out of eyes. To avoid coloring your hair, they recommend spraying your hair with a leave in conditioner before the race or covering it with a hat or a bandana. Lastly to get the color to wash out of hair and clothes, dust or shake off as much of the color as possible. Rinse your hair with cold water and wash your hair as you normally would. Oxiclean (or a similar product) will take out a lot of the color out of your clothes; but rinse them first and make sure you wash them separately. On light colored hair or clothing it might take a few washes to get all the color out. Your hair will probably be fine after a few washes, but your favorite white clothes might permanently bear a few rainbow marks. Remember, those spots of remaining color are a badge of honor and a permanent reminder of all the fun you and your kiddo(s) had. 

Monday, July 14, 2014

Scavenger Hunt Results


In case you are dying to find out, the scavenger hunt winners were announced at the July 12 Harford Springs trail run.

Runners that completed the route and found all the clues received an adorable certificate with a raffle ticket that is good for all three trail runs this summer.

Drum roll please, and the winners are:

Tyree

Vanessa
The clue that almost everyone missed, including me.

Cecilia

Sophia

Tammy

Maria

Dawn

Champagne

Everyone who completed the route received an entry into the grand prize drawing, which was a $15 Starbucks certificate (large enough to share with your team mates or even your favorite blogger…hint hint) and the proud winner of that was (another drum roll please) Maria.

By the way Maria, your team captain took your certificate and promised me that she will get it to you right after she stops at a Starbucks. She was a little fuzzy on the details.  She has an honest face, so we’re good. (Just kidding, I know she will get it to you.)

Another scavenger hunt is in the works for the fall. So stay tuned.

Your favorite blogger and Maria’s new best coffee drinking friend (right Maria?),

Cheryl