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

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.

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.

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.

 

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. 

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

Chasing Vanessa Kline

Vanessa Kline

Not every middle to the back of the pack runner has a chance to run with an elite. Usually, if we’re lucky, we get to see them at the starting line. Or if we’re patient, at a meet and greet after a long wait in line. Last Tuesday on July 1 at Box Springs Mountain Park, we were given an opportunity to trail run with local running celebrity Vanessa Kline. Since 2012 Vanessa has run 33 marathons, 20 half-marathons and two 50-mile events. She started out as a track athlete in high school but stopped running when she started a family. After a 14 year break, she started running again and completed the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon in a respectable time of 4:19. Crossing that finish line fueled her passion for running, and with extensive training she was able to qualify for Boston at the St. George Marathon in Utah. She crossed the Boston finish line in 3:39, a mere half hour before the bombs went off two blocks away from where she was standing. 

Q: When did you start running and why?

A: “I started running in January 2012 after having my 3rd child two months prior. I was overweight and none of my clothes would fit. I had been a runner in high school, but hadn't run for over 14 years so getting back out there was a big challenge. I didn't think I could commit to myself, so I signed up for the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and went for my first run the very next day.

“I had never run a race longer than a 5k, but I was never the type to make things easy on myself, so a marathon it was! The first few months were hard, I was sucking wind and felt like I was going to die. There were days I wasn't motivated and my fiancé would literally push me out the door telling me, "Just go, you'll feel better!" He was right...after the first mile it really wasn't so bad. It was just getting through the first part of the run that was difficult. I cried on many of my runs, but I kept pushing through even when it sucked. Eventually running became something I wanted to do, not something I had to do.”



Vanessa with Riverside MRTT Members

Q: It takes a lot of training to run at an elite level, describe a typical training session or even a training week?

A: “As long as I am healthy, I am averaging 70-90 miles a week. I find I can run more without my body breaking down if I stay on trails, too many miles on the road really beats me up. I will cycle a few high 90 mile weeks and then bump it back for a week or two to let my body recover. I don't follow any specific training plans. I run road marathons often (sometimes two or three a month), but I am usually pacing them so I'm not running at 100%. Those runs are more for training.

“I also change my training depending on what race I have coming up. I am not really training for marathons right now, my actual races are the ultras. If I have a mountain race, I try to do most of my running in the mountains and on hills. If I have a road ultra, I will try to get on the road more.

http://www.runtahoe.com/content/triples

“It becomes a little tricky when I have two big races back to back. This year I'm running Lake Tahoe Super Triple the weekend of 9/13, then Kodiak 100 Miler the weekend of 9/20. Since I am already in training for AC100 on 8/2, I will keep mostly to the trails after that race and then add in some of my longer runs on the road. So for example: I might run 25 miles in the mountains and the following day another 20-25 miles on the road.”

http://www.ac100.com/

http://kodiak100.com/

Q: How did you find out about Moms Run this Town and what do you like about the group?

A: “I originally found out about the High Desert Chapter of MRTT after a friend had added me. There were several of us in another running group from the High Desert area. After MRTT found an administrator in our area the group blossomed. Soon I was added to other MRTT groups in the surrounding areas.

“I like the fact that there are runners of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. There is someone for EVERYONE to run with. Whether you are fast or slow doesn't matter. There is a ton of support in the MRTT groups, and I find it motivating when others tell me I'm motivating them.

“I love seeing people make progress. That is so satisfying to me when I see someone go from walking around the block to running their first race. I love seeing people improve themselves!”

Q: It looks like you have kids, how do you fit it all in?

A: “To fit all my running in I have a lot of support. My fiancé, mom, my sister and her husband all help watch my kids if I'm going to be gone. I also have a babysitter that my kids love for those times when family is not able to help. It literally takes a village.

“Sometimes it is hard because the distance I've chosen to participate in takes many training hours each week. I try to get my runs in (or at least start them) when everyone is still asleep. I am not really a morning person, but I think I've learned to become one. If I have to do my run at 2am before work I will. Whatever it takes!

“It is also a challenge because my fiancé Thomas Stokes is an athlete as well (a professional MMA fighter) so we are (pun intended) often "fighting" for training time. We try to be courteous and think of each other’s needs. We often cross train together (strength & conditioning) and that lets us push each other. Neither one of us wants to be beat so it can get quite competitive in our home gym!”

https://www.facebook.com/TommyHandsOfStoneStokes

Q: Any hints or tips for those just starting out?

A: “Get a good pair of shoes. My favorite running store is Fleet Feet Sports in Rancho Cucamonga. It is family owned and they really take care of their customers.

http://www.fleetfeetranchocucamonga.com/

“Start out slowly. Do not go from A-Z. Increase mileage by no more than 10% each week.

“Make sure you commit to yourself. If you can't, find a goal race and sign up for it or find a partner (MRTT is great for this). No one is going to do this for you, you have to do it for yourself. 

“Be flexible. Don't be afraid to run at night, early morning, on trail, with someone new, just get out there.

“Stay consistent. My rule is no more than 2 days off of running in a row (unless you are sick or injured). On the third day you start to lose fitness.”

If you are interested in reading more about Vanessa’s journey as a runner, here are a few links for you to check out:

https://www.facebook.com/vanessaklinelikeabeast

https://twitter.com/vanessajkline

http://instagram.com/vanessajkline

http://www.polarbottle.com/polar-bottle-sponsors-first-ultra-marathoner/

http://charitymiles.tumblr.com/post/55184151027/vanessa-kline

http://charitymiles.tumblr.com/post/60205183466/an-interview-with-vanessa-kline-marathon-runner

http://www.mathcs.citadel.edu/trautmand/stuff/bestfrequentmarathoners2013.htm

http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20140607/SPORTS/140609851/13000/SPORTS?template=printart

http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20140621/Sports/140629958

https://www.facebook.com/vvdailypressnews/posts/451792021579570

July 7 Updates to the Dirty Mother Runner Posts

We are getting close to our first run, so if you are not following Facebook closely I have updated the Dirty Mother Runner Summer Series 2014 *UPDATED INFORMATION* post. Loads of exciting information on swag bags and raffles. 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

Entries Due: Summer Running? Ready! Steady! SCAVENGER HUNT!

Entries for the MRTT Summer Scavenger Hunt are due this Thursday! So if you ran the route over the holiday weekend or plan on running it this week, make sure you email me your entry at keeperterrier@gmail.com so it can be tallied. Winners will be announced and entered into a grand prize drawing on Saturday July 12.

Updates to the Dirty Mother Runner Posts

On my! Someone please hide my credit card! Enough already!

Fabulous custom Sweatheads headbands for the summer trail series at a special MRTT discount! If you haven’t tried one of Michel’s super-cute stay put headbands now is your chance. Check out the post with the new and improved title: Shirts, Skirts and Headbands: 2014 Dirty Mother Runner Summer Series for the details. http://mrtt-riverside.blogspot.com/2014/05/shirts-2014-dirty-mother-runner-summer.html

If you have any questions please comment below or post on Facebook.

3rd Annual SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half Marathon and 5K Race Report, June 14

Remember that saying, “the third time’s a charm”? Well I think this event is now certainly charmed, and in a very good way. As a participant for three years now, this event has gone through some growing pains, two years of mismarked courses sending the runners off to explore uncharted territory, adding time and distance nobody wanted. But anyone who has run on trails before knows trail running is a different beast than road running: changing terrain, multiple trails merging into or away from the main track, and it could take only a strong gust of wind to remove all of your carefully placed markers. Trails are not perfect and neither are runners: what makes sense when marking a trail could mean a missed key turn for everyone else. What makes this race amazing is the enthusiasm and dedication of the organizing company Off Road Pursuits. You can tell these guys love running, they love trails and care about what they are doing. So they listened to runner’s feedback, figured out what went wrong over the past few years and fixed it.

 

I knew going in that this run would be challenging, but I am always taken by surprise of how hard

this course is. The heat, hills and uncertain terrain makes running here difficult. I tripped at least twice, one of our members came out bleeding, and my blisters will need a few days to heal. The steep downhill where the fluffy sand covers your feet and goes inside of your shoes forcing most runners to stop and dump the dirt out of their shoes and socks at the base is always a treat. But you can’t beat the scenery, I always have to look around reminding myself of how lucky I am to run in such a beautiful place and stop myself from just jumping in the lake and refusing to come out. Based on prior years’ experiences on this course and with no wrong turns, I went in thinking I would be able finish in 2:15 or 2:30, but a bad choice of shoes, blisters, heat related nausea and lost minutes dumping dirt out of my shoes after going down “fluff mountain” set my finish time at 2:37. I guess it wasn’t my day, but there is always next year.

MRTT had a strong showing at this event and I hope to see even more next year. We had members from the Riverside, Temecula and the High Desert chapters running the half and the 5k. Having the MRTT support on the course was amazing. Knowing that your cheering “sole sisters” were waiting for you at the finish made those last few miles a little less painful for me. Thanks to whomever flipped my car magnet.

 

Because this event holds a special place in my heart I can’t wait until next year’s trail race. I started running three years ago and the inaugural SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half Marathon was my first half marathon. So what keeps me coming back? Despite some problems in the past, Off Road Pursuits puts on a pretty good show. They ironed out the kinks with the course, they’re upfront with prerace information, the organizer and volunteers were everywhere to happily help you stay hydrated and put you on the right path if you got confused on a turn. The company was easy to work with if you have to transfer a bib to another runner, a pleasant surprise where so many races now won’t let you legally transfer bibs. You can’t beat the scenery and the changing terrain makes running this course challenging to even the most seasoned trail runner. Will I do it again? You betcha! But next time I am jumping in that lake, blisters and all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Running? Ready! Steady! SCAVENGER HUNT!

Running is tough in the summer. It’s hot and you have to get up early. So you get up at 5 am to run and it is STILL hot. But if you’re like me, you have fall races on the calendar and need to log those pesky miles. To keep going, you need a change of scenery. You might have to drag your sleepy running buddies out of bed to meet you. Or perhaps a contest to keep your brain active? Some days you need all the help you can get. What?! Did I just say a contest?

Your humble blogger is here to provide you with everything on your summer running checklist: a change of scenery, a chance to form a team (but solo is fine too) and a contest! Ever done a scavenger hunt? Well this is a virtual scavenger hunt. Here is how it works: I am going to give you a route and some photos of things to look for when you run that route. When you find the item(s) in the photos, take a picture of it and email me the photo. The team or individual who sends me the most matches wins!

Sounds simple enough? How about an example: one of the photos below has a picture of a mailbox with a heart on it. That mailbox is somewhere on the route I am going to give you. Find that mailbox, take a picture of it and email your picture. The team or individual who sends in the most pictures wins a prize. WOW! A PRIZE! I LOVE PRIZES! TELL ME MORE!

Ok rules: You can only run the route once and take photos. That means one email with all your photos per team or individual. I understand that email attachments are tricky critters, so if you have a technical problem I will work with you to get your entry in. Everything I photographed was taken following the rules of the road, so no trespassing on people’s lawns and unsafe street crossings. Stay on the street or the sidewalk. Please be aware of cars and other obstacles. Winning team or individual will be announced at the first Dirty Mother Trail run on July 12. If everything goes well, after July 12 I will be posting another route with photos. The contest is open to all area MRTT members, not just us Riverside people, so feel free to share. All of the routes are popular Riverside or MRTT running areas except for this one: my super-secret shady summer route. Happy hunting and send those pictures to keeperterrier@gmail.com. Ready to play?

ROUTE #1

5.5 Miles (Approximately)

START at Washington Park 2769 Mary St.
TURN LEFT onto Victoria Ave. towards Arlington
TURN RIGHT onto Arlington
TURN RIGHT onto Hawarden Dr. (this is the road that runs parallel to the Gage Canal)
BEAR LEFT to stay on Hawarden Dr. (road will start going uphill and will leave the canal)
FOLLOW Hawarden Dr. until it dead ends at a dirt road
CONTINUE on the dirt road/trail down the Mary St. wash until it meets the Gage Canal. This part is tricky so here is a clarification: When the broken pavement ends the trail will fork, take the fork that goes to the base of the wash towards Victoria (see inset photo of the correct trail on right) turn left and follow the trail up the hill.

This is the fork. Continue downhill and you'll see the block wall clue on your left, follow that trail until you meet the canal.

CONTINUE onto the Gage CanalEXIT Gage Canal onto Mary St.
TURN LEFT onto Mary St./Hawarden Dr. loop
CONTINUE onto Hawarden Dr.
Hawarden Dr. turns into DeGrazia Rd.
TURN RIGHT onto Hawarden Dr.
CONTINUE onto Mary St. (you have completed a large loop and will be back by the canal)
CONTINUE onto Mary St. towards Victoria Ave.
END at Washington Park 2769 Mary St.

How about a map?

And here are your photos:

Picture 1: A Scottish bagpiper's dream home.

Picture 2: Need to Google Miss. Scott, she's everywhere.

Picture 3: Pretty fountain. 

Picture 4: Was his name misspelled?

Picture 5: Just a lonely mailbox sitting by itself.

Picture 6: Gotta look up to see this view.

Picture 7: Another big tree.

Picture 8: Don't go this way!

Picture 9: Well this one is a freebie.

Picture 10: I "heart" mail too!

Picture 11: See the rain cross?

Picture 12: A British phone box??? Look hard.

Picture 13: I think this tree ate a kid in a 1980's horror movie.

Picture 14: This had a sun on it but now it is gone.

Picture 15: Look hard for this on the Gage Canal.

Picture 16: Wow! Cool house!

Picture 17: See the rain cross?

Picture 18: Wow! Cool house #2!

Picture 19: I think they really like the letter M.

Picture 20: Look hard for this piece of Mary St. history.

Picture 21: Historical Gage Canal coolness.

Picture 22: And you're back!