Deadwood Mickelson Trail full and half marathon

This has been one of my favorite destination races so far.  We had been watching the HBO series and were looking forward to being able to see where some of the famous historical figures were buried and where some of the shoot-outs had occurred. 

While the expo was small, it had everything you needed.  There were plenty of gear from both the current race and discounted previous events.  They had all of the basics covered with vendors as well as having a couple of local massage people there.

Right across the street from the host hotel and packet pick-up was the Tatanka museum.  This is a must see when visiting Deadwood.  The Tatanka, story of the bison was built because of the generisoty of Kevin Coster.  While was not a fan of Dancing with Wolves, I found a new respect for the movie after visiting Tatanka.  Please visit  http://www.storyofthebison.com/ for more information.

Please visit  http://www.cityofdeadwood.com for a complete list of all the places to see when visiting Deadwood, SD.  A must see for us was the Mt. Moriah Cemetery.  Here we were able to see where Wild Bill Hickok, Seth Bullock, Calamity Jane, and all of the other famous (and not so famous) Deadwood residents rest for eternity. 

I would highly recommend spending some time on the Mickelson trail when you are in the area, either for a race or for fun.  Please visit http://www.deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com/ for event information.  It is held the first weekend in June.  Or for general trail information please visit http://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/ for more information about the trail itself.

This is about half way for the half marathon.  Please be aware of the 1000+ feet in elevation gain for the full marathon trail.  While gators are not required, if you tend to get things in your shoes while running on trails, this one does have loose gravel that may cause problems. 

Rocket Racing double weekend

Spring Blast & Mother's Day run's with Rocket Racing.....

Saturday didn't start off the best for me.  I didn't see a GPS address on the website so I went by my sense of direction when I couldn't get my computer to log on the morning of the race.  After showing up 20 minutes late to the Huntington Beach location and finally locating the RD, I knew I was not going to get in my half marathon I was registered for. 

When I mentioned this to the RD he said just to keep track on my Garmin and keep track on when to turn around.  Decided on the 10k since I was just not feeling it and the humidity seemed to be more than I was ready for.  Felt good, despite the dripping by the one mile marker. 

This was a very low key event with registration open to only 25 people.  There was bling involved!  Not sure what I am trying to say in this picture but love my leg muscles!

Sunday took my to Santa Monica, a location I am a little more familiar with and there was a GPS location, so I was more than on time and ready to go.  Had made the mistake of watching the news the night before, confirming my suspicions of high humidity.  I knew before leaving the gate I would not be doing the 15K I was supposed to, opting for another 10k instead. 

Met a lot of great people and look forward to taking part in another Rocket Racing Productions event.  This new friend was finishing her 1st 5k and I like to think I helped make her miles a little more enjoyable for the final mile in.  Please visit www.rocketracingproductions.com for a complete list of their events. 

Go Nola Granola, wild blueberry wave

I have never been a big granola fan.  Doesn't matter if its a granola bar or if its loose or a cereal, just don't care for it.  I recently received a package of Go Nola from Nature's Hand and I must admit, I liked it.  The product can be found at GoNola | Freaky Good GraNola!

There are only 2 flavors in this ready to go, 140 cal. package.  If you are willing to bag up your own servings, try Nature's Hand | Healthy, low fat and low sugar granola from ... 

You can either order it online or they give you a list of stores who carry it.  While I can't explain why I enjoyed Go Nola, I know that I have already ordered more.  I am always looking for healthy snacks, and this one fits perfectly.  I did email and ask if they were Gluten free, and they are not at this time.  The blueberry one I tried had sunflower seeds in it so I am thinking they are not an allergen free facility if you have to worry about nut allergies.  Drop them an email if you have any questions, their response time was super quick.

Shinzen 10 mile, 5 mile, 2 mile run/walk

Woodward Park is one of my favorite places to run an event.  Since coming back home to the Central Valley, I have been trying to make a point of signing up for all local events, no matter how big or small.  When I saw this one, I knew I had to take part.  I had originally signed up for t 5 miler, but knew with my left foot still recovering from my Texas size blister, there was just still no way without re-injuring it.  My left quad was also feeling a little discomfort, so I decided to play it safe and do the 2-miler.

I emailed the contact listed about a week before the event, asking permission to drop down.  The reply was to just let them know when I picked up my stuff.  The volunteer handing out bibs/shirts on race morning just looked at me blankly when I tried to tell him this, but I smiled and thanked him anyway. 

I looked around the finish for someone to tell but didn't see anyone so I headed out to the start line, but took some pictures of the awards before heading over.

While I didn't win any of these, I love that such a small event had so many beautiful awards.



At the start of the race in front of their sign.

While I didn't win any of the awards for fastest runner, I did do well for myself.  I have learned it is always about racing myself and having fun.  I met a new friend in the last 1/2 mile.  We helped to keep each other running strong to the finish, just wish I had gotten a picture with my new friend.  My finish time (according to my watch) was 24:35.  That means a 12:18ish for a per mile pace.  My pervious was 12:38 during a 5k so I was super happy!  Don't think it will be official, but I did let the timing guy at the finish line know, and he made note of my number. 

Well organized event.  Course was easily marked and there were plenty of cheerful volunteers and spectators.  I would highly recommend this one and would gladly do it again!

Labor of Love 2013

This is one of my favorite events.  Labor of Love is a 2 day running event about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas sponsored by Calico Racing.  I have done this event 4 years in a row and will be sad when they only offer one day next year.  Aside from the elevation gain, there isn't anything I don't love about this event.  The stations are always stocked with plenty of water and heed and have the best volunteers.  Finish line is filled with a variety of goodies for when you get back.  My favorite is the pasta salad. 

 At the start line before the race on Saturday.

 With my favorite photographer!

Shane working on his 50 mile age group award!  How fab-o is he for getting the age group in his first 50k and his first 50 miler!!

Walking on Sunday with one of my favorite people, Deb! 

 All the bling for doing both days!  You had your choice of a 100 miler, 50 miler, full marathon, half marathon, or 10k on Saturday then a 50k, half marathon or 10k for Sunday!

Please visit www.calicoracing.com for a complete list of all of their races the next time you are looking for a reason to visit Las Vegas.  Next up with Calico Racing is Running with the Devil on June 29th.  Look forward to seeing all of my Calico family there!!

Stride Boxes!

Stride Boxes:  I can't say enough positive things about this program.  Found out about it from another runner and knew we had to sign up.  For just $15 a month, you get a box of random running stuff delivered to your doorstep.  While there is always bound to be something either you don't like the taste of or can't really use, it is sure to feel a little like Christmas or your birthday every month.  Cannot say enough positive things about Stride Box!!

We are still enjoying our 1st box and just opened our 2nd.  Will work on getting up our thoughts on the contents soon (with pictures when possible), and will also include a link to the products website!

Happy Running!!

William M. Maguy 1st Annual Scholarship 5k run/2k walk

Perfect morning for a run.  I have been trying to sign up for as many of the local events as I can, just to get out and meet new people and support local causes.  I had mixed feelings when I saw the location of Cutler Park.  Had only been out there once and remembered not feeling 100% about the experience. 

First off, want to say great job for a 1st year event.  While it looked like most of the people were employees of Proteus (who was the main sponsor and who was in charge of the scholarship the money was going to fun), it was still nice to see so many people outside moving.

In front of some of the "Lincoln Log" type playground at the park.  A great place for a family to spend a few hours outside. 

With one of the local sponsor signs along the course.  They made signs for all of the local businesses who had donated to make the event possible.  I picked this one since I worked there for a few months after high school (and my brother worked there as well).

While I didn't see a mile 3 orange runner dude, this little guy showed us the way for miles one and two.

Race shirt and number.  Was surprised they had technical shirts for this event. 

Since they didn't have medals or ribbons at the finish line of this event, I decided to reward my feet with a pair of new Gizmo socks as my "bling" for the race.  Actually gave them to myself before the event since the shirt I was wearing matched them.  Funny how the event shirt was the same color.

There was plenty of water, bananas, and oranges at the finish line as well as a crowd to cheer everyone in.  Maybe it was because it was mostly a group of co-workers out there, but it was still great to be almost the last runner and still have a crowd to cheer me in (where there was only about 50 people). 

They only negative was not one the RD could have helped.  Running loops around the park takes you off road into the grass and sand areas of Cutler Park.  While I am all for an off road trail run, I do really like ones that I have to constantly be watching for holes.  The gophers were plentiful at Cutler Park, that much is certain.  You could tell maintenance had been working hard to keep up with the problem by all of the fresh areas of dirt.  With all of the possible out and back options available out there, my only suggestion for improvement is to try that next time.  I was told by a couple of other runners that they had been to events at Cutler Park that had done just that. 

I managed to hit one of the gopher holes with my left foot just before mile 1.  This poor leg/foot still has not healed completely from my marathon March 16th.  While my calf had been feeling better and the multiple blisters had began to heal, hitting this hole just did a number on me.  By the end, my right leg was feeling the majority of the pain due to trying to over compensate for the discomfort of the left.  While it was nothing major, it will still be a concern in future events at Cutler Park.  Gopher holes are not good for runners, at least not this one. 

Look forward to trying it again next year!  Great job Proteus!!  Hope we were able to help your scholarship fund!