Mulholland Hwy and Las Virgenes Rd to Calabasas - 15 Miles Trail Run

1/30/2011 -Mulholland Hwy and Las Virgenes Rd to Calabasas - 15 Miles Trail Run

Running review is below with some tips for those of you who consider to run this path, more than half a marathon (trail run),  in the future:

Distance: 14.93 miles

Course:Start and finish the run on the intersection of Mulholland Hwy and Las Virgenes Rd. Run on a trail east of Las Virgenes Rd to Calabasas and run back south to the starting point.

Elevation profile: The trail run has a net elevation gain of ~0 ft,start and finish of the run at ~601ft above sea level, run up to a maximum of 1,377ft and total run elevation climb of 2,217ft

Crowd: N/A

The easy part: Moderately technical on a sunny and dry day 

The challenging part: Muddy and slippery on a rainy day

Food, before: Breakfast, eggs, bread, coffee

Food, after: Chili

Price:N/A

Pacers:N/A

Timing:Self

Qualifying: N/A

Official website: N/A

My 2 cents: I ran the trail on a rainy day. The rain made the trail much more technical and challenging. It is a great exercise and I would definitely do it again. Do it only if you are ready to deal with sliding downhill due to low to no traction and the added weight of the mud that will stick to your shoes.

http://runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

Completed Marathons Map



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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

Buffalo Run - Trail Half Marathon, Catalina Island California

1/22/2011 - Buffalo Run - Trail Half Marathon, Catalina Island

Running review is below with some tips for those of you who consider to run this race, half a marathon (trail run),  in the future:

Distance: 13.1 miles (Garmin GPS measured 12.99miles)

Course:Start and finish the run on Summer street in Avalon (Catalina Island, CA). The run climbs up the main ridge in the island and then back down running to the starting point. I am not sure which trails we ran on so please refer to the course in the below Garmin map.

Elevation profile: The Buffalo Run Half Marathon has a net elevation gain of ~0 ft,start and finish of the half marathon at ~30ft above sea level, run up to a maximum of 1,575ft and total run elevation climb of 2,784ft

Crowd: Mixed. Very few elite runners.

The easy part: Buffalo Run starts with a steep climb and ends with a steep 3-4miles of downhill run. If you plan accordingly the last part of the race can help your time a lot. 

The challenging part: ~2,784ft of running mostly steep mountains

Food, before: Breakfast at the Catalina Express terminal. I got there at 5:30am and had eggs, cheese, bread, coffee

Food, after: Seared Tuna, Salmon and cooked vegies at Lobster Trap

Price: Buffalo Run prices were $90 through October and $110 thereafter. Price does not include transportation to the island. (Catalina Island Express is ~$60-$70 round trip)

Pacers: No

Timing: Shoe chip, logs start and finish only, no splits

Qualifying: No

Official website: Buffalo Run Catalina Island Half Trail Marathon

My 2 cents: Combine Buffalo Run with a weekend on the island. Transportation is pricey and you might as well enjoy everything the island has to offer if already taking the trip to run the half marathon.

http://runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

Completed Marathons Map



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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

13.1® Series - Los Angeles - Half Marathon

1/16/2011 - 13.1® Series - Los Angeles - Half Marathon

Running review is below with some tips for those of you who consider to run this race, half a marathon,  in the future:

Distance: 13.1 miles (Garmin GPS measured 13.16miles)

Course: The 13.1® - Los Angeles start and end along the shores of the Santa Monica Bay. Start running south to the world famous Venice Beach area and turn east to run along Venice Boulevard into Mar Vista and Palms. Turn around around mile 7 at Culver City,  and run back on Venice Blvd to the end at Windward Circle in Venice.

Elevation profile: Net gain ~0 ft,start run and finish run at 20ft above sea level, run up to a maximum of 120ft and total run elevation climb of 150ft

Crowd: Mixed. This is a walkers friendly race (min pace of 16 mi/mil) so among the elite runners you will find many who will enjoy a casual walk at sunny SoCal

The easy part: Flat course

The challenging part: Some of us don't like the idea of running back and forth over the same course. This race will take you up Venice Blvd and back over exact same course.

Food, before: Energy Bar

Food, after: Salmon

Price: $65 through August, $80 August-January, $100 race week

Pacers: No, but you can start with a cohort in the start

Timing: Electronic chip attached to the back of the bib (no shoe chip)

Qualifying: No

Official website: 13.1 Series - Los Angeles Half Marathon

My 2 cents:Watch your pace, a flat course is very inviting to fly the first few miles only to find out that you have many more to finish

http://runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

Completed Marathons Map



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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

XTERRA Boney Mountain Trail Run

1/9/2011 - XTERRA Boney Mountain Trail Run.

Running review is below with some tips for those of you who consider to run this race, about half a marathon,  in the future:

Distance: 13.1 miles (Garmin GPS measured 12.9miles)

Course: Start at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa National Park, run up the steep trail to Boney Mountain and run down to the finish line. ( the course of the run is a loop) 

Elevation profile: Net gain ~0 ft,start run and finish run at 800ft, run up to a maximum of 1,816ft and total run elevation climb of 2,677ft

Crowd: Hard core trail runners

The easy part: Great weather

The challenging part: You will be running uphill ~1,500ft over 4 miles straight. To emphasize this point here is how the organizers view it:"This event is the Grand Daddy of the series, not for the faint of heart, but if you dare to enter you'll experience some of the most scenic back country in the Santa Monica Mountains"

Food, before: Gatorade

Food, after: Burger and mashed potatoes

Price: $60 or $70 on race day

Pacers: No

Timing:Basic stop watches, no high tech chips or anything

Qualifying: No

Official website: XTERRA Boney Mountain Trail Run

My 2 cents: The highlight of the run, rightfully so,  is the 4 miles uphill run on the steep trail up to Boney mountain. However, don't underestimate running up the hill in miles 2-4, keeping steady pace is a  key.

http://runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

Completed Marathons Map



View Marathons Map in a larger map

MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.