Runner's Almanac - Running for a cause

I have selected the John Wayne Cancer Institute at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA as an organization to fund raise for in conjunction with my running of the Pasadena and Los Angeles Marathons. If you feel so inclined to give during the holidays, please consider making a donation to my firstgiving page by clicking here.

Thanks!

Runner's Almanac - Say no to Drugs Universal Backlots 10K

The rain yesterday proved to be the perfect set up for my race today at Universal Studios. Sure, it was cold, but how often do I get a chance to run through the sets for "Desperate Housewives","Whoville", "War of the Worlds" and "Psycho"? For those in the know, the course meanders where the tram only treads in addition to the perimeter of the studios near offices. There were plenty of hills - steep ones - which made this a more difficult than normal course. I am surprised at the large crowd, but given the unique course, everyone else has come out to enjoy the experience like me. This race is also one of the Students Run LA races so the course has a good number of children. Girls on the run was also here today. There was a big line afterward for the free pancakes, but alas, it was too long for me. I finished the 10K in 1:02.

Happy racing!

Runner's Almanac - 4.5 mile intervals

The rain is being pushed to Saturday, so I got out for another run tonight. Anticipating long hill run saturday morning, so I will buy a throw away rain poncho although ideally the rain will come down later in the day or very little at that. Since my current shoes are showing signs of wear (i.e. my feet hurt), I ran in my last pair of running shoes tonight. And? They feel great! I have put in more miles on my current shoes than my previous shoes. So I can put off on buying new ones a little longer. For now, I am happy with my "new" old shoes. Also, intervals are a good thing. Do them :)

Happy running!

Runner's Almanac - 3 miles fartlek

Got up early to do a quick 3 mile fartlek. Any burst of speed is a good thing in the long hall. And will do anything to warm up in this cold weather! Supposedly will rain the rest of the week so getting in my mid-week run now.

Runner's Almanac - 14 miles

Since yesterday our pace group was in charge of staffing water stations, there was a make up run today for those of us who were volunteering. We ran 7 miles south into Venice and back and 7 miles up San Vicente and back. The gradual incline on San Vicente never felt so good. It's always nice to run in a group. The weather is cold, and I'm glad we missed the pending rain storm. Great run today!

Runner's Almanac - 3 miles and hills

Did a quick run around UCLA - one way up up up, and the other way down down down. I crossed paths with the guy who sells "Star Maps" on Sunset. Someone pulled over and bought one. I guess he does good business!

Running downhill is not my favorite thing; but how else are you going to get back?

Happy running!

Runner's Almanac - Biggest Loser Marathon

I haven't been watching NBC's Biggest Loser faithfully like last season, but I did watch last night's marathon episode (most of it). It's unclear what kind of training they receive, since they are told of the marathon about one month or so prior to the event. Although considering that it has become a regular event on the show, they should have expected it. What they don't show is all of the off-scene support I am sure they must receive - First Aid, food, or anything else. Rudy supposedly came in first with a time of about 5:15 - which is my marathon goal. The course they run looks great - with hills, sand, oceanside views, trails. They should make this a real marathon!