2009 LONG BEACH 1/2

With only few more days to go before we run the Javalina Jundred I thought I would post an update on what we have been up to in the last few weeks.

A few weekends ago to take a mental break from the back to back long weekend runs; we ran the Long Beach 1/2 marathon. We arrived early before the sun rose to make sure we missed the pre-race chaos, which includes closed streets and jocking for parking. Long Beach has become one of our favorite local 1/2's to run, not only because the course is flat and fast, the the beach atmosphere and the crowds cheering the runners on is great.

This was the events 25th year so the organisers were expecting record numbers of participants and spectators.

Our goal was to run an easy pace and to just have a fun time.

We did, we also saw a number of running Friends which always makes the day great.

At the parking lot nice and early. Penny and Tanya eating breakfast and making a last check on gear.

After taking some time off from running Penny is back and ready. Let's go have some fun.

Still smiling coming around the final corner just before the finish line. You go Penny. Welcome back.

Wait, who is that? That's the dynamic due of Emily and Ivonne looking all fly! You say "1/2 marathon" and they say "when and where!"

We had a fun morning the weather was perfect, and I can't think of to many better ways to Spend a Sunday morning than running a few miles with friends.

Javalina Jundred 12 hour training run

McDowell Mtn Park the location where the Javalina Jundred will be held on October 31, 2009.

Trying to relax at the campground Friday night, but it was still close to 100 degrees. What an uncomfortable night trying to get some rest.

Saturday morning brought clouds and plenty of lightning, then the skies opened. Much needed relief to the overnight HOT temperatures.

Did I say this was a night time 12 hour training run. Tanya and Jeannette resting before the 6PM start.

Here we go. The temperature was cooler than Friday but still a balmy 89 degrees. 120+ people showed up, what a great way to spend the night, running through the desert.

One lap down (15.4 miles) 3 hours 10 mins, good pace but much faster than I wanted to go.

Hey Mon!

Jeannette is the Coffee ready, we have a 6 hour drive back home!

See ya in October Javalina

THE BIG TREE FOREST

The Sequoia National Park home of the Giant Sequoia tree's. Tanya and I had the opportunity to visit the park last weekend,we spent a few hours hiking the miles and miles of trails. Words can't express what it felt like to walk among these 2000+ year old giants.
I think the pictures will help explain my loss of words. Visit them if you can!









Get out there and explore this incredible world.

We climbed Half Dome

Two weekends ago Tanya and I jumped into the "Ghost Ship", our van. Yes, I am one of those guys who names his vehicles. Lets see, there was Betsy, Goldie, Peaches, Sharky, and now Kota. But, anyway, ...Tanya and I drove up to central California to visit Yosemite National Park and climb "Half Dome".

I'm going to let the pictures talk for themselves, and even though they are incredible. Pictures can't truly give you the perspective of what this place is like. I must say the park was one of the most beautiful and amazing places my travels have taken me thus far. If you are an outdoor enthusiasts and have not visited Yosemite yet, put it on your list.

Tanya and I arrived at the trail head at 6:30am we wanted to get an early start, plus we read this trail is extremely busy later in the afternoon. We wanted to get ahead of that traffic. The hike to the top of Half Dome is approximately 17 miles round trip, at the trail head a sign read it takes on average 10-12 hours to complete. When I read that I said to myself " Not me, not today, I do not plan on being out here for 10+ hours".

The hike starts on a paved trail for the first mile or so. Then it turns to challenging stairs and single track trail for the rest of the way, until you reach the cables to climb to the top of the Half Dome.

The place where the trail begins, and many thru hikers of the John Muir trail(JMT) also start here. If you can see the bottom the sign, the distance to Mt Whitney Via the JMT is 211 miles. We have added that epic trek to our bucket list!
The first few miles as I mentioned are paved and relatively easy going. The terrain consists of rolling hills. This section is handicap accessible, so bring friends and family who may not be able to walk the trail. I say this because I think everyone should experience this place.

Then the stairs begin, for any Lord of the Rings fans. I felt like I was climbing the stairs into Mordor. Challenging, but the scenery takes away or should I say puts the effort in the back of your mind.
Another spectacular view, the outdoors are so beautiful. The stress of life and the pollution of the world just fades away. If more people would get out and experience and visit places like this their perspective of life might change. The little things we let control our life's would fade away.

The Yosemite valley, forged by glaciers 10,000 years ago. Pictures don't do it justice, you must see it yourself.

There it is, that's where we are going. To the top of Half Dome.

Yes, those little spots are people climbing the cables to the top. It was much much steeper and more challenging of a climb than I expected.

At the top, all smiles now! We weren't smiling a few moments ago half way up those cables. As you can imagine going back down the cables was very interesting, but we survived to write about it. We jammed back down the trail, and about that 10-12 hours. It took us 6 hours and 15 minutes for the round trip.

Get out there and live people, the world is waiting.

Marc and Tanya

Race Report: Mt Disappointment 50 miler '09

Tanya striking a pose and looking all color coordinated, and cute.

Tanya caught me watering a tree. To run ultras you must be well hydrated!

Powering up, yet another hill.

13:06 not bad for 50 miles. Another great day with my best friend.

Me and Thomas recovering with a cup of hot soup!

Short report, but we had a whole lot of fun. Mt. Disappointment is a must do run for anyone who wants to challenge their fitness.

A taste of the fun you will have!
MJ