2008 Venice Christmas Run Slideshow

Venice Beach XMAS Run

Xmas Run

Tanya and I has a great run Saturday at the Venice beach Xmas run. We both PR'ed at the 10K distance.
Tanya ran a 47:10 at 7:37 pace and placed 5th in her age, I ran a 47:56 at 7:44 pace and placed 37th in my age group. I will write a report and post photos later.

Ultras a easier than 10K's, you have to run to fast in 10K's.

MJ

Christmas Run: Venice Beach

Tomorrow morning Tanya and I will be heading to Venice Beach to run the Christmas run 10K. It should be a fun event, we have run this event a few times in the past, and it draws a large crowd. Because of the location, the speedsters come out from UCLA, USC, and the Santa Monica Track Club. They are out of my league, but I plan on putting forward a good effort tomorrow. My goal is to run under 50 minutes. I think my 10K PR is 54 mins.
MJ

High Desert Ultra: Report and Videos

Tanya and I decided to get up early and drive to Ridgecrest the day of the race. That meant leaving home at 4:30am, the drive is 2 hours and the race start time was 7:00am. The drive was nice, and we made it there without incident at 6:30am. I ran into race headquarters and picked up our bibs and goodie bags. The weather was very cool, so we had to decide how many layers to wear, but we didn't want to over dress. There is nothing worse than carrying to much stuff; but it is also no fun when you are under dressed and it is freezing!



Just before the start we saw so many friends, this race brings everyone out. Depending on how you look at it, this is a great race to either end your race season, or mark the beginning. Tanya and I decided to really start out easy, our goal was to average 5 miles each hour, then try to run a negative split on the second half of the race. Breaking six hours was the ultimate goal for today.


Tanya and Dorsh



The miles where just rolling by, it was such and incredible day. The desert is such a beautiful place, you can see for miles and miles. The mountains in the distance are the beginning of the High Sierra's. The weather was cool the skies were over cast, just perfect for trail running.




It just doesn't get much better than this, some people run for speed, some for competition, some for enjoyment. At times I run for all of those things, but this day I was running for enjoyment. No pressure, just me, Tanya, trails shoes and this beautiful desert.



20 miles down and 10+ to go. The Temps began dropping at this point, and rain was threatening. Nothing worse than being cold and wet (Ugh). Luckily we made it to the finish before the skies opened up!



One of the rare occasions I finish before Tanya, I just had a little more in those last five miles. We both finished under the 6 hour mark so we are pleased with that. The High Desert Ultra is a great race when stepping up to the Ultra distance; no mountains to climb, and the people are great!
Finishing times: 5:45 (Marc) 5:50 (Tanya)2009 here we come!
MJ

Vegan Thanksgiving and plenty of Running

Tanya and I had considered running a local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, but decided to pass and go on our own trot. We did an up tempo 5 miles on local trails. Where we ran can be a very busy place, but I was pleasantly surprised we had the trail almost to ourselves. Being thanksgiving morning I found that a bit odd, I thought it would be packed with people trying to burn extra calories for all the over eating that would be happening later that afternoon. I have to say that thought was on my mind; I knew I was going to most likely over eat.

Eat well we did ! Our Vegan Thanksgiving dishes were a hit! I just wish I had taken pictures to share with you all. We made a Mushroom and Collard Green Lasagna, the large dish was wiped completely clean and the guests were looking for more. This was our the first time making this dish, we anticipated it being good, but it turned out great.

And for dessert a Double Layer Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake I borrowed the recipe and the picture below from fatfreevegan.com and I loved it. In my family we traditionally make sweet potato pies for the holidays, but I was pleasantly surprised on how this pie turned out and it also disappeared very quickly. I guess I could substitute the pumpkin with Sweet potatoes (yams).

And what goes great with pie? Ice Cream, we tried Coconut Bliss for the first time. It was "Off the Hook"! Coconut Bliss is a vegan ice cream made from organic coconut milk, and it was worth the high price tag! Good Stuff!

On Friday Tanya and I woke up early and hit the trails again, and what a beautiful morning it was. The skies were clear and there was a cool crispiness in the air. Prefect to put in a few miles. We decided to power walk 10 miles and just enjoy the morning. Often in ultra events because of a long steep climb, or you are just broken down you have to walk. There is no better way to train for those times than to get out and focus on walking.

On Saturday we met and ran with fellow blogger/runner Pamela. Pamela was in town from Jacksonville Fl, so we decided to meet at the Santa Monica stairs, and then share a few miles together. I can speak for Tanya and I both, Pamela was a breath of fresh air, we connected immediately. She was down to earth and easy to talk to. After walking the stairs 5 times we headed down the beach and ended up doing an easy 6. We talked and talked the entire way. Pamela is running the Jacksonville Marathon in a few weeks, she is going to do great!

Sunday it was back to the trails. We ran 10 easy miles. I must say I am feeling pretty good. The aches I had been experiences are fading. I was curious to see how my body respond from the back to back days, but I felt great. We plan on having a easy week of training to be ready to run the High desert ultra next Sunday.

We hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend; we sure did and meeting Pamela was the best part!

Happy Trails,

Marc and Tanya

Sol Cal Wildfires

Sunday morning Tanya and I woke up at 4:00am prepared to run the Pasadena marathon. While eating a bowl of oatmeal, and watching the 24/7 coverage of the wildfires a flash bulletin came across the screen "The Pasadena Marathon has been canceled due to poor air quality because of wildfires". We had a hunch this was going to happen, but it was for the best. The marathon can be rescheduled, but the health risks associated with the ash and particulates in the air could have been extremely detrimental to the thousands of runners.



Here are a few actual pictures of the wildfires in Chino hills.
Saturday morning Tanya and I were heading to the Orange County Airport, and this is what we ran into on the 91 fwy.

The inferno is ahead
Just above the Green River golf course
About to Drive into the Smoke storm
Jammed Traffic we made it past the fire and to the airport just before

the freeway was closed in both directions.

Power of One

When you think you can't, actually you can!!
What an amazing story of inner strength, an example we all can follow.
"Wake up and Live" B. Marley



Love and Peace

Running Inspiration

Today I saw a video on David Goggins Short Film . The video is of his win at the McNaughton 150 mile trail Ultra! This brother is all business and a running inspiration. The next time I'm hurting in a race or thinking of DNFing I'm going to remember something he said in this video "Open the next door".

http://www.sethigherstandards.com/david-goggins-the-long-run/

Enjoy!

MJ

Increasing the Miles

We had another great weekend of running, the weather was incredible; nice and crispy. The winds blew all of the smog away and you could see the mountains for miles and miles. Absolute Paradise. I can only speak for myself, because Tanya always seems to be feeling great; but I feel I am coming out of a mental and physical fog. We are ramping up the miles again and committing to races. I guess if we are serious about going back to RR100 in February we had better get the quantity of miles up. With that said we have committed to 3 upcoming races. This Sunday we will be running the inaugural Pasadena Marathon. In December we will be heading back to Ridgecrest, Ca to run the friendliest Ultra in America the High Desert Ultra. The High Desert Ultra was my first and and one of my favorites. Then in January we are heading to Arizona to run the PF Chang's Rock and Roll Marathon .

Much love and may all your days be blessed!

MJ

American History

Its been a long time coming, but change has come.

Vegan Pizza: Home Made

VEGAN PIZZA

Pizza is a great pre and post run food; but be warned all of that cheese is can be fattening. If you love pizza like I do, you will eventually get the urge to make your own in a healthier form.

What you see is my first home made vegan pizza, even the crust!! The cheese is a non-dairy cheese substitute (soy based). It was much easier to create than I anticipated, and man it tasted good!

The toppings are red onions, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and get this collard greens!! Now that topping makes it a SOUL Pizza (Ha Ha).

Race Report: Long Beach Half Marathon

Runners skirt Shoreline Aquatic Park with Rainbow Harbor alongside them in the coastal portion of the 24th Long Beach International City Bank Marathon on Sunday. About 18,000 participated in six events. (Steven Georges / Staff Photographer)

After having heat wave earlier in the week, the weather cooperated for Sundays Long Beach Marathon. The weather was absolutely beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and temperatures that just barely reached 70 degrees.

My goal time was a sub 1:50:00, last year at Long Beach I ran a 1:59:42.

mile 1: 10:05 to slow

mile 2: 8:59

mile 3: 8:50

mile 4: 8:32

mile 5: 8:23

mile 6: 8:41 pee break :)

mile 7: 8:25

mile 8: 8:25

mile 9: 8:00

mile 10: 7:59

mile 11: 8:10 fell off :( pace

mile 12: 8:10 fell off :( pace

mile 13: 7:47

mile .2: 7:02

finishing time: 1:52:14 pace: 8:34 average

As you can see I did not reach my goal time, but I feel I ran a smart race. I was able to drop my pace in each successive mile other than mile 6. Then at crunch time (*mile 11-12) I couldn't stay under 8 min pace which was where I needed to be. But going back to mile 1 that was the difference maker. I used mile one as my warm up, I usually warm up with a few striders for about 10-15 mins before the race, but the Porto potty line was very long :).

Tanya pulled away from me in the last few miles to finish in 1:51:25 averaging a 8:30 pace.

Back to speed work and fartleks!

MJ

This One is for George

Tanya and I are going to run for George this weekend. When we line up in Long beach this Sunday our hearts will be heavy. You see last year at this same race George( my brother in-law) was at the starting line with us. He ran a 1/2 marathon PR. But a year later nothing is certain, George is fighting cancer. So George this one is for you Brother! May you continue the good fight.
Love You
Marc and Tanya

Our Garden has come to LIFE

Becoming self sufficient that is the ultimate goal, going green and growing your own food is easier than you think. Everything pictured, except for the coconut (smile); 3 months ago were seeds. Tanya and I are having such a incredible time seeing our food grow, it is so gratifying.
Veggies:
Collard greens
Tomatoes
Butternut Squash
Cucumbers
Yellow zucchini

You are what you eat! If it comes in a box. think 2x's before you eat it.
MJ

I think I am still Feeling 2006

I know we are only a few months away from 2009, but I stated thinking about why am I so achy, why has it been so hard to get back on running track. I said to myself maybe it began in 2006 Races, so many races so many miles. Then I thought about 2007 and 2008 and the miles didn't stop there.

2007 Races:
Bermuda Marathon
Rocky Raccoon 100 (DNF mile 70) (M+T)
Los Angeles Marathon
San Juan 50K
Rosarito to Ensenada 50 mile bike ride
Relay for life 24 hrs (T= 90+ miles M= 70+miles)
Holcomb Valley 33 miler
*Badwater Solo 135 miles (Tanya), I paced her (60+miles)
*Claremont 5 K
Mt. Disappointment 50 miler
Bulldog 50K
Long Beach 1/2 marathon
*Javalina Jundred (100 miler) I paced her at night
Santa Barbara 9 trails (35 miles)
High Desert Ultra 50K
*Tanya only
2008 Races
Avalon 50 miler
*Calico 50K
Rocky Raccoon 100
Lost Dutchman Marathon
*Ontario 1/2 Marathon
Leona Divide 50 miler
Grand Canyon dbl crossing
San Diego 100 (DNF 70 miles M+T)
Lake Gregory 1/2 marathon
Big Bear Marathon
*Tanya only

We don't plan on stopping the miles so Friday I had a few mugs of Golden Milk, and Saturday we hit the trails (12 miles) and I had the best run I've had in a long time. Then on Sunday we went out for 6 miles and again I felt good. The miles are not going to stop!! No way!! I'm feeling the Juice again.
Long Beach Half this weekend and the High Desert Ultra in December then onto 2009 the ski is the limit!!

I feel some PR's coming on.

Get out there and run people!!!

One love,
Marc

Snake on the Mountain

This weekend while training on Mt. Baldy, heading down just above the Sierra ski hut Tanya heard a distinctive rattle! She stopped in her tracks, and what did she she a Rattle snake sliding across the trail. She warned me and Doshia of our reptile friend, and we stopped and watched him slither across the trail. A reminder that we are visitors in the wilderness, and we should always be cautious.

First Fruits

The first fruits of our labor! This year Tanya and I planted a garden in our back yard. It was a little late in the season when we sowed our seeds, but with California's climate we figured we would still be able to grow veggies late into the fall. We were right, here are the first of our crop that includes zucchini, squash, tomatoes, green peppers, and collard greens. Health isn't a destination it's a lifestyle.

MJ

Race Report: Big Bear Marathon

Tanya and I went into the inaugural Big Bear Marathon without any real time goals, we just wanted to have a fun and enjoyable run. The race was scheduled for a 6:30 am start (but ran 15 mins. late) which made for nice cool temperatures. The weather forecast was a high of 84 and without a cloud in the sky I knew the temperatures would climb fast.

With 267 runners to brave the 26.2 miles run at the average elevation of 6800 ft. the race had almost an ultra-marathon feel; plus so many of our ultra friends where there.

Mr. Bear and Tanya
Mr. Bear giving me a pound Charlie (big time marathoner and ultra-marathoner) The Village is stirring Views of Big Bear Lake glistening in the early morning

We would run about 12 miles of lake shore line

I'm not sure if it was the thin air, but at mile 5 my right quad began to burn, and then at mile ten my left quad began to burn. No matter how much I wanted to shift into 2nd gear I just couldn't, so I just took what my body gave me and enjoyed the scenery.

Views from the East end of the lake

The half-marathoners where shuttled to the 13 mile point of the marathon and started a half hour after the marathon. Here is #647 Rebbecca M. and friend Nola en route to finishing their first 1/2 marathon. The hills throughout the course where many especially the second 13 miles, but the ladies kept stepping and finished. You GO GIRLS!!

Another one down, the temperatures began to heat up for the last few miles. Tanya's finishing time was 4:23:52 and my finishing time was 4:36:52. Chalk up another win for the girls, not that I'm counting (Ha). Tanya and I agree the race was well organized even with a late start, the aid stations where every 2 miles; well supplied and full of helpful volunteers. Ahhh!

Big Bear

It has been a few weeks since Tanya and I have left a new post; but we are still alive and training. We are anxiously anticipating this weekends run, the "Big Bear Marathon". This is the inaugural year, our hopes are high that it will be a fantastic event. The marathon is run around Big Bear lake with an average elevation of 6800 feet. Can you say "thin air". Because of the elevation Big Bear is common training location for many boxers/athletes; most notably "Sugar" Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya ( I think they are still boxing). Big Bear is also the hometown of Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall.

Everybody out there running this weekend, first be safe, and second have a wonderful time.

Please erase the hate, life is so short and so precious. In the words of my musical hero Bob Marley "One Love".

MJ and TJ

Running Through the Pines

We had quite an eventful weekend. Tanya, Allyson and I ran "Run through the Pines 1/2 marathon" which took place at Lake Gregory, Ca. I knew the day was going to be interesting when after picking up our bibs, I noticed I had forgotten my running shoes. Though Tanya did not make a comment, I knew what she was thinking (knuckle head!). I tried to take it in stride, I said people run marathons and Ultra's barefoot, so I can give this 1/2 marathon a shot in my sandals. Plus, I'm sure it will make a great conversation piece on the course; so I tied my timing chip to my Z1 Chaco sandals (LOL) and got ready to rumble.

The course was four loops around Lake Gregory, with a final short fifth loop of about 1.5 miles on trail. At the horn Tanya and Allyson took off leaving me to feel my way into this new style of running. Lap 1 was uneventfully the sandals felt great. I had to focus on my form, but the sandals felt very supportive. I ran the first lap in just under 30 minutes, sub 10 min pace; better than I thought. Lap 2, I'm getting the hang of these things. I had to stop once to make a strap adjustment on the sandals but otherwise I was still feeling strong. Another sub 30 minute lap. Lap 3, I was getting a little bored with the course. Lake Gregory is a nice place, but going in circles is not my favorite. With 2 full laps to go, and the fact that my sandals were kicking butt, I thought to pick up the pace. Still may be able to break 2 hours. As I ran faster, I began to feel a slight burning in both ankles, by the end of lap 3 my ankles and calf's where not happy. The sandals definitely made my ankles and feet work hard, they had no propulsion like running shoes. Lap 3 was my fasted lap. Lap 4 thank goodness, lets just get this thing done. By now my ankles where screaming, but sub 2 hours was still in my grasp. Ok Marc focus on your form and get through this. When I finished lap 4 I felt ok, but I still had Lap 5 (1.1 miles on a trail). Under normal circumstances I love running trails, but my ankles had to work so hard on this section. After about a quarter mile I began walking. I was in real pain. I walked/ran until the trail ended; which left 400 yard to the finish. Tanya was there to cheer me on, I quickened my pace, passed a few runners; and finished in 2 hours and 18 seconds. Shucks!

I received my handmade finisher award, and hobbled over to Tanya to get a hug and a kiss. She had run well. She placed 3rd in her age group. She was awarded a nice hand made 3rd place trophy. Allyson finished also, but had some leg cramping which kept her from performing her best.

Lessons learned: Always check and double check the car for your running shoes. Running in sandals was interesting, but only want to do it again if I HAVE to!

MJ

Adventure Weekend

Tanya and I had 3 days of adventurous activities over the past weekend. But it was what we saw Friday that made the weekend special. After work on Friday we headed to the Angeles Forest for a mid afternoon hike to the summit of Mt. Baldy. After making it to the summit; it was such a beautiful day we decided to stay at the top and soak up some sun and relax.

If you have read previous posts you probably noticed we enjoy training on the trails of Mt. Baldy. Mt Baldy is a great place to hit single track trails at high elevation, you talk about a high! The excitement came on our way back down, we had the rare opportunity to see Big Horn sheep up close and personal.

Look closely, they are in the brush eating and drinking from a stream which runs down between the rocks.As we continued to descend the mountain, we must have gotten their attention. This big fellow stopped eating and drinking and watched us.
We have seen the sheep in the past, but this is the first time they didn't scatter.

In this picture there is a Red tailed hawk sitting on a branch, mostly likely scoping out its next meal. If you click on the pictures sometimes they will enlarge, so you can get a better view :)

On Saturday morning we rose early and headed to the Santa Ana River Trail. If I am ever going to do an Ironman I have to get those cycling miles in. We put in about 50 miles, I have not been in the saddle much lately, man my rear was sore by the end of the ride. We enjoy riding this bike path, there is no automobile traffic or street signals. Because of this you are able to get in a great work-out and push it for miles and miles without interruption. The trail ends in surf-city Huntington beach, so if you like you can take a dip in the ocean.

The adventure did not stop, on Sunday morning we again woke up with the sun and headed to Bonelli park (Puddingstone lake). We jumped in a kayak and paddled for 2 hours around the lake. You talk about a different pace. Running and cycling are on thing, but paddling really changes everything. My shoulders were burning, but it was so nice to be on the water.

So that was our fun and fitness filled weekend. After reading our post, we hope we have motivated you to get out there and live. Life is wonderful, and a blessing. Be grateful for everyday you receive, and remember tomorrow is not promised so have fun today!

MJ

Mountain Flowers

Tanya and I love Wild Mountain Flowers, Don't You?

I don't know the names but they are beautiful.

Jorge Wins the Badwater Ultramarathon

AN INCREDIBLE RUNNER

(Jorge and wife Maria)

Tanya and I wanted to send a shout out to our friend Jorge Pacheco on his win at the Badwater Ultramarathon. Congratulations!!!! The photo above is from lasts years Badwater when Jorge led the race on record pace through Lone Pine (121 miles), due to exhaustion he faded a bit and finished 4th. But NOT this year!! He pushed to the front after mile 30 and never looked back, finishing the 135 mile race in an incredible 23:20:16.

Marc and Tanya

A beautiful day in a beautiful place

Tanya and I spent a few hours Sunday morning heading up to Mt. Baldy. It was a great day to get out and experience nature. I haven't run much since the SD100 so this hike was a nice wake up call. We plan on visiting Yosemite National park at the end of the month to hike the Half Dome, so I needed to reawaken my legs. I also needed to get some sun on my new bald head! I figured with a new aerodynamic dew I would be faster (smile).

That is where we are heading. This is a view from in the Baldy bowl. In the winter Alpine skiers hike up with skies on their backs and ski down.

Relaxing on one of the many incredibly large pines that make their home in the Angeles Forest. I hear pines in Yosemite are double this size!

Tanya relaxing at the summit taking in the clean air

Wow look at that head!!
Time to find some new races and goals!!

Freedom 5000

She still has a pep in her step, on Friday July 4th Tanya ran the Claremont 5000(5K). Claremont, Ca is a quaint college town that puts on a fun running event each year on the 4th. We have both run this race in the past, but I decide to sit this year out and be a cheerleader instead. Along with Tanya a circle of our clients and friends ran. They were Allyson,Emily,Yvonne,Becky & David,Jack & children, Alex,Roberto,Rose,Debbi & Tim,Conrad, and Laura.

Tanya and Allyson a few minutes before the race.

Tanya sporting a running skirt

Running the last turn.
Tanya ended up taking 2nd in her age group.

Allyson finishing strong!