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