The idea percolated for weeks until it was full-strength: I would celebrate my 40th birthday with a family fun run in Oregon. No need for birthday cake, candles or elaborate food. Instead, there would be custom race bibs, swag bags, and medals for each finisher. And, as with all the best events, a great course would be essential. I decided
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This weekend I was ecstatic to be one of only 81 runners to finish the inaugural Gold Rush 100k trail race, as less than half the starting field (177 runners) got to cross the finish line. The scorching heat turned the potentially fast, net downhill course into an oven that was difficult to escape. Nonetheless, it was a banner day for me as
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If the Big Sur International Marathon is not on your bucket list, then add it now. It’s kinda weird that I don’t have a bucket list (especially since I have a list for virtually everything else in my life). If you don’t have a bucket list, then start one now by putting “Run the Big Sur Marathon” at the top of the page! My
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A beautiful prelude to the Big Sur International Marathon, my family ran the untimed 3k fun run this morning. Camera in hand, I thoroughly enjoyed a chance to run with our kids along the scenic Monterey Bay. In classic 6-year-old fashion, Alex employed the sprint-walk pacing method. Clara, our 8-year-old, provided a sharp contrast as she ran easily and steadily
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The Tahoe Rim Tour is a unique race in that it offers separate divisions for snowshoe running, classic nordic skiing (striding), and freestyle skiing (skating). Classic skiers start early in order to enjoy tracks undisturbed by other users. Skaters and snowshoe runners start together 30 minutes later. I have skied this race twice before in the classic division, but this
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I finally addressed my need to run on dirt by joining the Robert & Linda Mathis Memorial Group Run in Auburn, California, on Saturday. It was my first time on dirt in almost two months, and also my first time running in Auburn. Is that not crazy? The “Endurance Capital of the World” is just over an hour’s drive away, and
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The Sierra Skogsloppet nordic ski race is a celebration of skiing and community in Truckee. The race, hosted by Tahoe Donner Cross Country (TDXC), is a fundraiser for the Truckee High and Alder Creek Middle School Nordic teams. Cancelled last year due to lack of snow, the race returned on MLK Day this year to good attendance and sunny skies.
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Nervous energy filled me as I prepared for the Alpenglow 20km Skate Ski race last weekend – my first ski race in almost a year. It had been over three months since I wore any sort of race bib (at the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon), so I was certainly excited to get back in the mix. I remembered the course,
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The Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon in Susanville, California, is a fabulous course that combines some of the best features of road and trail racing. This point-to-point gravity-fed marathon is run almost entirely on the Bizz Johnson rails-to-trails path, with the finish at the Hobo Camp picnic area. I consider this to be a local Tahoe race, as Susanville is just
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Last weekend I ran the spectacular 50k course on the Tahoe Rim Trail for the second time. It was a beautiful day on an amazing course supported by so many energetic people. First I will describe the course, then I will write about my experience out on the trail and at the finish line. Course Description The motto of the
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