Let me start by saying that I'm amazed that nobody has yet Yelped this event. Considering the…read morepopularity of other running events in this area, it's actually quite surprising. In any case, allow me to offer the first review. This is actually a dual event, a half and full marathon (with the latter being the Surfer's Path Marathon) that is really a marriage between Wharf To Wharf and the Santa Cruz Half Marathon. I ran the half so hopefully soon someone can provide some feedback on the full. If you love Wharf To Wharf (and this year's race selling out in one day suggests that you do), and you're into the half marathon scene, then you're going to love this run! Let me premise with this: The course is almost the precise route Wharf To Wharf is held on - with the difference being that runners loop around the Capitola wharf area and obviously run back. Expect a few rolling hills throughout the course to add a bit of challenge for you (in case 13.1 miles isn't enough) and the typical support of the Santa Cruz and Capitola communities as you run by. It would be irresponsible for me not to mention the finish line. Once you've completed about 13 miles, they've saved the last 30 or 40 yards for you on the beach... in the sand. So, if the miles you've just completed weren't difficult enough, be prepared for the change in footing. I actually stumbled a bit at that point and then gave a quick look around to see if anyone noticed. Oh yeah, it's the finish line, there are several thousand people there, and yes, they noticed. To rub salt into that would, my name was read by the race announcer as I crossed the finish line. Now everyone knows my name - you know "that guy that almost fell." That said, don't expect any glamorous photos at the finish line, and yes, there are photographers there to capture your special moment. I would suggest positioning yourself for more favorable action shots from the photographers elsewhere throughout the course. If you're into the bling, you'll appreciate the finisher's medal. Though smaller than many of my other medals, it's still pretty cool and has a fancy ribbon (I'm big on a nice ribbon - details man). This year's race was met with an absolute clear sky and a nice cool morning air that was perfect for running. That's part of the reason why I waited a week to post this. I wanted to wait and come off of my high from the race so I could give a better thought out perspective. My only real knock on this event is with the limited expo. Though at the beach in Capitola (which is cool), there weren't a lot of vendors. And of those that were there, many were advertising other races. Also, the packet pick up is kind of a pain. Considering the time of year, the weather is warming and more people are headed to the beach. So the seemingly simple task of parking your car to pick up your gear can become quite adventurous. Also, being from the San Jose area, it's inconvenient to have to make that drive just to pick up my bib. I will offer this though: Did I see a packet pick up on race day? I'm pretty sure there was a table that was staffed with WAY too many volunteers that was for race day pick ups. If that's the case, then please ignore my earlier complaint. To sum this up, think of the little things that you dislike about Wharf To Wharf and imagine those things no longer being an issue. Imagine not having to deal with parking and those damn bus lines! Imagine a race where there are only a fraction of the runners that are in Wharf To Wharf. I'm not sure. Now that I think about this, I like the race the way it is. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot here by providing a Yelp review and drawing more attention to it. Maybe I don't want too many people knowing about this. Maybe I don't want it to lose its charm by becoming more popular and bigger. I'm conflicted.

Let's face it, my favorite hobby is eating. My sweetheart fell in love with me a little more…read morebecause his best girl is a good eater. As I have gotten older, my gluttony started to catch up with me. I have had to incorporate more exercise (along with a little more restraint) into my life. Enter Energetix Fitness. Energetix Fitness is an outdoor circuit training class (but in my head I like to think it's like boot camp). Kathy (instructor/cheerleader) meets her students in pre-determined beautiful outdoor locations in and around Santa Cruz. You run your keister off for 3+ miles stopping periodically to work your abs, arms, and legs. While we don't run super fast, it's faster than my normal ho-hum 1/2-hour jog while listening to a podcast of "This American Life". I am personally bound to run a little faster a) so I don't get left behind (not really going to happen) and b) because there are people behind me and I occasionally feel like I am being chased (what's a better motivator than that?). On a cheesy and real note: It is frigging empowering to be out there working out and workin' it with a group of (mostly) women. Having been bit by a dog and intimidated by creepy folks out on the trails, the feeling of safety makes this so worth it.

Kathy's class is amazing. Great all around fitness. Kathy knows how to add variety to keep the…read moreworkouts interesting, and is always focused on form. Fun group!

May 16, 2010. My Mom's 47th birthday.. and the day I did my first cycling event. Although we woke…read moreup to some dreary, cold weather.. we still were down to complete this event. It sprinkled a bit but thankfully stopped by the time we arrived for check in. We got our ride started at 8:30am. Several uphill climbs.. many little hills.. lots of strawberry fields. Hence the name, Strawberry Fields Forever. So cute.. We met a lot of nice folks along the way who were friendly, caring, helpful, and supportive. Many people would ask us if we were ok while we were stopped on the side waiting for others who happened to get separated from us which was really kind. I saw lots of older folks with some nice, stylish bikes! Actually, most of the people doing the event had pretty bikes! Makes me want to pretty up mine too =) For my first time, I found that the event was not organized so well. But being that it IS my first event, I don't know what else to compare it to so I'm only docking one point. We checked in at a parking lot near Pajaro Valley HS because the HS got full.. but we weren't able to pick up the shirts we bought since it was at the HS. Also, we weren't told about the colored arrows on the road at all.. so when our map blew away, we somehow got onto the 65 mile trail (following the large group of people) and that cut into our trip an extra 20 minutes or so. Luckily, we ran into other cyclists who were kind enough to give us the map but then told us about the colored arrows spray painted on the road. We didn't really need the map now that we knew about them.. but it was still handy in telling us how much further we had to go. After we completed the 25 mile ride, we had ONE last uphill battle to face before we were able to grab lunch at the HS. We were super happy to be nearing the finish, but our tired thighs could just barely handle the last little surprise climb to the HS. At the high school, they served a nice lunch of chicken, several salads, brown rice, beans, juice, and fresh strawberries with chocolate and whip cream. Later on in the day when the other cyclists doing the 65 mile ride had finished, they had massage chairs set up in the cafeteria ($1/min) where we were eating as well as other interesting set-ups. I got to touch a newt and a golpher snake from this nice man's informational table. I think it was a program for HS kids. Overall, I enjoyed my first cycling event and only wished the weather was a little warmer. Perhaps if the sun peaked out a bit from behind the clouds.. but there's always next year! PS. They had 25 miles, 65 miles, and 100 miles ride options. Hopefully I'll be ready for the 65 next year!

I haven't attended that many Jiu Jitsu tournaments but of the 4 that I've watched my nephews…read morecompete at this was the best! The tournament for the kids divisions were scheduled to start at 1pm on Saturday, but the actual matches started at 1:30pm to account for those struggling to make weight in their division or for late registrations. They don't have to do this but I think it's very nice of them, especially since their rules state that a competitor can only weigh in once and is disqualified and they were considerate of traffic, parking and the fact that there was another festival across the street. The event was at Los Gatos high school and the track was made available for those who needed to cut some quick pounds and there were a few folks using it to their advantage too! Once the first competitors stepped onto the mat, the Tournament seemed to run like clock work. From what I saw as a spectator this event was flawless, refereeing was top notch and the Medals were VERY generous! The medals themselves were awesome! Heavy pieces of metal with the event logo on it. These medals Dwarf the other ones that my nephews currently have in size and in quality. There were a couple of vendors in doors with shirts, sweatshirts, Gi's and DVDs AND they took credit/debit cards! The vendors selling the acai(sp?) stuff made a KILLING! I ordered like 4 of those containers in the 5 hours I was there and I saw several repeat customers as well at $7.50 per serving I'm sure they walked away from this event happy! As they should cause that stuff was GOOOOOOOOOOD! The referees in the competition were great! They were very attentive to the kids making sure that once a submission was initiated that nothing went beyond where it should and if it went even close to that point the refs would end the match, giving the submission to the competitor. A few parents were in disagreement that their child did not tap, but seriously do you want your kid going home with a broken arm or would you like him/her unconscious? I'll assume that'd be no to both. Before each and every single match began the competitors were told to shake hands and bow to show respect to each other. After the match they also bowed and embraced, in my opinion this shows the kids that being aggressive to compete is okay but to also leave those feelings on the mat. The embrace of your opponent signifies the end of aggression and that you're no longer opponents but just two people going through a life experience. Excellent jobs Referees and awesome job on putting this event together Claudio Franca! Oss!!!

This is a wonderful supportive place. Myself and other patients from P.A.M.F. were referred here…read morefor strength training. Curt, and now Adam, have made a huge difference in the musculature of my arms and legs. I am again hopeful that I can do most chores for myself :-) There was a time when, because my knees are bone on bone, I was afraid to squat. They encouraged me that that was the best way to strengthen them, and they were right! Adam is sweet & knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to Get Into your best shape, with him now!

Curt is a great trainer! Whether you have a specific fitness goal, or just want to look and feel…read morebetter, Curt gets you results.

Remarkable. You work your butt off in an incredibly stellar spot; the beach, sand dunes and trails…read morearound Ocean Beach and Lake Merced, all the while getting pumped up by a guy who couldn't be more passionate about fitness and the outdoors. Go. Seriously.

When I lived in the City a few years back I signed up for Dan's fitness program. I wasn't in any…read morekind of shape and was worried it was going to be one of those can't-move-the-next-day crossfit insanity programs. It wasn't, Dan tailored everything to what I could handle and it was obvious he'd been reading people's fitness levels for years. The workouts were great, running around Lake Merced and a couple times in the park, and Dan always had great advice on post-workout nutrition and recovery. I really enjoyed my workouts and after I moved I noticed it had gotten me in the habit of being more active in my day to day life. I'm glad I spent that initial time with the right kind of program and advice.

I met Doug Barsanti owner of ReInvention Fitness via Toadal Fitness over a year ago. He was…read moreassigned to me when I first joined the gym to provide 3 complimentary training sessions. I was in a critical point in my life. I had recently lost about 40lbs and was starting to gain some back. I really wanted to start running again as I had not done so in too many years to mention. I decided to make an investment in myself by signing up for personal training sessions with him. I've been seeing him consistently since September 2010 and thanks to him I just completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon. The training we did focused on strength, endurance and agility. Throughout my training Doug was aware of a prior knee injury and always kept that at the forefront of our training. He has also worked with me on nutrition and to some degree on raising my self esteem around body image issues - because yes our bodies do change once we reach 40!

I was encouraged to talk with Doug Barsanti after a workout at Toadal Fitness to improve my fitness…read moreand help rehabilitate my back. I was still in physical therapy at Dominican and Doug coordinated my workouts with my P.T., which gave me a very consistent training regime. I've always had a regular workout routine, but Doug showed me new and safer ways to improve my strength and overall fitness and it was fun. He makes you feel comfortable and at the same time maintains a very professional approach to training. I would definitely recommend Doug as your next trainer. You won't be disappointed.

Brian is a thoughtful, caring, supportive coach. He has helped me process some of my best and worst…read moremoments as a dad, husband, and friend. He is a great listener who asks thought-provoking questions that often bring out "A-ha!" revelations. I highly recommend connecting with Brian. He is a strong coach!