I found myself in California during Thanksgiving, and I was itching to run a turkey trot, as I have…read morenever done that before. Just my luck, right in Salinas, CA (where I was staying), a local church was putting on their first ever turkey trot for the entire Salinas Valley. Held at Toro Regional Park, it only cost $25 for day-of registration, and the money is used as a charitable donation to support youth leadership in the area. It could not have been easier! The turnout was about 300 people, and the weather was beautiful! I wore shorts and was happy. Registration was smooth and included a very nice finisher's t-shirt as well as a loaner ankle bracelet for official timing. The run itself was contained entirely within the park. The running surfaces were mixed in nature and included running paths and even a field of grass. The course was not designed for high speed though as there was an out and back section up an extended hill, a run through the grass, a narrow channel crossing area to the final stretch, and a little bit of rolling hills before the finish. The turns and varied terrain made it exciting though and with two out and back legs, you could quickly determine where the competition was. I didn't stick around for the awards ceremony which was a BIG mistake. I learned later that I actually placed third in my age division which entitled me to a medal. About a month later, I received the medal in the mail though, so I lucked out. I was especially thrilled to learn I had done so well, but I was disappointed by the quality of the medal since it does not have the name of the competition written on it, does not indicate my place or age group, and only has one word on the whole thing written on the back: CHINA. Um, yeah. At any rate, it was great that they followed up and sent that out to me. I really appreciated that. I would definitely recommend the race to anyone living in the area. There was a large walking contingent in the back of the pack, so it is certainly a viable option for those who want to get out on Thanksgiving morning and be active, without the pressure of a competitive run. Great race; not a place to PR though.

I've been attending this event since 1996, and I wouldn't miss it for the world! I started out…read morecamping but as I've gotten older, there is nothing like having a RV at Wildflower.

Happy 30th Birthday Avia Wildflower Triathlon!…read more It was my 3rd time returning to Wildflower and I was really looking forward to the challenge. I anticipated that this years event was going to be a little more over the top than previous years since they were celebrating their 30th year anniversary. Sure enough, the festivities and the race did not disappoint. The multiple races that take place over the weekend always run so smooth. Whether you're doing the Mountain Bike course, Long Course or the Olympic, it all runs so seamless and without error. Since it was a big anniversary, it seemed that lots of triathletes came to the area to compete and celebrate this milestone with TRI-California. The park was packed with people and the transition area was pretty full of bikes--more than I've ever seen. Plus, Long Course sold out a month or two before the event. Like previous years, I took part in the Olympic Distance Triathlon and this year and it was still the tough course it had always been. Just because I wanted to make it that much more difficult, I did it with the FLU! You got that right...a fever, headache, body aches, cough - it wasn't pretty. I still completed the race but I didn't get a PR, that's for sure. Loved the race, loved the course, loved the finishers medal, finishers towel...loved everything about the weekend (except that I got sick). I don't recommend ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER doing Wildflower when not feeling 100%. But, I got my finishers medal and I get bragging rights that I conquered the hills of Wildflower even with the flu holding me down. I'm looking forward to seeing you in 2013!

The Wine Country Run in Paso Robles is a great race course! It winds through Central California's…read morebeautiful vineyards. I did my first half marathon ever here in 2009 and loved it (er...I loved finishing)! PROs: 1. Plenty of parking 2. Well organized. They have those little electric chips that attach to your shoes for accurate timing. 3. TONS of water and energy drink stands throughout the race 4. Great scenery 5. Plenty of bathrooms for those who get there early enough (will explain in Cons) 6. Plenty of water at the end of race 7. No rules about head sets. 8. Tons of participants so you'll never be alone on the course. 9. Photographers throughout the race so you can purchase pics later on if they are good (mine weren't). 10. Everyone is supportive and friendly at the finish line! CONs: 1. Long lines for bathrooms MINUTES before the races starts. Get there early because you WILL have to go. 2. Extremely steep (but short) hill right before the finish line. 3. The course is on a road so, at times, there are cars that you need to move aside for (on the brighter side, they distract you from the pain in your legs =D) 4. Takes a bit of time to drive into the parking lot due to the skinny road.

This year was my second time participating in this race. Last year I participated in the half…read moremarathon and this year I chose to be a participant in the 5K. Last year was a little a hectic since it started and ended at a local park and those logistics made it a little difficult This year, however, they held it at the CaliPaso winery. The atmosphere was fantastic this year because there was more than enough parking and it was spread out enough so that I did not feel like I was cramped. The course for the 5K was beautiful and I loved how it went through some vineyards. I also liked how we weren't too far into the city or busy streets. It was also nice to see the medals were in better shape, since my medal for the half from last year was falling apart right when we got it. We will definitely be back next year for it and I will be doing the 5K since I loved the course and the environment of that race!

(Half #9, 2015) Wine…read morecountry... Peaceful. Serene. Refreshingly scenic. Inescapably beautiful. Transcendent... While running along fields upon ever-growing fields, whether canopied with vineyards or blanketed with citrus orchards, you can't help but take your time, slow it down and soak it up, breathe deeply... The mustard flowers perched upon the roadside; an occasional, speckled cow minding more its breakfast than your intensions; and the horizon, blue and infinite... These runs require soul...yours. Enough music surrounding you, your earbuds will be fine this time left at home. Over 400 enthusiastic runners rallied in beautiful Paso Robles for its 12th Annual Half Marathon. They arrived not only from all over California, but from Nevada and Tennessee, Oregon and Colorado, Minnesota and Hawaii. They came from Arizona and Ohio and Utah and Washington, from Kansas and Virgina and Texas and Nebraska. Laced-up and eager, runners--ones also harboring deep appreciations for great-tasting California wines, I'm sure--embraced this event as not simply another run, but a vacation. Certainly, the fun wasn't ending upon the finish line. If you've ever been wine tasting around Paso, you'll understand. If you haven't, go. Besides the very cool medal--seriously, I cannot gather up enough!--wine glasses commemorating everyone's awesome achievements were awarded to all. Looks like, along with my medals, I'll be starting another collection! Great job, Paso! See you again next year!

Today I ran my first ever race in the Santa Cruz 5k and I feel absolutely accomplished. My friends…read morehad convinced me to sign up for this race since I told them a horror story of attempting to catch a train in Japan and being out of breath during the ten-minute pursuit. Granted that was a flight or fight (the 2 hour walk home) situation so it's a bit different, but nonetheless, I signed up. As a first time racer, I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience. The Santa Cruz Half website was easy to navigate and sign-up, and very affordable. I paid about $35 for my 5k registration back in January and felt it was a very good deal considering what I was getting in the end: - BOMB medal that really shows off the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and beach - Awesome t-shirt that you get after the run - Since this was coupled with a half, we had an amazing breakfast spread afterwards of not only bagels and fruit, but pancakes and sausages too. The yelp foodie in me was screaming YASSSS - Gorgeous views alongside West Cliff as you began your run on the boardwalk and end on the beach Everyone on staff was super friendly, the registration was easy, and it was an absolute joy being able to run my first race here. I was even able to run its entirety without stopping and that in itself is an accomplishment for me. If you're worried about starting to race/run, this is a great 5k to start. Outside of the minimal lactate built up in your legs, the views of the Monterey Bay are stunning and soon enough you'll forget you're even in a race and enjoy the moment.

My first time running this particular 10K footrace, and such beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean…read morefrom West Cliff Drive! This is a fairly smooth race as there aren't so many ups and downs in the course itself. You'll finish at Cowell Beach where energy drinks, food, t-shirts, and some vendors await you. For those doing the Half-Marathon, a medal is included in your race fees. You'll want to get to the event as early as possible because parking fills up quickly especially on the streets and often there are plenty of traffic jams about 30 minutes before the race starts. Given the opportunity, I would consider doing this race again in 2013!

A very well organized race. Starts at the SAP Center and ends at Santana Row. The course is…read moremostly flat, you run under a few overpasses. I did enjoy running through San Jose, a good way to see the city. They were very strict with the corral starts. This was my first time doing this race, so I'm guessing the rain probably limited the crowds lining the streets. I did enjoy the 8K distance, something different. Finishing on Santana Row was cool as you could smell breakfast cooking as the restaurants were opening. The shuttles back were great, well organized, comfortable, and quick. I can see why this event is so popular!!

Registration: Super…read moreeasy. I got the $39 opening special. Email updates get a little tedious after a while and I ended up getting 2 or 3 of the same thing in the 2 weeks before the event. Packet Pick up: I really wish they had day of pick up as I live over an hours drive away and had to make the trek to San Jose twice in one weekend. That said it was really easy to get my packet, you just needed to know your bib number and they check it against your name. The TShirts are pretty cool and something I will actually wear. Course: Nice and flat. Nice addition to have the different ''miles'' (Veteran / Mariachi). The mile markers were not completely accurate though (yup.. the serious Runner in me notices these things). Mile 2 was actually 1.1mi and mile 3 was just 0.9mi. The event started right on time as planned and without any hitches however I do think that some kind of enforcement of the waves has to be done. Upon coming to the start line there was no one checking bibs. I was put in wave 1 for my sub 8 min mile pace and standing at the start with about a dozen people deep in front of me I noticed a lot of the people around me were wearing bibs marked waves 2, 3 and even 4. Once we started it was also made clear that some people placed in wave 1 really should not have been there. I had to zig zag around people that were not going the correct pace for the wave. Had I been out to PR I would have been really pissed off. Post Race: I didn't experience the ''hearding'' that people had mentioned in previous years but I guess that could have been down to the fact I was one of the first 90 people to finish. There was some walk to the end to get our bibs but nothing major. The post race food was really lame and looking at the pictures from previous years I was expecting to get more than what I did - a bottle of Water, Apple and some Fruit chews. NO BANANA! Really? That gives me the sads. It's common knowledge that Runners eat Banana's. The occasional Orange slice, yes. Apples No. Unless they're in some form of Pastry (Mmmm, Carbs). The medal is also pretty cool, it can be removed from the lanyard and used as a bottle opener and overall I am glad I can now mark this event off of my Running Bucket List but I doubt I will do it again. Way too far to come for what it is. Additional: This event is 1 or 3 of the ''Run the Bay'' series challenge where if you complete all 3 events you get an additional medal.Other 2 events are the Across The Bay (12k or 5k) in San Francisco and Let's Go 510 in Berkeley. Personal shyt: Time: 34:54 / 6:58 min mile. I intended to do a moderate 45:00 / 9 min mile and for the first half mile I was well on track but then some dude with a stroller ran past me. That's never happened to me before and I didn't like it (I now know how my poor husband feels. lol). So I had to speed up to my comfortable ''Aaah yeah, It's on!'' pace. Competitive much? Place: 90th out of 5,000+ and 18th Female. BOOM! -Crazy Runner Girl.

This is one of the best runs in Silicon Valley. Very challenging but one can simply walk any of 3…read morehills. Great cause. Scenic. Extremely friendly. Running it for 20 years and still like it - love it.

A fun, challenging run that benefits the local high school…read more I'm pretty surprised to see I'm the first person to rate this run. The Los Gatos Dammit run is a great local run and it has been going on for 37 years. It's a favorite with local runners - it starts at Los Gatos High School on the track and you run up and down the Lexington Dam along the Lost Gatos creek trail. Between miles 2 and 3 it is an intense climb but then it is a fun downhill from there. A few reasons why I like this race. For one, it benefits the upkeep of the Los Gatos High School track, I know a lot of local runners use the track for training so this is a good way to give back. The trail is fun, scenic and challenging. The race is very well organized and clearly marked so no chance of getting lost on the trail. They also give a lot of awards, 5 different age divisions for men and women and a finishers ribbon for all. Good, basic snack of fruit, cookies and bagels at the end. I like that the tshirt is optional, you can choose not to get a shirt with registration or pay the extra $20 to get a shirt.

+++review #2200+++…read more this was my first in person race for the year, and the first time this was was held in person since 2019! the beneficiary for this race was the stanford center for inherited cardiovascular disease, an organization that raises awareness and does research for i.c.d. i had the pleasure of meeting terra, the race director, when i volunteered at the race packet pickup the day before the race. as a long-time runner, i love to be able to give back by volunteering at race festivities and meeting the other runners. packet pickup was hosted by sports basement and went quite smoothly. race day weather was near perfect, parking was free & easy (stanford track parking lot, about a block and a half from the start line). there were restrooms at the track house as well as portapotties near the start line...fortunately i never had to wait very long (or at all) to use the facilities! the race started a few minutes late since they were waiting for officials to confirm the course was clear and safe for us runners...nbd, i just spent a few more minutes stretching and mentally preparing myself. i had actually trained hard for the 10k, but clearly didn't run enough hills b/c there were plenty in the first half, especially miles 2 & 3, and i definitely slowed down with each passing hill. fortunately, the second half was mostly downhill so i was able to pick up speed and pass many runners here. unfortunately, the 10k & 5k courses merged around 4 1/2 miles in, so i was forced to come to an abrupt stop, which was a bit frustrating since i was cruising and wanting to finish strong. i kept yelling out, passing, 10k runner coming thru, hoping that the slower folks, walkers, strollers, kids would move aside for those of us running. as i approached the finish, i noticed on my timing device that the course was short, as i had only run 5.85mi instead of 6.2mi (10k), so this was a bit disappointing. i heard that the 5k course was very close to 3.1mi so that was encouraging to hear. after crossing the finish line, i grabbed my finisher's medal and continued to walk for a few minutes so that i could catch my breath and let my heart rate come down. upon entering the finish area, i was able to grab a bottle of water and a pack of fig bars. i guess they were tight on resources since each runner could only have exactly 1 bottle of water and 1 pack of fig bars. there were no other refreshments post race. there were quite a few vendors & sponsors on site which was great to see..i always like to learn about who supports a race, and this was such a great cause to raise funds for and race for. for the future, i'd love to see the course marked accurately to a true 10k (6.2mi) and some more refreshments at the end. but otherwise, this was a great event and i had lots of fun participating with my friends.

I did this race last year (Sunday, 8/25/2013) with Steve and a group of San Jose Fitters (Phyllis,…read moreTau, Carolina, Cindy, April) but didn't start to become an active Yelper until recently; hence, the prolong of this review. I believe this race was organized for the very first time last year and it was a nice 12Km run (approximately 7.5 miles). The weather was gorgeous. The trail? Beautiful along the coastline - simply awesome. The T-shirt? Regular cotton - not the dri-fit kind. The Metal? hmmm... I don't remember any metal for ALL finisher (except for the the winners - Steve did get one for his division; so proud of him :-)) . Parking situation? Greg was gracious to give us (Phyllis, Carolina, Steve and I) a lift. We didn't have any problem finding parking but I remembered Greg did pay for us. Didn't I say he was gracious. :-) The volunteers were really really nice. Can't complain. There are raffle tickets to win something ... but it's not very well organized since they called out the winning number prematurely. Meaning, they started calling out the numbers before everyone finished the race - that's not a fair/right thing to do to the last batch of runners. They deserved those prizes as much as everyone else. Also, they should improve on the water handouts. With a race like this, they should have enough cups on the further out water station. A lot of people wanted drinks but they don't have any more cups and have to wait for the cup delivery. I knocked out 1 star for not well organized with the water cups and premature calling on raffle tickets. Another star knocked off for cotton T-shirts instead of those Dri-fit or Technical T-shirts. I love to collect and wear these T-shirts for my regular run and I don't wear cotton T-shirt for running.

A good race. The scenery was terrific, even on a cloudy day, the 'off' distance (4K) was an…read moreinteresting variant, and the cause for the fundraiser was a good one. I have to knock off 1 star though for starting 30 minutes late (i've never seen a race with that kind of a delay), and another star off for the totally inadequate signage. Which I have detailed in a (hopefully amusing) blog post: http://www.angus-land.com/2015/08/run-by-sea-4k-sign-sign-everywhere.html