I'm so glad SBCC Track has opened back up to the public! It is my favorite place to come walk, run…read moreand soak up the gorgeous views of our beach, the harbor and the palm trees. The track itself is cushioned so it's not a hard surface that will take a toll on your feet or legs. The stadium is outdated and could use a makeover, but aside from that it's a beautiful place to workout. I usually park across the street in the 90 minute parking spaces. There are several, but I suggest getting there early to get a spot. SBCC charges to park in their lot, but who knows how often the parking lot attendant checks on the cars. I would imagine more so during school hours. But I still don't take my chances and park across the street. There are restrooms on site, but they aren't open all the time. The water fountain is available, but I definitely recommend bringing your own water. Overall, this track is the best in town! You couldn't ask for a better place to workout at.

Every time I come here I think, "Why don't I come here more often, like way more often?"…read more I love the stairs and the incredible views, particularly in the morning if you get here by sunrise. But the sunset is decent as well. The stairs here make for a great workout and are much steeper than your treadmill at the gym. For me (5'4") it's difficult to go up two steps at a time, but very rewarding and fun. When you have ocean air and mesmerizing views, there is no need to do cardio at the gym. If you're a local in Santa Barbara, the SBCC track is something to experience at least once.

She came from out of town and said she wanted to do something fun…read more.. The conversation shifted to the hot springs in this neck of the woods... From the tone of my voice... She said I was unenthusiastic about it. But then I thought..... On our way to this place... The first thing that came off weird to me was parking.. Their isn't much parking This is about the only negative thing I have to say... I'm not an avid hiker I really don't go hiking at all In the middle of the day I was walking towards "The peak" Out of all days that could be chosen I found gold The weather was superb... Of course it had it's weird breaks (heat and sun) For the most part it was great And if you want a great experience Choose a day featuring great weather.. The hike up had lots of elevated climb to it I loved it... Their was lots to look at I didn't encounter any strange animals/ indigenous people or what have you I did see a bright blue dragon fly that seemed to follow me Wherever I went... The people along the hike we're friendly and nice We all seemed to share the same thoughts "Lost and confused " Not sure what hikes are to entail But this one would definitely called for strength, calories and hydration... You will need all that.. There was off beaten paths that led to points of scratching my head.. And in those moments I just turned around and went the way I came... While all this was happening I was reminded how far we have come along as humans How tough things were for our ancestors Just how appreciative I am for the life I have

(I am more than confused with what trail(s) are actually located here, and need to state that sadly…read moreI hadn't hiked here pre-fire and flood.) My first trip I was trying to locate Tangerine Falls, which may or may not be located on the other side of the washed out area of E. Mountain Drive. So once I turned my car around and was heading back to Olive Mill/Hot Springs Road I found a very small place to park. (NOTE: If that small area is full, you can park on Riven Rock Drive.) I began the trail, again fully thinking I was heading for Tangerine Falls. (But even today, as I check Google Maps, they call this: HOT SPRINGS CANYON TRAIL HEAD.) - so doesn't that constitute a name change? As a very beginner hiker the trail starts fast. I had boots and walking poles, which helped my footing immensely, Once I realized I had no idea where I was headed to I asked a few people for help who were on the trail, too. They informed me that now (post fire and flood) the way to access Tangerine Falls is via Gibraltar Road. Lots of dark green trees, lots of black burned trees, too. There is a place where you cross the road and then continue on the trail. After about 1/2 mile, I believe, there are 2 signs that gave direction to HOT SPRINGS trail, and I think there may have been a bridge (since washed out) where you could cross the creek to hike another trails? SEE PHOTO - Not too sure about this though, only inferring from the signs and what *looked like where a bridge may have been. I wasn't confident crossing over fallen trees and logs to cross the creek to literally "see what was on the other side". I did hike just a bit past this sign - and the trail is very narrow and drops off steep to the creek. Since I am a big newbie I turned around from there ASAP, but quite a few people flew right past me. Again, this review is from a newbie hiker. I'm in love with this place regardless and am determined to figure out what exactly is up there still and what trails a hiker has access to. (Cold? Hot? Tangerine? San Ysidro? Saddle Rock? What else?) Since I'm not a local I am putting together piece by piece on my own as I can. Apparently there are hotel ruins up higher as well? Expect more pictures ASAP! And bring water, good shoes, and maybe a trekking pole if you're a newbie like me. :)

My first Ojai Half…read more Super cool weather. Nice hills and elevations. Not too steep. Gorgeous scenery and I appreciated the great views a lot. It was a combination of straight road,trail and hill running. The CA Highway Patrols were guarding each road for traffic and safety. This was the best part. Awesome medal,shirt and goodie bag. Amazing friendly people and special shout out to the leader of the 2.30 pace for handing me salt pills when left leg cramp attacked me on Mile 11. I could have walked but the salt pills was fast-acting. Lesson: NEVER FORGET TO BRING MUSTARD. Salt pill was an option. But I do recommend mustard. It was not a super crowded event. People were nice and polite. I set a new PR! Will run again next year,it's because I LOVE OJAI and it's Ojai PYXIE Tangerine month!

My first Half...done!…read more And Ojai, it was beautiful! Just north of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara--blanketed with outstretched fields of yellow Mustard flowers and nestled within the valleys beneath the rugged Topatopa Mountains--lies this quaint, little Shangri-La of Ventura County. Beginning at Mira Monte Elementary School, the route hops onto Ojai's paved bike trail and slowly meanders southward, following alongside Highway 33 before banking westward onto Santa Ana Blvd. Continuing onto the bike lanes of Santa Ana Rd., the run (around mile 5) parallels Lake Casitas. If it hasn't already done so, about here, your daydreaming should be settling in comfortably. This relaxation of mind will last throughout the entire course as it loops among scene after breathtaking scene of rolling hills and shady trees, punctuated at times by tangerine groves and local vineyards along the way. Too soon--seemingly much too soon--your 13.1 approaches, and before you know it, you're crossing the finish line with a smile. This run was so well organized. Each and every traffic signal along the route was flashing red, the CHP and the Ojai sheriff's department covering each intersection and assisting runners along the bike paths. Even the roads throughout the countryside were monitored by enforcements: cars requiring passage were police-escorted as to ensure runners' safety. The volunteers were amazing as well. Honestly, it seemed like all of Ojai was here in support. Plus water, Gatorade, and Porta Potties were positioned at the all of the aid stations, each about 1.5 miles apart. This run just kept getting better. And then came the medals. I love the medals! My first Half...in beautiful Ojai...done! (My personal goal was to finish within three hours. I did it: 2:46:57!!!) =]

(Half #6, 2015) Now…read moreTHIS is an Elite Sports run I can appreciate. Actually, any course along California's beautiful coastline scores stellar marks in my book. The ocean breeze, salt in the air; the morning sun stretching over the horizon; crashing waves, golden sand, blue skies: all contribute to an energized run. If you've run the Ventura Marathon, Seaside begins in the same area; however, instead of running south along the coast, Seaside takes you north. The course is relatively flat and certainly scenic. The water stations were well-stocked, and gel packs were made available as well. Parking was simple, as well: there's a structure right on the Promenade. Paying $8 will get you an all-day parking pass; however, we received a quick validation from a nearby restaurant, which knocked off $4 from our parking. What's really cool about Elite Sports' races, though, is their "Endurance Challenge": running seven of their Half marathons awards a challenge medal at the year's end. I want that! For more information about the Endurance Challenge, check here: elitesportsca.com/Endura.... And, even cooler, is that Elite Sports' races are included in the CA Half Series (http://calhalfseries.com), which--if you're into Halfs--awards a 10-, 15-, and 20-run series medal at the end of the year. Running seven of Elite Sports' inches you closer to the halfway mark! TIP: If you plan to run any of Elite Sports' or the CA Half Series' races, check out RaceShed (http://raceshed.com); it gives "race for less" discounts and promo codes.

Incredibly picturesque. Easy run, a good half for beginners. When arriving to the seaside itself…read more.. Stunning. Your mind just wanders away adrift on salt spray in the air. Very nice mix of running paths and city streets. Fairly well attended with aid stations. Not many spectators until the very end but a great reception party complete with beer and tacos. What more can you ask for?

Bottom Line: I…read moresomehow got talked into doing a sprint about 5 years ago and have not missed this event since! This is my absolutely favorite event of the year. If I only do one event; bicycle race, marathon, tri - whatever - it's THIS event. The venue is second to none, its very well organized, professional.... besides you finish and go load up on pancakes and bacon from East Beach Grill! EVERYBODY WINS, PEOPLE

This triathlon offers an incredible family friendly venue. From the parent/child race which is one…read moreof the numerous activities in this weekend long event and the finish line at the beach where kids can play in the sand while waiting for the adult triathlete of the family to make their arrival, to nearby Shipwreck Playground and all of the wonderful kid friendly eateries in walking distance of the race course, this is one of the most family friendly triathlon venues I've seen in my years of rooting for my husband at these races. It is also a beautiful setting with lots to offer varying interests that occur naturally in a family or group. A sidewalk art sale along the sidewalk next to the beach, kites sailing in the sky near the wharf and cheering everywhere you turn, these were only a few of the sights and sounds I enjoyed at this event with my nine and six-year-old in tow and I look forward to doing it again. Register for this race again, Honey!!!

Ventura was my first stop for the Lexus LaceUp running series. The Palos Verdes 10k in November is…read moremy next. I did the half marathon for Ventura and it was a lot more intimate than I'm used to. There were 267 participants and I'm used to races with thousands of runners. It definitely made for a different experience. The route was beautiful for the first 4 miles with scenic views of the ocean. The remainder was along a river trail, which wasn't as nice. With not as many people, I found myself running alone the last half of the race. It was therapeutic, but at the same time, didn't feel like a real running event. It felt like an ordinary training day run. There was a point where I wasn't even sure which way to go and had to ask a pedestrian if they knew which way the race was. The post race activities was excellent! Free food from food trucks or fruit juice smoothies, beer, and good giveaways. Plus our awesome tech shirt and finisher's medal! I recommend doing this running series, but would suggest doing the shorter distances (5k or 10k).

Bottom Line: An awesome triathlon…read more I have had the chance to participate in this event a few times now and it was bigger than I thought it was going to be. Very professionally run but still relatively casual and fun. The venues for all three portions is awesome. The bike leg is longer than most other Tri's that I have done so it definitely benefits bikers, at least for the sprint. Great expo afterwards, lots of community support... I highly recommend this event!!

The Color Run was so much fun!…read more This was my second 5K and there was a lot of people who participated. Parking was a little hectic due to traffic but we easily found a spot in the parking garage in downtown Ventura. Walking over to the race at the fairgrounds was easy. It was exciting to see everyone dressed in crazy colors and costumes. I felt like I was at a mini rave lol It was rough going uphill on the incline in the beginning but a breeze running down the incline towards the middle of the race. We received water bottles halfway and were provided nut bars and beef jerky at the end. I was forewarned by a previous color runner to not breathe when getting tossed and splashed with powder dye throughout the race and it helped because some people were choking on it since it clouded everything. My favorite part was finishing the race at the end where my friends and I joined the crowd at the stage and the DJ was playing dance music. He initiated us to toss our package of dye (that we received at the end of the race) when he dropped the bass and it created a colorful swarm of craziness in the air going with the music. It felt like that exhilarating moment when you go surfing in a wave and it entraps you but you still feel free (even though I've never tried surfing but that's what I imagine it to feel like LOL). Definitely recommend this 5K! :)

My husband and I are looking forward to participating in our first Color Run!…read moreApparently, this is suppose to be the "happiest 5k" ever...so the expectations have been set high! Let's see if they meet expectations tomorrow. :) Just wanted to put in a note here about the communications (primarily email) that have been coming from the organizers of this run; and it's pretty good. I've gotten at least 4+ emails in a span of 1-2 months leading up to this event, so I know what's happening and what to prepare in advance. I'll be back to update my review post-event, to share all the fun we had! (hope I'm not jinxing myself here)