The only reason I'm not giving the 5th star is because the pre-race packet pick up was a bit of a…read moremess. That being said if you're looking for a ridiculously challenging 5 or 10k run, sign up for this. Seriously, I'm not sure how it's possible but I'm fairly certain that more than half of the run is uphill. I wish I was kidding. I did the 10k and eventually gave up on even attempting to keep up with the group. When I finally met back up with the 5k team I over heard many say things like "the only difference between doing this one and the long one is another 5k" meaning, the hills were just as tough on that one. Anyway, the trail around Lake Poway (and up to Ramona Dam) was well marked, wide and easy to navigate, considering. Fortunately they also had plenty of water because it was hot this year! I can't say for sure I'll challenge myself to this race again, but the cause is a great one (Valley Elementary School) and it's never a bad thing to work your quads!

Fun for the whole family. 5k, 10k or the kids race. Music, booths, silent auction, food and more.read more

The first and only ever mud run designed for dogs and their hoomans!!! When I first got wind on…read morethis 5K, I KNEW I had to do this run!! I have always wanted to do a mud run, and now, there is one I can do with my dog?!?!? Sign me up ASAP! Registering online was super easy, and they have waves every 15 minutes from 9am until about 3pm I believe. I wanted an earlier wave, but got 10:45am which was not bad as we finished by noon before the sun gets too hot. I actually really like that they stagger this much as it can get a bit crazy with lots of dogs around!! The course itself was not very difficult, but this IS a mud run obstacle course. I have done numerous 5k's with my dog, but neither of us have done a 5k. I am far from being in shape and was able to get through the obstacles without much effort, the hardest part was actually getting through the mud! I never knew it was so hard to go through mud! It pulls on your shoes and takes some real effort to get through it, especially the deep mud! My dog did excellent and had the time of his life! The obstacles include running up some hills, jumping over tires, crawling, going over hay stacks, mud puddles and there was one mud pool that was probably about 3 feet deep. Talk about getting mud everywhere!! This was a really fun course and a great way to make your typical 5k more interesting. There are vendors present, but it was much less than the amount of vendors I am used to seeing at runs. I was ready to spend some money!! Most of the booths were actually foundations or for causes which are always nice to see and support. I did wish they had an actual photo op area or background. I was hoping for a before and after picture of how muddy we got. Hopefully next year they will have one!! They also said there would be a wash station... but the wash station was waaaay more awesome then I could have ever imagined!! It was put on by Dr. Bronner. They make these amazing soaps that I love to use! The wash station was huge and even had warm water and soap!! I was just expecting your run of the mill water hoses so I was really impressed!! They really loved dogs and were oh so nice! Parking is $10, cash only! Registration for dog+human team was roughly $65, human only is about $35 and kids a bit less. I found a promo online, check their instagram for promos also! I saved about $10 that way! This run not overly crowded and I think that is because is it is located kind of away from everything. However, they must have done well because next year's date is already up!! Guess what duo will he there! This girl and her awesome mud loving adventure pup!! Next Years date: February 27, 2021!!!

Finished first in my wave. Received lots of treats and scratches. Will return for more mud.read more

Zombies beware... this girl can run trails! Yes... I climbed over the boulders (at the time, they…read morefelt like mountains) and ran through the woods! She Runs was the smallest local race I've ran... so far! I wasn't planning on running this race because of that fact and I loathe trail running. But, I happen to be "given" the challenge when a friend couldn't run it due to a dreaded runner's injury (I forgot which one she had). I've been told before that if you're used to running on pavement, running on trails can be more difficult because the surface absorbs more of your energy. In other words, you're using energy to compress the ground and you get less of it back as "bounce"; therefore, you have to put more in to go at your normal pace. Well, I found out during this race that the difficulty applied to my running life. Lesson learned from my 13.1 trail run: 1) It is more mentally and physically demanding. 2) Due to the trail's uneven surface, I had to use more stabilizing muscles that I don't use much on the road. And... once my muscles got tired, my form went to crap. No wonder my entire body is hurtin'. 3) It felt like I burned twice the calories from this race than any other race. 4) The reward is definitely worth the work = more food consumption and dranks to numb the sore muscles. Ha. Your swag includes a cool shirt & a nice "pink" medal. At the end, you are greeted with healthy goodies (bananas, grapes, oranges) & yummy goodies (cakes, muffins, cakes and cakes) and liquid replenishers (water and gatorade - what no beer!? ). I normally crave healthy snacks after a long run, but I exhausted all calories during this race. Therefore... I am guilty of devouring all yummy goodies available - but after the healthy goodies. I will probably think twice about doing this run again (like ever). Trail runs are fun in a way that they are very scenic... but the beating my calves, ankles, & toes took makes it not worthwhile. Overall, I think She Runs did an awesome job coordinating this race. The race starts at 8 am so be prepared to run in dry heat. Parking was not a problem... you get directed to a trail type dirt parking area. Just give yourself enough time to use the porta potty coz they only had three at the finish line. That is all. Happy Running.

The Tour de Poway. I am going to review the 100 miler (as…read morethat is the one I biked). Things I liked: 1. The countryside is beautiful. The parts in Ramona and near the Wild Animal Park are gorgeous, and the costal and Rancho Santa Fe parts are nice too. 2. The Aid Stations were great and staffed with SUPER helpful and kind volunteers. 3. The course was marked really really well for 80% of it. 4. For a long event, the cost is relatively low. Things I did not like: 1. The other cyclists. I am a runner and I think runners are a bit more friendly. I tried to talk to a few people out there, but they were mostly interested in just riding with their clique of friends, and not with me. So I tried to ride alone, but then they would suck on my wheel and make me do the work. Runners are friendlier when running. Everyone was really nice while not riding, though. 2. The last 20% of the course was not marked well. I got lost twice, and thought I was lost 2 other times. 3. The 100 miles is 105 miles long. (not a really big deal all in all, but it was SOOOO HOT and I SOOO wanted to be done). This is a nice event, but I would recommend doing it with friends. They have shorter rides too, but they are all challenging (read ... HILLY). I will retire from cycling in events after this, and just enjoy cycling with my friends. It is more fun, and I often can find rides that are more fun. NOTE: This was revised to let everyone know that the Witch Creek Fire burned almost the entire area that this course rides. I think that maybe the fire was jealous of the cyclists and was trying to ride the course too. Stupid fire.

I've done the Tour de Poway century three times now. I plan on doing the event again this year,…read moreand in the future. It's an enjoyable ride, a nice tour through East and North county. The last 20 miles are always a bit of a grind, but finishing is always reward enough. It seems to have an adequate number of well stocked aid stations, and the volunteers all seem happy to help.

Gary is right! If you want a challenge then the 10K is for you. There's nothing like it in San…read moreDiego. This is a trail run, all off-road course. They also have a 5K and a kids' race. The environment is very family/kids friendly. There's live music, folkloric dancer, food, and more.

some secrets should never be shared but who am I to keep nature a secret. This is the first review…read morewhen a trail that has existed for decades. Hike, run, walk, sit, bike, horseback...How is it possible that one trail can be favorable to all active lifestyles. Whoop, here it is! The trail is also known as Metate Meadows but you won't see this sign until you are actually on the trail dependening on where you enter. A complete 2.5 mile moderate loop in any direction, with hills, inclines, declines, narrow and wide paths with beautiful views of the surrounding Poway mountains. I've been trailing here weekly since Covid and the most I've seen are 5 or less people during the loop. I've never seen lions, tigers, bears, bobcats, snakes or even a rabbit. I've seen horse-poop, avid mountain bikers, mopeders, families, solos. flowering from cacti and beautiful sunsets. The trails are extraordinarily maintained, clean and the surrounding brush is manicured. Even when it rains this is an excellent trail that doesn't build up with muddy puddles or doped shoes. It's completely open and shade is only about 15% on one side of the trail but I wouldn't count in it. There are several surrounding trail routes but I haven't explored them because..I'm scared. It's so isolated out here so perfect for many of you. This is a great mountain for training in any sport. Even a perfect trail for newbies. If you like hills there's a variety of differentiating incline and distance sections that you could get a pretty solid HIIT routine. If you decide to enjoy this trail...leave it pristine. No trace behind. Parking is also available, no water or toilets no emergency services. Metate Meadows is located between the busy street on the East and North side, if you need to bail, you can do so quickly. However, the nearest toilet, store or food source is about 1.5 miles drive away. Oh another tidbit, it'll take about 15 minutes from the highway exit to get here.

Yes. I had a great time at the Rodeo, everyone was super friendly. A must next year. Bring your…read morefriends, kids and family. Come and experience how ranchers live day to day.

Saw the Climbers loop from Fortuna cliffs,, decided to go back to check it out…read more I will say that Climber loop north-south is a one mile up and steep, narrow trail, that offers an intense workout. Loved the gorgeous rocky climbing boulders that this trails has. I am not a proffessional climber so I sticked to hiking and enjoyed a morning to myself sitting on a flat rock with views to Mission Trails visitor center and Fortuna. The trail can get rocky and a bit unstable. I recommend good hiking shoes to be able to get a good grip step by step.

Brought our students out here to get to know the great horses, learn about how to care for horses,…read moreand got the chance to help out at the ranch. Great learning experience for kids of all ages

One of the best trail riding experiences I've had. As an advanced rider who has owned and ridden…read moreshow horses I am often disappointed with lesson and trail horses who want to go head to tail. After evaluating my experience level, Sue gave me a wonderfully trained horse, who was exactly the sort of horse I wanted (very forward and energetic ) and responsive to all signals. She showed me several of her other horses who were very safe and calm for beginners . The trail ride was beautiful and we trotted and cantered when we wished. I would highly recommend her from a beginners point of view....all the way through advanced riding.