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 San Diego Half Marathon is an annual event held in Downtown San Diego that has a starting point…read moreon Harbor Drive and ending the In the historic Gaslamp quarter. I signed up for the race online, which was fairly easy to complete, and they had an expo at the Hilton hotel 2 days before the race to pick up your BIB. At the expo, they had many vendors selling items as well as free energy drinks. They also handed out the free shirt you got for entering the race, which was really nice, and the quality was great! On race day, which was on a Sunday, the run for the Half Marathon started at 650 am. From all the emails I was receiving, we were told to show up at least 40 minutes or even 1 hour prior to the race due to all the runners being in the location, giving you enough time to find the wave your in. The Half Marathon or 13.1 miles course had a beautiful layout that started by the convention center, bringing you up through the Embarcadero to Harbor Island and through Point Loma. The course was a nice flat course until mile 9, where you are running up Washington Hill, gaining elevation into Hillcrest and throughout Balboa Park finishing in the Gaslamp. When we finished the race, we were giving our medals or bling and were handed a goodie bag with a Monster, crackers, and a protein bar. They were even handing out chocolate milk, water, and bananas. They had photographers on-site taking pictures and a small after party in the park aside from the finish line. This was absolutely my favorite race I have run, and I had a blast doing it. The course was perfect and well organized. They had volunteers handing out water and Gatorade approximately every 2 miles. They had porter pottys all throughout the course, and the crowd was very motivating. I'm looking forward to come-back and doing the exact race next year as well since I had an amazing experience. Thank you to all the volunteers and the organizers who made this race possible.

Sadly, along with other events of this magnitude, this event was canceled and made into a virtual…read morerace (to be ran on your own). I was really looking forward to running this particular half marathon for the first time. There was no expo with vendors, just a pickup at the Gaslamp Hilton. What was really special is the volunteers/organizers did a cheer as we were handed our medal so a big thank you to them! Besides the medal, what was picked up was the bib, shirt, and tote bag which included the Friar hat, snacks, and chocolate milk. The tech shirt was pretty unique. In my collection, it's the first to be patterned in camo style. I'm signed up for the challenge which consists of completing the Mammoth Half Marathon in June, thus receiving an extra medal. Crossing my fingers that event is allowed to take place. I crave the crisp mountain fresh air.

Looking for a trail run that requires grit?…read more Well, the Xterra Trail Run Series will do exactly that, especially here at Black Mountain. Whether for beginners or advanced runners, Black Mountain's 5k and 15k runs offer fire road trails with plenty of maneuverability and leeway to single-laned sections coupled with twists, turns, and even a small creek crossing. And hills! My God, the last 3 miles were a challenge! Just when you think you've reached the mountaintop, just when you think you've pushed yourself to the limit and have begun to relax, it continues... Great shirts and finisher medals awarded at Xterra!

The inaugural Encinitas Half Marathon was held March 26, 2017 in the lovely seaside city of…read moreEncinitas, CA in northern San Diego County. The Start/Finish line was at Moonlight Beach, with the majority of the course heading being on The 101, complete with 7 miles of oceanside running. This was my first time running a course of this design where you head out one way, then backtrack and come back to the start line area before heading out the opposite direction only to return again to the finish line. There are several steep downhills, which then become steep uphills on your way back. Oh, and the starting line is on a hill going up, so you'll start the race going up a hill. Once turning left after crossing the starting line, you will immediately encounter a very steep downhill only to enjoy a longer but not as steep uphill climb just around the next corner. I personally found this race to be a little boring, but the citizens of Encinitas sprinkled throughout the course were fantastic. I'm sure the excitement will only increase as the race continues and crowd support grows. The finish line festival was great and offered many vendor booths. The only critiques that I would offer is to provide aid station locations for water, electrolytes,and gels on the course map to allow for runner planning, and a more accurate elevation chart. Also, final instructions and bib number information could be emailed to the runners. Perhaps they did send, but I received no correspondence other than my registration confirmation. Nor,did I receive the tech shirt when I picked up my bib on race day morning. All in all, it was a very nice race with plenty of aid stations, port-a-johns, and a large and colorful finishers medal at the end. Shout out to the organizers and volunteers on doing a great job. I totally recommend.

The posted pictures of runners coursing along the shoreline are NOT part of the Encinitas Half…read more I'm, uh, not sure as to why the promoter placed them here, unless it was simply a mistake. Because those pictures are actually from the Surfing Madonna Beach Run, which is run entirely on the sand. (Both races, same promoter.) However, what is surely important to note is that if you run both the Surfing Madonna 15k (now, a 12k) and Encinitas' Half, consecutively and in that order, you'll snag not only two awesome-looking medals from the runs themselves, but also the badass combo medal for completing the Challenger Series. And it'll be worth it. Now, to the Encinitas Half... When I ran it this year, like it continues to, the out-and-back course simply follows for the most part the PCH as it runs alongside the beach. There's about a 560 ft. elevation gain, a hill, one tough to tackle, that's at the end, but 2019's course changes that: no more monster hill! That'll make things a bit easier. The course begins and ends at Moonlight Beach's parking lot, so if you get there early enough, parking will also be a bit easier. The run is ok, and I'd run it again, but it's not one of my favorites. The medals, though, from running both included in the Challenger Series, they make up for it. They definitely have eye-catching appeal!

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.

I have been participating in ERS events for a few years now and each one is super fun! The races…read moreare well organized, fun swag and great food after. If you enjoy trail racing, or want to try it, I highly recommend ERS events!

From the owner: Whether you are a competitive racer, an avid runner, or a trail newbie, the ERS has what you are…read morelooking for... Challenging yet beginner friendly courses, spectacular views, family friendly atmosphere, and a fun post race celebration. Oh... and free race photos for all runners to enjoy post race. With a total of 11 events combined in the 2 regions, the ERS hosts more than 7000 beginner, intermediate, and experienced trail runners each year. ​ Whether you are looking for a stroll along the water, some scenic single track, or a challenging hill/ mountain course, the ERS prides itself on offering the best trail race experience and atmosphere in the industry. Every event within the ERS offers multiple race distance options, great course support, kid's races, and finish line festivals that the entire family can enjoy with music, food, games, raffle, and plenty of beer (for those over 21 years, of course)

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

"What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?" - Timon, The Lion King…read more One of my favorite local runs! My only "Hawaiian" type of outfit is a wrap I bought years ago from the Bahamas. If it weren't for this race, I probably would have worn it twice. Now I can say I wore it at least 4 times now. Lol. As the years progress, the amount of participants increase. The course they have choose for the 5K is along walkways which are split into two way traffic areas, and still shared by pedestrians. They should make the walkways one way thus giving runners more space, and kick out the pedestrians. lol. For 2016, I believe they changed the route a bit, and even added a 10K. I remember last year, there was this lady looking for her son. I guess he was taken the night before. She was on the side asking runners if anyone has seen a little boy; it was quite the downer. Anyway, it's a fun, easy run for the whole family, and they always provide cute medals. Anything Hawaiian themed means you'll have a good time. :) TIPS -- It is alway hot, so be prepared and wear sunscreen. -- Parking can be a little tricky, so come early -- If you cannot pick up your gear at the day before at Road Runner Sports, you can pick it up on the day of the race. Shirt sizes may vary at that point. -- A timer is provided -- No gear check -- There is a "virtual" version of this race. You pay the fees, run/walk at your own leisure, and your medal and shirt will be mailed to you. -- Long Beach also has a Aloha Run! If you are that desperate, you can go to Long Beach. lol.

A fun festive event,love the good atmosphere live entertainment and the course. Can't wait for next…read morerace.

Super organized race.Thanks to all those volunteers. The course was well-engineered and wasn't…read morechallenged to follow from the start to the end even if you are isolated.

Good course for beginners. The course is super mellow, as in there aren't quite big hills, just…read moresmall ones here and there. This is my 2nd half marathon, but my first time aiming for the Triple Crown. Carlsbad half is doable without training, or minor training because more than half of the time you'll be running on straight flat nice roads. It's a very beautiful run by the picturesque ocean. You run through their downtown, beautiful big beach houses, and the ocean. It started our very cold by the coast, but we got a little sunlight and a nice breeze. Be sure to put on sunblock even if there is no sun! I got a tan and finished by 10:30 am. The race starts and end in the mall. Plenty of parking and I felt it was better organized than like the Rock N Roll (last year 2016). A lot of portable bathrooms as well, and it wasn't crazy long lines like the RNR. The 2017 swag came with a jacket and a long sleeve shirt. The medal was pretty cool, although the cursive writing looks a little weird. I didn't see a beer garden, but they advertise that it was there... but my BF said you don't get a free beer with this race (he ran it 2x). I'll have to sign up for this race again next year since I just found out that I won't make it for the America's finest to make the triple crown due to a wedding =(. [If you're looking to run the American's Finest City half, let me know! I have a bib!] I had a good race, I didn't faint, die, or get jello legs!