I remember riding my bike past a group of women running a half marathon four or five years ago wondering what was going on. It was a small race around Alameda that I obviously missed hearing about. That sure has changed in a hurry. We saw the poor ladies in the back of the pack catch a draw bridge near the end of their race. It was amusing for most of them but some of the impatient runners were quite upset about losing five minutes waiting for a draw bridge. I guess they were about 2:30 minutes into the race with 3 miles to go. I quietly watched them thinking about I never have my camera when a picture-perfect moment occurs.
The half marathon course is a really popular training route for people training for half marathon and longer races. The course starts off in Washington Park which is a park I just run past while I stick to the water front route. Most of this course is on a multi-use trail that goes along the water. There are a couple of street crossings but they won’t be a problem on race day. On a typical day, you will really get to experience micro climates while running this route. At 8:00 am, it is usually cool and overcast at Washington Park.
The course is slightly downhill for the first 3 miles. It is amazing how the little hill leading over the draw bridge can hurt legs that are accustomed running on a flat road. You will cross the bridge and turn left on to a nice little half mile stretch along the San Leandro Bay until you cross Doolittle drive. Then comes my least favorite part of the course, Harbor Bay Parkway to Ron Cowan Parkway. I love the sights but there is something about this stretch that does me in. Fortunately it is only 1.5 miles long. Then you get some dog legs through the corporate parks to add a mile to the course. The loop drives house SemiFreddi’s bakery. Hope they are not baking cinnamon bread the day you run by. You are now half way done with the hardest part behind you.
The next three miles are on the trail along the SF bay heading back to the draw bridge. Depending on your state, you may or may not hope for bridge opening. You run through a neighborhood for about a mile then back to the coastal trail. You will have nice views with the wind at your back for the last 2 miles. It is long and straight. You get some bends near the end of the course. You know the end is near when you see your car in the parking lot. Crab Cove is a very popular park where I always see people walking their dogs and geese walking around. Be careful where you sit.
This is a wonderful course that can be really fast or really windy. I am happy to see so many people coming out to Alameda to run. Good luck everyone and have fun.
This time of year has Memorial Day and National Running Day serving as two significant events able to get Americans (and athletes) out and about in local, state and federal parks. It’s a great experience to be able to visit a properly-funded, well-maintained park available for us, but it’s a joy we may soon miss out on.
State parks are under fire by Gov. Jerry Brown, but a federal issue related to funding was awarded to the State of California like a contract. Since the money and contract are both related to the land deeds, Gov. Brown could be in a breach of contract. It’s an interesting roadblock that I’m sure the suits in Sacramento will look to circumvent in whatever manner they can this summer.
I think it’s a tragedy Gov. Brown wants to shut down state parks, though can’t say I’m really surprised. Local and national politicians are trying their best to waste money while keeping money flowing into their own pockets, so expect more park funding issues later.
Meanwhile, Pres. Obama is folding under continued political pressure to stop millions of acres of land from receiving federal support. It’s an interesting issue when millions of dollars and lots of public land is at risk of being severely mismanaged in the near future.
Alameda Runners likes to get involved with volunteering and trying to participate in local politics (however ugly it may be in Alameda). For an article published elsewhere, I had the chance to chat with an organization that has a very unique method to helping charities.
I recently interviewed a group that uses an active coalition of companies that give at least 1% of yearly revenue to support environmental groups. I think it’s especially important to highlight these groups at a time when state and federal park funding is being slashed at an alarming rate.
I’d like to discuss a few additional thoughts about 1% and the group’s continued efforts to help the environment. The 1% giving idea is unique because it is a small, but extremely important contribution from companies. Many companies are plagued by big bureaucracy that seems to prevent useful monetary or logistical support for groups.
Whether or not it’s 1%, Alameda Runners recommends trying to become involved in whatever manner you can. It’s important to try and appreciate the great outdoors we all love to explore and enjoy, so look out for the companies and promotions that look to help out.
Bike safety is an important topic that should be covered year-round, but it’s increasingly important now that more of us are dusting off bikes in the garage.
As someone that both drives and rides a bike around Alameda, I see frightening behavior from both sides — and it’s these chaotic, reckless moments that could be avoided. Here is a helpful video that covers the three most likely incidents facing cyclists:
I’ve learned to naturally assume drivers don’t know I’m there, as many drivers clearly aren’t paying attention when behind the wheel. Sadly, I’ve had drivers intentionally open a car door in front of me, or intentionally pinch me off when trying to turn right.
Be aware — and stay safe — out there this summer, because we don’t want you to end up a human hood ornament!
Nutrition is absolutely important for athletes to consider when they’re exercising, adding the proper fuel can help give you the right push towards a new PR.
I recently wrote a story on TrailsEdge that goes into the basics of nutrition for athletes still trying to make sense of things. I’d like to expand on the topic of sports nutrition a bit while also offering some great reading material.
Rather than ramble about different things, hopefully providing a few links to outside sources will generate inspiration that can be used in your own personal workouts.
Nutrition is more than just what you eat and drink while exercising, and it’s easy to overlook. Most athletes carbo load and taper with great care, but ignore other general nutrition guidelines, so I included a few ideas on food choices as well.
Active.com has a list of “8 common mistakes” athletes make and “how to fix them” to ensure you’re properly fueled.
I usually prefer to stick with products aimed specifically at sports nutrition, but the “alternative carb sources” story published at Runner’s World is a good read.
A post on the Umass helps stimulate ideas related to basic post-race foods, “ABCs” of baked potatoes, and some basic food eating tips for people on the road. This marathon site lists the benefits of a ‘good’ diet, and what marathon runners should and shouldn’t eat.
RoadID is using the Tour of California as a strong marketing platform to help make sure athletes always have their emergency contact information with them.
The biggest North American bike race enters its critical time trial stage tomorrow, several RoadID athletes and ambassadors are currently in California. As such, this also marked the perfect time to launch a new RoadID product, as a high amount of US attention is focused on Versus.
The RoadID Wrist ID Slim is a new model — and is the slimmest RoadID available — which can be worn by kids and adults alike.
With its stylish and comfortable silicone band, you will be tempted to make a lifestyle statement and wear it 24/7. Like all our ID products, The Wrist ID Slim can be laser engraved with your emergency contact information and is available in both Original and Interactive versions. There are seven different colors to choose from. You (and your kids) will love wearing The Wrist ID Slim.
Craig Hummer and Bob Roll talk about RoadID:
I know many of us end up running, riding, and exploring a long distance away from home, so having a RoadID is important if something happens. If you’re unable to purchase a RoadID or similar product, we at least recommend making sure you have contact information available in case something does happen.
We whipped up a short story in the past that highlights the importance of wearing RoadID when you’re out exploring the world.
Editors note: I wear my road ID for all of my long runs. I am thinking of getting another one to hang from my bike. There is the security concern but if you wind up injured on the side of the road, it is nice be identifiable.
East Bay’s own GU Energy recently added the Chocolate Raspberry flavor to its Roctane brand of energy gels, a newer product aimed at ‘ultra endurance’ activities.
The new flavor utilizes a blend of Amino Acids to help reduce lactic acid build-up, and some other science mumbo-jumbo to help limit muscle damage.
“We are pleased to introduce this flavor in response to the widely voiced demand for a chocolate Roctane option from athletes across the endurance sports world,” said Brent Mann, GU R&D Director, in a press statement. “The unique, yet subtle tartness of our all natural raspberry flavor, brings balance to the bold profile of the real, dark chocolate.”
Originally introduced in 2008, the Roctane line is aimed at fueling you for your especially demanding adventures. There are five flavors in the Roctane family, and the Pineapple flavor is still one of my favorite energy gels to enjoy while training.
The GU Chocolate Raspberry flavor is now available for $2.50 per packet — and Alameda Runners has a box to sample.
The Tour of California begins from South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, and will feature a field of legitimate ProTour and elite continental riders wanting to leave their mark on the race.
Event organizers hoped a mid-May event would give riders the chance to hit higher elevations with better weather, though it looks like riders will have to wear their cold weather gear.
The race starts tomorrow with a planned 118-mile trip around Tahoe that could include a few inches of fresh snow.
Warmer weather during the week has given way to colder weather and the growing likelihood of a snow-covered stage to kick off the biggest cycling race in the United States. TOC stage 2 — which travels through Donner Pass — may also need to be changed due to snowy weather.
Event organizers do have backup plans in case stages need to be altered due to snow, and will keep monitoring the situation late into the night.
The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and North Lake Tahoe Resort Association have been responsible for sponsorship efforts that will have major local impact:
“The Amgen Tour of California is expected to provide one of greatest financial impacts to the Tahoe basin in years. Based on previous races, the annual economic impact to the state of California is estimated to be $100 million with Lake Tahoe organizers anticipating a local impact of $5 – 10 million resulting from 10 days of events leading up to the race start on May 15. For Lake Tahoe, hosting the tour is about telling the world that the area is a remarkable cycling destination.”
Since defending champion Mick Rogers is sidelined with illness, this race will be wide open for a few select potential GC contenders. HTC-Columbia plans to keep fighting for GC glory, even though Rogers won’t be at the race as he recovers.
Even with the Giro heating up in Italy, it’s time to shift focus to the TOC as riders fly across the Golden State.
A couple of months ago, I was talking nutrition with my buddies from Clif. They told me I could get my calories from my drinks and sent me a couple of containers of Clif Shot Electrolyte drink to prove their point. My first taste left with the impression of “Just another sports drink”.
Upon drinking the whole bottle, I realized there was no fake sweetener taste. As most of you know, I like to consume natural products as much as possible so a drinkable product with no sweeteners is great for me.
I took the Lemonade flavor Clif Shot to work where it worked well after my lunch time runs. I rarely crashed in the afternoon and I always recovered enough for my next workout. It does not taste like Kool-Aide but it is drinkable enough to sip after a workout.
I take the Cranberry Razz flavor out on bike rides and drink it 50% stronger than the label recommends. It helps to give me enough calories to keep me fueled for a longer bike ride. I suffer from no ill effects from drinking it concentrated and I stay fueled.
I took 3 weeks off from endurance training because of injury. I went out for a 60-mile bike ride with my brother my first day back from injury.
I did not realize that I ran out of Clif Shot so I tried Hammer Nutrition Heed. After our ride, I crashed hard and could not eat for about four hours after the ride. He had no problems with the Hammer fluid and ate Mexican food as soon as we finished.
(Mike’s Note: This is one of the reasons you should be careful experimenting with new products during longer training sessions. It’s disappointing to miss tasty post-exercise dinner because your stomach feels iffy from the workout.)
Physiology has a lot to do with what products work for which individuals. He has trouble keeping his weight down while I have trouble keeping my weight up.
Clif has knocked the mighty Cytomax sports drink off the top of my list of preferred drinks. That is saying a lot since I have been buying Cytomax for more than 10 years. I like the drinkable taste of Clif. Kool-Aide is good but not for a recovery drink. I also like using the different flavors for different routines. I am not a scientist or nutritionist. I just know what I can drink and how painful life can be when I crash.
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