Holiday Run Roundup

OK, the Turkey Trots are over - time for the holiday runs already! Here's what I see coming up in the area. Of course, some of these may be postponed due to the weather we're supposed to be having soon...

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Toys For Tots Ugly Sweater Fun Run

"Support the Toys for Toys by participating in the Toys for Tots Ugly Sweater Fun Run at Scheels. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots.

This is a non-timed 2-mile run/walk around the marina. All participants will get an event souvenir. Strollers are welcome."

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Reno Running Co. Red Nose Run

"Ho! Ho! Ho! Come join us on December 8, 2013 for the 3rd Annual Reno Running Company's Red-Nosed Run.  This is a 3 Mile Fun Run and 1 Mile Kid's Fun Run.  Kid's Fun Run begins at 8am and the 3 Mile Fun Run starts at 8:30am.  Both Fun Runs are filled with all ability runners and walkers dressed in holiday costume!

All Participants receive goody-bag, free raffle entry, finisher's awards, free food and drink!  Costume contest awards in four categories: Best Dressed Sleigh (baby stroller), Santa, Reindeer, Elf and Snowman! "

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Elf Me 5K Holiday Run

"Suit up for Santa with your best Elf impersonation! Prizes for best dressed elf. Sip Hot Chocolate while being serenaded by carolers in this 5K trail run.  Proceeds benefit the Spanish Springs High School Baseball Program. Sock donations will also be collected to help the needy in the Reno/Sparks area."

Great Santa Dash 5K

"This will be a festive holiday 5k run/walk near downtown Reno at Wingfield Park.  Running or Walking is accepted and participation with the entire family or a large group of friends will enhance the Christmas spirit.

Wear your best Christmas costume - Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or Santa's helper and demonstrate your Christmas spirit while running in downtown Reno.

Run will take place in Wingfield Park and use streets near downtown Reno and the Truckee River.  Run will begin at 10am, rain, snow, or sunshine!"

Running With Rudolph

"This is the second of 5 trail runs in the 5th Annual Be Bold, Run in the Cold Winter Trail Series presented by Ascent Runs. These casual runs were created to keep runners and walker motivated through the winter months and also as a way to supplement your winter training. This series highlights the extensive trail networks surrounding Carson City, NV. For the safety of all runners and to keep you guessing, event organizers reserve the right to change course routes and distances based on weather conditions or just for the heck of it."

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Jingle Jog Hot Chocolate Run

"Calling all Santas, Elves and Reindeer - this race is for you!!! Show us your holiday spirit and jingle your way all the way to the finish line! Hot Chocolate treats along the run and at the finish line!!

Prizes for Best Costume and Most Ridiculous Costume to Run In!!"

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Fallon New Year's 5K

"Churchill County Parks & Recreation invite you to join in the New Year’s 5K Fun Run/Walk. The 5K will begin at Veteran’s Park, 55 W. Williams Ave. (behind City Hall).

The post race awards ceremony will be held at the Elks Club, which includes breakfast for only $5 and raffle. Parks & Recreation are now taking registration, 325 Sheckler Road."

Any I missed? Let me know!

Donner Lake Turkey Trot 2013

For some reason, I really like this little race. Maybe it's the cool local feel to it, maybe it's the late (10:30) start, or maybe I just like running around things. At any rate, this loop around Donner Lake is usually the first Turkey Trot of the season, and I try to make it up for it when I can.

This race has had an interesting last few years - the first time I ran it, in 2009, we did it backwards due to some snowy and icy conditions. It was great conditions in 2010, but icy again in 2011, and indeed even cancelled due to permitting problems. I wasn't up for it in 2012, but snow shortened it to a 2-mile course - not sure which direction they ran it. This year, though, the weather was perfect.

They sent the walkers off at 9:30, then did the Mashed Potato Mile for the kids at 10:00. When they were done, the runners lined up and were off right at 10:30.

The first couple miles of the course, around the south side of the lake, is rolling uphill. Right about at the 2 mile mark is where it tops out, and just after that is this nice view:

There's a sharp downhill, a water station and a turn into Donner Memorial State Park, where we ran along roads like this:

Then one more water station, a tiny uphill bump, and the rest of the run follows the north side of the lake, on Donner Pass Road back to the start/finish area at West End Beach Park. Some funky road shoulder on the lake side here, and you have to stay near the road, but the traffic was minimal and aware of the runners.

As for my own race, I started out pretty creaky - didn't feel great until the top of the hill at 2 miles. Apparently I sped up slightly after that, and held it there until the last mile when I sped up again. Unintentional negative splits once again - getting to be a nice habit. I felt like I was flying coming into the finish, but I doubt I was really going all that fast. Sure didn't see the camera person there:

Stuck around for the classic pumpkin-pie and baked goods raffle, but didn't win anything. Really glad the weather cooperated and this race went off as planned - hopefully next year will be about the same!

Race pictures from MacBeth Graphics

Race results (Excel file)

Reno/Tahoe Turkey Trot roundup

Ahh, that time of year again, when runner's minds turn to working off all the holiday calories. Also, getting out in the crisp autumn air, seeing some fall colors on the trees, etc. So, to that end - all the Turkey Trots I can find in the area:

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Donner Lake Turkey Trot

"The idea of a fun race around Donner Lake was hatched back in 1976 by a small group of enthusiastic runners who wanted to make room for all the turkey and pies they were going to  be eating in the weeks ahead.

34 years later the Donner Lake Turkey Trot is a popular event attracting 200 runners from Reno, Sacramento & The Bay Area as well as many locals who enjoy the excuse to support a good cause & get out for a morning run/walk

Auburn Ski Club Junior Nordic Team organizes the race as a fundraiser and a way to get ready for the ski season.

The history of the event has always been to be fun and funky and happens regardless of the weather. The event has happened with snowstorms, below freezing temperatures, ice, rain and beautiful sunny days.

Auburn Ski Club has upgraded the timing of the event from the self timing days, but still tries to keep the spirit of fun and families."

Sunday, November 17, 2013

South Tahoe Turkey Trot

"Find your inner turkey and run like there's an oven warming up for you!!! Thanksgiving themed costumes are a must at the South Tahoe Turkey Trot!"

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Fallon Turkey Trot

"Churchill County Parks and Recreation invites you to come out for our Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk.  This event will help get everyone into the holiday spirit as well as help benefit your own fitness level before all that fun holiday eating."

Thursday, November 28

Sparks/Scheels Turkey Trot

"The Scheels Turkey Trot at the Sparks Marina has become a Thanksgiving tradition in the Truckee Meadows. It's a great place to spend time with family and friends, and a healthy way to start a day usually filled with a whole lot of eating.

The event starts and finishes in the parking lot of Scheels at Legends at Sparks Marina. Participants can choose from a 10K (6.2 miles) run (timed) or a a 2-mile walk or run (not timed). The courses are user-friendly for both runners and walkers. The 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and will utilize city streets and the local bike path. The 2-mile run/walk will start at Scheels and circle around the Sparks Marina Park."

Northern Nevada Fire Wives & Kaia Fit 5K Turkey Trot

"Brought to you by Northern Nevada Fires Wives (NNFW) and Kaia F.I.T. Come out with your family and friends to begin your Thanksgiving Day with us! Proceeds will be used to provide support to local fire fighters, their families and others affected by fire incidents and a portion of these proceeds will be donated to "Food For Thought". This event will occur rain or shine, reserve the right to cancel in extreme conditions and no refunds; rather your fee will be a donation to NNFW."

Veteran's Day Weekend, 2013

Just one thing I can find around the area this coming weekend, and it's on Veterans Day itself:

Monday, November 11, 2013

Veterans Day Fun Run/Walk

"A 5k fun Run/Walk in the backdrop of scenic Pyramid Lake.Starts at the Pyramid Lake Marina in Sutcliffe down the railroad bed and back. Honoring Nevada's Native American Veterans, Hosted by the Burke family in remembrance of Wayne Burke. Registration is free and will take place on site starting at 9:30 AM. T-Shirts are limited to the first 100 Participants to register.""

Weekend of November 2-3, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Run for Education

"The Run for Education is a family friendly event with a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, 5k Chamber Challenge, and Kid’s Fun Runs. After the Runs, ‘Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun’ and join us at the Expo featuring fun activities for the kids.  The Washoe County School District students directly benefit from the funds raised at the Run for Education."

WNC Softball 5K Fundraiser

"Enjoy Autumn’s beauty and get fit for the holiday season with a 5K run/walk on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m., in Carson City. The Western Nevada College softball team is sponsoring the event to promote fitness and fun, and to raise funds for their upcoming 2014 season. Race headquarters is at El Charro Avitia Mexican restaurant, 4389 S. Carson St."

That Dam Run

I was going to start this post out by saying what a "crappy" race this was - it's run on horse trails, and there was quite a bit of watching where you stepped - but I just can't. Really well put together race, all around, and a joy to run.

The remaining Reno-based members of Team Library Dork headed over the hill Saturday night and stayed in Auburn, getting up nice and early to head out to Cool to find the race start. It was easy to find, and before long we had out stuff and were shivering in the mid-50 degree morning. (In Reno, you can't see your breath when it's 56 degrees...) All the runners lined up obediently, and the race got off right on time, the half at 8:00 and the 10K ten minutes later.

Chris was out in the front ranks and didn't have to deal with it, but Dave and I started a little farther back than we should have and got caught walking through some single-file sections early on. That was about the only downside to the race; after it thinned out, everything was fine. Bit dusty in those early sections, too.

I'm completely unfamiliar with the area, and was pretty happy to get to check it out. The course for the 10K was nice and rolling, with only a couple of tough hills. Technical in places, and easier in others - a good mix of fire roads and singletrack, rocks and roots and smooth dirt.

The first miles had gone by too quick for me, and I was dying a bit in the last mile. A runner that was behind me chatted me through the last section - really appreciated that. It was her first trail race ever, and she was having a great time.

The finish area was beautiful - I grabbed a water , bagel and banana, but after that realized there were also cookies, sodas - and then someone walked up with a huge pile of pizza boxes! Very well stocked finish area.

Watched Dave finish and hung around long enough for Chris to get his award - he had taken first by a few seconds in a sprint finish. Then back to the hotel for a quick shower, and some great food and beer at Auburn Alehouse. Then back home to Reno, and what do you know - by the time we got back, results had been posted online. Now that's the way to do it.

Upcoming events, Nevada Day weekend

A few things happening around the area this weekend:

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Nevada Day Classsic

"The Nevada Day Classic 8K Run and 2 Mile Run/Walk starts and finishes in historic downtown Carson City, Nevada. All racers finish just before the start to the parade with 1000's of people lining Carson Street to cheer them in. 

Costumes are encouraged (and the best are rewarded!). The theme of this year's Nevada Day Parade celebrates the Parade's 75th year. There is always an award for the runner that represents the theme of the parade best...
How about it? "75 Years" - Be creative!"

No Brainer 5K

5K starting at 10:00 AM in Wingfield Park includes a cup for you to come back later and take part in the Zombie Crawl that evening.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Reno 500 Trick-or Treat 5K

"BOO!  Come join Reno in the 4th Annual Audi Reno Tahoe Trick-or-Treat 5K & Kid's Haunted Half Mile, on an illuminated course, presented by Grand Sierra Resort and Casino & Reno Running Company.  Event begins at 6pm with the Kid's Haunted Half Mile, then at 6:30pm the Trick-or-Treat 5K filled with all levels of ability runners and walkers dressed in costume!"

That Damn Run Trail 10K and Half marathon

A hilly set of courses starting and finishing in Cool, CA, in some great trail running territory.

Weekend of 10/12-13/2013

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Ark Stampede

"The first Animal Ark Stampede is set for Saturday, October 12, 2013 at The Animal Ark, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary located off of Red Rock road north of Reno, NV.

Runners and walkers will run or walk down the Animal Ark’s driveway then up and down a scenic, high desert trail and end exploring part of the sanctuary, where the animals will be the spectators of your awesome strength." 

Great Basin Brew Relay

"In its 2nd year, The Great Basin Brew Relay will consist of 4 members to a team with each member running two legs of approximately 5 miles each leg for a total of 40 miles to complete the entire event.

Course will be similar to last year's course but subject to modifications due to road work.  Run will take place on streets of Sparks, NV and access the Truckee River path through downtown Reno where runners will make their way to the Patagonia Factory store for the 1/2 way point.  Patagonia will be the turn around point and runners will make their way back into town to the Sparks Great Basin Brewery and Restaurant for the finish."

Redrun VC

"REDRUN will take you on a tour of some of the most famously haunted locations in the world!
This is the most authentic Zombie run on the planet. All hell will break loose. 6 Dead Zones will put your body dead the middle of the most haunted locations in Virginia City. Watch out for the rotting dead, but more importantly be careful of the living insane, who are blinded with fear. The six dead zones include: Virginia City Graveyard, Chinatown, Saint Mary Louise Hospital, V&T Train Station and Tunnel and downtown Virginia City."

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Reno 5000 #3

The final race in the Reno 5000 series, this was rescheduled from September 8 because of the smoky conditions. Starting and finishing at Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley.

Tahoe's Freakin' Fun Run

"Running is fun. Costumes are fun. Running in costumes is just plain AWESOME!!!!

We all know that sanity and health can both suffer during the crazy holiday season. So why not ensure your fitness is on track and slap sanity in the face by being even crazier?

Grab your friends, your family and your coworkers, get signed up and then put your thinking cap on figure out what kind of kick-ass costumes you can come up with. Keep in mind - prizes are awarded for "Best Costume" and "Most Ridiculous Costume to Run In"!!!!!"

Weekend events, October 5-6, 2013

Another busy weekend coming up - they sure do pack them in during the fall season around here, huh?

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Cancer Sucks 5K

"Cancer Sucks 5k Presented by PrimeLending and The Sierra Nevada Association of Realtors.  Net proceeds benefit the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center.  Money raised will help those with cancer who are unable to pay for treatment and medication."

Scarecrow Sprint & Stroll

"Enjoy the fall colors of Lake Tahoe. Run this great course starting and finishing at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. The course is on the newly completed Tahoe City trail featuring great views of the lake and surrounding area. There is a 5K, 10K and kids distances. Come on out to sprint, stroll or just saunter along with your friends and family. Scarecrow costumes are encouraged! This event is a fundraiser for SnowFest!"

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Kokanee Trail Runs

Excellent race near and around Fallen Leaf Lake on the south end of Lake Tahoe. 5K, 10K and half marathon options, more trail than road. Fall colors should just be starting to hit.
Regretfully, the 2013 Kokanee Trail Runs have been cancelled for this year due to Forest Service thinning operations currently taking place in the course area and safety of all runners.

Race for the Cure

The 15th year of the cancer benefit race in Northern Nevada. Course has moved to the Grand Sierra parking lot in the last few years. Get out your pink gear...

Run Ed Run

Benefitting the Douglas County Education Association, there is a 5K/10K and half marathon option down in Minden, with the finish line set up on the track at Douglas High School.

Lake Tahoe Marathon 2013

I didn't mean to run this race this year. Really thought I had come to peace with breaking my six-year streak after last year's debacle. But of course, right down to the wire and I had to go ahead and do it...

Taking a good look at the amount of training I had done going into last year vs this year, I guess I was slightly better prepared this time around. But I was also more prepared to run a smarter race - which I think was the difference between a 5:05 and a 6:06 marathon time.

So.  A month or so ago, I had started training again, looking to do an easy few races through the end of the year to ease myself back in to things. My first race back was the Journal Jog, which actually went much better than I expected. Next, I printed myself up a training plan for the Nevada Day Classic at the end of October, and started in on that.

When the opportunity arose to continue my streak at the Tahoe Marathon, though, I was apparently unable to resist. Got my entry in about a week before the race, and started to plan for it.

The smartest thing to do, I decided, was to stick to a planned run/walk strategy, at least for the first half of the race. I wasn't sure in what proportion to do it, though, and hadn't really decided even the day before the race.

Race day: up at 3:30, left Reno a little before 4:00. Made it to South Lake about 5:00, catch the shuttle bus to Tahoe City, which left at 5:15. Get to Commons Beach at around 6:30, with half an hour for final prep, bag drop, and enjoying this sunrise:

A few more minutes and we were ready to go:

I fell in near the middle back of the pack and decided on a run 8 minutes/walk 2 minutes pace. Easy to keep track via my watch, since it was in nice 10 minute chunks. I was able to keep that up through the first half of the race, and when the hills started, I simply walked up the hills and jogged the downhills. Pretty easy to see what that looked like here:

After the hills, I tried to fall back into a run/walk system again for the last 4 miles, but the legs were pretty spent - I basically ran when I could and walked when I had to. Pretty much knew I wasn't going to get in under 5 hours, but thought I could make it an hour faster than last year - which I almost did. 6:05:50 vs. 5:05:57. Close enough for me.

An elevation profile, since I've got it handy:

Hurts just looking at that. And speaking of hurting, I think I'm more comprehensively sore after this race than any I can remember. Thighs, calves, back, shoulders, in that order. About time for more naproxen, I think.

I was impressed with the organization of the whole race this year. Packet pickup was much smoother than last year, the shuttle buses weren't confusing at all, and everyone seemed to know what was going on. Glad I kept the streak alive.

Busy weekend, September 28-29, 2013

Looks like I missed a race on the calendar last weekend - there was a 5K "Color Me Rad" race up at UNR. You guys have to tell me if I'm missing something...

Hope I'm not missing anything this weekend; sure looks like there's a lot going on -

Saturday, September 28

Battle of the Rattle 5K

A 5K Race up Rattlesnake Mountain in Southeast Reno. Benefiting the Nevada Diabetes Association.

Washoe County Sheriff's K9 Benefit 5/10K 

Reno Running Company is putting on this 5K or 10K race. leaving from their store in the Summit Sierra Mall, crossing Virginia Street and winding through neighborhoods. This one (obviously) benefits the Sheriff's K9 program.

Sunday, September 29

Lake Tahoe Marathon

One of the region's marquee events, and a whole weekend full of activities. The main event is the Sunday marathon from Tahoe City to Pope Beach on the south end of the lake.

Run Walk Roll Against Bullying

A 5K run or 1.5 mile walk or "roll" in the nice flat neighborhoods around IGT in south Reno. Put on by NevadaPEP, which, from their website, I can't figure out what it stands for.

Reno Galena Fest Wicked Thorn

A 7.25 mile trail race in the hills south of Reno, in conjunction with the Bloody Rose mountain bike event. There were Living Social and Groupon deals for this race earlier in the year; hope some of you took advantage of them.




* Apparently there's also a Tough Mudder event going on up at Northstar this weekend. But you guys know what I think of Tough Mudders...

Injinji socks on Woot.com

Another daily deal heads up - Woot.com has Injinji toe socks, in a variety of weights, sizes and lengths (but only in grey and white) for $16.99 for 6 pairs. Great way to stock up on excellent running socks at a screaming deal. I've paid that much for ONE pair of running socks...

Weekend of Sept. 21-22, 2013

Just a couple of things going on this weekend:

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Running Red for Heart... Part 2

"Come out and support the fight against heart diease and stroke by running in your favorite red dress, tutu, or other red running gear in Running Red for Heart 5K Part 2! This 5K Run will start at Scheels and all proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association in thier fight to reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases."

Ironman Lake Tahoe

"One of the newest North American events on the IRONMAN race circuit, Lake Tahoe is a can't-miss destination for triathletes. Renowned for its spectacular mountain vistas and crystal clear lake, Lake Tahoe's pristine setting is primed to become as coveted a destination for IRONMAN athletes as it has long been for skiers and nature-seekers."

Journal Jog 2013

Wow - it's been a long time since I've written a race report. Other than the Tahoe Relay back in June, the last race I did was the Silver State 50/50 half in May. But the Journal Jog turned out to be a great race to come back to.

It was perfect weather on Sunday morning, and the Race178 guys put on a great show, as usual. We got started right on time, with the strollers heading out 5 minutes before the runners, then everyone lining up nice and orderly.

.
Here we are heading into Idlewild Park - it was really cool to see all the people wearing race shirts from other local races. Fairly bummed that I skipped the Reno 10 Miler earlier this summer.

The course only had one minor change from years past - instead of going to the end of Crissie Caughlin Park and doing a tight hairpin to double back and head up Riverbend Dr., there was a small out & back in Idlewild Park. It was earlier in the race, so there were more people around, but it was much more wide open, so it wasn't a problem.

As far as my run went - well, it went much better than I had expected. I'd only really done 3 weeks of training for it (9 runs in all) and was expecting to keep to about a 10 minute mile pace. After the first mile went by in 9:01, I just kind of shrugged and wondered at what point going out too fast would catch up to me. I don't think I even glanced at my watch when the next mile ticked by, but if I had, it would have said 8:56. Mile 3 had the hill up Riverbend Dr. to McCarran, but even that was an 8:58. During mile 4, a huge fire engine followed RIGHT behind me for a couple blocks, and that was motivation for an 8:29 mile. And I was still doing fine during the last mile, which I pushed through in 7:54 for a 43:16. Completely surprised myself with unintentional negative splits.

Here's the finish line, a few minutes after I came through:

So, the Journal Jog - always a great race, and I'm glad it's continuing on with such great organizers.

Race results posted at both the Race178 site and the Reno Gazette Journal. Also a good gallery of photos at the RGJ.