At the current time we are upgrading our races page for 2008 and revamping the entire website.  We will include race information for many different running events of all distances.  Wherever you are in your training regimen you will be able to find a race that suits your needs.  Find a 5k run in your own city, 10k, half and full marathon.  In a race, we are ultimately running for our own personal record "pr", the competition is there to show us where we are at in our respective age groups.  Running a race requires proper training and should not  be attempted without it.  The following are some tips to prepare for your next race.  First determine what kind of race you are running and train accordingly.  If its a 5k race you will be running your distances for training runs will be much different than that of a marathon.  It also depends on whether or not this is your first race.  If you are making the decision to turn runner over couch potato by running a 5k race you will need to take it slow.  If you do not, you will end up back on the couch due to unnecessary injuries.  Check the weather and make sure you are dressed accordingly.  Is it going to be 90 degrees or 32 degress at the start of the race?  Make sure you have running gear, breathable fabrics that are designed for running.  Go to any running specialty store in your area and they will be able to outfit you.  Make it to the expo before race day, it happens you are so excited about the race that during all the excitement you forget to make it to the race expo and pick up your timing chip.  Do this ahead of time so you can relax and pin your race bib and tie on your timing chip ahead of time.  Most organized running races have race bibs "your number" and timing chips to track your exact time.  For longer races usually more than 5-10k pick a sports gel that you like e.g carboom, gu, powergel.  Ideally, you will know ahead of time which one you prefer so that you are not experimenting on race day.  Depending on the number of participants in your race, you will want to arrive early in some cases to get a decent parking spot otherwise you might be running excess miles before the race even starts and if the traffic is bad you might not be running when the gun goes off.  No experimentation, we mentioned this before and it applies to your shoes, gear, energy gels / drinks and more.  Run your own race ,at the beginning of all races there are usually corals based on your predicted times, start there and when you cross the starting line stay within yourself, its very easy to get caught up in all the excitement and start running to fast.

As mentioned we will be adding races to this page from areas all around the world.

2008 Races in California we recommend:

Carlsbad Marathon 08:  This marathon  and half marathon is run along the Pacific ocean the course is relatively flat except for the elevation around mile 8,9,10.  You head up about 325 above sea level relatively quickly then down and the rest is flat.  The entertainment along the course is also great,  Not quite Rock n Roll marathon style but they difintely hold there own.  Its a great race for more information visit the official Carlsbad Marathon website. Ladies should look for Running Skirts at the marathon expo if they are looking for a performance running skirt.

2008 Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon:  Another great race along the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach, CA.  Before we get into the course lets talk about the best part of this marathon, well at least for the finishers.  The medals are amazing, if you have never surfed before it won't matter because as long as you complete the Surf City Marathon you will get your own surfboard medal for finishing.  It will definitely stand out in your medal collection. We rank it one of the best running medals you can get.  Obviously Boston and NYC etc have the prestige but this ones cool. There's also a great cause, Run for Mobility, runners will help raise money for wheelchairs that will be made and delivered to people in need all around the world. Be sure to visit the nearby surf museum to take in some surfing culture in Huntington Beach. Visit runsurfcity

Rock n Roll Marathon San Diego 2008 - A race with rock n roll says it all.  Fun, fun, fun.  The other part we forgot to mention is you have to run all 26.2 miles to participate.  The course winds its way through San Diego on June 1. 2008.  San Diego weather is usually cloudy which is not bad for any marathon race.  No sun in your eyes and moderate temperatures.  You'll see supeheroes like superman, wonder woman and more along the course.  Not to mention you'll spot Elvis running the course numerous times, you determine who has the best costume. A great time had by all and of course a great band every mile makes it easier. rnrmarathon

America's Finest City Half Marathon 5K 2008 -  This very popular 2008 San Diego race usually sells out quickly.  Catch a bus in Balboa Park and get bused to the top of Carbrillo National Monument and you'll see one of the best views of San Diego.  The frist 5-6 miles of this half are downhill so be ready for sore quads.  The course then flattens out and runs in and around the San Diego airport and then your final approach involves running up a nice long hill to get your heart rate pumping for the last mile and finish in Balboa Park.  There is great support along the course and San Diego is definitely one of the top running communities in the United States, certainly California. afchalf



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