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PONY ESPRESSO EXPRESS

Long awaited Half Marathon Issue

Dear PE’s:

As September approaches, we turn our thoughts to “back to school”, “off to school”, “back to work” and “back to Marathon/Half Marathon season”. In Southern California, we are blessed with good weather, beautiful venues (beach, coast, mountains) and lots of choices to satisfy our “half marathon cravings”. Unfortunately, many other people have the same needs, and consequently virtually all the major races fill up earlier and earlier. So, the usual admonition: sign up early! Or you’ll be watching (rather than participating in) your anticipated event. With this in mind, I have compiled a fairly complete list of the events in the local and regional areas that might be of interest. All are half marathons with the exception of a few trail runs that are very close to half marathon distance (18-20K) vs. 21K.

Before you read the list (which should allow you to click your way to the web site to sign up), remember that we generally have longer training runs on Sundays. Last weekend, for example, 10 ponies showed up for our 5-14 mile runs. As advertised, the courses were primarily horse trails, hence a good workout but easy on the body. Good work Sharon, Tom, Michael, Wayne, Bonnie, Athena, Ayo, Ken and Janet J  This weekend, we’ll be leaving from the north end of Torrey Pines State Beach (on 101) at 6:45 am. We plan to run NORTH on 101 with ample opportunity to go 5-15 miles (out and back course). We’ll try to use the dirt paths (or beach) as much as possible. But, it is useful to do some running on pavement as that is where most of the half marathons are J. If you know the music from Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, you’ll remember “Oh, what a beautiful morning”. This is especially true at this time of the year. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the afternoons which have been hot and muggy (and potentially dangerous). Hence, for your comfort and safety, try to start your long runs early (see above J).