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The race registry April 2014
AFTER DARK DASH 5K
April 5
Gaslamp Quarter & East Village, Downtown
BIG BARK 5K & ½ MILE POOCH PARADE
April 5
Balboa Park
TOBI’S RUN 5K, 1 MILE, OR 1K
April 10
Balboa Park
AVOCADO HALF MARATHON AND 5K
April 12
Live Oak Park, Fallbrook
UCSD PHUN RUN 5K FUNDRAISER
April 13
La Jolla
PEACE LOVE HALF MARATHON, 10K & 5K
April 13
Mission Bay
XTERRA BLACK MOUNTAIN
5K AND 15K
April 13
Black Mountain Regional Park, Carmel Valley
ONEHOPE ACT Today! for Military Families 5k/10k Run/Walk
April 19
Tecolote Shores Park in Mission Bay
EPIC SERIES SAN DIEGO
April 26 & 27
Del Mar Fairgrounds
April 27
PARTNER CONTENT
Del Mar, La Jolla
Pound the pavement with one or all of these fun, challenging, and iconic running events starting this April
For some runners, having races on your calendar keeps you honest—you’re less likely to skip a run if you know you have a race coming up. And regularly crossing finish lines can push you to run longer distances or faster, which gradually builds your fitness. Even Olympian runner Molly Huddle has talked about “racing back to fitness” after having a baby.
Thanks to our just-about-perfect weather conditions all year long, San Diego is a great place to train for and participate in varying distances to test your skills and attempt a distance you may have never thought possible. From 5Ks to 10Ks, half- and full marathons, runners can find every type of race to work on a PR.
Below are 10 San Diego road races with distances up to 26.2 miles going on throughout the year:
Date: April 6 | Distance: 3.1 mi. | Cost: $45
This 5K race through downtown Carlsbad and along the ocean is known as the world’s fastest because many world records have been set there. The course is fast and there are tons of spectators to give you a motivational push.
Date: April 12 | Distance: 3.1 mi. | Cost: $40
This flat and fast 5K around Fiesta Island is helpful for runners to get ready for longer distances in a few months. The course also has a half marathon and 10K option if you’re ready for a longer distance, but no need to push it.
Date: May 19 | Distance(s): 4 mi.
May brings you to a slightly longer distance–4 miles–and gives you the unique chance to run up and over the Coronado Bridge. It’s a challenge, because the bridge is steeper than it looks, but the Navy band plays at the top to motivate you. Plus, the views can’t be beat.
Date: Aug 4 | Distance: 6.1 mi | Cost: $49
If you’re ready to race longer distances, try this 10K course around downtown San Diego. The course is not totally flat and includes some twists and turns, so be ready for an extra challenge.
Courtesy of Balboa 8 Miler
Date: July 4 | Distance: 7.4 mi | Cost: $59
This annual 4th of July race in Coronado gives you the opportunity to race another 5K, or the very unusual 12K distance (or about 7.4 miles…get it?) Stick around after the race for the island’s parade and 4th of July festival.
Date: August 5 | Distance: 8 mi. | $65
This race started by San Diego Track Club in 1955 is now one of the oldest races in the United States. It gives you a chance to try a longer distance, and takes you through a scenic course around Balboa Park.
Date: August 18 | Distance: 13.1 mi. | Cost: $149
If your running has been going well and you’re ready for a big challenge, try this beautifully scenic half marathon that starts at Cabrillo Point and ends in Balboa Park. There are some serious uphills and downhills along the way, but the historic course makes it worthwhile.
Date: October 5 | Distance: 13.1 mi. | Cost: $100
If you don’t want the hills in the AFC Half Marathon, or need a little more time to train, this race around Mission Bay is a great option. It’s flat and fast, and the cool ocean breezes should help with San Diego’s notoriously hot fall weather.
Date: November 17 | Distance: 26.2 mi. | Cost: $140-$150
This low-key race in Escondido takes you on a gentle rolling hills course as you run laps around the park. You can compete and run the full marathon yourself, or break it up among a team of runners to compete as a relay race.
Date: January 19 | Distance: 26.2 mi. | Cost: $139
This winter marathon has perfect weather–cool and sunny, usually–and a beautiful ocean course to help you pass the miles enjoyably—as much as you can during 26.2 miles. The race is also a Boston Marathon qualifier and a great course to set new PR.
Date: June 1 | Distance: 26.2 mi. | Cost: $103
The San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon is one of the city’s most anticipated running events and among its most challenging. The race features a 5K, half marathon, or a full 26.2-mile course through the streets of downtown San Diego. The full marathon kicks off on Sixth Avenue, adjacent to Balboa Park, and winds through Mission Valley along the San Diego River, ultimately finishing at Ash Street in Little Italy. Each year, the event attracts nearly 30,000 runners from across the US.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
Advice, tips and route suggestions from local trail runners to dirty up your kicks
San Diego Trail Runners
Courtesy of San Diego Trail Runners
If I’m being totally honest, I’m not much of a trail runner. My outdoor exercise comes in one of two forms.
One: get out and run, often from my house, sometimes at Mission Bay or Lake Murray, and get it done as efficiently as possible so I can get back to the rest of my responsibilities in life.
Or two: Take a full day or at least a long morning and go on a leisurely hike where I walk and talk and enjoy the time.
Sadly, these days, I’m spending far more time in option one than two, and to me, trail running seems to fall somewhere in the middle. You’re running, so it’s not leisurely, but you also have to drive to get there and run more slowly, so it’s less efficient.
But I consulted a few friends and experts who are experienced trail runners, and they explained to me–politely–that I’m just wrong. First of all, they say, trail running is as enjoyable and peaceful as hiking.
Daniel Smith leads the group San Diego Trail Runners, and he says time on the trails is like a meditative experience because you have to stay focused on your footing.
“I’m always hyper vigilant. Take your time. Make sure that you can get good footing. The roots, tree stumps, and of course, technical trails will catch you, especially by yourself,” he says. “The whole reason why we do it is to have a good time, to forget about the world for a little while.”
Julia Dixon Evans, a veteran trail runner who just won her division in the Ragnar Trail SoCal race says trail running helps her “get out away from it all in the middle of somewhere wild and pretty.”
“And I love the mental challenge where even though you can feel peaceful because of your surroundings, you still can’t just zone out like running on roads, or you’ll trip,” she says. “I like the adrenaline of having to focus like that.”
Meanwhile, Mike Daly, another veteran trail runner, says after his first time on a trail, he was hooked.
“I was lucky enough to have a running coach that took a group of us up to Mount Laguna to run in Laguna Meadow and to this day it is one of my favorite runs,” he says. “I had no idea that with just an hour drive from the ocean you could be at 6,000 ft. of elevation and running in pine tree covered trails in the mountains. It was just so beautiful and a nice change of pace from Mission Bay.”
So really, trail running is like hiking+. You have the peaceful and “get away from it all” aspect, but it’s more of a workout and actually takes less time than an all-day trek.
If you’re ready to give trail running a try (and now I think I am!), here are some other tips from the experts:
Dixon Evans recommends starting out at Los Penasquitos Canyon, which has 13 miles of fairly flat dirt trails, or Lake Hodges, where the trails go on for miles and miles. There are enough people around that you won’t feel totally alone, and the trails aren’t too challenging, she says.
Smith also recommends Proctor Valley, Hollenback Trail, Sycamore Canyon and Mission Trails. His favorite spot in Mission Trails is to start on the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard trailhead, where you can access North and South Fortuna and the Fortuna Saddle Trail.
Dixon Evans says for Los Penasquitos or Lake Hodges, you can run in regular road running shoes. That’ll give you a chance to experiment with trail running and make sure you like it before investing in actual trail shoes.
Once you are ready to commit, she recommends Altra Timp trail running shoes, Hoka Challengers or Speedgoat, “or the good old classic Nike Wildhorse.” She also recommends either a water bottle you can carry or a hydration pack. She uses a Salomon vest but says Nathan packs are also very popular.
If she’s going to run for more than an hour, she carries an energy gel, and often brings one as backup. “If you’re going on an unfamiliar trail or something hilly, it could take you longer than planned, which is why it’s nice to have water and gels just in case,” she says. Good options include the local company Muir Energy, or Clif shot blocks.
And good wool hiking or running socks are also important for trail running. Her pick is Smartwool Zero Cushion Mid Crew, and she recommends never wearing low socks. “Crew height all the way, otherwise dirt gets inside your socks,” she says.
Beyond hydration and footwear, most of the running gear is the same as what you’d need to run in urban environments, Daly says. “A watch or a smartphone with the Strava app can be helpful to monitor your distance and time,” he says. “Many watches also have a track back feature that will help you retrace your steps back to your start point which can be a helpful feature if you’re exploring unfamiliar trails.”
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
Getting outside and staying active is in our blood; and finding new ways to enjoy yearlong perfect weather is what we do best
South Mission Beach Courts
Patrick Davis for Life’s a Beach
The bike shop sits on a popular commute route and is staffed by affable mechanics who have worked the Tour de France. Hardcore bicycle people don’t have the friendliest rep, but MJ’s is different. They’ve got the skill set to equip racers, but they don’t treat commuters or parents buying bikes like tourists in their world.
One minute you’re casually playing a game of pickleball, the next thing you know, you’ve helped design Gearbox’s newest paddle. The brand is based in San Diego and PBTC is their local court, where they play with locals to gain insights on how to improve their rackets. This sounds like free lessons to us.
When a relative was giving away their boat, local architect Vilchis saw an opportunity to design a 10/10 Instagrammable experience. Now you can class up your day date by recreating The Notebook—a pristinely refurbished tiny boat with padded seats, plant garlands, snacks and drinks, and even parasols. Ryan Gosling not included.
Each weekend on the courts of South Mission Beach, the sand is taken over by 2v2 players—many of which are ESL speakers from various countries. They’ve made this plot of sand their sacred community, where the universal language is bump, set, and spike.
On any given Wednesday on Hamilton Ave., 100 to 200 runners gather to run the streets of North Park. It’s put on by Milestone Running, a shop created by locals Greg Lemon and Chad Crawford. Go a few times and you’re pretty much guaranteed at least ten new friends—might even get “Smirnoff Iced” during the post-run raffle. You win some, you lose some.
Even avid runners can lose motivation. This year, Waterfront introduced a new tradition: beer stops. The three- mile loop starts at Eppig Brewing in Point Loma, then heads to Fathom Bistro for a beer before completing the next 1.5 miles. Finish up with a post-run brew at Eppig, obviously.
Mission Bay Basketball Court
Madeline Yang
San Diego’s maritime history runs deep. America’s Cups have a permanent home here. Harbor Sailboats—seven-time winner of the “ASA School of the Year”—offers sailing courses taught by longtime sea dogs. You know, the type of no- nonsense skippers who know how the wind will change by the way the breeze hits their beard hair.
If you want sky-high firs, oak forests that shade your path, and mountain peaks that overlook actual foliage (read: no palm tree in sight), head to Palomar Mountain State Park. And, since the inaugural California State Parks Week took place this year, there’s no better time to dust off your hiking boots on one of the six hiking trails (five for running).
A mellow 5.7 climb on paper, The Tower at Mission Gorge will have you clipping the first few bolts like you’ve been dirtbagging in Yosemite all your life. You’ll have to dig deep into your courage reserves to tackle the crux, but you’ll be walking down that mountain with your head held high when the sun starts to set.
Hoops here have always had a magical effect—a full regulation court, smack dab on the beach. The ball smells like sunscreen. No fence; out of bounds is in the sand. And it just got an artful resurfacing in honor of local basketball legend, Bill Walton—who’s been a member of the South Mission Beach Sports Park & Rec for 25 years.
Yep, in City Heights. Specializing in boards from local shapers, owner Mark Polintan (who grew up on a pineapple farm in the Philippines) has created an infectious gathering place for surfers to support their peers. Like chasing tubes in exotic locations, you never know what or who you’ll find here, but you’re guaranteed to leave stoked.
Surfers are selfish. No matter how many waves we catch, we always want more. And while there’s no shot we’ll ever change, we can at least direct that impulse toward a good cause. At the annual 100 Wave Challenge, participants commit to riding 100 waves in one day to raise funds for the local nonprofit Boys to Men Mentoring.
Nicolle Monico is an award-winning writer and the director of creative projects, digital editor for San Diego Magazine with more than 16 years of experience in media including Outside Run, JustLuxe and The San Francisco Chronicle.
Yes, Chef! winner Emily Brubaker leads the robust culinary program at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
For more on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and its dining program, please visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.
Where to run this month
2014 Coronado Independence Day 5K/15K Run
July 4 Tidelands Park, Coronado
kathyloperevents.com/cor15K
West Coast Road Runners 2014 Fall Training Half Marathon/Marathon/Walk
July 5
Mission Bay, Carlsbad, or Rancho Bernardo
wcroadrunners.com
One Heart One Love 5K
July 12
Morley Field, Balboa Park
oneheartonelove5k.com
Neon Dash San Diego 5K
July 12
Qualcomm Stadium
neondash.com
Stonewall Peak 50K & Half Marathon
July 12
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
cuyamaca3peaks.com
Carlsbad Triathlon
July 13
Tamarack State Beach
carlsbadtriathlon.com
Costume Party Half Marathon/5K/10K
July 13
Qualcomm Stadium
costumepartyrun.com
Widow Dash 5K
July 13
Tidelands Park, Coronado
campwidow.org/5k-runwalk
2014 San Diego Pride 5K Run/Walk
July 19
University Avenue, Hillcrest
sdpride.org
7th Annual 5K Lupus Awareness Walk
July 20
Shelter Island
lupussocal.org
Where to run this month
2014 Coronado Independence Day 5K/15K Run
July 4 Tidelands Park, Coronado
kathyloperevents.com/cor15K
West Coast Road Runners 2014 Fall Training Half Marathon/Marathon/Walk
July 5
Mission Bay, Carlsbad, or Rancho Bernardo
wcroadrunners.com
One Heart One Love 5K
July 12
Morley Field, Balboa Park
oneheartonelove5k.com
Neon Dash San Diego 5K
July 12
Qualcomm Stadium
neondash.com
Stonewall Peak 50K & Half Marathon
July 12
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
cuyamaca3peaks.com
Carlsbad Triathlon
July 13
Tamarack State Beach
carlsbadtriathlon.com
Costume Party Half Marathon/5K/10K
July 13
Qualcomm Stadium
costumepartyrun.com
Widow Dash 5K
July 13
Tidelands Park, Coronado
campwidow.org/5k-runwalk
2014 San Diego Pride 5K Run/Walk
July 19
University Avenue, Hillcrest
sdpride.org
7th Annual 5K Lupus Awareness Walk
July 20
Shelter Island
lupussocal.org
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
