January 21st, 2010

TRAIL RUN EVENTS NEWSLETTER

Website:  http://www.trailrunevents.com

January 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Trail Run Events!  My New Year’s Resolution for 2010 is to try to improve communication with you, our TRE Runners.  We are so appreciative of your support in running these races in 2009; a year that was difficult for many, in so many ways.  We look forward to presenting you with some great trail running opportunities in 2010 and hope to see many of you at some Trail Run Events.

I would like to extend appreciation to Greg Minter for his many years of care and attention to the Trail Run Events website design and management.  Greg has passed the torch to Jakob Herrmann who will take over as official TRE Webmaster.  Jakob is an avid ultra runner who says Bulldog is his favorite race and he has agreed to make the website more user-friendly for me to make edits and updates… a “win-win” for me and you; to improve our communication through the website.

2010 TRAIL RUN EVENTS:

The ULTRALADIES will kick off their training season in April with bi-weekly training runs in the Santa Monica Mountains and the Angeles National Forest.  The UltraLadies are a come-and-go-as-you-wish ultra running training group that’s been together since 1995 and began as a women’s training group, but now includes UltraLadies’ Men. We are especially supportive of new ultra runners and we have helped train more than 100 runners to complete the Bulldog 50K as their first ultra running experience.  The training season extends from Spring to late Summer leading up to the Bulldog 50K Ultra Run in August.  Please see the website “Latest Info” for the “ULs Official Training Schedule” and check back for any last minute updates.  Ultra Newbies are welcome and best of all… IT’S FREE!

We had hoped to offer a new venue on April 3/4; the FOOLS DAY 12/24 HOUR RUNS & RELAY.  The bad news is that we ran into a snag when we learned that the CA State Parks permit office decided to close between September and January because of the state budget crisis and cut backs to the parks, so the FDRs will be deferred to April 2/3, 2011.  The good news is that this gives us 15-months to plan this event to guarantee that it will be awesome.  Please put the date in your calendar and keep checking the TRE website for updated information.

The 9th Annual VALLEY CREST HALF MARATHON will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2010.  The Valley Crest is a challenging and scenic mountain half-marathon run on historic Mulholland Drive fire road and passes through Topanga State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  The VCHM is a Road Runner Club of America Regional Championship Race that will feature awards packages for Open, Masters, and Grand-Masters and 1st through 3rd place awards in 5-year divisions.  Of course the VCHM continues to provide medals and the coveted VCHM race shirt to all finishers and a free raffle with spectacular Sponsor prizes.  Online registration is available at:  http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1797676&assetId=4568D314-1973-4480-AC95-E20667D0ECFE

The BULLDOG 50K ULTRA RUN will celebrate its 19th running in 2010 on August 21.  There will continue to be a BULLDOG 25K race that will start one hour after the 50K start.  The BDOG courses are in beautiful Malibu Creek State Park on fire roads and trails in mountainous terrain with spectacular ocean and valley views and fully stocked aid stations every 3-6 miles.  The 50K is a Road Runner Club of America Regional Championship Race that will feature awards packages for Open, Masters, and Grand-Masters and both events will offer 1st through 3rd place awards in 10-year divisions; finisher medals; race shirts; awesome Sponsor prizes; and light lunch to all finishers.

50K race registration is available at: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1797675&assetId=5C76C7D4-DC79-45F1-B2A0-A0D78D98F559

25K race registration is available at: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1797674&assetId=EAB8A522-56E8-4BCD-8F25-F362794F9BBA

Our good friends in the next valley will soon be hosting the 2nd Annual BANDIT TRAIL RUN on March 13, 2010, in Simi Valley, CA.  This tough little trail run was my re-introduction into trail running last year, after a long hiatus.  I will be back to hopefully improve my time and hope some of you will support this beautiful event.  Website: http://www.BanditTrailRun.com

Larry and I want to extend HUGE THANK YOUs to all our Trail Run Events Volunteers and Sponsors who work together to provide for your safety and enjoyment at the races.  We have a wonderful team of people who come together each year and we depend on them and know that all our runners appreciate their support.

Some of you know that we are crossing our fingers and toes that we will sell our beautiful 25-acre adobe ranch in Chama, NM.  If you are a realtor, know a realtor, or just know someone who wants to own a pristine mountain getaway property, please have them take a look at http://www.chamadreamhouse.com.  Once we relocate back to Los Angeles permanently we look forward to adding some exciting new races to the Trail Run Events calendar.  I know… “why would anyone want to relocate back to Los Angeles?” you ask?  Well, I’m a Valley Girl; I guess it’s in my blood!

Happy New Year and Happy Trails,

NSD

Nancy Shura-Dervin & Larry Dervin

http://www.trailrunevents.com

Posted in Bulldog 50k and 25k, Trail Run Events, UltraLadies, Valley Crest Half-Marathon | Comments Off

ULTRALADIES 2010 TRAINING SCHEDULE

January 21st, 2010

2010 UltraLadies Training Runs (tentative)

All runs on Saturday unless announced otherwise.

Calendar subject to change; please re-check “Latest Info” for most recent post.

Please read the archived Blog Pages before attending your first run.

Day/Date Meet Time Max Run Time Max Run Miles Meet / Route
March 21 – – – LAM weekend
March 27 – – 6 On your own.
April 3 – – 8 On your own.
April 10 TBA 3:00 14 TBA
April 17 – – 10 On your own.
April 24 TBA 3.30 16 TBA
May 1 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
May 8 TBA 4:00 18 TBA
May 15 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
May 22 TBA 4:30 20 TBA
May 29 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
June 5 TBA 5:00 22 TBA
June 12 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
June 19 TBA 5:30 24 TBA
June 26 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
July 3 TBA 5:30 24 TBA
July 10 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
July 17 TBA 6:00 26 TBA
July 24 – – 10 On your own (recovery)
July 31 TBA 6:00 26 TBA
August 7 – – 12 On your own (taper)
August 14 – – 6 On your own (taper)
August 21 6:30a – 31 BULLDOG 50K

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2009 Bulldog Race Report

August 25th, 2009


2009 BULLDOG 50K/25K RACE REPORT by Nancy Shura Dervin

 

With much pre-race speculation about the possible imminent closure of Malibu Creek State Park, the 2009 Bulldog Trail Runs managed to squeak through on August 22.  The 2009 races were the most successful in the history of the runs thanks to the runners who did a great job of following the “rules” related to carpooling and the many, many volunteers who worked to make the day safe for them.

 

In spite of cooler than usual temperatures and cloudy skies for much of the day, only one age division course record was broken between the two races however there were quite a few noteworthy performances.

 

In the 50K:

 

22-year-old Dominic Grossman took the men’s field with his winning time of 3:59:17.  Placing 7th overall was 27-year-old Maria Petzold who won the women’s race (4:44:18).   55-year-old veteran ultra runner Rob McNair placed 8th overall (4:46:00) to win the grand-master-male award and came in ahead of all the other youngsters in the male master division (40-49).  55-year-old Lorraine Gersitz has made a comeback in ultra running the last couple of years and finished in 43rd place overall, 9th female, while running in her green Crocs!  Although no course records were set in the 50K this year, the entire open field was actually very fast; 151 out of 185 runners ran sub-7:00 on the course!

 

In the 25K:

 

After running off course in 2008 (due to a course vandal), 27-year-old Henry Lowenfels stayed on track this year, though not always on his feet, to win the 25K.  Henry crossed the finish line (1:58:57) covered in blood and dirt that didn’t detract from his smile one bit.  3rd overall was our female winner, 34-year-old Jennifer Todd, a former returning champion of the Bulldog Runs.  The only course record set this year was by Jennifer in the 30-39 female age division.  40-year-old male Francisco Arriola battled against 45-year-old female Sue Zihlmann to be the first master runner to cross the line with Francisco edging out Sue by only 6-seconds.  The 25K had four male runners in the 70+ age division with 74-year-old Michael Pang running a 3:09:20 on a tough course!

 

Our 2009 race shirt was designed by Rachel Nosco, the lovely daughter of one of our runners.  Great job Rachel!

 

The shining stars of the Bulldog Runs is always our volunteers who come out at o-dark-early to put this race on for you.  We had 58 volunteers this year!  I hope you will drop an email to me at bulldogultra@yahoo.com giving your thanks to the volunteers; I promise to forward it to them.

 

As for the future of our state parks events… it’s time to write letters to your state officials urging them to keep our beautiful backcountry open. 

 

Hope to see you all next year at the 19th annual Bulldog Trail Runs.

 

Happy trails,

 

Nancy Shura-Dervin

Posted in Bulldog 50k and 25k | Comments Off

Bulldog Training Runs on July 18 & July 19

July 18th, 2009

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Come train on the Bulldog race course. Guillermo is a champion ultrarunner who is sponsored by The North Face.  Guillermo will tie ribbons for you to follow. Please read below for details and please come prepared! All levels of runners are welcome.

Start Time: 7:00AM (please be prepared to start running)

SUNDAY, JULY 26

Robert Leonardo will run the Bulldog loop on Sunday and welcomes company (semi-fast runners preferred).

Start Time:  7:00AM (please be prepared to start running)

BELOW ARE DETAILS FOR THE RUNS ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY:

Meeting Place: Corner of Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Drive. Park in the dirt on the northwest corner. Other corners may be used if parking is full.  Meet at the corner outside of the park.

Mileage: Guillermo will lead a 15.5 mile loop on the Bulldog race course (mileage approximate). Guillermo will run the loop twice for those who would like to join him for extra mileage.

Water: Water is available only at Tapia Park (mile 13.1). Please carry enough fluids for 13 miles considering the heat.

Don’t forget your sunscreen, gels, electrolytes, sunglasses, running cap, bandana, etc.

Directions:

From the Ventura Freeway (Hwy 101):
Exit Las Virgenes Rd. South
Continue approximately 3 miles, past Mulholland Drive.
Turn right into Malibu Creek State Park
If you hit Piuma Rd., you’ve gone too far…turn around and go back!

From Pacific Coast Hwy:
Go North on Malibu Canyon (directly south of Pepperdine University).
Continue approximately 5 miles, past Piuma Rd.
Turn left into Malibu Creek State Park
If you hit Mulholland Dr., you’ve gone too far…turn around and go back!

RUNNING DIRECTIONS (mileage approximate):
*Park your vehicle on the northwest corner of Mulholland Drive and Las Virgenes.
*Walk west on Las Virgenes Road approx. 1/8 mile to the entrance of MCSP.
*Turn RIGHT into MCSP.
*Follow the paved road to the fire gate at the entrance to Craggs Road (across from the day use parking lot).
*Turn RIGHT onto Craggs Road.
*Follow Craggs Road to the junction and continue RIGHT to the top of the hill. Continue down hill (porta potty on right). Continue straight to the river(bridge).
*Cross the river using the bridge and bear RIGHT. Cross through the dry creek.
*Coming out of the dry creek, stay on the main trail, past the MASH site, to the bottom of Bulldog Motorway (mile 3.0). Turn LEFT on Bulldog Motorway, go up hill.
*At the junction of Bulldog Lateral (approx. mile 4.0), bear LEFT, and continue up hill.
*Follow Bulldog Motorway to the top of Castro Crest (mile 6.9).
*Turn LEFT at the top of Bulldog Motorway and proceed down to Corral Canyon
(mile 7.5) – Go through the locked fire gate, down to the parking lot.
*Leave Corral Canyon via Backbone Trail (aka Mesa Peak Motorway) to the southwest (to the left of the fire road straight in front of you). This trail goes up and over some very big rock formations. It soon opens up onto an unmaintained fire road (Mesa Peak Motorway).
*Continue along Mesa Peak Motorway (bear LEFT at *Puerco Canyon fire road) all the way into Tapia Park (mile 13.1) – Water and toilets available at Tapia.
*NOTE: Do not turn right on Puerco Canyon fire road.
*From the Tapia toilet, follow the trail LEFT; the trail immediately turns RIGHT and heads down to the paved service road. Cross the road and take the trail down to the creek.
*Cross the creek and turn LEFT into Tapia east driveway and run LEFT through the fire gate, through the parking lot and through the fire gate, continue on the dirt fire road to Spur Trail (mile 13.8). Cross over the paved driveway to pick up Spur Trail.
*Follow Spur Trail up and over the mountain and down the other side into Malibu
Creek State Park (mile 14.8).
*Leave Spur Trail by running through the dirt parking lot and turn RIGHT and proceed along gravel road.
*Turn LEFT at the pavement and proceed to the locked fire gate at the river crossing (Craggs Road; mile 15.2) .
*From here, turn LEFT to begin the second loop or continue STRAIGHT to exit MCSP. At the park exit, turn LEFT onto Las Virgenes Canyon to return to Mulholland Drive.

Happy trails,

NSD

Posted in Bulldog 50k and 25k | Comments Off

Bulldog Early Registration Ends on July 15

July 10th, 2009

Early registration for the Bulldog 50K/25K Trail Runs ends at 11:59PM on                Wednesday, July 15, 2009.  At 12:00AM on July 16th, the prices increase as follows:  25K = $70.00; 50K = $85.00.  Why not take advantage of the early entry discount and sign up before July 15! 

Thank you for supporting the Bulldog Runs.  We look forward to hosting you at beautiful Malibu Creek State Park on Saturday, August 22, 2009.

For additional information, please see our website: http://www.trailrunevents.com or use the following links for online registration:

50K: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1495742&assetId=14DCE516-D884-4039-A12C-598C0F369601

25K: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1644842&assetId=7D7A619D-5F05-4EFE-A336-A3A3FD605EFE

Happy trails,

NSD

 

Posted in Bulldog 50k and 25k | Comments Off

UltraLadies’ Training Runs: Train On The Bulldog Race Course

July 10th, 2009

Please join us for training runs on the Bulldog race course.  You may run either one loop (15.5 miles) or two loops (31 miles)… your choice.  Guillermo Medina will lead three training runs on the following dates:

~ Saturday, July 11
~ Saturday, July 18
~ Saturday, July 25

Guillermo is an champion ultrarunner who is sponsored by The North Face.  Guillermo will mark arrows for you to follow.  Please read below for details and please come prepared!

Start Time:  7:00AM (please be prepared to start running)

Meeting Place:  Corner of Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Drive.  Park in the dirt on the northwest corner.  Other corners may be used if parking is full.

Mileage:  Guillermo will lead a 15.5 mile loop on the Bulldog race course (mileage approximate).  Guillermo will run the loop twice for those who would like to join him for extra mileage.

Water:  Water is available only at Tapia Park (mile 13.1).  Please carry enough fluids for 13 miles considering the heat.

Don’t forget your sunscreen, gels, electrolytes, sunglasses, running cap, bandana, etc.

Directions: 

From the Ventura Freeway (Hwy 101):
Exit Las Virgenes Rd. South
Continue approximately 3 miles, past Mulholland Drive.
Turn right into Malibu Creek State Park
If you hit Piuma Rd., you’ve gone too far…turn around and go back!

From Pacific Coast Hwy:
Go North on Malibu Canyon (directly south of Pepperdine University).
Continue approximately 5 miles, past Piuma Rd.
Turn left into Malibu Creek State Park
If you hit Mulholland Dr., you’ve gone too far…turn around and go back!

RUNNING DIRECTIONS (mileage approximate):
*Park your vehicle on the northwest corner of Mulholland Drive and Las Virgenes.
*Walk west on Las Virgenes Road approx. 1/8 mile to the entrance of MCSP.
*Turn RIGHT into MCSP.
*Follow the paved road to the fire gate at the entrance to Craggs Road (across from the day use parking lot).
*Turn RIGHT onto Craggs Road.
*Follow Craggs Road to the junction and continue RIGHT to the top of the hill.  Continue down hill (porta potty on right).  Continue straight to the river (bridge).
*Cross the river using the bridge and bear RIGHT.  Cross through the dry creek. 
*Coming out of the dry creek, stay on the main trail,  past the MASH site, to the bottom of Bulldog Motorway (mile 3.0). Turn LEFT on Bulldog Motorway, go up hill.
*At the junction of Bulldog Lateral (approx. mile 4.0), bear LEFT, and continue up hill.
*Follow Bulldog Motorway to the top of Castro Crest (mile 6.9).
*Turn LEFT at the top of Bulldog Motorway and proceed down to Corral Canyon (mile 7.5) – Go through the locked fire gate, down to the parking lot.
*Leave Corral Canyon via Backbone Trail (aka Mesa Peak Motorway) to the southwest (to the left of  the fire road straight in front of you).  This trail goes up and over some very big rock formations.  It soon opens up onto an unmaintained fire road (Mesa Peak Motorway).
*Continue along Mesa Peak Motorway (bear LEFT at *Puerco Canyon fire road) all the way into Tapia Park (mile 13.1) – Water and toilets available at Tapia.  *NOTE: Do not turn right on Puerco Canyon fire road.
*From the Tapia toilet, follow the trail LEFT; the trail immediately turns RIGHT and heads down to the paved service road.  Cross the road and take the trail down to the creek. 
*Cross the creek and turn LEFT into Tapia east driveway and run LEFT through the fire gate, through the parking lot and through the fire gate, continue on the dirt fire road  to Spur Trail (mile 13.8).  Cross over the paved driveway to pick up Spur Trail.
*Follow Spur Trail up and over the mountain and down the other side into Malibu Creek State Park (mile 14.8).
*Leave Spur Trail by running through the dirt parking lot and turn RIGHT and proceed along gravel road.
*Turn LEFT at the pavement and proceed to the locked fire gate at the river crossing (Craggs Road; mile 15.2) .
*From here, turn LEFT to begin the second loop or continue STRAIGHT to exit MCSP.  At the park exit, turn LEFT onto Las Virgenes Canyon to return to Mulholland Drive.

Happy trails,

NSD

Posted in Bulldog 50k and 25k, UltraLadies | Comments Off

UltraLadies July 5 Training Run – Sunday

June 29th, 2009

UltraLadies July 5 Training Run – Sunday

PLEASE NOTE: WE NEED AN ARROW MARKER FOR THIS RUN.  KINDLY EMAIL NANCY .

ULTRALADIES’ JULY 5 TRAINING RUN (SUNDAY):

MEETING TIME: 6:45AM

RUN TIME: 7:00AM, SHARP

MEETING LOCATION: Westridge

-From Sunset Blvd. take N. Mandeville Canyon Rd.
-Turn left on N. Westridge Rd.
-Continue on Westridge Rd. to the top.
-Always check for no parking signs.
-Please observe morning quiet in this residential area.

RUN DISTANCE AND TIME: 17 to  24-miles (various distances within the group). Time should not exceed 5.5-hours. This is an out-and-back run. Slower runners, please turn around at 2-hours 30-minutes.

RUN DESCRIPTION:

· From the start, follow Westridge fire road to San Vicente Mt. Park (mile 4.0)Bathrooms and water are here.
· Take the asphalt driveway down to Mulholland Fire Road. Turn LEFT
onto MFR.
· Go through the fire gate. Continue 2.9 miles to Bent Arrow Trail (mile 6.9)
· Turn LEFT onto Bent Arrow Trail; continue 0.5 miles to Fire Road 30 (mile 7.4)
· Turn LEFT onto FR30; continue 1.4 miles to Hub Junction (mile 8.8)
· At Hub Junction, take the SECOND RIGHT (Eagle Springs Fire Road); continue 1.3 miles to Eagle Junction (mile 10.1)
· Go STRAIGHT across Eagle Springs Fire Road and take Musch Trail 2.0 miles down to Trippett (mile 12.1) Bathrooms and water are here.

— RETURN THE SAME WAY — (SLOW RUNNERS TURN AT 2H 30M)

· Leave Trippett parking lot via Musch Trail; Continue 2.0 miles to Eagle Springs Fire Road (mile 14.1)
· Cross Eagle Springs Fire Road; Continue 1.3 miles to Hub Junction (mile 15.4)
· Take Fire Road 30 (toward Mulholland); Continue 1.4 miles to Bent Arrow Trail(mile 16.8)
· Turn RIGHT onto Bent Arrow Trail; Continue 0.5 miles to Mulholland Fire Road (mile 17.3)
· Turn RIGHT on Mulholland Fire Road; Continue 2.9 miles to the San Vicente Fire Gate (mile 20.2)
· Go through SVFG and turn RIGHT onto asphalt driveway to San Vicente Mt. Park. Bathrooms and water are here.
· Go LEFT through the gate; continue 4.0 miles on Westridge Fire Road to the end (mile 24.2)

TRAIL CONDITIONS: 18.2 miles of grades fire road. 6.0-miles of single-track trail. The course will be marked with flour arrows.

RUNNING TIME: 5-hours MAX. Note: Please aim to go for “time on your feet” rather than mileage. If your pace is slower than 4mph, please plan to cut the mileage down by turning around at the 2:30 hour mark. There is no benefit to being out on the trail for longer than the recommended buildup time; in fact, it could be detrimental to you.

WATER: Water at San Vicente Mt. Park (mile 4.0 and mile 20.2) and at Trippett (mile 12.1)

BOTTLES: 3 bottles recommended (80-100oz); 2 with electrolyte drink.

TOILETS: Toilets mile 4.0; 11.4; 18.8 – For “elimination” on the trail, remember to bury your poop and always pack out your used tissue in a zip lock bag. It is a good idea to leave your bottle belt on the trail to alert other runners that you are off trail.

SIGN-IN SHEET: Please sign the ULs Liability Release on the clipboard (see below), giving your vehicle license number. Please sign in at every run you attend. Please check off your name after your run ends so that we know that all have returned safely from the run.

TAILGATE POT LUCK AFTER THE RUN: Bring drinks and a snack to share while waiting for stragglers.

SAFETY ON THE TRAIL: Trail running is hazardous! There is a general level of risk involved with trail running. In 19 years that I have been running and racing on the trails, I have had the following happen to me: falls (lots of bloody knees, elbows, hands, twice needing stitches); getting lost; twisted ankles; poison oak; rattlesnake bite; altitude sickness; dehydration; heat exhaustion; close encounter with mountain lion; head-on collision with a speeding mountain biker! Once during a fall, I was impaled in my thigh by a broken branch (required 3 stitches for that). You can imagine that if any of the forementioned happens to you, it may be several hours before you get to your car… or to the hospital. SAFETY ON THE TRAIL IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! It is your responsibility to be prepared for each run and to bring the correct equipment and running gear. Before the first training run, all runners should go to the ULs website at http://www.trailrunevents.com and read the Trail Guidelines. Failure to read, understand and follow the Trail Guidelines may put you or someone else at increased risk for injury, illness or death! The bottom line is that you are RUNNING AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you are not willing to take on this risk, please run on the streets where it is safe.

LIMITATIONS AND LIABILITY RELEASE: AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE ULTRALADIES’ TRAINING RUNS, YOU MUST AGREE TO AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING WAIVER: “As a participant in the UltraLadies’ training runs, I am aware of the rigors and dangers of trail running. I understand that trail running involves being in remote areas for extended periods of time, far from services, that these areas may have many natural and man-made hazards which Club Management can not anticipate, identify, modify or eliminate and injury can happen to anyone, at any time. By running with the UltraLadies, I agree to take full responsibility for myself. I, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, hereby for myself, my heirs,executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against the UltraLadies, Nancy Shura-Dervin, Larry Dervin, Club Management, RoadRunners of America, all State and National Parks and all representatives, successors, and assigns for any and all injuries suffered by me as a result of my participation in the ltraLadies’runs and activities, even if said damages are the result of negligence. I further assume any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred in the event I require emergency evacuation from the training site, including but not limited to air evacuation. I attest and verify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained to participate in the UltraLadies’ training runs and my physical condition to participate in these training runs has been verified by a licensed medical doctor. I understand that the UltraLadies reserve the right to enforce rules intended for the safety of runners and/or may create new rules, as required during training runs. I have read,understood and agree to abide by the UltraLadies’ Trail Guidelines, as posted on the UltraLadies website. I understand and agree to the use of my name, pictures and interviews in association with the UltraLadies for use in broadcast, telecast, advertisements,books, films, videotape or any other reproduction thereof, with no monetary or other compensation to me”.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO RUN OUR 2009 RACE:

BULLDOG 50K/25K – Saturday, August 22

To access the Races and the UltraLadies, go to

http://www.trailrunevents.com.

Happy trails,

Nancy

Posted in UltraLadies | Comments Off

Act Now to Save Our State Parks

June 29th, 2009

Dear ULs, VCHM & BDOG Runners,

Please use the link below to support keeping our state parks open.
It is a simple step; takes only a few seconds and time is running out.

Happy trails,

Nancy Shura-Dervin
UltraLadies
Valley Crest Half Marathon
Bulldog 50K/25K Runs

From Stan Swartz along with a forwarded email on the status of the State Park closures:

Things are not looking good. The letter below just arrived from the California State Parks Foundation. Please read this and go to http://ga3.org/campaign/budget_dontclose

This issue must be dealt with right now! They have made it easy for us to inform those in Sacramento who are making very important decisions how we feel about the possible closing of the parks.

We must all respond to this now – if you want the parks to remain open you must act on the information below IMMEDIATELY !

Stan Swartz
Trail Runners Club

From: Linsey Fredenburg [mailto:Linsey@calparks. org] On Behalf Of Traci Verardo-Torres
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 4:38 PM
To: undisclosed- recipients:
Subject: SOS Campaign Update – 6/25/09

Dear Friends,

Thank you for those who were able to join on this morning’s call. As we discussed, the Legislature did not pass a budget yesterday and did not even get to taking action on the State Park Access Pass. As a result, the Legislature is somewhat going back to square one for crafting a new budget “deal” and we do not believe the State Park Access Pass will be included.

As a follow-up to today’s call, below are some additional pieces of information and tools:

1. Link to new online action alert – given the legislature’ s inaction to pass a budget and the fact that the State Park Access Pass is not a viable budget option, we’ve modified the online alert to (1) target the Big 5, and (2) send the message that state parks need to be kept open, without identifying a specific funding source. Here’s the link: http://ga3.org/ campaign/ budget_dontclose
The contact information for the Big 5 is in the attached file.

2. The online alert contains a new letter, which you’re welcome to use for your purposes, attached.

3. I encourage folks to generate calls to the Big 5 as well, if that mechanism is preferable to sending emails. Though we can’t track the number of phone calls that are made, they are an additional effective mechanism to contact the legislative leadership.

4. SOS Display at Capitol on Monday – As we discussed, the SOS campaign is going to be having a lawn display on Monday, June 29, from about 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. to keep the issue of park closures visibly in front of legislators and their staff. We are not putting a large event around this, but if SOS partners plan to be in the Sacramento area, or are located here, we could use help with (1) staffing an information booth on the Capitol lawn, (2) distributing information to people coming to/from the Capitol, (3) delivering stacks of 1,500+ pages of petitions to the Big 5, and (4) delivering smaller stacks of petitions and other information to the rest of the Legislature. We won’t be having a rally or scheduled lobby visits, but welcome your participation. If you are in Sacramento and can help, or plan to be in Sacramento and can help for a short while, please email linsey@calparks. org.

As always, thank you for your support.

Traci
____________ _________ _______
Traci Verardo-Torres
Vice President, Government Affairs
California State Parks Foundation
1510 J Street, Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95814
TEL: 916.442.2119
FAX: 916.442.2809
www.calparks. org

—–

Sample text for a letter to the Governor and key party leaders to express your support for keeping the parks open…

Date

Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol, First Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Honorable Darrell Steinberg Honorable Dennis Hollingsworth
Senate President pro Tem Senate Republican Leader
State Capitol, Room 205 State Capitol, Room 305
Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814

Honorable Karen Bass Honorable Sam Blakeslee
Speaker of the Assembly 219 Assembly Republican Leader
State Capitol, Room State Capitol, Room 3104
Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Help Save Our State Parks

Dear Governor and Honorable Members,

As a strong supporter of our state parks system, I urge you to take action to avoid the closure of 220 state parks. Cutting the General Fund allocation for state parks will be devastating to local economies, will shut the doors to tens of millions of Californians who rely on state parks for outdoor recreation and vacations, and will weaken much-needed tourism revenue for the state.

This proposal couldn’t come at a worse time for Californians. In these economic times, Californians are using state parks more, not less. Camping reservations for 2009 have already logged 25,000 reserved nights, compared to slightly over 20,000 nights in 2008 and over 19,000 in 2007. As more residents of this state choose high-value, low cost options for spending their financial resources, this proposal adds yet another obstacle to California families looking for relief in these difficult times.

Impacts to the state will go far beyond simply a $143 million “savings” to the state’s General Fund. Local economies in many areas of the state, particularly rural, rely on state park visitors to generate local economic activity that keeps small businesses alive. A recent report by CSU Sacramento found that park users, on average, spent $57.63 per visit. Across the system, this amounts to a more than $4.2 billion in positive economic impacts – impacts that will be lost if the parks are closed. This is exactly the wrong time to be proposing to eliminate the state’s core commitment to state parks.

It is unreasonable to expect that local governments, which are, themselves, already hurting financially, will automatically step in and take the state’s place in managing and operating our state parks. Similarly, calls for increased volunteerism or an expectation that volunteer groups or nonprofit organizations will manage state parks also belies the fact that our state park system requires a state-level public investment. There are already many productive, cost-effective partnerships in place that add value to our state parks. However, these partnerships are already stretched as far as local organizations can assist, and they cannot substitute for the need for public funding for critical areas such as law enforcement, lifeguards, skilled staff to maintain on-site electrical and water systems, and more.

California’s state parks were set aside precisely to safeguard resources and opportunities that would not otherwise be available without the strong support of the public sector. These 279 state parks are part of the public good, which requires a stable and consistent investment by every generation, to ensure their availability for the next generation. Our state parks system is a legacy with which we have all been entrusted.

I strongly urge you to seek creative solutions that provide adequate revenue to keep our state parks open and accessible to all Californians.

Sincerely,

—–

Here’s the text of an email update on Friday afternoon from the Gov’t Affairs office of the California State Parks Foundation:

State Park Access Pass Failed
Just a quick note to let you know that, moments ago, the State Senate did try to take the State Park Access Pass up for a vote. It failed, because it did not receive the 2/3 vote required. The vote was 22 in favor (all Democrats) 14 opposed (all Republicans + 1 Democrat) and 4 abstentions.

Although it’s a big disappointment, this outcome was not unexpected, as we discussed on our call yesterday and via email yesterday. This doesn’t change our course of action – we all need to continue fighting to urge the Legislature to keep state parks open, even if that requires a funding source that isn’t the State Park Access Pass.

Posted in Bulldog 50k and 25k, Trail Run Events, UltraLadies, Valley Crest Half-Marathon | Comments Off

2009 VCHM Race Report

June 19th, 2009


2009 VCHM RACE REPORT

By Nancy Shura-Dervin

 

A warm, sunny day produced mostly slower than usual times for runners hoping to break course records at the 8th annual VCHM on Sunday, June 14.  Two weeks of cloudy cool weather ended on race day; we should have held the race on Saturday.  In spite of the sudden heat wave the 2009 race had a record number of finishers.  The men’s course record holder, Romualdo Sanchez, was first to cross the finish line with a commanding lead over the rest of the field.  The ladies winner was 39-year-old Mary Jones from Ventura.

 

A couple of age division course records were broken this year:

 

  • Our female champion Mary Jones also set a new CR for Ladies 35-39 by running 1:35:02.
  • Juan Ramirez broke Robert Leonardo’s six year standing CR for Men 40-44 with his time of 1:20:24.

 

Speaking of Robert Leonardo, not only is he the inaugural champion of this race; he has run all eight of them.  Our good friend Harry Pantelas is also an “eight timer” at VCHM and his 70+ age division course record still stands.  As we get closer to our 10th VCHM, we welcome hearing from runners who have run every race.

 

The VCHM is known for being “the friendliest race in L.A.”.  Every year our volunteers treat runners to an exceptional experience from start to finish and this year was no exception.  Special thanks to each and every volunteer who gave up his or her Sunday to support you and this event.

 

The VCHM might even be called “the happiest race in L.A.” since 55 runners went home with sponsor donated raffle prizes and 72 men and women took home sponsor donated prizes for placing in the top three in their age divisions. Tell me what race you’ve gone to where 127 runners were gifted with free sponsor prizes!  So we do our part; now you do yours.  Go to our Sponsor Website Page http://www.trailrunevents.com/sponsors.htm, and support our sponsors.  Please buy from them, telephone and email them; tell them you appreciate their generosity at the VCHM.

 

Thank you to all involved with the VCHM from our volunteers to our sponsors to our park service to our ranger.  Most of all, thanks to the runners who support this event with your participation and with our state parks facing an uncertain future, we still end this report with…

 

“See you next year at the VCHM on Sunday, June 13, 2010.”

 

Happy trails,

 

Nancy Shura-Dervin

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UltraLadies June 21 Training Run – Sunday

June 19th, 2009

PLEASE NOTE: DAVID RIVAS WILL MARK THE ARROWS FOR THIS RUN.

ULTRALADIES’ JUNE 21 TRAINING RUN (SUNDAY):

MEETING TIME: 6:45AM

RUN TIME: 7:00AM, SHARP

MEETING LOCATION: Westridge

-From Sunset Blvd. take N. Mandeville Canyon Rd.
-Turn left on N. Westridge Rd.
-Continue on Westridge Rd. to the top.
-Always check for no parking signs.
-Please observe morning quiet in this residential area.

RUN DISTANCE AND TIME: +/- 24-miles. Time should not exceed 5.5-hours. This is an out-and-back run. Slower runners, please turn around at 2-hours 30-minutes.

RUN DESCRIPTION:

· From the start, follow Westridge fire road to San Vicente Mt. Park (mile 4.0)Bathrooms and water are here.
· Take the asphalt driveway down to Mulholland Fire Road. Turn LEFT
onto MFR.
· Go through the fire gate. Continue 2.9 miles to Bent Arrow Trail (mile 6.9)
· Turn LEFT onto Bent Arrow Trail; continue 0.5 miles to Fire Road 30 (mile 7.4)
· Turn LEFT onto FR30; continue 1.4 miles to Hub Junction (mile 8.8)
· At Hub Junction, take the SECOND RIGHT (Eagle Springs Fire Road); continue 1.3 miles to Eagle Junction (mile 10.1)
· Go STRAIGHT across Eagle Springs Fire Road and take Musch Trail 2.0 miles down to Trippett (mile 12.1) Bathrooms and water are here.

— RETURN THE SAME WAY — (SLOW RUNNERS TURN AT 2H 30M)

· Leave Trippett parking lot via Musch Trail; Continue 2.0 miles to Eagle Springs Fire Road (mile 14.1)
· Cross Eagle Springs Fire Road; Continue 1.3 miles to Hub Junction (mile 15.4)
· Take Fire Road 30 (toward Mulholland); Continue 1.4 miles to Bent Arrow Trail(mile 16.8)
· Turn RIGHT onto Bent Arrow Trail; Continue 0.5 miles to Mulholland Fire Road (mile 17.3)
· Turn RIGHT on Mulholland Fire Road; Continue 2.9 miles to the San Vicente Fire Gate (mile 20.2)
· Go through SVFG and turn RIGHT onto asphalt driveway to San Vicente Mt. Park. Bathrooms and water are here.
· Go LEFT through the gate; continue 4.0 miles on Westridge Fire Road to the end (mile 24.2)

TRAIL CONDITIONS: 18.2 miles of grades fire road. 6.0-miles of single-track trail. The course will be marked with flour arrows.

RUNNING TIME: 5-hours MAX. Note: Please aim to go for “time on your feet” rather than mileage. If your pace is slower than 4mph, please plan to cut the mileage down by turning around at the 2:30 hour mark. There is no benefit to being out on the trail for longer than the recommended buildup time; in fact, it could be detrimental to you.

WATER: Water at San Vicente Mt. Park (mile 4.0 and mile 20.2) and at Trippett (mile 12.1)

BOTTLES: 3 bottles recommended (80-100oz); 2 with electrolyte drink.

TOILETS: Toilets mile 4.0; 11.4; 18.8 – For “elimination” on the trail, remember to bury your poop and always pack out your used tissue in a zip lock bag. It is a good idea to leave your bottle belt on the trail to alert other runners that you are off trail.

SIGN-IN SHEET: Please sign the ULs Liability Release on the clipboard (see below), giving your vehicle license number. Please sign in at every run you attend. Please check off your name after your run ends so that we know that all have returned safely from the run.

TAILGATE POT LUCK AFTER THE RUN: Bring drinks and a snack to share while waiting for stragglers.

SAFETY ON THE TRAIL: Trail running is hazardous! There is a general level of risk involved with trail running. In 19 years that I have been running and racing on the trails, I have had the following happen to me: falls (lots of bloody knees, elbows, hands, twice needing stitches); getting lost; twisted ankles; poison oak; rattlesnake bite; altitude sickness; dehydration; heat exhaustion; close encounter with mountain lion; head-on collision with a speeding mountain biker! Once during a fall, I was impaled in my thigh by a broken branch (required 3 stitches for that). You can imagine that if any of the forementioned happens to you, it may be several hours before you get to your car… or to the hospital. SAFETY ON THE TRAIL IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! It is your responsibility to be prepared for each run and to bring the correct equipment and running gear. Before the first training run, all runners should go to the ULs website at http://www.trailrunevents.com and read the Trail Guidelines. Failure to read, understand and follow the Trail Guidelines may put you or someone else at increased risk for injury, illness or death! The bottom line is that you are RUNNING AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you are not willing to take on this risk, please run on the streets where it is safe.

LIMITATIONS AND LIABILITY RELEASE: AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE ULTRALADIES’ TRAINING RUNS, YOU MUST AGREE TO AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING WAIVER: “As a participant in the UltraLadies’ training runs, I am aware of the rigors and dangers of trail running. I understand that trail running involves being in remote areas for extended periods of time, far from services, that these areas may have many natural and man-made hazards which Club Management can not anticipate, identify, modify or eliminate and injury can happen to anyone, at any time. By running with the UltraLadies, I agree to take full responsibility for myself. I, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, hereby for myself, my heirs,executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against the UltraLadies, Nancy Shura-Dervin, Larry Dervin, Club Management, RoadRunners of America, all State and National Parks and all representatives, successors, and assigns for any and all injuries suffered by me as a result of my participation in the ltraLadies’runs and activities, even if said damages are the result of negligence. I further assume any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred in the event I require emergency evacuation from the training site, including but not limited to air evacuation. I attest and verify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained to participate in the UltraLadies’ training runs and my physical condition to participate in these training runs has been verified by a licensed medical doctor. I understand that the UltraLadies reserve the right to enforce rules intended for the safety of runners and/or may create new rules, as required during training runs. I have read,understood and agree to abide by the UltraLadies’ Trail Guidelines, as posted on the UltraLadies website. I understand and agree to the use of my name, pictures and interviews in association with the UltraLadies for use in broadcast, telecast, advertisements,books, films, videotape or any other reproduction thereof, with no monetary or other compensation to me”.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO RUN OUR 2009 RACE:

BULLDOG 50K/25K – Saturday, August 22

To access the Races and the UltraLadies, go to

http://www.trailrunevents.com.

Happy trails,

Nancy

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