Keep a Summer Mind-Set through Fall

Summer is nearing its end and I am sad to see it go.  I have resolved to keep a summer mind-set through the fall season. Read on for ways to enjoy fall fun in Scotts Valley & Santa Cruz areas.

Watch the Harvest Moon - Greet this years harvest moon as it rises at sunset September 18th & 19th.  Enjoy listening to Neil Young's classic; Harvest Moon.
Go to the Beach - this is a perfect time for a long beach walk, surfing, relax, rest.
Go Kayaking - one of the best ways to explore our shores.                                                                Try Stand Up Paddling - cant beat the core & upper body exercise.  
Go for a bike ride - whether its mountain biking or road riding its the perfect time to get out and ride with the wind in your face not to mention the fall colors abound. 
Sign up for a local Run event - Scotts Valley & Santa Cruz have a lot of ahtletics events to choose from:                                                                   October 6    Mermaid Triathlon/Duathlon Capitola  Click here for details
October 12  Tech Trek Click here for details  1k, 5k Tot Trot
October 20  Bean Creek Run Click here for details  5 mile run
October 26  Run or Dye 5k  Click here for details                                 Run the Stairs - I think we have some great stairs to run or walk.
Seabright Beach, Seacliff beach stairway, Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor & Manresa beach stairs.
           Go for a Hike - get out and enjoy fall on foot: Henry Cowell, Fall Creek, Pogonip, Forest of Nisene marks, Wilder Ranch.
           Light a Bonfire - take advantage of cool, crisp fall nights and build a backyard bonfire. check out the stars.
There's no time like the present to make your fall as fun as it can be.

Hiking the trails of Santa Cruz

Over the past 6 months I have joined a group of local women hikers who love hiking and exploring the trails of Santa Cruz and neighboring counties.  Most of our hikes have been 5-7 miles with moderate elevation gain. The group has ventured to Land of the Medicine Buddha, where our name " TBIF hikers" was established.  The following month we ventured to Edgewood Park in San Mateo County.  This park is famous for its springtime wildflowers and we were fortunate to see our fair share of unique colorful flowers. The owl's clover was the favorite with the flower resembling an owl's face.  In early June we traveled down the coast and discovered Big Sur where we hiked Andrew Molera State Park. The hike was 8 miles round-trip. We combined the Ridge Trail, the Panorama Trail and the Bluffs Trail that gave us excellent coastal views and beach access.

Most recently we journeyed to Castle Rock State Park. The day of hiking was breathtaking with panoramic views of the mountains & the pacific ocean.  The large black oaks and the large rock formations are most impressive.  The rocks look like swiss cheese.  All along the trail we found black acorns, so we inquired about the black oaks. We quickly learned, Castle Rock State Park is home to the region's last remaining black oak. 
Our groups goal is to get exercise, enjoy good company and experience the serenity and inspiration of the great outdoors.  Our next hike will be in search of fall colors, until we meet again TBIF hikers. 

 

Scotts Valley's Robbie Erlin wearing a Padre uniform, pitches well against Giants

Pretty cool to hear Mike Krukow talking about Scotts Valley's hometown baseball MLB rookie Robbie Erlin at last nights Giants/Padres game. From the start of the game, Kruk mentioned " Native of Santa Cruz and graduate of Scotts Valley High". What a thrill for our small community.   I think everyone in Scotts Valley wanted the Giants to win but secretly cheered on Robbie in his Major League pitching debut.  And what about that first hit and RBI?, watch out Bochy, this kid can hit too!  A couple of other great quotes I heard throughout the night, "that kid has a really good swing" "Not too many many bad swings come out of Santa Cruz"  We enjoyed watching your curve ball and at bats too, keep up the good work  Robbie Erlin (Click to see espn player profile)

New Shoes built for Trail Running

This week, I got that fabulous feeling of getting new running shoes.  In this case it's the Brooks Cascadia 8 - trail run shoe.  I enjoy getting my nature fix and headed out to Henry Cowell State Park.   I had that kid-like skip in my step wearing these stable off road shoes. I love this park for its huge redwoods and feeling of solitude.  The soft forest floor and uneven ground will be the perfect place for fall running in my new cool Brooks Cascadia 8 trail shoes. Hope to see you out there! 

Where do you enjoy trail running? 

   

It's OK to sweat

Sweat is good

I successfully managed to attend two cage fitness work out classes this week. The quick 30 minute indoor cardio, strength-training, push up, sit-ups, burpee and squat filled classes really made me sweat.  Did you know that wiping the sweat off during your workout can make the work out even harder? Experts say to keep the sweat coming and don't wipe it off. Our bodies use sweat to lower the body temperature through evaporation cooling.  If you wipe the sweat away with a towel, you make it harder for the body to keep its steady temperature, creating a harder workout in your mind. 
 A perfect reminder to wear moisture wicking workout clothes to make your workout easier for you.  At your next workout, feel good knowing if your sweating during an intense workout, its OK to sweat you can take pleasure in showing it off.

Pink Flamingo Golf Tournament celebrates 30 years

Well over 125 golfers with loads of sponsors and volunteers came out to participate in the 30th annual Pink Flamingo golf tournament held at DeLaveaga golf course on Friday August 2, 2013. It was an big turnout to celebrate the big 3-0 year, with many friends reminiscing about the old days when the tournament had just got off the ground. 

The annual occasion was established in 1984 for the friends of Mike Leimbach. In 1983 Leimbach suffered paralyzingly football accident at the age of 15 during the SCCAL football jamboree. Since then, the golf tournament raises money for the Spinal Cord Soceity where Leimbach is the president of the Santa Cruz Chapter. 

The event is enjoyable and memorable with golf supporters showing up wearing pink everything; hat, shirts, socks & shoes. 

The game is laid back with the opportunity for many to stay connected. a lot of old friends show up year after year the first friday of August for the fun reunion and to raise money to develop a treatment to cure paralysis. 

For the first time, organizers supported the first youth golf foursome. The inaugural youth team included: Drew Collishaw, AJ Collishaw, Jake Utic and Ben Edens. The boys had a great time donning their pink and playing shotgun style golf. They are excited to return next year with hopes to attract more youth golfers.  Fourteen year old Jake Utic felt they were treated well with food and drink along the course. "I liked that we could donate money for the cause on holes 8 & 10, said Utic. " It was an advantage for my team while giving back, that's cool". 

After the golfing, everyone gathered at the De Laveaga clubhouse to talk, laugh and share memories of the day on the green. Prizes were given out to top teams and players. 

To end the evening, Leimbach spoke about the work of the  SCR. He thanked close friends and family, sponsors and golfers.  "Thanks to all of you, we are more hopeful than ever to reach a cure" said Leimbach 

The days events was a huge success for its 30 th year. Leimbach along with all Pink Flamingo organizers hope to attract new faces and golfers of all ages in the next 30 years. 

41st Annual Wharf to Wharf - A Super Running Day

The 41st annual Wharf to Wharf race was a super good time. From racers to walkers and  bands around every corner no wonder its called, " the best little road race in California"