Todd's 11th Annual New Year's Day Fat Ass

The 11th annual Fat Ass run/walk starting at our home in Santa Luz is Thursday, Jan 1 at 8 am, rain or shine. The trail loops through the Santa Luz hills and is about 11 gently rolling miles with 2 steam crossings and a tour of some interesting rock sculptures. You can cut the course shorter to any distance you chose. All are welcome from runners to crawlers.

Chili, beer and announcement of the prestigious Fat Ass Award for outstanding service to the trail running community will be at 11 +/-.

Please bring books (old, new, any language and any for age) which we sell at our Jackson Hewitt Tax stores. All proceeds go to medical research at the VA hospital for our veterans.

Carola and I look forward to starting the new year with you.

PS – please let us know at TEL@procopio.com if you plan to attend so we plan enough food and drinks.

For directions, see the SURF FB event page - https://www.facebook.com/events/821683704539848/, or email Scott - cuyamaca100k@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

Los Pinos to Blue J to Lazy W - Sat, Dec 20

Los Pinos to Blue J and down San Juan to Lazy W - Saturday, Dec 20 at 7:00 am:

Scott Crellin and I are running this Saturday from Lazy W up Los Pinos to Blue J and back down San Juan which is about 25 miles.  Need to carry water as the only refill will be at Blue J at about 15 miles.  We start from the Lazy W parking lot off of Ortega Hwy at 7 am.  Easy pace on this tough climb but the views from above should be spectacular.  No need to RSVP but we leave on time.

Scotty

Lost Boys 50 Training Run Dec 13, 2014

We've had such good weather lately we've decided to have a training run on the mountain section of the Lost Boys 50 course. Soon the weather will turn and runs to the top of Cuyamaca Peak will be more frigid, (no promises for this weekend of course!).

• When: Saturday Dec 13,2014. Launch at 7:30AM
• No need to RSVP
• Total Miles: Approximately 20 miles
• Water: Water will be dropped at West Mesa (approximately 6 miles into the run). So carry enough for the final 14 mile stretch.
• Training Run Details: We will start and finish off the official course but 95% of this run will be on the official Lost Boys course. Leaving Big bend we will head East until we meet Stonewall Creek Fire Road (mile 33.3 in the race). We will turn right here and follow the race course and loop all the way around to Marty Marshall trail (MMT). At MMT we'll continue straight to finish back at Big Bend.  See the Maps page for turn-by-turn directions of the course and especially the TRAINING RUN MAP.
• Where: Meet at "Big Bend." (AKA Milk Ranch Road). This is the big turn in Highway 79:
  0.8 miles SOUTH of the Cuyamaca Lake Store
  1.7 miles NORTH of Paso Picacho Campground
 

 

All are welcome to join even those that are not planning to run Lost Boys. Remember that each person is responsible for themselves, we will not be keeping track of who is where and we encourage runners to run in pairs.

Let me know if you have any questions. See you on the trails.
Brian Gonzales, Lost Boys 50 Mile - RD
http://lostboys50.com/
briang@cliffsandmeadows.com

 

Sunday, 12/7, Secret Canyon

Hi All,

This run will start at the south end of Secret Canyon, at the trail head off Japatul Valley road.  Here's a link to a map to help you find it.

Secret Canyon is a 16 mile point to point trail.  I plan to go out 10-12 miles and turn back, but if anyone wants to work out a shuttle, we could do the whole trail south to north, and then call it a run at 16, or add on a bit more on the north side.  Let me know in the comments if you can meet me at the north end a bit earlier and carpool down to the south trail head.

The trail was recently cleared, but I've heard there's a bit of poison oak growing back, so calf sleeves might be a good idea.

Please arrive at 6:30 AM and be prepared to run the distance of your choosing.  There is no water along the trail, so make sure you're carrying enough.

Trail Marking Run for Mt Laguna Trail Marathon

Saturday, November 1, 2014 Trail Run to mark for the Mt Laguna Trail Marathon;

This coming Saturday (11/1) we'll be meeting at Red Tail Roost on Sunrise Hwy at 9:30 am to mark the Mt Laguna Trail Marathon course for the race which is this Sunday.  We'll break down into two groups...one will mark 14 miles of the course, the other group will mark 13.  We meet at the Red Tail Roost parking area which is located at the 22.5 mile marker on Sunrise Hwy.  We'll then shuttle runners to Pioneer Mail in order for everyone to end up back at Red Tail Roost.  If interested in a fun and easy paced run, please RSVP to scottemills51@gmail.com so we can plan the shuttle logistics.

Also, good luck to all who are traveling to AZ to run the Javelina Jundred this weekend! 

Cuyamaca 100k Training Run Saturday 9/6

Going to run the 2nd loop of the Cuyamaca 100k course on Saturday, 9/6 starting at 6:00 am.

If you'd like to join, please meet me at the Sweetwater Parking area off of Hwy 79 in Cuyamaca.  We will start there, run the loop, and be back to the cars in about 12.5 miles.  After the loop, I'm thinking of adding a section of loop 1 to make the run a total of 25 or so.

There is no water anywhere along this section of the course, so please carry enough for the whole run.

If you are unfamiliar with the course, please carry a map and/or directions from the website at http://www.cuyamaca100k.com/course-description.php

Thanks!

Cuyamaca 100k Training Run Saturday 8/30

Hi Folks!

Going to run the 3rd loop of the Cuyamaca 100k course on Saturday, 8/30 starting at 6:00am.

If you'd like to join, please meet me at the Sweetwater Parking area off of Hwy 79 in Cuyamaca.  We will start there and run north on the East Side Trail a little over a mile before picking up the course at the School Camp.  This distance, plus the 18.3 miles of loop 3 will make this run close to 21 miles. 

There is no water anywhere along this section of the course, so please carry enough for the whole run. 

If you are unfamiliar with the course, please carry a map and/or directions from the website at http://www.cuyamaca100k.com/course-description.php

I wish I could do loop 2 as well, but I have to get back to town early this weekend.  Perhaps others will stick around and run that section too?  If so, leave a note in the comments.

Thanks,
Scott Crellin

Mt Laguna Trail Marathon Training Run - Sat, Aug 16

Several of us are going to meet Kath Baker at Red Tail Roost Parking at 7 am on Saturday, Aug 16 to run and map out a revised course for her Nov 2, 2014 Mt Laguna Trail Marathon.  This event was cancelled in 2013 due to the Chariot Fire and the permit is currently pending US Forest Service approval for this year' run.

ROUTE:  We'll start from Red Tail Roost, head down Thing Valley Rd to the PCT, then head north to Todd's Cabin, Penny Pines, Pioneer Mail, back to Noble Canyon Trail via Champagne Pass, then up to Penny Pines to connect back with the Big Laguna Trail to return to Red Tail Roost.  Total distance is about 26.5 miles.  Water at Penny Pines pump on both passes (10 and 20 miles) of Penny Pines.

PACE and DISTANCE OPTIONS:  We plan to run a moderate pace with the goal of finishing in 5.5 hours.  Everyone is welcome but must be self sufficient and knowledgeable of the route options in the event you want to turn back early. 

CARPOOLING:  Anyone who would like to carpool can meet at the Los Coches Park n Ride lot at 6:00am on Saturday.  This exit is off the I-8 (after El Cajon) on the south side of the freeway next to the McDonalds. 

RSVP is not necessary.  Hope to see some of you out in the mountains! 

Overnighter in Mission Trails 8-15 / 8-16 10 PM Start

As of today, two (maybe 3) of us are planning to run in Mission Trails starting on Friday night.  All are welcome to join.


When: Friday August 15 through the 16th, 2014.

Start at 10 PM Sharp. No need to RSVP, but feel free.

Where: Echo Glen & Mission Gorge Road (across the street from the Mission Trails Visitor Center)

Total Miles: Approximately 13.5, 27, or 33.

Water:  At the cars or Visitor Center (13.5 & 27)

Pace: Moderate (Running flats, smaller ascents, and descents)

Gear: Headlamp and or flashlight are highly recommended.

The route may vary a bit, but we to run a 13.5 mile loop that includes North Fortuna, South Fortuna and many of the main Mission Trails segments.

Feel free to contact Greg Ottinger ottingerg@gmail.com

Cuyamaca, Stonewall, etc. Saturday, August 9th 5AM (UPDATE, Reverse Route)

As of today, two 5 of us are running a route in the Lagunas.  All are welcome to join.


When: Saturday August 9, 2014.
Start at 5AM Sharp. No need to RSVP.

Where: Sweetwater Parking Lot: Click Here for Map


Total Miles: Approximately 31 total.

Water: Paso (10)21, Green Valley (21) 10 (we believe)

Pace: Moderate (Running flats, smaller ascents, and descents)

The route may vary a bit, but we plan to start at Sweetwater, follow the West Side Trail to Stonewall Creek Fire Road, Minshall, Los Vaqueros, Stonewall Peak Trail, to Paso, to Cuyamaca Summit via Lookout, to Burnt Pine, West Mesa Fire Road, Pine Ridge, Green Valley Campground, 79 to East Mesa, Harvey Moore.  We may also detour to Oakzanita Peak. (This order is now reversed)

Map 

GPX File:
Thanks to Robert and Nathan   - I downloaded their GPX file from Strava.

Download Link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B37FEQWltcEFcGpGUnZfUFV3clU/edit?usp=sharing

(When the file preview open, click on the downward facing arrow to download)


You are responsible for your own safety.  If you are unfamiliar with the area, please bring maps (electronic and/or paper).

No need to RSVP.

Questions: Greg Ottinger: ottingerg@gmail.com

Thanks to Robert Hunt and Nathan Simpson for sharing this route.

Noble Canyon 50k course, August 16

We will be running an out-and-back along the main the Noble Canyon trail with the NC 50k Race Director. This run will start on the lower section of the course and will include all of the Noble Canyon trail.

When: Saturday August 16, 2014 launch at 7AM. No need to RSVP.

Where: Meet at the Lower Noble Canyon Trailhead parking lot. US Forest adventure pass is required.

Total Miles: Approximately 22 total for this run; since it is an out-and-back you can turn around at any point and therefore run any distance you feel comfortable with. You could also add the loop at the top if you want to add the miles.

Water: We will drop some water at Pine Creek Road. Plus water should be on at Penny Pines (water at miles 3, 11, 19). Note the long stretch between water so be sure to carry enough.

See the Noble Canyon website for the course map, elevation, and miles. The race start/finish is at the Pine Valley Conference Center but this training run will start at the Noble Canyon Trailhead.

Description of this run: Head out on the main Noble Canyon Trail, after about 2 miles turn left and cross the creek bed, after about 0.7 miles turn right onto the “cutoff trail” and continue to the Pine Creek Road (dirt parking lot, water will be dropped here). Leave the parking lot by turning right, then after about ¼ mile turn left to connect again with the main Noble Canyon trail. Stay on the Noble Canyon trail all the way up to Sunrise Highway (Penny Pines) then turn around and retrace your steps. Note that on race day, at Penny Pines you will cross Sunrise Highway and turn left onto the Pacific Crest Trail.

You are responsible for your own safety.  We will not be keeping track of where runners are on the trails and we encourage you to run in pairs.

See you on the trails.
Brian Gonzales
briang@cliffsandmeadows.com

Cuyamaca 100k Training Run, Sunday, 7/20

When?  This Sunday, 7/20 at 6:30am

Where? Meet at the Sweetwater Parking area in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

map-<-----click that to see where Sweetwater is.

Course? I will be running the first loop of the 100k course, which is very close to 31 miles.  You can find maps and turn by turn directions at the Cuyamaca 100k website.  Please note that since we are starting at Sweetwater, slightly less than 2 miles into the course, that the mileages on the directions will not match up with our run.  There are a couple places to cut out early if you need to.

Water?  Water will be available at 3 locations- Green Valley (mile 11.6), Paso Picacho (mile 25.5), and the School Camp (mile 29.5).  There is a 14 mile stretch of difficult climbing between GV and Paso with no water, please carry an adequate supply.

I will be running this 50k section at approximately a 6.5 hour pace, give or take, but others may be running it faster or slower.

Please bring directions/maps if you are not familiar with the course.

Sunday, 7/13, Lake Hodges and Elfin

Update!  I changed the date on this one to 7/13, sorry for the error.


This is a an out and back run from the Via Rancho parking lot in Escondido.

We go west from the parking lot, 5 miles of flat running, then up to Elfin Forest.

There is water 7 miles away from the cars, then a loop, or two, or three, then back to the cars again.

Here's a link to the last time I did this one: http://www.strava.com/activities/73667925

Start at 6 AM.

Noble Canyon 50k – Upper Loop, Saturday July12

We will be running the upper loop of the Noble Canyon 50k course with the Race Director.  

• When: Saturday July 12, 2014 launch at 6:30AM. No need to RSVP.
• Where: Meet at Pioneer Mail parking lot. US Forest adventurepass is required.
• Total Miles:  11.5 total for the loop, then upon returning to the cars some plan to head north for an out-and-back on the PCT to add more miles.
• Water: Water should be on at Penny Pines (mile 9.5) then you should leave water in your car if you plan to add the extra miles at the end.

See the Noble Canyon 50k website for the course map, elevation, and miles. Note that we will start this training run right in the middle of the course. We will run in the same direction as the race (counter-clockwise).

From Pioneer Mail Carefully cross Sunrise highway then turn right onto Pine Mountain trail, after a short bit you will cross a dirt road (stay on trail) until you come to the Champaign Pass Junction. Turn left onto Indian Creek Trail. After a couple miles you will “T” into the Noble Canyon trail. Turn LEFT onto Noble Canyon trail (note that on race day at this junction you will turn right to return back to the start/finish area). Stay on the Noble Canyon trail all the way up to Sunrise Highway (Penny Pines). Carefully cross the highway and turn left onto the Pacific Crest Trail. After 4 miles you will come to Pioneer Mail, do a short ½ mile out then ½ mile back on the PCT returning to Pioneer Mail.

You are responsible for your own safety.  We will not be keeping track of where runners are on the trails and we encourage you to run in pairs.

See you on the trails.

Brian Gonzales
briang@cliffsandmeadows.com

Sunday 6/22 3 Peaks Course

Start at 6:30 AM at Big Bend (the sign at the parking area says Trout Pond) Here is a map.

 

The organizer plans to do the first loop of the 3 peaks course, then portions of the second.  Please check the maps and turn by turn at the Cuyamaca 3 Peaks website for details.

 

Water can be had at Paso Picacho (mile  6), back at the parking (mile 12), and then a long dry spell until you are done running unless Chris has other plans.

Please bring lots of water for the second loop!

Sugar Pine to Chambers and More, Saturday, June 14

When: Saturday, June 14, 2014, 5:30 AM

Where: Big Bend parking turnout which is 1/2 mile before getting to Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant on the Hwy 79. This is where runners cross Hwy 79 from Milk Ranch Road to run the last mile of the race to the finish line.

Route:  From the start, we will run to the Sugar Pine Trail, (in front of the Cuyamaca Restaurant/Store). At this point, follow SD100 route to Chambers Aid Station (mile 12.5). The distance to Sugar Pine Trail from the cars might be about a mile, so the total mileage to Chambers will be around 13-13.5 miles. From there, we will return to the cars (for Aid) via the same route, bringing the mileage to about 26-27 miles. We will then follow the same route again to Chambers, but this time, we will run back to the car once we get to the lake.  Total mileage should be close to 40. 

Total Miles: 26-27 or 40 

Pace: Pace will be moderate (not an advised SD100 recovery run).

Water:  We expect to have water at Paso Picacho, Chambers, and at the cars.
You are responsible for your own safety.

No need to RSVP.

*Credit to Sheila Rao and Brian Elliot (recent transplants to SD and VHTRC members) for brainstorming this run. As always, If you are unfamiliar with the course route or may arrive late, bring maps.

Mt. El Cajon Double, Saturday May 31

Join for run one, two, or both.

When: Saturday May 31, 2014, 5:00 AM and 8:20 (roughly, depending on the completion of run 1).

Where: Directions: To Get there: Take Highway 52 East or Interstate 8 East until you reach Highway 67. Follow Highway 67 north until Willow Road. Take a right onto Willow Road and follow it until you see Wildcat Canyon Road. Take a left onto Wildcat Canyon Road  and follow it for 3.3 miles until you see the Click for Trail Head for El Cajon Mountain.

Note: If the parking lot is closed upon arrival, you can park on the dirt along the road.
Total Miles: Roughly 12-13 per run (24-26 for both).

Elevation: 4100+ ft. gain per run (8200+ for both)

Pace: Run 1 will be a semi-aggressive pace with a goal of completion in 3.25 hours.
           Run 2 will be more casual

Water:  None on the course.  We will refill water and supplies back at the car before run 2.  

Caution: This route is almost completely exposed and has several moderate to technical sections.  It is also expected to be quite warm.  Please carry plenty of water.  I would advise you bring more water than you would typically bring for a 13 mile trail run, especially for round 2.

You are responsible for your own safety.

No need to RSVP.
The route is an out and back, so individuals may turn around at any time.

Noble Canyon 50k - 2014 course, Saturday May 31

We will be running the entire Noble Canyon 50k 2014 course with the Race Director (excluding the first mile).  This is a great opportunity to see part or all of the new course one day before registration opens.

When: Saturday May 31, 2014 launch at 7AM. No need to RSVP.

Where: Meet at the Lower Noble Canyon Trailhead parking lot. US Forest adventure pass is required.

Total Miles: Approximately 29 total for this run, you can do an out-and-back instead and therefor do any distance you feel comfortable with.

Water: We will drop some water at Big Tree. Plus water should be on at Penny Pines (miles 8, 11, 20).

See the Noble Canyon website for the course map, elevation, and miles. The race start/finish is at the Pine Valley Conference Center but this training run will start at the Noble Canyon Trailhead and will run the entire 2014 course in order.

Head out on the main Noble Canyon Trail, after 2-3 miles turn left and cross the creek bed, after about a mile turn right onto the “cutoff trail” and continue to Pine Creek Road. Turn right, then after about ¼ mile turn left to connect again with the main Noble Canyon trail. Stay on the Noble Canyon trail all the way up to Sunrise Highway (Penny Pines). Carefully cross the highway and turn left onto the Pacific Crest Trail. After 4 miles you will come to Pioneer Mail, do a short ½ mile out then ½ mile back on the PCT returning to Pioneer Mail. Carefully cross Sunrise highway then turn right onto Pine Mountain trail, after a short bit you will cross a dirt road (stay on trail) until you come to the Champaign Pass Junction. Turn left onto Indian Creek Trail. After a couple miles you will “T” into the Noble Canyon trail. Turn right and you will shortly be back at Big Tree. Retrace your steps back down to the NC trailhead.

You are responsible for your own safety.  We will not be keeping track of where runners are on the trails and we encourage you to run in pairs.

See you on the trails.

San Diego 100 Course Training Run; Sunday, May 25

There will be a San Diego 100 group run this Sunday, May 25 starting from Big Bend parking turnout which is 1/2 mile before getting to Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant on the Hwy 79.  This is where runners cross Hwy 79 from Milk Ranch Road to run the last mile of the race to the finish line.  We're starting here since parking at Lake Cuyamaca requires a $7 parking pass.  The run will start and 7 am sharp.  We'll run the last mile of the SD 100 course, then cross Hwy 79 and run the course to Paso Picacho 1, Chambers 1, then back to Paso Picacho 2 and back down to our cars.  Total distance is about 24 miles.  Water refill is available at Chambers Park.  If you are unfamiliar with the course route, bring maps and turn by turn directions from the SD 100 web site.  Not necessary to RSVP.

SD100 course training run. Tomorrow! 5/17

Several of us are running from the start of the SD 100 course at Lake Cuyamaca parking lot to Paso Picacho, on to Chambers 1, then to Pedro Fages and then back to the Lake via Stonewall Peak and Paso Picacho 2.  Water is available at Paso Picacho and Chambers.  Mellow pace where you can run 24 miles.  If unfamiliar with course, please bring turn by turn directions and maps from SD 100 web site.  Run starts promptly at 6:30 am.  No need to RSVP.

San Diego 100 Training Run - Sunday, May 4

I will be running portions of the SD 100 course on Sunday, May 4 starting at 7 am sharp.  The meeting place and start of the run is at Pioneer Mail parking area on Sunrise Hwy.  The route would be south on the PCT to Penny Pines, cross Sunrise Hwy and head west down Noble Canyon to Pine Creek aid station, then back up Pine Creek to follow the SD 100 course back to Pioneer Mail.  Total distance is just shy of 20 miles.  Water is only available at Penny Pines (4 miles into run), therefore be prepared to run 16 miles without access to water.  Pace will be moderate.  If unfamiliar with route please bring turn by turn directions and maps from SD 100 web site.  No need to RSVP.

5/3 Secret Canyon

The Secret Canyon trail is a 16 mile point to point run.

The northern trailhead is here in Pine Valley, and the southern trailhead is here. 

You have the option of running the trail one way and being done at 16 miles, or making it an out and back for 32.  Carry enough water for a 16 mile run as there is no place to fill along the way.

We will meet at the Hwy 79 carpool (exit #40 on the I -8) at 6:00 am to work out shuttling options and to have water available at the turnaround for those doing the return trip.

Please be aware that some poison oak has been reported along the trail, so if you have calf sleeves it would be a good idea to wear them. This is a tough out and back so be sure about your ability to go all 32 miles

No RSVP necessary, but please show up at the carpool at 6 am sharp so we can be sure we have your water and shuttling needs taken care of.

Sunday 4/27 Blue Sky to Woodson

Sunday Blue Sky 6:30am.

 21 mile course.

 Blue Sky up to Ramona Dam, down and over to Lake Poway, up to Woodson Peak, down to neighborhood trailhead for water, then to golf course(restrooms/snacks), back up to Woodson Peak, down to Lake Poway and straight back to Blue Sky parking lot.

 Out and back shorter options available.

Here's a link to a map to the start.

San Diego 100 Training Run on Sat, Apr 26

Update as of 4 am, 4/26.  The winds and weather are very bad in the mountains this morning.  As such, I recommend this run for another date TBD.  I will however be at Meadows at 6:30 to meet any die hards who show.  We may reroute the course run and distance once we get there.

I will be running a point to point this Saturday, Apr 26 along a portion of the SD 100 course.  The plan is to meet at 6:30 am on Saturday at the Meadows Aid Station (parking on either side of Sunrise Hwy).  At that point, we'll consolidate cars and carpool up to Sunrise #1 Aid Station to begin the point to point run.  The distance of the run is about 28 miles.  There will be water at Penny Pines (mile 12) & then at Red Tail Roost (mile 22).

After the run, we'll need to drive some back to Sunrise to retrieve the cars that carpooled us up to the start.  Meadows Aid Station is at green mile marker #19 on Sunrise Hwy (about 4 miles up Sunrise from the I-8 exit #47.

This will be a moderate pace run, so if you are unfamiliar with the route, please bring turn by turn directions and a map from the SD 100 web site.  You will also need to have an Adventure Pass to park here for the day or face a possible ticket.  No need to RSVP but please be a little early since the carpool will leave on time.  Questions: scottemills51@gmail.com

Lagoon Saturday 4/19

For those of you not heading to one of the mountain runs (but you know you want to), some of us are going to run the Lagoon 15 miles from Fletcher Cove. http://goo.gl/maps/wAOVB

615am Saturday 4/19.  Water available at a couple spots.  No RSVP necessary.

Hello, fellow SURF Club members!  Run on 4/19

SURF Club and PCT 50 Training Run. Saturday, April 19. Meet just outside Boulder Oaks Campground @ 7 a.m. Out and back, so distance is up to you. Directions: I-8. Exit Buckman Springs Road. Left onto Old Highway 80 (flashing light).

Please plan on bringing your own water/fuel.  John (El Cubano) Martinez)

San Diego 100 Course Run on Saturday, 4/19

Several of us are running from the start of the SD 100 course at Lake Cuyamaca parking lot to Paso Picacho, on to Chambers 1, then to Pedro Fages and then back to the Lake via Stonewall Peak and Paso Picacho 2.  Water is available at Paso Picacho and Chambers.  Mellow pace where you can run 24 to 30 miles.  If unfamiliar with course, please bring turn by turn directions and maps from SD 100 web site.  Run starts promptly at 6:30 am.  No need to RSVP.

Saturday 4/5 San Elijo HIlls Marathon Loop

Sorry for the late notice, but I wanted to post this run in case anyone wants to join.

Meet: Questhaven Park at the corner of Brightwood and Questhaven Rd. in San Marcos (map).

Start: 6:30

Distance: 26 miles +/-

Route: I'll be running a big loop around San Elijo Hills. It is probably 90% trail with single track and Jeep trails. Most of it will be on the San Elijo Marathon course, but I'm planning to run 5 hours, so I may add an extra climb or two. There is water available at about 16 miles and 23 miles. The marathon loop is 26 miles with 5,500 feet of climbing. Here's a Strava link from last year, but we won't be running this exact route.

Contact for questions: daxjross@gmail.com

Options: There are a few places to cut it short, or to cut out some of the climbs.

Water: Yes at approximately 16 and 23 miles, but bring at least 2 bottles in case it's hot.

4/6 Cuyamaca North Loop

Meet: Cuymaca Lake at Milk Ranch Road turn in the road dirt parking lot (correction: Adventure Pass is NOT required) Google this: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, 13652 Hwy 79, Julian, CA, United States

Start: 6:30

Distance: 15mi +/- 

Route: The first loop of the Cuyamaca 3 Peaks course (Red and Yellow course at http://www.cuyamaca3peaks.com/coursemap.html or http://www.strava.com/activities/62657852/embed/014d6ce0fde439345dfeec503f8c69a6c0bee2c2). Basically up the backside of Stonewall down to Paso Picacho and up Cuyamaca - maybe going up the peak and back across to Middle Peak returning to the cars.

Contact for questions: medicnick@gmail.com

Options: Lots of options for more or less miles and more or less climbing.

Water: Yes at Paso Picacho Campground approximately mile 7.

4/5 Saddleback Marathon Course

Meet: Main Divide Lower Gate - above Blue Jay Campground

Start: 6:30

Distance: 26mi +/- 

Route: Up Main Divide,Down Trabucco, Up Holy Jim to Santiago Peak, return via Main Divide to cars. Hallucinations might lead to diversions such as down West Horsethief and back up Trabucco. Generally it will look like this http://www.strava.com/activities/70285713/embed/b936b67bf4a0c57de26a35771338f4deb7e9ceb4 except adding the Santiago Peak climb.

Water: {Maybe} in a couple places but is very limited and may NOT even be there.

Options: You can cut short by going down Trabucco and up West Horsethief or add as many miles as you want by wandering around Main Divide.

Contact for questions: medicnick@gmail.com

Saturday 3/29 - PCT Up from Boulder Oaks then down Noble Canyon to Pine Valley trailhead

This is an alternative run for Saturday as a point to point. RSVP to Nathan Simpson at (858) 531-7904 if you're interested in this run since two cars will be used.

Meet: Boulder Oaks Campground. Start of the PCT 50 Race.
Start: 7am
Distance: 30+/-
Route: We will follow the PCT up to Penney Pines (~20 miles) in order to refill our water. Then continue down Noble Canyon to the trailhead and second car.
Water: Yes, at mile 20+/-

Sunday 3/30 - TracyD's Noble Canyon Run

Meet: Noble Canyon trail head - Pine Valley
Start: 6:30
Distance: 20mi
Route: Up Noble Canyon to Penny Pines, refill water, back down to cars.
Water: At Penny Pines mile 10

Options: Distance can be added at the top on PCT or around Big Laguna.

Contact for questions: tdimino26@aol.com

Saturday 3/29 - PCT Up from Boulder Oaks - Out and Back

Meet: Boulder Oaks Campground. Start of the PCT 50 Race
Start: 7am
Distance: 30+/-
Route: We will follow the PCT up to Dale's Kitchen (13.7m) and take Thing Valley road (1.3m) to Red Tail Roost in order to refill our water. Then return the same way back to the cars.
Water: Yes, at mile 15+/-

Sunday 3/23 - SD 100 course Penny Pines/Pioneer Mail/Penny Pines Loop

Meet at Penny Pines Trailhead 

Start at 7am

Distance 20 miles +/-

Route will be from Penny Pines down Nobel Canyon to Pine Creek to Pioneer Mail back to Penny Pines.

No Water. Plan on carrying for 20 miles. I will try to drop a few gallons at Pioneer Mail for us to top off for that last 4 miles back to Penny Pines.

Saturday 3/22 - First part of SD100 Course out and back

Meet at Big Bend (to save parking fees at the lake)  

Start at 7am

Distance 26 miles (+/-)

Route will be from Big Bend up to Lake Cuyamaca/Race Start then following course to Pedro Fages AS (18.5miles) then return back to Chambers AS, then to cars at Big Bend. Probable variation on the way out to Pedro where we will stay right on Soapstone Grade Fire Road and connect with Upper Green Valley. Then take that uphill and around to Pedro to limit the doubling back on the CRHT.

Water will be available at Paso Picacho @ mile 6.8 and I will drop water at Pedro @ mile 18.5.

Study SD 100 course maps to familiarize yourself with this route. 

Please RSVP to this blog or jeffrey.s.martin@gmail.com, so i know how much water to drop at Pedro.

Lagoon Saturday 3/8

Lagoon run Saturday 3/8 615am: 15 miles, water available.  Comfortable pace, some people will be tapering (so they say).

Start location at Fletcher Cove: https://goo.gl/maps/4wDxf

No RSVP necessary

Los Pinos Sunday 3/9

Sunday 3/9 7am: Los Pinos 50k course starting from the Lazy W / bottom of San Juan Trail.  Water available at Blue Jay at mile 20ish - but that's a really long 20, so plan accordingly.

Course info here: http://www.runlospinos.com/#!course/c1oc5 Comfortable pace, but all runners need to be self-sufficient.

Carpool leaves from Vista Sorrento Park & Ride just north of 805/Mira Mesa at 5:45am. https://goo.gl/maps/tcTtF

Old Goats South 2/22

We will be tackling the Old Goats course South section on Saturday.

You can study the GPS tracks for the whole course at http://www.trailrunners.org/races/old-goat-50m09.html

Meet at Lower BlueJay (just before the gates) at 6am. You'll need an Adventure Pass to park. This will go south towards Chiquita Falls Aid Station location and then the Candy Store Aid Station location and back to Blue Jay where we started.

There are some friendly folks who have stashed water in various places that may or may not be available on this day. You should plan to have sufficient water and food to last you for 20 miles. That means you need a hydration pack and food. Unlike race day, there will be no aid stations!

If you have not run trails before or don't know this area you should NOT come up for this run - it is dangerous if you are not prepared and you could die. Join us at your own risk.

Old Goats South 3/2 *Cancelled*

This section will see a lot of traffic due to a race on Saturday and with bad weather predicted we probably should cancel this run to save the trails from any further damage.

Old Goats North 3/1 *Cancelled*

Due to the rock slides and debris on the Ortega Highway the course access is cut off from the East Side: CalTrans Report

We will not be tempting fate or testing the cooperation of the rangers as originally planned. Some last minute organizing is going on but your best bet is to make other plans.

Cuyamaca 2/23

(repeat of 2/16 run) 
Loop 1 of the Cuyamaca 100k course.  31.5 miles starting from the Sweetwater parking area at 6:30 AM.  If you'd like more information about the route, check out this link.

There will be water available at mile 11 and 25.

Here's a map to the meeting spot.

Here's a map to the carpool spot where we'll meet at 5:45.

Remember, if you choose to join this run, you are responsible for knowing the way and for your own safety.

Cuyamaca 2/16

Here's one for Sunday:

Loop 1 of the Cuyamaca 100k course.  31.5 miles starting from the Sweetwater parking area at 6:30 AM.  If you'd like more information about the route, check out this link.

There will be water available at mile 11 and 25.

Here's a map to the meeting spot.

Here's a map to the carpool spot where we'll meet at 5:45.

Remember, if you choose to join this run, you are responsible for knowing the way and for your own safety.

Los Pinos 2/15

The first Los Pinos training run is scheduled for February 15th at 7am.

Please visit and sign-up at https://www.facebook.com/events/699422873422410/

We'll be meeting at LAZY W PARKING LOT at 7 am. We'll begin with Los Pinos right from the get-go, head down the Main Divide from Trabuco, and then hop onto San Juan and cruise downhill for the final 12 miles back to our cars.

Water will be provided on Los Pinos and at the start of the San Juan trail. The weather might still be fresh and cool but please bring a sufficient amount of water to get you through the Los Pinos stretch. A hydration pack and a handheld should suffice. Food, electrolytes, etc should also be planned accordingly. Remember, you are running at your own risk!

If you're considering running the race, this would be a good way to come preview the course, as well as a good revenge run for any of you who DNF'd last year.

Hope to see you all out there on what will hopefully be a solid day of training!
If you're considering running the race, this would be a good way to come preview the course, as well as a good revenge run for any of you who DNF'd last year. 
Hope to see you all out there on what will hopefully be a solid day of training!

Oriflamme 2/15

Posted on behalf of John Martinez:

This is not on the PCT 50 course, but I thought you might be interested in joining us for an Oriflamme training run:

Oriflamme training run this Saturday, February 15.  Meet 7:00 a.m. at start/finish location for the race (Sunrise trailhead parking area @ mile 34.2 on Sunrise Highway).  

We will cross the highway and access the connector trail to the PCT, then head north on PCT for 3 miles until we hit Mason Valley Truck Trail, then turn right and drop down into Oriflamme Canyon.  Out and back so you can go as long or as short as you want.  There is a water drop about 10 miles out (for those of you going 20 miles or more).  Otherwise, be prepared to carry what you need.

Let me know if you think you can make it.  Thanks.

John Martinez

RD, Oriflamme 50K

www.oriflamme50k.com

*DISCLAIMER.  IMPORTANT.  PLEASE READ: You agree that you are  participating in this  training run at your own risk, that there will be no "aid stations" or support available except as provided by yourself. There will be no route markings, no course marshals and no medical personnel in attendance and that you cannot hold your fellow runners, those who advertise the run or anyone else involved in the run, responsible for any accident, injury or death you may incur.