So You Think You Can Run?

Jacob is a local runner from Garden Grove. Jacob has been running for 5 years and knows most of the ins and outs of running. Jacob went to Pacifica high School and graduated this year. He is now at Cal State Fullerton to continue his cross country and track & field careers. When asked why Jacob started running, he replied " I started running because I liked doing it in PE in middle school. It gave me a way to clear my head and forget about everything that made me unhappy". This outlet gave Jacob the chance to be one of the best runners that I am familiar with. One of Jacob's favorite runs to do is located in Shady Canyon in Irvine. It is a relatively hilly run while not being too difficult. It is also where he trained with a great coach by the name of Coach Sumner. I asked Jacob what advice he would give to a new runner so that they can eventually become an "official" runner. He said "Do not ever mentally place yourself below another runner. Elite r...

Another persistent runner in Orange County is David Pacheco. Hailing from Valencia High School in Placentia and currently attending Cal State Fullerton, David is an OC native who has spent the last 8 years of his young life being a runner. He is now a freshman at the division 1 collegiate level of competition. David started running because his brother ran for Valencia High School and he looked like he was having fun. David then joined a running club at a young age to follow his brother's path. His brother has played an immense role in David's running career because not only that he was the one who brought him to the running scene, he also inspires David to be the best runner he can be. David's favorite running route to run is at Crystal Cove State Park. He says "We ran there once a year at Valencia HS. It is my favorite run because it has a great view and it has some challenging hills to overcome. There is even one hill that is so hard, that you have to climb it to...

Demi Marine is an avid runner that has put 6 long years into her running career and has progressed ever since. As an LA county native, Demi went to high school at Covina HS and then made her way up to Portland State University where she attended for one cross country season. Due to some complications with the coaching staff there, Demi came back to California and continued her education and running at Mt. SAC community college. From there, she has been a Cal State Fullerton Titan ever since. Demi's favorite run is any run dealing with Marshall Canyon, which is a trail that starts behind a golf course and then turns into "gnarly rolling hills". Located in La Verne California, Marshal Canyon offers a great experience for new and veteran runners from all over southern California.    When asked about her most memorable running moment, Demi replied "My most memorable experience was running the 5k this past spring at the Oxy Distance Carnival. I was in the fastest heat...

Stretching Of the numerous ways the body could recuperate itself after a good run, stretching provides the most benefits for someone. The body exerts a lot of force on its muscles and the constant motion tires them out. After your run, an efficient and concise session of static stretching helps your body ease the muscles into a relaxed state, prevent injury, and allows your muscles to be ready for the next time you run. There are many stretching routines that work for everyone but finding one that works for you or developing one on your own is the best because you know your body more than anyone. Also, a sturdy foam yoga mat is a good thing to have in your car so can stretch on the go. Here is a routine that I enjoy and feel that gets the most stretching: Flamingo-30 sec each leg IT Band stretch - 30 sec each side Straight leg calf stretch - 30 sec each leg Bent leg calf stretch - 30 sec each leg Cherrypickers - 10-15 reps Flag Stretch- hold for 20 sec each leg Crosse...

The life of each runner is different and everyone has their own story. Today I am going to explore the running endeavors of an avid runner and discuss their thoughts on various aspects that affect their running passions.    Joe Casco  ↑Joe Casco leading the chase pack   Joe is a cross country athlete and currently attends the California State University, Fullerton. With his final season of the sport down the last couple weeks, Joe has taken the time to reflect on his running career and reminisce about the past. Joe started running in high school while attending martin Luther King High School. From his sophomore year until now, running has been a large part of Joe's life. His biggest inspiration that allows him to run at his ability are his parents. Joe says "they pay for my college tuition and work a lot, so this pushes me to keep running". He feels like he owes it to them for being where he is and wants to give back so to speak. He explains that "...

As an avid runner, who runs competitively at the collegiate level, I would say that I am very aware of the complications that comes along with running. Every runner started at one point in their lives: some young, some older. So this means that every runner knows how their first couple miles into a run felt without any prior training and conditioning. Most would say that their first run felt miserable, difficult, and painful. Of course it’s going to make your body feel that way, but the trick is to embrace the fact that starting out will be one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. You have to realize that running is a very active and aerobic thing that people do because its good for your health. It’s one of those things that you get out what you put in. Consistency is key.  Here are some  brief  tips to help you begin your daily running rituals: 1. Set little goals for yourself By having a small set of goals, you give yourself a sense of m...