This may be an easy one for you long-time OC runners, but it should be a little tougher for those of you more recent to OC running.

A Snail's Pace Running Shops began 26 years ago in Orange County (1979), but for the first 11 years of existence, the store operated under a different name. Can you remember the original name of A Snail's Pace Running Shops?

Thanks for voting in last month's poll (if you did). Here are the final results, which I don't need to tell you are not scientific. We can't even give you an estimated margin of error! Nevertheless, congratulations to Asics and New Balance who were by far the top two shoe brand choices.
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Let's try another one. Please vote for one of the following races:
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Boy, this event just keeps on getting better, doesn't it? As I worked at the Finish Line again this year, I sure saw a lot of happy faces and lots of positive energy passing under the Hyatt bridge.

The weather was reasonably co-operative this year with good running temperatures and only one short burst of rain.

If we runners have learned anything from the evolution of the Pacific Shoreline Marathon (PSM), it should be that you need to be patient with an event and let it grow (see "Orange County Marathon" below). Especially an event of this magnitude that attempts to put on four races in one morning at the same venue-same Start Line; same Finish Line. Very challenging.

It takes a mountain of planning and a sea of volunteers; not to mention some fairly substantial sponsorship investment to fund the enterprise.

There were some hiccups in the early years, but founder Herb Massinger persevered through early criticism and just kept working at improving the event.

His wisest move was hiring Louise Weiner to manage the event. Louise got the ball rolling with better organization and more volunteers and the event gradually began to gain traction and show the possibility for long-term survival.

Massinger, however, was continually plagued by difficulties in obtaining sponsorship dollars. This year, he finally decided to step down from the event and sold his "baby" to a new ownership group (Pacific Shoreline Marathon, LLC) headed by Don Gerould and [Amy Tomchak].

The new owners showed excellent wisdom in retaining Weiner as Executive Director of the event and they look like they are better positioned to obtain sponsors in the coming years. After witnessing the success of this year's event, the future looks so bright, Louise is gonna have to wear shades!

The marathon was won by two out-of-towners (attesting to the growing national popularity of this race): Richie Boulet (31) of Oakland in 2:39:26, a 6:04 pace. And Liz Downing (46) of Portland in 3:07:38, a 7:09 pace.

Congratulations to the following A Snail's Pace Running Club top finishers:

5k
1 Johann Appell
11 Danny Stein
12 Fred Cowles
13 Dave Parsel
14 Danny Rosales

4 Christine Appell
5 Christine Onufrak
8 Sherri Ellerby


Half Marathon
8 Nick Arciniaga
10 Mark Donaldson
11 Jon Clark

13 Mirza Gallardo
15 Erin Petrossi

Marathon
7 Dave Schiller

13 Cynthia DeMarco

Speaking of being patient for an event to grow, the Orange County Marathon (OCM) reminds me of the first Pacific Shoreline Marathon and how difficult it is to put on a marathon event.

The weather for OCM was an absolute killer. In the freezing rain, even the smallest mistake becomes a major headache. Tend to whine and complain when you have to run your race in the rain? Try putting on an event. We should be extra thankful to volunteers and race organizers for all their hard work on a rainy day. It's a nightmare.

I think this race will grow to be another excellent OC event, perhaps OC's finest. But please be patient-it ain't easy. The last word I had on the status of this year's race was that organizers are still trying to negotiate the date for the venue and are running into resistance from the Irvine Company who is reluctant to stage any event in Fashion Island during the early part of the Christmas shopping season.

Keep your fingers crossed, and we'll keep you advised.

Like probably most of you, I really enjoy running with other runners. You can learn stuff running with a faster runner, and you can learn stuff running with a slower runner. But either way, the time goes by much faster with a partner. Or three.

I think I've run mostly with faster runners. Not so much by choice, but it just seems like everyone I know runs faster than me. (Couldn't be because I'm just a snail, could it?)

With this experience, I want to pass along some advice -- no make that a suggestion - for runners to consider when they are running with a slower runner: Let the slower runner set the pace.

So often my faster training partners tend to "one-step" me. That is, they run just a little ahead of me so that I always feel like I'm not going fast enough for them. Sometimes I feel guilty about slowing them down and try to pick it up, only to have them pick it up equally and I can never pull even with them. I doubt that they realize how annoying this can be and how it makes conversation difficult, at best.

Occasionally, after being one-stepped the entire run, they say something like, "Man, you really wore me out today. You were really setting a tough pace." Please note: you cannot set the pace from behind!

Most training runs in groups of two or more have a large social component. That's what makes it enjoyable to run together. That's what makes the miles go by so quickly. But, please be sure to be considerate of the slowest runner in the group.

Take it from me, it's very hard to enjoy the social nature of a group run when you feel like no matter how hard you run, it's not fast enough. You end up breathing hard and grumbling to yourself to the point that you are unable to participate in any conversation beyond "uh-huh" and "unh-unh".

So, here are this month's tips:
1) If you want to get in some faster training while running with a slower partner(s), you can excuse yourself for a mile or so and run hard, then jog back and resume running together.
2) Running together means side-by-side, if traffic permits. If you must go single file, let the slower runner lead.
3) When side-by-side, keep your shoulders even or a little behind the shoulders of the slower runner. I do this (on the rare occasions when I am not the slowest runner) by imagining a broomstick along our shoulders and I make sure I keep my broomstick just behind.

I'm talking about training runs here, not races. Sometimes it can be helpful to some runners to "pull" them along in a race by one-stepping. Do not assume this, however. If you want to help pace someone in a race, be sure to discuss ahead of time how he or she would like you to help with pacing, and what kinds of encouragement (if any) he or she likes to hear.

I always had the best results pacing others when I ran side-by-side and tried to get into the racer's rhythm. When you run right in step with another runner, it's much easier for them to maintain their cadence (leg turnover), which can be a huge performance boost. This also works very well on training runs when you both want to run a good, steady pace. Try it.

Race information courtesy of RacePlace.com

Date	Event / Distance	Contact	Location	Misc
2/5/05 Saturday am	24 Hour Fitness Agassi Sports "Roses to La Playa" 5K and 10K	Jose Gonzalez sbap2000@aol.com	Santa Barbara, CA	Fast, Fun and Festive through the center of Santa Barbara & along the scenic waterfront.
2/5/05 Saturday	RND Winter Trail Running Series 15K	RND Running, Inc. 949/857-1055 RNDRunning@aol.com	Bluejay Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA	Course is well marked & will be run within the Cleveland National Forest, trails and fire roads. RNDRunning.com
2/5/05 Saturday 8:00 am	5th Annual Run for Russ 5K Race and Community Walk	Sheila Jones Chino Police Dept. 909/464-0715 shjones@chinopd.org	Chino City Hall, Northwest corner of Central Ave & Chino Ave.	Commemorating Chino PD fallen police officer, Russ Miller. Reg includes T-shirt, snacks & pancake breakfast. Day of race reg from 6:45 to 7:45 am. Entry form available at: www.chinopd.org
2/6/05 Sunday 7:30 am	Redondo Beach Super Bowl Sunday 10K/5K Run, 5K Fun Walk, 10K Inline Skate & 10K Baby Buggy Run	310/376-6911	Redondo Beach Marina, North Harbor Drive @ Beryl Street, Redondo Beach, CA	Expo Sat & Sun featuring Health & Fitness products, services, food & refreshments, and much more! Website: www.redondo10k.com
2/6/05 Sunday 7:00 am	2005 Pacific Shoreline Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Surf Kids Mile	Pacific Shoreline Marathon Office 949/581-0105 psminfo@sbcglobal.net	Huntington Beach, CA	Marathon: fast & beautiful USAT&F, certified course and popular Boston Marathon qualifier. The 1/2 Marathon has become one of premier in the U.S. Website: marathonrun.com
2/6/05 Sunday 8:00 am	Students Run LA presents the 10th Annual 30K Friendship Run at Hansen Dam.	Nikki Carelli 818/997-2451 nikki@srla.org	Hansen Dam Park: from I-5, exit Osborne St., go East approx. 2.5 miles to Dronfield Ave entrance. Enter park to your right.	This is an 18-mile training run for the LA Marathon. Consisting of two 9-mile loops. Website: www.srla.org
2/12/05 Saturday 8:00 am	21st Annual The Great American Adventure Run: 2.8 Mi & 4.8 Mi cross country foot race with 2.8 Mi Open Walk & Sweetheart Couples Walk	The Finish Line Int'l. Oscar Rosales 714/841-5417	Central Park west, Huntington Beach, CA. Located between Goldenwest & Edwards, Ellis & Slater Streets. See Thom. Bros. OC Map, Pg. 857, G3	Features Eagle div, for those running both races. A very scenic, fully staked/monitored course with all distances to USATF Standards & USATF Sanctioned. Website: nealand.com/finishline
2/12/05 Saturday 9:00 am	The Buffalo Run Half Marathon and 5K Run	Pacific Sports, LLC 714/978-1528 info@PacificSportsLLC.com	East End of Catalina Island	Half Marathon: Very challenging, hilly course; Fast and flat 5K out on the paved road. Website: PacificSportsLLC.com
2/12/05 Saturday 8:00 am	Healthy Hearts 5k Run, Health Walk	Frank Sheckler fsheckler@yucca-valley.org	Machris Park59100 Santa Barbara DriveYucca Valley, CA 92284	Race day Reg: 7am to 7:45am. Adults: $20 w/ shirt, $15 w/o; Children & Seniors: $18 w/ shirt, $13 w/o. Please add $2 per registration after Feb. 9. You can register online at: www.yucca-valley.org
2/12/05 Saturday 8:15 am	3rd Annual MannaRelief 5K Run/Walk	Catherine Baird 909/560-3543 mannarelief5k@adelphia.net	Guasti Villa, 2903 Guasti Rd, Guasti (Ontario) CA, 91743. Located just north of Ontario International Airport & south of I-10 between Haven & Archibald Avenues in Ontario, CA	Competitive Race/Walk with Division Awards. Flat, fast, USATF certified/sanctioned course to Benefit MannaRelief - Bringing Health & Hope to Children of the World
2/13/05 Sunday 8:00 am	27th Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K Run, 5K Walk, 10K Run & 1K Kiddie Run.(Event begins the Lunar Year of the Rooster New Year's celebration in L.A. Chinatown).	John Phung firecracker10k@gmail.com	Intersection of North Broadway + College Street in Chinatown, Los Angeles	Proceeds to Need2Read, literacy support program for area elementary schools. Course runs through challenging hills of Elysian Park around Dodger Stadium & scenic vistas of downtown L.A. New Year's cultural events, shops, art galleries and fine dining in Chinatown after the event! Website: www.firecracker10k.org
2/14/05 Mon-Sat	Sonki Fitness Boot Camp - "Stronger, faster, leaner...for life!"TMFeb 14 - Mar 19.	Sonki Fitness 310-260-2518 sonki@att.net	Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, CA	5-week outdoor fitness program designed to improve total body fitness, strengthen mental toughness, and teach how to have fun working out. (No yelling or screaming) www.SonkiFitness.com
2/19/05 Saturday	RND Winter Trail Running Series 1/2 Marathon	RND Running, Inc. 949/857-1055 RNDRunning@aol.com	Bluejay Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA"	Course is well marked & will be run within the Cleveland National Forest, trails and fire roads. RNDRunning.com
2/20/05 Sunday 6:30 am	3rd Annual California Speedway 5000 5K Run/Walk; 1 mile and 1/2 mile Kids Runs	Spectrum Sports Management LLC 909-399-3553 mike@spectrumsports.net	California Speedway, Fontana, CA	Run on the world famous California Speedway, home to the fastest lap in NASCAR racing, and multiple personal records on our 5K course.Fast and wide open, this is the perfect early season run www.spectrumsports.net
2/26/05 Saturday 7:45 am	Los Alamitos 5K/10K Race on the Base, 5K Walk, 1K Kids Fun Run & 10K Inline Skate	Mike Kudron 562/430-1073	Joint Forces Training Base on the Los Alamitos Army Airfield, Los Alamitos, CA	USAT&F certified/sanctioned course on the Training Base Runway. Proceeds benefit the USA Water Polo National Aquatic Center. www.ci.los-alamitos.ca.us
2/27/05 Sunday 9:00 am	9th Annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation LA Race For the Cure 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mi. Fun Run/Walk	Race Hotline: 626/577-2700 lackomenrace@earthlink.net	Pasadena, Rose Bowl Los Angeles County	Benefits Breast Cancer research, screening & treatment. USAT&F cert/sanctioned course w/Health-Fitness Expo, pledge prizes, awards. www.lackomenrace.org
2/27/05 Sunday 8:00 am	14th Annual Brea 8K Classic presented by the Brea Mall with Kids 1K Fun Run at 9:30 am.	Rob Crawford Brea 8K Hotline 714/255-2921 committee@brea8k.org	Course on streets of Brea with start/finish: Brea Mall @ State College & Birch St. Parking at Brea Mall.	All registered enjoy Orange County's best finish line w/great food provided by Brea's finest restaurants. www.brea8k.org

Date	Event / Distance	Contact	Location	Misc
3/5/05 Saturday 8:00 am	2nd Annual Santa Ana North Rotary Health Run 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, & 1/2 Mile Kids Run/Walk	The Finish Line International 714/841-5417	Centennial Park, Santa Ana, CA 92704 (Edinger & Fairview; enter on Edinger Ave. side; See Thom Bros Map, OC, pg. 829, A6).	Course through River View Golf Course & neighborhood. Streets measured/sanctioned to USATF standards.Proceeds benefit the Santa Ana North Rotary Club & Rotary charities. Website: nealand.com/finishline
3/5/05 Saturday	RND Winter Trail Running Series Team	RND Running, Inc. 949/857-1055 RNDRunning@aol.com	Cleveland National Forest, CA	Course is well marked & will be run within the Cleveland National Forest, trails and fire roads. RNDRunning.com
3/6/05 Sunday 8:20 am	20th Anniversary Los Angeles Marathon, 5k Run/Walk, Acura L.A. Bike Tour.	310/444-5544 raceinfo@lamarathon.com	Los Angeles, CA -Course starts at 6th and Figueroa and finishes on Flower Street at 5th.	NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!Plan to attend The Emerald Nuts Quality of Life Expo at the L.A. Convention Center on March 3-5.Website: www.lamarathon.com
3/13/05 Sunday 7:15 am	22nd Annual Blue Cross of California Spirit Run - 10K Run/Walk, 5K Family Walk, Youth Races & Toddler Trot	Spirit Run Hotline 949/222-1533 Kinane Events 760/434-7706 info@kinaneevents.com	Edwards Cinema Theatres, Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA	USATF certified course w/rolling hills around Fashion Island. Post event celebration with refreshments, medals for youth, age group awards, drawing prizes, Kids Expo, & live entertainment. www.kinaneevents.com
3/13/05 Sunday 8:00 am	Village Runner St. Patrick's Day 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and Little Leprechaun Dash for the Gold.	Village Runner 310/375-2626 villagerunner@earthlink.net	Start/Finish: Torrance Marriott, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503	Kids Dash start/9:45am. Long sleeved t-shirts, fast course/computerized, Race Party and Expo. Packet Pick-up: Village Runner from noon-7pm on Saturday, March 12th. Website: www.villagerunnerracing.com
3/19/05 Saturday 7:00 am	20th Annual The Great Race of Agoura Chesebro Half Marathon, Deena Kastor 5K, Old Agoura 10K, Kids 1Mi.Family Fun Run	Endurance Events 818/313-2102 help@GreatRaceofAgoura.com	Agoura High School Stadium, 28545 Driver Ave.,Agoura Hills , CA	ChampionChip Timing, Coveted 2005 Great Race T-shirt, Dri-release performance T-shirt for 1/2 marathoners; Best post race party with food,drink & raffle with tons of prizes. Silent Auction with great running & sports gear, Sports Camp & Fitness Expo. Website: greatraceofagoura.com
3/19/05 Saturday 6:30 am	Catalina Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kid's Run	Pacific Sports, LLC 714/978-1528 CatMar@PacificSportsLLC.com	Two Harbors, Catalina Island, Avalon, CA	Scenic, challenging trail course for marathon, challenging paved 5K/10K courses. (Marathon Walkers: 6:30am Marathon: 7am. Website: PacificSportsLLC.com
3/19/05 Saturday 8:00 am	St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk & 1/2 mile kids fun run.	Try-Us Events 323/779-4149 runner_tyrus@yahoo.com	Placerita Jr. High School, Santa Clarita, CA	Flat fast 5k course out and back on the South Fork Path. Awards for top 3 in each age division. Register on www.active.com
3/26/05 Saturday	RND San Juan Trail 50K	RND Running, Inc. 949/857-1055" RNDRunning@aol.com	Bluejay Campground, Cleveland National Forest, CA	Course is well marked & will be run within the Cleveland National Forest, trails and fire roads. RNDRunning.com
3/26/05 Saturday 9:00 am	5th Annual 5K Spring Into Health Run (5K Run/5K Walk, @ 9am & 1/2 Mile Kids Run @ 10am).	The Finish Line Int'l. Oscar Rosales 714/841-5417	Finish on the track at So. Cal. University of Health Sciences, 16200 Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90609 (See Thom. Bros. LA Map, Pg. 708, A7).	Proceeds benefit "Help for Brain Injured Children", of La Habra, CA.Course through scenic city streets around campus, measured to USATF Standards & sanctioned. Website: www.nealand.com/finishline
3/26/05 Saturday 8:00 am	The Reggae Rhythm of Life Run 5K, 10K and 1K Kiddie Run	W2 Promotions 310/828-4123 W2Promo@aol.com	Start and finish in beautiful Griffith Park. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA	A fairly flat & fast course along park streets. The5K is a looped course. The 10K runners do this course twice. Proceeds from this Event will Benefit: The Verdugo Mental Health Center W2Promotions.com
3/26/05 Saturday	CANCELED-The City of Carson Caesar Chavez 5K Run/Walk	W2 Promotions 310-828-4123 W2Promo@aol.com	Carson Park, 21411 So. Orrick Ave., Carson, CA	CANCELED
3/28/05 Mon-Sat am & pm	Sonki Fitness Boot Camp - "Stronger, faster, leaner...for life!"TMMarch 28 - April 30.	Sonki Hong 310/260-2518 sonki@att.net	Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood	5-week outdoor fitness program designed to improve total body fitness, strengthen mental toughness, and teach how to have fun working out. (No yelling or screaming). Website: www.SonkiFitness.com

Loeschhorn's for Runners (LFR) was the original name of A Snail's Pace. If you didn't know this, you're probably going, "Huh?!".

In the late '70s and into the '80s, Loeschhorn's was a very well-known name in the OC. John Loeschhorn pioneered the running store and running club concept in Southern California back then, and was one of the county's premier runners.

In 1979, Dave Reynolds opened the Fountain Valley running shop which became the first of a small number of LFR franchises. Eleven years later, when Loeschhorn closed his last store and decided to leave the retail business, Reynolds decided to change the name of his FV store to something less threatening to new runners. And the rest, as they say, is history.