34th Annual Thanksgiving Day Run Concludes As One of the Biggest and Best Races to Date and Donates $35,000 to Race Beneficiaries, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

DANA POINT, Calif. – Jan. 26, 2012 – The Dana Point Turkey Trot, a Southern California tradition, has officially wrapped up its 2011 Thanksgiving Day run, providing Orange County runners with one of the most successful races to date in its 34-year history. Introducing new race enhancements for the 2011 run, the Dana Point Turkey Trot hosted more than 10,000 runners on Thanksgiving Day, as well as thousands of volunteers, families and spectators. In total, the 2011 Dana Point Turkey Trot donated $35,000 to the race beneficiaries, with $25,000 going to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment and $10,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.  More than $6,000 donations were made through the event’s online registration system. With the success of the 2011 Turkey Trot only two months behind, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is already gearing up for the 2012 run, with a call for early sponsors and registrants.

Organizers of the Dana Point Turkey Trot, including the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and RUN Racing, joined together as a team to provide 2011 participants with various race enhancements, including wave starts based on anticipated race times to alleviate congestion, stroller-specific wave starts, widening of the lane for the finish-line shoot and, for the first time ever, every Dana Point Turkey Trot participant received a finisher medal.

In addition, the Dana Point Turkey Trot held a health and fitness expo on November 23 and 24, offering the community an abundance of exhibitor booths that included the latest and greatest the fitness and health industry has to offer, as well as industry expert speakers and local fitness celebrities. Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, was on-site at the expo to sign books and participated in the race itself, running the 5K and 10K. Alongside Reinersten, Fernanda Rocha, local personal fitness trainer and former Bravo TV reality star, warmed-up with the children before the Kids’ Gobble Wobble race and led the kids in the one-mile run, alongside former Mayor Scott Shofield and Colonel Buhl of the United States Marines, and former Olympian Bob Seagren to spread the message of a healthy lifestyle.

 “The Dana Point Turkey Trot takes pride in listening to our participants’ feedback each year and continuously making enhancements to make each year even better than the previous,” said Russell Kerr, Chairman of the Board, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “Whether working on personal fitness goals, encouraging kids to get active, giving back to the community, or enjoying the traditions’ festivities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for everyone to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day and it’s never too early to get involved.”

Attracting thousands of participants each year to its 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Gobble Wobble, the Dana Point Turkey Trot was named “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs” by Fitness Magazine. 2011 sponsors of the race included: City of Dana Point, the presenting sponsor; AT&T; BuildingOnline; Clif Bar & Company; Collins Holdings LLC; County of Orange, OC Supervisor Patricia Bates; Dana Point Times; Dick’s Sporting Goods; Hodel Briggs Winter LLP; Lantern Bay Village; Mahé; Mix1; Sunsets Cabo Beach; The Strand at Headlands; Taste of Brews Dana Point; The Toll Roads; and Vintage Marina Partners.

Now, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is accepting sponsors for the 2012 race, ranging from title sponsorship and Friends of the Turkey Trot, to expo exhibitors and race t-shirt sponsorships. Organizations will reach tens of thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy in Orange County.

For more information about the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com. Follow the Dana Point Turkey Trot on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. 

 About the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot:

Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in partnership with RUN Racing, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot in the country. Named one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, in its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo. Featuring scenic routes through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot offers something for every member of the family. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event and a USATF Southern California Championship 10K Race. The 2011 Dana Point Turkey Trot helped fundraise for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment, accepting donations for each through the on-line registration. For more information, to register for a race, or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com.

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Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Welcome to OC is so pleased to welcome guest blogger, Carol Cuoco from Landscape Design by Carol 

The cooler months are the perfect time in Southern California to begin planning your spring garden project, whether that is to completely redo your gardens or to simply make changes to an existing flower bed.

There are three words that we are hearing on a regular basis in the gardening community:  sustainable, green and Xeriscape.  These three terms or garden concepts have overlapping meanings that can cause some confusion.  They are not garden styles, but rather descriptions of the practices to be used in the garden.

Wikipedia has a great definition of the concept of a sustainable garden, which is “integrate environmental, social and economic factors in an attempt to create a more sustainable future.”  Practices to incorporate for a sustainable garden would include retaining as much water on your property from sprinklers and/or rain via bioswales, proper irrigation techniques, rain barrels, etc. to avoid runoff; incorporating native plants to foster our local insects and birds; the use of organic fertilizers; planting edibles; propagating plants through your own cuttings and/or sharing with other gardeners, or by purchasing through seed companies such as Seeds of Change (www.seedsofchange.com); using recycled materials whenever possible (i.e., the concrete pieces of a demolished driveway can be reset as stepping stones or used to create a patio); recycling your kitchen and yard waste by composting.

Green gardening overlaps a great deal with sustainable gardening, focusing on the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides or by avoiding the use of fertilizers or pesticides all together.

Xeriscaping does not mean a few lonely plants surrounded by white rock – an image often created by the word.  It is the use of native plants and chemical-free gardening techniques.  The key to Xeriscaping is to choose plants according to water needs, using not only natives, but primarily drought-tolerant plants.

All three of the gardening concepts described above have the same principles involved:  1.) plan and design, 2.) evaluate your soil and choose plants accordingly, 3.) consider the natural elements of the space, including sun and wind exposure, 4.) group plants according to water needs and irrigate efficiently, 5.) minimize turf areas, 6.) apply mulch.

Once you have chosen the concepts you wish to use to garden, it is time to select a style or a combination of styles.  Some important factors to consider when choosing a style are your home’s architecture and your personal taste.  The list of garden styles grows constantly, reflecting gardeners’ desires to mimic a place they have visited, include plants that bring back memories of childhood, or replicate a public or private garden they have recently visited.  You need not limit yourself strictly to the elements of a particular style, but researching the various styles can help you define what it is you are trying to achieve and to create a plant palette.  A web search on garden styles such as Tuscan, Cottage, French Country, Desert, Contemporary, Zen, Tropical, Traditional, and Woodland will produce results and photographs to help you zero in on what your preferences are.  Design choice can get even more specific with the themes of a Moonlight Garden, Butterfly Garden or Edible Garden.  Click here for a fun quiz from Better Homes & Gardens to help you determine your style:  http://www.bhg.com/bhg/quiz.jsp?quizId=/templatedata/bhg/quiz/data/1189707784144.xml.

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Welcome to OC is pleased to welcome guest blogger, Ramsey Johansson, a Professional Organizer with some great tips to get the New Year off to an organized start!

Is one of your resolutions for 2012 to get organized?  If so, you’re not alone.  Right up there with ‘being more healthy’ or ‘losing weight,’ most people want to Get Organized.  It’s not surprising then, that January is National Get Organized Month (GO Month). 

 You may have a whole house or business to organize, or just a project that has been on your mind for a while.  Regardless, the important thing is just to start.  But where?  How?

• First, think about why you want to get organized.  What will you gain if you do, or lose if you don’t?  Tie your organizing goals into a larger life goal.  Think about how getting organized will help you to save time or create space so that you can pursue your dreams or simply enjoy a more peaceful life.
• Choose the space you are going to organize, close your eyes, and visualize that space without clutter.  How would that make you feel?  Make a list of organizing projects, such as filing, photographs, recipes, kitchen, garage.  Select one.  Break down that project into mini projects.  In the kitchen, for example, mini projects might include countertop, under the sink, cutlery drawers, pantry, refrigerator/freezer, recipes, and coupons.
• Start with the most visible clutter first.  Seeing results will give you a boost of confidence.  For 5 to 15 minutes each day, work on one mini project at a time until the entire organizing project is done.  Then check it off your list and move on to the next one.
• Decide what your reward will be for completing each mini project or room.  Treat yourself to a manicure, or invite friends over for coffee in your newly uncluttered family room.

What are you doing that contributes to the clutter and chaos in your life?  Pick your single worst disorganizing habit and work on changing that behavior over the next month.  If you’ve never been organized it’s very likely that you never learned how to get organized. 

• Find an organizing buddy – someone who wants to get organized as much as you do.  Decide to do it together.  Make a standing weekly date to show off your accomplishments or discuss progress and share encouragement over the phone.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you organize your closet or garage in return for babysitting or help with yard work.
• Consider hiring a professional organizer.  A few hours with a professional organizer might be just the jump-start you need.

You don’t have to stop everything to get organized.  You just have to start.  Make organizing a part of your daily life.  Do it first.  Do it fast.  Organizing is work, but there is nothing difficult about it.  The hardest part is getting started.  Be realistic about what you can and can’t do.  You can’t unclutter your home overnight.  You can unclutter a countertop or drawer in as little as 15 minutes. 

Start to think and act like an organized person. The more you act the part, the more natural it becomes.  Jump into GO Month with both feet.  You’ll be glad you did!

Ramsey Johansson, Professional Organizer – Creating simple, efficient living spaces www.RamseyJohansson.com

949.813.2538

Follow me on Twitter: @Ramseytweets

Like me on facebook: www.facebook.com/RamseyJohanssonPO

Clever Container Consultant www.clevercontainer.com/RamseyJohansson

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Tick, tick, tick…time is zooming by.  Do you have plans to ring in the New Year yet?  Here are several ideas of fabulous ways to celebrate the arrival of 2012!

1. The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party

Brought to you by the folks who bring you the annual OC Fair

Saturday, December 31 – 7:30 pm – 1:30 am

“Unlike other New Year’s Eve celebrations, the New Year’s Eve Block Party is offering great fun in a casual setting. No black ties here!”

The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party will offer live tribute bands and DJ entertainment by the decade – from the ’60s to the ’90s.

Be sure to visit the website to see pictures and videos from last year’s celebration and to get all the ticket information. http://ocfair.com/blockparty/index.php

2. San Clemente Historical Society new year’s eve under the dome presents:

“Ole”

December 31, 2011 – 7 p.m. til 12:30 a.m.

Enjoy dinner, dancing, and live entertainment at the historical “Casino” San Clemente!

$125/ticket –Spanish inspired attire optional

Get your tickets now! (949) 498-0116 http://www.sanclementehistoricalsociety.org/events.html

3. Rancho Santa Margarita New Year’s Eve Celebrating Family & Friends

Saturday, December 31, 2011
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Civic Plaza
22232 El Paseo, RSM 92688

“This celebration – which commemorates Rancho Santa Margarita’s anniversary of an incorporated City – features fun, varieties of food, a diverse array of live musical entertainment, performers from local performing arts organizations, inflatable rides, interactive crafts and games, and the popular Children’s Art Contest in which all local schools are able to participate and showcase their fine artists.”  For more information please call 949.216.9700 or visit http://www.cityofrsm.org/depts/commserv/annual_city_events/new_years_eve_celebrating_family_n_friends.asp

4. IRVINE  Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your entire family at Great Night! at the Great Park

Saturday, December 31  - 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m

Great Night is the first ever Great Park Family New Year’s Eve celebration, providing a safe, alcohol-free environment filled with fun for the whole family, including live music and dancing, games, kids’ activities and great food!

Orange County United Way “Midway” carnival games at the Great Night event will benefit several OC charities.

The Orange County Great Park is located at Sand Canyon and Marine Way, and can easily be reached by the 5 or 405 freeways. For this event, a special entrance to the Park will be from Trabuco Road. Take Jeffrey road exit from the 5 or 405 and turn right on Trabuco.  http://www.ocgp.org/

Take a look at what your city has to offer to ring in 2012!  There are lots of great events whether you are looking for a family friendly activity or dinner and dancing with your special someone.  But be safe and don’t drink and drive! And if you plan to indulge in the bubbly, call a cab! Happy New Year!

The Christmas Season is in full swing and for many of us it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a church celebration.  If you are new to OC or perhaps a CEO (Christmas and Easter only attendee) you may need a little assistance in finding the perfect spot to worship the birth of Christ.  Let us offer this list to put you on track to finding a church family.

Compass Bible Church – Aliso Viejo

Join Compass Bible Church on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th for our special family services.    You’ll enjoy inspirational music and a meaningful message from Pastor Mike Fabarez.  For children 3 and under, we’ll be offering a special program in the classrooms during all services. There will be five service times at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.  On Christmas Day, we’ll have our normal Sunday services at 9am & 11am. Compass Bible Church is located at 150 Columbia in Aliso Viejo.

St. Andrews by the Sea – San Clemente

Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24^th

• Children’s Service 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
• Candlelight/Communion Service, 8 pm – 9 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th

• Band-led Contemporary Worship Service led by the Light Reigns Band, 9 am – 10am
•  Worship service led by the Sanctuary Choir, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Saddleback Church – Lake Forest

Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24^th, 1, 3, 5, 7, & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, Sunday December 25^th, 11:15 am

Saddleback Church – San Clemente

Join us for Christmas Eve Services at Saddleback Church – San Clemente Campus. We will be celebrating the birth of our Savior at 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Christmas Day, Sunday December 25^th, 11:00 am

Saddleback Church – Rancho Capistrano

Christmas Eve, December 24^th, 11:00 am, 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 11:00 am

Saddleback Church – Irvine Campus

Christmas Eve, December 24^th, 3:00, 5:00, & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 11:00 am

Abiding Savior – Lake Forest

Christmas Eve, December 24th, 4:30 pm

• Candlelight Services, 6:00, 8:00, & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 10:00 am              

Crossline Community Church –Mission Viejo      

Christmas Eve Services, Saturday, December 24
Service Times: 4:00 and 6:00pm
Join Special Guest AJ Degrasse for a reverent celebration with music and communion.
*free childcare provided for ages infant – 4years, ages 5 and up will join us for the service.

Christmas Day Family Service, Sunday, December 25
Service Time: 10:00am
This is a family service. Music by AJ Degrasse and Dean-o Lies
*free childcare provided for ages infant – 4years, ages 5 and up will join us for the service

Don’t see what you are looking for? Orange County Churches offers a comprehensive guide to churches and places of worship in Orange County.  Be sure to take time to celebrate the reason for the season!

For many, the holiday season begins with Black Friday. Others prefer armchair shopping during Cyber Monday. But all agree that the holidays can be a hectic and often stress filled time.  So how about this: take a break from the shopping and check out a holiday-related event or activity with your family. It will clear your mind and remind you how the holidays are supposed to make you feel in the first place!

Lake Forest

Dec. 3: 30^th Annual Victorian Christmas

For the Victorian Christmas celebration, the park’s historic buildings will be adorned in turn-of-the-century holiday finery with costumed docents hosting. Children can participate in old-fashioned, hands-on activities, including churning butter, candle dipping, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and making ornaments and crafts.  Children of all ages can visit with Santa. Heritage Hill Historical Park. (949) 923-2230. www.ocparks.com/heritagehill

Orange

Dec 2-4, 9-11, 15-23: Christmas Train

Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Stay to enjoy storytelling with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, games, bounce house, and food and drinks. Irvine Regional Park. For information and ticket prices call (714) 997-3968 or visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com

Dana Point

Dec. 9-10, 16-17: 37^th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

Hundreds of decorated boats compete for the coveted Best in Show award. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of the many restaurants to view it from a cozy andwarm spot. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season Dana Point Harbor (949)923-2255 www.danapointharbor.com

 Huntington Beach

Dec. 10-23: 49^th Annual Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights

Narrated boat tours of holiday decorated homes, boats, decks, and docks. Experience the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays. Huntington Harbour. For more information and how to purchase tickets call (714) 840-7542 or visit www.cruiseoflights.org

Santa Ana

Dec. 11^th: Irish Holiday Festival

The holiday season sparkles with Irish culture at this family event with music, dance, storytelling, and more. This festive celebration will allow you shop for the holidays from unique vendors who specialize in quality handcrafted goods. Bowers Museum. For ticket information call (714) 567-3677 or visit www.bowers.org

Newport Beach

Dec. 14-18: 103^rd Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes set sail around the harbor to the sounds of festive music. If this is your first time to see the parade, a great place to view the parade is at the Fun Zone. Admission is FREE and there is plenty of nearby parking. Newport Harbor. (949) 729-4400. www.christmasboatparade.com

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Welcome to OC is so pleased to welcome guest blogger, Carol Cuoco from Landscape Design by Carol

Whether the person on your list is a seasoned gardener or someone just embarking into their first gardening project, there are tons of gift options.  Shopping information for all of the following items and more can be found at http://www.landscapedesignbycarol.com/shop/.

Even if the “garden” is actually one potted plant in the living room, no one who is responsible for a plant should be without a water meter.  These are inexpensive devices that can be probed into the soil of a potted plant or taken outside to check the moisture levels in various areas of the garden.  For the more technically savvy gardener who would like to take it a step further, consider the “easy Bloom” device which can measure sun exposure, moisture levels, temperature and more (especially useful for the micro-climates of your landscape).  The device can then be plugged into your computer and the information is uploaded to their website where the information is downloaded and recommendations are made.

We could not do without some basics in our tool chest: 

• Gloves – consider the type that ride up high on the arms to protect from thorn abrasions and prickly shrub encounters
• Garden Stool/Kneeler – this one lightweight device serves as a low stool and then flips over and acts as a kneeler that has support handles to help you back up
• GOOD pruners – essential.  Do not waste your money on inexpensive or bargain tools, as you will risk bad cuts, broken handles and a lot of frustration.

For someone ready to incorporate edibles or flowers for cutting, container gardens that are assembled within minutes (without tools!) and can be built to up to 36” in height, are on everyone’s wish list.  Please visit our website to view a gallery of configuration options and purchasing information.  Once assembled, the beds can be filled with soil purchased in bulk at local companies such as Aguinaga in Irvine.

Water/rain barrels have also become quite popular.  They connect to your downspout or gutters to collect the rainwater that would otherwise go to waste.  We would encourage you to read the article at http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/ask-og-rain-barrel-hygiene, which will guide you through the collection process.

And what gardener doesn’t love a good book to pour through during the winter to plan their Spring projects?  Some of the most useful books include Sunset’s Western Garden Book, Landscape Plants for California Gardens by Bob Perry, Pat Welsh’s Southern California Gardening and Southern California Organic Gardening.  Another book sure to be appreciated would be the one that the gardener in your life would write themselves – a gardening journal.  

We wish you happy gardening and a holiday season filled with joy ~ 

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Today’s guest blog comes to you from Laura Ouimet, marathon/ triathlon coach and trainer.

We started a tradition at my house many years ago of pizza night every Friday night.  Sounds great, right?   The only problem was that it was the same pizza from the same place every single Friday night. And, don’t get me started on the leftovers!  It didn’t happen right away, but eventually I stopped looking forward to Friday pizza night.   Then it got worse.  I started dreading having pizza night at all.  I even stopped eating pizza on these nights and I ordered a salad instead. Finally, I stopped going to pizza night all together.  It took years before I would even eat pizza again. Imagine that!

 Any form of repetition can cause someone to burn out. This remains true for running, biking, swimming, or any form of exercise.  It can be easy for someone to get caught in a repetitious pattern, as many people are drawn to activities that are convenient. Running can be especially repetitive, you need to figure out how to switch up the routine to keep yourself interested and excited. You may have a scenic three mile loop right outside your front door, it easy to maintain your running schedule, so you run it all the time.  Or, maybe you hate to run outdoors and you own a treadmill that you run on for an hour each day.  

So, listen up runners, I’m speaking to you: Do you automatically roll out of bed, lace up the shoes and head out for the obligatory three-mile loop or jump on the treadmill?  Are you still as enamored with it as the first time you ran it?  I bet not.  Has your running routine become a chore or a necessary evil?   You have the power to get out of your repetitious rut and mix up the run.

As a runner, not only should you try new locations, but you should also try new surfaces and incorporate new techniques.  Better yet, throw in some cross-training as well to switch up your techniques.  I know, you are a runner, so you just run. Why would you take a spin class, hot yoga, or strength train at a gym?  This goes back to the old saying:  variety is the spice of life.  Varying your fitness routine is essential to become a well-rounded runner.  Here are four reasons why you should diversify your training and how to add a little ginger to your jog.

1.      Achieve Results.

The definition of insanity, according to Albert Einstein, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.   In most cases this would be true; however, I am going to throw a monkey wrench in Einstein’s theory here. Even if you are just looking to maintain your current fitness level, you can’t do it with the same old routine.  Your body becomes efficient at your chosen exercise routine when it is repeated over and over. Your muscle memory decreases the amount of effort necessary and expended, thus decreasing your calorie burn.  So, in this case, doing the same thing over and over again eventually will not have the same result!

You must switch up the training by adding something new and cranking up the intensity:
·         Go a little farther or a little faster on your run, or do both.
·         Make one of your runs a tempo run.  Add-in some intervals or hill repeats.
·         Pick one run a week and make that run longer, building by no more than 10% from week to week.

By adding any one or all three of these tips to your running routine, you will achieve new and improved results.

2.      Muscle Activation.

Running on different surfaces, or cycling, or even working out on the elliptical machine at your gym will activate a variety of new and different muscles. If your body is use to running on the treadmill, increase the incline or take a run through your local park. If you are a trail runner, try mountain biking.  When you start to vary your terrain, add inclines and descents, cross-train, or even run in different shoes you increase your strength and activate muscles you may not be currently using.  For example, swimming is a great full body workout with impact.  Believe it or not, upper body and core strength are important for a runner and swimming is a good way to help you achieve an all over strength gain.  You can also incorporate strength or resistance training into your daily routine.  This will make you stronger, fatigue less quickly and become more toned.  After a strength training session, your body burns a lot of calories and needs additional energy to repair the muscle tissue just broken down, therefore, you will increase your metabolism.

3.   Fight Boredom – Stay Motivated.

This step doesn’t require much explanation.   Doing the same fitness routine over and over can get mighty tedious.  Diversifying your training will increase overall fitness level and will motivated you to run as well.

4.        Reduce Injury.

Running can lead to over-use injuries because of the repetitive nature of the sport and the impact of activity level on leg muscles and joints.  Instead of engaging in running   multiple times during the week, hop on a bike or hit the pool.  You’ll still get the aerobic workout, but you will be employing new muscles with less impact.

Now that you know why and how to diversify your training routine, stay committed!  The best way to do this is to sign up for a race and initiate the process today.  If you’ve never entered a race, sign up for one.  If you run races throughout the year, register for one that is a little bit different than your usual type. Switch up your race running by signing up for a Thanksgiving Day run like the Dana Point Turkey Trot (www.turkeytrot.com), or perhaps a trail race, triathlon, or even a marathon?

Good luck and keep on running!

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….
 
 To learn more about the Dana Point Turkey Trot and to sign up, visit www.turkeytrot.com.

Welcome To OC thanks SuperMoms360.com for their timely blog contribution featuring these awesome Halloween treats! Yum!

Halloween is just one wicked week away! Are you ready for your kid’s classroom party? Your little ghouls and goblins want sweet & spirited treats but you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.

Boo Brownies - An easy but festive treat to bring to your child’s classroom party or family Halloween celebration.

Wickedly Easy Witch Hats - Need a quick treat to bring to your child’s classroom party? This festive recipe can be done in less than 15 minutes!

Perfect Pumpkin Apples - These decorative treats can be used all season long.  Add a jack-o-lantern face for Halloween or keep them simple for Thanksgiving or fall parties.

Halloween Hummus - A healthy treat to bring to class parties or just to enjoy!

Visit the Holiday Fun section on SuperMoms360.com and find quick and easy recipes & crafts to make your contribution spooktacular! Register on our site to get the latest Holiday Fun tips and ideas.

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….

Thanksgiving Day Run Rolls Out Improved Race Course, Two-Day Expo and Finish Line Festival for Orange County Runners!

DANA POINT, Calif. – October 19, 2011 – The Dana Point Turkey Trot, a Southern California tradition, has announced a wide array of race enhancements for the upcoming 34th annual Thanksgiving Day run. Organizers of the Dana Point Turkey Trot, including the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and RUN Racing, have joined together as a team to incorporate participants’ feedback, offering runners what is expected to be the biggest and best race to date. Nearly half of the participants to date are running in the Dana Point Turkey Trot for the first time.

The 2011 Turkey Trot race enhancements include wave starts based on anticipated race times to alleviate congestion, stroller-specific wave starts, and widening of the lane for the finish-line shoot. And for the first time, every Dana Point Turkey Trot participant will receive a finisher medal. In addition, the Dana Point Turkey Trot will host a two-day health and fitness expo and finish line festival for all participants. The health and fitness expo, held on November 23 and 24, will offer an abundance of exhibitor booths that will include the latest and greatest the fitness and health industry has to offer, as well as industry expert speakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about topics ranging from proper shoe fitting and nutrition, and will even have the chance to get a book signed by Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

“The Dana Point Turkey Trot takes pride in listening to our participants’ feedback and continuously making enhancements to make each year better than the previous,” said Russell Kerr, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to work with RUN Racing to create the biggest race we’ve had yet. Whether working on personal fitness goals, encouraging your kids to get active, checking out the latest advancements in health and fitness at our two-day expo, or giving back to the community, the Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for the entire family to enjoy.”

Attracting more than 16,000 participants each year to its 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Gobble Wobble, the Dana Point Turkey Trot was named “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs” by Fitness Magazine. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is still accepting sponsors for this year’s event, ranging from title sponsorship and Friends of the Turkey Trot, to expo exhibitors and race t-shirt sponsorships. Organizations will reach tens of thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy in Orange County.

For more information about the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com and follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. Turkey Trot participants and supporters are encouraged to download the Dana Point Turkey Trot Cause Layout at http://www.causelayouts.com/DanaPointTurkeyTrot/. For every original download of the Facebook layout, $1 will be donated to the Dana Point Turkey Trot.

About the 34th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot:

Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in partnership with RUN Racing, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot in the country. Named one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, in its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo. Featuring scenic routes through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot offers something for every member of the family. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event and a 2011 USATF Southern California Championship 10K Race. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is helping to fundraise for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment, accepting donations for each through the on-line registration. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is currently offering a registration discount to all active duty Camp Pendleton Marines, as well as a Thanksgiving Day dinner for the 5th Marine Regiment personnel and their families. For more information, to register for a race, or to become a sponsor, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com.

And for more about the beautiful city of Dana Point, visit Orange County Resource Guide.com.