Zombie Runner San Francisco Half Marathon race review.

This was my first Zoom Event and I am impressed for sure. If you are not familiar, Zoom is an off shoot of Coastal Trail Runs. The difference between the two is in the degree of difficulty for the races. Zoom is more geared toward the beginners or at least those who don't want gnarly rock and root strewn hills that climb to the heavens and back. Flatter courses with more paved bike paths and wide fire roads are the type of trail runs you get with Zoom. This particular event is sponsored by Zombie Runner, a running store/ coffee house in Palo Alto that is quite well known for both it's coffee and it's trail running-centric retail. I have shopped there many times and love the knowledgeable staff and great gear selection. It is the only place I know of that sells Ulrarunning Magazine, has running DVD's and is staffed by legit runners, not just regular retail people. For that reason I will make the special trip down to Palo Alto to give this locally owned shop my business. I vote with my dollars!

Crystal Springs Trail Run Half Marathon review

Coastal Trail Runs 8/10/13

Once again Coastal Trail Runs has put on another outstanding event and because of that reputation an outstanding field of competitors showed up to race. I showed up at about 8:15am for our 9am race. The line to get my bib was short and sweet and the line to get into the restroom was non-existent so with those two details out of the way I was free to do a few strides on the grassy hill of the start line while waiting for the time to pass. I noticed 3 or 4 guys hanging around and figured they would be at the front of the pack where I planned to be. I ran into a guy I had previously done a few weekend runs with and knowing his ability I counted him in the top ranks as well. The race announcements and course instructions were delivered at 5 minutes to 9:00 and all 128 of us were off and running at exactly the top of the hour.