Categories: Local

Running to Get in Shape for 2013? 3 Orange County Locations to Run

So your New Year’s Resolution for 2013 is to start running and get in shape? Well if you are an Orange County resident, or even if you live near the OC, you are in luck. Here are great ideas on where to run and staying motivated.

Getting started

A nice thing about running is that it is easy to get started. No expensive gym membership needed. The most important thing is to get a good pair of running shoes that fit you well. Try on several pairs, test them out, and do not go cheap. Your feet will thank you for it later.

Finding a place to run

Once you have your shoes and you are ready to run, you need a place to hit the pavement. There are several great and scenic places to go running throughout the county. Here are a few examples:

Huntington Beach Trail. This paved trail extends for nearly 10 miles along the beach. Access it from several locations between Beach Boulevard and Warner Avenue. Ocean breezes will help to keep you cool as you jog along the sand.
Mile Square Park. Located in Fountain Valley, this huge park really is one mile in length on each side. This is a great tool for you to know how far you are running. There is a large parking lot that can be accessed from Brookhurst Street.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. If you want to vary your routine add some nature to your runs, this park is a challenging and scenic place to do it. Access the parking lot from Alicia Parkway just south of Aliso Creek Road.

Staying motivated. A key element in any workout program is having the motivation to keep going and continuing to get into shape. One way do to this is to participate in a race. It is a wonderful feeling and achievement to complete your first race. If you are just starting out on your running program, a 5K race is a great starting point and goal for most people. Fortunately, OC has several great races in 2013 to choose from.

Run Seal Beach. 5K and 10K options for this race scheduled on April 13, 2013. This scenic beach community is a great location for a run. Both races finish at the Seal Beach Pier. Be sure to register early. The race is limited to 5,500 participants and can sell out before race day.
Wahoo’s OC 5K. Scheduled for May 5, 2013 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Run on the same day as the OC Marathon and shares the same finish line as the marathon. A nice race route through the fairgrounds and Orange Coast College.
Corona del Mar Scenic 5k. This race is scheduled for June 1, 2013. Ocean views and sea breezes highlight this race. Combine this race with the Seal Beach 5K and track your progress between April and June. If you have been keeping up with your running you should see a nice improvement in your race time.

Now that you have some information and hopefully some motivation, it is time to put on those running shoes and get outside. Good luck and happy trails.