\\\"\\\"

FresYes!

5 questions

Grab your Santa gear! Here’s your FresYes guide to December races

by Leave a Comment

Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

 

Combining fitness with festive holiday cheer—that’s the theme of the December race calendar. As always, FresYes is here with your monthly local race guide. So grab those running shoes and burn those holiday calories!

San Joaquin River Trail 50K & 100K

Date: Saturday, Dec. 1

Location: Friant, CA

Cost: 50K is $115. The 100K is $145. Registration ends Nov. 27.

Sign-up

This trail run, put on by San Joaquin Running, attracts racers from all over California. It’s very intense and designed for advanced runners. The course takes runners around Millerton Lake and along the San Joaquin River. There’s dirt, rocks, hills, tree roots, and lots of natural obstacles. There’s also a 5,500-foot elevation gain in the 50K race and 12,000-foot elevation gain in the 100K. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal and swag.

guide to December races 2018

Tulare FFA Tinsel 5k & 1-Mile Walk/Run

Date: Saturday, Dec. 1

Location: Tulare, CA

Cost: $25

Sign-up

This holiday-themed run takes place at the Tulare Outlet Center. Racers are asked to bring a new, unwrapped present to donate to the Salvation Army in Tulare County.

Jingle Bell Run Toys for Tots 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk/Run

Date: Saturday, Dec. 8

Location: Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno

Cost: $35. Price increases Dec. 1.

Sign-up

More than 3,000 people take part in this annual run benefiting Toys for Tots. Runners receive a Christmas-themed sweatshirt and jingle bells for their shoes. There will be post-race snacks like Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy. Those that do will receive a Santa hat. This is the final run in the Holiday Run Series.

guide to December races

Photo via Jingle Bell Run

Rockin’ Rudolph 5k Walk/Run & Kids’ Fun Run

Date: Sunday, Dec. 9

Location: Hanford, CA

Cost: Adults’ race is $30. Kids’ (12 & under) is $15.

Sign-up

This race benefits Adventist Health Central Valley Network and Hospice Services. Participants are asked to dress in festive holiday gear. Finisher’s medals will be handed out.

guide to December races 2018

Visalia Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots 5K Walk/Run & 2-Mile Walk

Date: Sunday, Dec. 9

Location: Mooney Park in Visalia, CA

Cost: $30

Sign-up

Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Those that do will receive a Santa hat. All participants will receive a sweatshirt, jingle bells and Christmas-themed cookie. The 5K portion is timed, the 2-mile is not.

 

A perfect fall day hike for the whole family

by Leave a Comment

Follow me

Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
Follow me

Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

 

Since our family first started going on day hikes, at this time of year the mountains start calling and I find myself searching for any weekend opportunity to answer. Living in Fresno affords us wonderful opportunities to travel to nearby hiking trails in not one but two national forests, Yosemite National Park, and—if you’re willing to drive a bit further—even beautiful coastal hikes like those in Los Osos and Morro Bay.

Last weekend the mountains called incessantly, so I opened up my trusty All Trails app (a free search tool for outdoor trails of all types) and started searching for kid-friendly, easy hiking trails under 7 miles and within an hour and a half of home. This is my typical search for when the whole family is going or there will be other kids joining us. I came across the Shaver Lake Trail, a two-mile-out-and-back trail suitable for all ages and leashed dogs. We packed our lunches and headed for the Sierra National Forest.

After visiting this trail, I feel it’s only fair I share it with you, as it was so enjoyable and offered a spectacular end point on the shore of the lake perfect for pictures and picnicking.

How to find Shaver Lake Trail

To get to the Shaver Lake Trail (which was just an hour and six minutes from our Fresno home), you’ll take the 41 freeway north to Friant Road, then take Friant north to Copper. At Copper turn right until Auberry Road, where you’ll make a left. Stay on Auberry Road into Shaver Lake (45-50 minutes of the drive) and then watch for Dinkey Creek Road, where you’ll turn right.

Follow Dinkey Creek to the Camp Chawanakee entrance and turn into it. You’ll be headed down a dirt road (well traveled and my Prius handled it with no issue) and watching for a metal gate on your right. Park in the small dirt area directly across from the gate. (For Google Map directions to the GPS coordinate of the trail head, click here.)

Tip: If you or little ones in your party need a restroom stop before you begin your hike, there are public restrooms in Shaver on the left-hand side of the road before you turn onto Dinkey Creek Road. Take advantage, as there aren’t other restrooms that we saw after that.

fall day hike

My husband kindly demonstrates where to park near the gate, which is seen on the right.

fall day hike

The trail is nice and wide as it starts

fall day hike

And it winds through the forest until it takes you to the shore of Shaver Lake

To begin your hike, start at the middle gate and follow the wide path, passing big piles of cut logs. You’ll see a few signs for other trails, but don’t veer off, just stay on the widest path. On your way to the lake, you’ll be heading gradually downhill. The path will weave through the woods a bit, and after approximately one mile, you’ll see Shaver Lake through the trees.

As you proceed just a bit further, you’ll also start seeing smaller paths from the main one leading to the shore. We passed a couple of steep paths and went down the third, which was easy to walk down, and enjoyed our lunch on the shore of the lake sitting on rocks. You’ll see a teepee made of branches on the shore and rocks, and you’ll enjoy a great view of the back of Shaver Lake. If you go when the weather is warm, you may want to take a swim or play in the water.

fall day hike

The view of the lake is peaceful and the shore calm and uncrowded

fall day hike

There are some great rocks for climbing on

fall day hike

And a neat teepee made of branches is set up on the sand

fall day hike

You can walk around the perimeter of the lake on the sand

The majority of the trail is at least partially shaded, though there are a few short stretches in full sun, which you notice more on the way back to your car, as you’re walking uphill. The incline isn’t intense by any means, but it is noticeable.

On our recent trip, we didn’t see a lot of wildlife, though we did see a wolf/hearty coyote(?) running in the distance from our car driving to the trail, and a number of very large birds flying into the trees near the lake. Oh, and a squirrel. We saw a squirrel which our son pointed out very excitedly (as though we don’t see them eating anything edible that dares grow in our yard on a daily basis).

If you’re looking for an easy, shorter hike that offers a big payoff in the way of lake views, the Shaver Lake Trail is sure to please. Carve out half a day soon, and head on up the mountain while the leaves are changing and before the weather gets cold. You won’t regret it!

fall day hike

My husband and kiddo, discussing erosion, plateaus, and how mountains form. Fun outdoor talks!

Here’s your FresYes guide to November races, runs, and walks

by Leave a Comment

Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

One of the Central Valley’s biggest races is taking place this weekend! It’s the center point of the FresYes November race calendar.

guide to november races

Two Cities Marathon, Half Marathon and Half Relay

When: Sunday, Nov. 4

Cost: Full marathon is $125, half marathon is $105, and the 5K is $55. Registration ends Friday, Nov. 2.

Sign-up

This is the BIG one! Many running enthusiasts have been gearing up for the Two Cities Marathon for months. The full marathon takes you through Fresno and Clovis. You’ll pass through Woodward Park, high-end neighborhoods, and Old Town Clovis. Supporters line the streets cheering runners on. For folks taking part in the half marathon, there’s both a Fresno and Clovis course to choose from. All finishers receive a medal, t-shirt, and sweatshirt. There’s post-race food, lively music, a beer garden, and an opportunity to get the kinks worked out with a free massage.

guide to november races

Pinnacle Pup 2 and 5 Mile Runs—Woodward Park

When: Saturday, Nov. 10

Cost: $30

Sign-up

Calling all dog owners, this is your chance to run with your pup. Dogs of all sizes are welcome. There are different heats for different sized four-legged friends. The race takes place at Fresno’s Woodward Park and supports local no-kill shelters.

guide to november races

Visalia Emergency Aid Council “Race Against Hunger” 5K Run, 2-mile walk and Kids ½-mile Fun Run

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Kids 12 and under, $15.

Sign-up

Give back this Thanksgiving by racing in support of the Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry. It’s the 14th year for this event, which helps raise funds to stock the pantry that aids low income families and individuals within the Visalia community.

guide to november races

Kings United Way Turkey Trot 5K—Hanford

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Registration ends November 19.

Sign-up

Kick off your Thanksgiving with a run through downtown Hanford. This Turkey Trot supports Kings United Way, an organization that gives to over a dozen area charities like Casa of Kings County, Children’s Storybook Garden and Paws & Claws. The top 20 male and female racers will receive a special medal.

guide to november races

Turkey Trot Fresno 5K Walk/Run and 2-mile Walk—Woodward Park

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Prices increase Thursday, Nov. 1.

Sign-up

This annual Thanksgiving race starts and ends at the Mountain View Shelter at Woodward Park. It’s a new course this year. The 5K is timed; the 2-mile walk is not. All participants will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and personal size pie. This race benefits the Central Community Food Bank. Parking is free at Woodward Park for this event. There will be a costume contest and award for the family with the most participants. The Turkey Trot is the 2nd race in the Holiday Run Series.

Tower Yoga is about balance, flexibility, and community

by Leave a Comment

Craig Scharton

I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.

Latest posts by Craig Scharton (see all)

 

Jameson Henkle, Kellee Williams, and Jas Singh have opened  Tower Yoga, a really great new yoga studio, in Fresno’s Tower District. The studio is on Wishon Ave., just north of the Tower Theatre, and is in the same building as Goldstein’s Mortuary and Delicatessen. 

To make sure I was thoroughly vetting this place for you, the FresYes reader, I recently attended three different types of classes with three separate instructors. I did a slow class with Jameson, then a Buti Yoga class with Jazmen Moore, then a 5:30 a.m. Sunrise Hot Yoga with Kellee.
 
The class with Jameson was interesting because my lower back was really sore and tight when I showed up. I was considering backing out because of it. But when I walked in, Jameson said, “We’re going to do a relaxing gentle yoga today to loosen our back muscles.” So, since he could apparently read my mind, I stayed and took the class. And it felt wonderful. Afterward, Jameson and I headed across Wishon to Hi-Top Coffee for coffee and avocado toast and to talk about the studio.
Tower Yoga

Jameson Henkle waits for me at the entrance to Tower Yoga, which is in the back of the building

 
The second class was really fun, although I’m pretty sure I’m not its target audience. If there had been a camera on me, it would’ve scored a huge number of views for my comedic performance. This was the Buti Yoga class, which is a very rhythmic, gyrate-your-hips-a-lot tribal dance and yoga combo class. I estimate that I smiled 80% of the time and only grimaced about 20%. My daughter-in-law Amanda really enjoys this class and it cracked her up just to know I tried it.
 
The third class is really the standard for this studio—hot yoga. According to an “ask the expert” article in the New York Times, hot yoga increases flexibility, you can bend much deeper, and you are much more aware of your breathing. Research says it improves balance, body strength, and range of motion, and might even improve arterial stiffness. Kellee, the instructor for this class, was also a great teacher.  
 
So what makes this yoga studio special? I really like any business or place that really embraces its community, and you can really feel the earnest love for building community when you walk in the door. The staff is very diverse and the community of students and practitioners was very diverse. This is important for something like yoga, which really had no commercial goal initially but has morphed into almost a country club atmosphere in many places, especially in the major metro cities. Tower Yoga feels like a place for young, old, rich, poor, expert or beginner.
 
Tower Yoga

The teaching staff at Tower Yoga

 
The best way to connect with Tower Yoga is through their app, which is available for iOS devices. It has their most up-to-date class schedule and you can sign up here. They also have a website and are on social media. Tower Yoga offers one week for free, so that you can give it a try. They also have community classes which are very inexpensive, in order to make sure this practice is available to everyone.
 
As for the physical space itself, it is still being built out but everything that’s been done so far looks great, very sleek and clean. They have bathrooms with showers in case you need to clean up before heading to work. Get there early for your first class to sign in and find the parking lot. The entrance is from the back, so it may be a little confusing the first time, but after that it’s really easy.
 
I plan on continuing. I’m only 57 but I know I need to be much more flexible and I want to keep my balance over the next part of life. Plus, it’s really fun even though it doesn’t come naturally to me. Give these folks a try. I love what they’re doing and they deserve our support and good wishes for their new business.

Valley Sweat Life presents Behind the Scenes: Old Town Yoga with Desiree Heckman

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

 

Since my transformation, during which I lost 135 pounds, fitness has become an important part of my life. So, as often as I can, I want to bring to you a bit of the motivation that drove me to change my habits.

My friend Heather McCann has started Valley Sweat Life, which is a resource for fitness information in the Central Valley. With her blessing, I post on FresYes.com some of her amazing stories and explorations of our fitness and health community. I encourage you to check out Heather’s site and follow Valley Sweat Life on Facebook and Instagram!

[The following was posted on Valley Sweat Life on May 24, 2018 and has been edited for clarity and formatting.]

Old Town Yoga Desiree

Behind the Scenes: Old Town Yoga with Desiree Heckman

By Valley Sweat Life

Desiree Heckman is a yoga teacher and the owner of Old Town Yoga in Clovis. She graduated from Fresno State with a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Counseling. When she is not practicing yoga, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and two young children.

Tell us a little about yourself, your business, how you sweat, and what you do when you’re not sweating.

I am a wife and mama to two sweet kiddos and together our family owns and operates Old Town Yoga. I am originally from Arizona but moved to Fresno with my family when I was 17. I attended Fresno State right after high school and earned my B.A. in Psychology and my M.S. in Counseling. It was there that I met my husband and it was really the launchpad for the life we’ve created together. Now, I cannot imagine calling anywhere else home.

The main way I sweat is through yoga, although I have been exploring acro yoga and climbing lately, as well. Outside of that, I love spending time with my family. One of our favorite things to do is take a bike ride to go eat lunch together.

How did you get started in yoga and what inspired you to open OTY? How has it evolved?

It is a long story because so much happened to get me here today, but it all happened in a very short period of time. I wrote about my journey in more detail on the Old Town Yoga blog, so if you want the entire story, check it out. If you want the short version, read on.

Old Town Yoga Desiree

I discovered yoga through Tone It Up (an online exercise program) in early 2014. I was nearly one year postpartum and I wanted to get back into shape. None of the other workouts in the program spoke to me like yoga did. I tiptoed my way deeper in the practice and continued to fall in love with it. I was unable to attend any of the local studios regularly because of time and money. I was a full-time stay-at-home mom and we were living on one income.

I cultivated my home practice until I became pregnant with my second. I was unable to practice yoga for most of my second pregnancy because of a pregnancy-related injury, and it made that pregnancy more challenging than I thought I could bear. At 38 weeks I decided I wanted to pursue a yoga teacher training so I could dive deeper into the physical practice after being on such a long break. I had yet to discover the multi-dimensional quality of a yoga practice and did not know how to access the benefits I was getting from the physical practice when I was off of my mat.

I found a teacher training that I knew I wanted to take, signed up immediately, and regretted it for the following three months until it started because I was so SCARED. My training was a 10-month process that challenged and shaped me into a version of myself I never expected to be. The process was so transformative I knew I had to bring that type of yoga experience to Clovis. I was still scared out of my mind, but I knew if I didn’t do it I would regret it for the rest of my life.

What changes have you made personally to excel in this?

Attending the teacher training was a big decision, but I truly believe it is the daily small decisions done repetitively that effect the most long-term change. I wake up early 5-6 days a week, and by early I mean 5:15 a.m. I make time for my yoga practice and to continue my education constantly. The amazing thing about this internet age is the access we have to experts all over the world. I am completing a training right now with the top two meditation teachers in the world and if it weren’t for the internet, there is no way I would have been able to do it.

old town yoga desiree

How do you balance it with the rest of your life?

It’s a moving target. So much has drastically changed for my family in the last 18 months that the balance is often very difficult. Pinpointing what are my three top priorities in a given week helps me stay focused on the big picture instead of drowning in the details of everything. When I feel overwhelmed by it all I try to think about how I would shape my life to look like if I had a terminal illness and just a few months to live. That brings things back into perspective very quickly.

What is your healthy living philosophy?

Moderation. EVERYTHING in moderation.

What makes Old Town Yoga unique?

Hands down, the community. The warmth and love that our teacher and students show to each other and to new students is irresistible.

The number one correlating factor to happiness is having a sense of belonging. That surpassed education, location, income, religion, and a number of other tested factors. Our world has become very disconnected from human to human interactions and having a place to feel that you are part of is a priceless gift. Our instructors are highly skilled, but their greatest strength is their ability to shower our students with love and connection.

old town yoga desiree

What’s next for you personally? What’s next for OTY?

A lot of personal self-work. I have been exploring my meditation practice more deeply, and learning to befriend yourself is some tough sh*t. I want to deepen that element of my yoga practice and continue spreading yoga in its entirety to as many people as possible.

I am co-teaching the next 200-hour teacher training that we are offering early next year, and I will be participating as a student in an advanced teacher training that we are starting this August. Continuous education is the name of the game for me. I find when I am doing that, the direction of my path continues to appear and guide me where I am supposed to go.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to come in to Old Town Yoga for the first time?

Don’t overthink it! If there is something in you that has wanted to try yoga, just do it. Find a class, commit to it and just get yourself to walk through our doors. Within five minutes you will know you made the right decision. I promise.

Here’s your FresYes guide to October races, runs & walks

by Leave a Comment

Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

 

October is jam-packed with local races. In my nearly two years of putting together the FresYes monthly guide to running events, I can’t remember a time when the calendar was this full! So, grab those running shoes and get movin’.

guide to October races

Harvest 5K Run & 3-Mile Walk—Visalia

When: Saturday, Oct. 6

Cost: 5K is $30, walk is $25.

Sign-up

Join Visalia Runners and Kaweah Delta Health Care District for a race benefiting children who have a parent battling cancer. Money raised from this run will go towards buying children’s Christmas presents.

Fowler Fall Festival 2-Mile Walk/Run—Fowler

When: Saturday, Oct. 6

Cost: $20

Sign-up

This family-friendly race at Panzak Park kicks off a day of fun in Fowler. The flat course race benefits the Fowler High School Redcats cross-country team. After you cross the finish line, stay for the annual Fowler Fall Festival parade.

Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure—Fresno

When: Sunday, Oct. 7

Cost: $35 for adults, kids (12 and under) – $15

Sign-up

This is the 20th year for this race that benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which conducts breast cancer research. The run is taking place this year at Chukchansi Park. There are both timed and non-timed options for racers.

Madera Free Fruit 5K Run/Walk—Madera

When: Sunday, Oct. 7

Cost: $25

Sign-up

The race starts and ends at Cedar Creek Senior Living and his hosted by Seva Organization. The event is meant to build community and promote wellness. Money raised will go to Kids Kasa.

Rabobank Fiesta 2-Mile Run/Walk & 5-Mile Run—Reedley

When: Saturday, Oct. 13

Cost: $28 for adults, kids (12 and under) – $6

Sign-up

Join the team at Rabobank for this 10th annual race that starts and ends in downtown Reedley. Awards will be given to the top finishers.

Striding Beyond Site 5K & 2-Mile Walk/Run—Fresno

When: Saturday, Oct. 13

Cost: $30

Sign-up

For the second year in a row, a very special event benefiting the Valley Center for the Blind is taking place at Woodward Park. This race offers guided and non-guided sign-up options. There is also a kids’ fun run planned.

Fresno Margarita 5K Walk/Run—Fresno

When: Saturday, Oct. 13

Cost: $20

Sign-up

It’s not just a race, but a party for folks 21 and over at Woodward Park at this evening run. There is a pre- and post-race party planned featuring margaritas, music, and more!

guide to October races

Family Carnival 5K Fun Run—Kingsburg

When: Sunday, Oct. 14

Cost: $35 for adults, kids (5-12) – $15

Sign-up

Join New Life Ministries for this family fun race and carnival. Your entry fee includes a t-shirt, corn dog, water, and carnival game tickets.

guide to October races

The Great Pumpkin Grove Pumpkin Run 5K—Sanger

When: Saturday, Oct. 20

Cost: $26 (prices increase Oct. 16)

Sign-up

Hobb’s Grove is known for its haunted attractions, but this scenic run through a pumpkin patch is much more G-rated. Participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and pumpkin to take home. If you’re up for a challenge you can take part in the Great Pumpkin Challenge and carry a pumpkin with you for the entire 5K run.

guide to October races

Monster Mash Dash Halloween Run 5K and Little Monster Dash—Fresno

When: Saturday, Oct. 27

Cost: $35 for adults, kids (9 and under) – $25

Sign-up

This run takes place in the beautiful Shinzen Friendship Garden at Woodward Park. Come in costume and be prepared for some festive fun. This is the first race in the 2018 Holiday Run Series. Participants will receive a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt and finisher’s medal.

Here’s your FresYes guide to September races, runs & walks

by Leave a Comment

Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

 

Believe it or not, there are just four months left in 2018. Now’s the time to burn some calories before the holidays hit.

There are plenty of upcoming races taking place around our area. As always here at FresYes we have a round-up of what’s happening! (If you’re looking for a run club to join, check out this post on Sierra Challenge Express.)

guide to september races

Pincushion 1-mile Hill Climb—Friant

When: Saturday, Sept. 8

Cost: $30 (prices increase Sept. 6)

Sign-up

This high elevation climb gets underway at the San Joaquin River Trailhead. Racers will face 1,034 feet of assent. A finisher’s award awaits you at the finish line.

guide to september races

Ryan Nunez coached cross-country at UC Merced

UC Merced Journey 5K Fund Run

When: Saturday, Sept. 8

Cost: $25 (prices increase day of race)

Sign-up

This race pays tribute to Ryan Nunez, the former head coach of the UC Merced men’s and women’s cross-country teams. He passed away in 2016 and a scholarship fund was set up in his name.

Kare for Kidney 2-mile, 5K & 10K walk/runs–Woodward Park

When: Saturday, Sept. 15

Cost: Adults $34. Kids 12 & under $15 (registration ends Sept. 13) 

Sign-up

The Fresno Nephrology Kidney Foundation organizes this race to raise awareness for kidney disease. Funds will go towards support groups and outreach program, and helping patients who need financial assistance.

Madtown 5K Run & 2-mile Walk—Madera

When: Saturday, Sept. 15

Cost: $25

Sign-up

Funds raised from this race will go towards helping middle school girls attend Tech Trek at Fresno State. The five-day camp will expose students to STEM. This run is organized by the American Association of University Women.

guide to September races

Smokey Bear Run 2-mile walk/run & 10K run—Bass Lake

When: Saturday, Sept. 22

Cost: $35 (prices increase day of race)

Sign-up

Head up to Bass Lake and enjoy the cool air and beautiful scenery at this annual race put on by the Mountain Area Runners organization. This family fun race has been taking place since 1986.

Shaver Lake Mile High Tri, Duathlon, 10K and 5K—Camp Edison

When: Saturday, Sept. 29

Cost: 10K is $30, 5K is $25. Kids 18 and under and seniors over 70 are $15. Prices increase Sept. 27. See website for Triathlon and Duathlon prices.

Sign-up

There will be multiple events taking place at Camp Edison for this annual outdoor extravaganza. There are sprint and Olympic triathlons, Aquabike, and Duathlons planned, as well as a 10K and 5K run.

Valley Sweat Life presents First Take: Run Club with Sierra Challenge Express

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

 

Since my transformation, during which I lost 135 pounds, fitness has become an important part of my life. So, as often as I can, I want to bring to you a bit of the motivation that drove me to change my habits.

My friend Heather McCann has started Valley Sweat Life, which is a resource for fitness information in the Central Valley. With her blessing, I post on FresYes.com some of her amazing stories and explorations of our fitness and health community. I encourage you to check out Heather’s site and follow Valley Sweat Life on Facebook and Instagram!

[The following was posted on Valley Sweat Life on June 12, 2018 and has been edited for clarity and formatting.]

First Take: Sierra Challenge Express Running Club

by Heather McCann

Coach Ray’s Top Tips for a Successful Run Club

sierra challenge exress

  1.  Dream big.
  2.  Keep it simple.
  3.  Water is the staff of life.
  4.  Your best effort is all I ask.
  5.  Run, walk, just move!

The Sierra Challenge Express Running Club calls itself a family. This is the most diverse fitness family I have ever been around, with a broad range of ages, fitness levels, and ethnic backgrounds.  

“We’re a little family, you know? That’s really it,” Coach Ray Knight shares while pushing someone else’s toddler in a stroller.  

“Somehow they come out to be abused, and they abuse me, and here we are. This is like our little home away from home.” Someone inches up behind us and Ray preps to heckle them. He knows everyone’s name.

sierra challenge express

The first time I go to run club, I’m nervous. I’m not a great runner. I sit in the car on a cold Sunday morning and wait until I see my friend Mara pull in. The group meets early on Saturdays and Sundays at the Parkview Shelter in Woodward Park, and Tuesday through Thursday at other locations. We park and gather right on time.

“Before meeting the group, I was kind of nervous but excited,” says Audrey Chavez after her first run with SCE. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but everyone was so friendly and supportive.”

We gather in a half circle around Coach Ray as he scans the group for new faces while making announcements. Coach Ray and I have spent some time together in the community and he makes a big to-do about me being here. I’m a mixture of embarrassed and flattered.

He sees a few other new faces and makes an equally big to-do about them being here. It turns out Coach Ray makes a big to-do about everyone being here. We are no more than four minutes into our morning and every person is smiling.

sierra challenge express

Coach Ray explains the training plan for the morning. Saturdays are longer runs and intervals, Sundays are usually hills. If you don’t know what he’s talking about, it’s okay. I follow along and hope I don’t hurt myself.  

Reverend Cornel says a prayer thanking God for bodies that move, health, and this beautiful world that brought us together. We’re now six minutes in and haven’t started running, but I’m connected, inspired, and frankly, hooked.

“I ran a little collegiately. I was a sprinter in the 200 and 400,” Coach Ray explains. “After that, I wanted to stay fit and eventually started distance running. Before you know it, we formed a group of people who shared the same philosophy and we all trained together in the late 70s.”

SCE became an official running group in 1999. They have over 500 members now and are able to support local non-profits and fund running scholarships.  

It’s hard to get a clear answer through the jokes and pranks as to how Coach Ray and Coach Rich Deveau joined forces to lead this group. I hear a story about fighting over the breakfast bill. I hear a story about Ray’s team beating Rich’s team in a race before they came together. I hear a story about Rich’s wife Pam having knee surgery and Ray driving her home amidst confused nurses. They have so many family stories.

“When I’m out running, I see very few people that have a frown on their face,” says Coach Rich. “They may not be smiling through the hurt but they’re not sad. There’s no depression out here. There’s a lot of support.”

sierra challenge express

Coach Ray Knight

This running group is unique in the way that we stay together for the first part of the morning. Coach directs us around loops or hills; walkers seem to take the shorter route but no one can really tell because we are always coming back together. The result is a group of people who feel successful and challenged in their training and connected to each other.

Eventually we break into the goal for the day. If you want to hang with the walkers and chat, you do. If you want to throw on your headphones and use the runner in front of you to drive you to your goals, you do.  

Each run lasts about one hour. There is no need to sign up to attend, but the club does ask that you become a member if you continue to come. The cost is $30 for the year to cover insurance and special events, and give you discounts to local races.

sierra challenge express

I have been back to run club three times since that first morning. I hadn’t run more than a mile or two in years but I’m up to six miles with the club. I’m pretty sure I’m part of the family. I’m game if they are.