3 Compelling Reasons for Running Barefoot

3 Compelling Reasons for Running Barefoot

By now probably most if not all of you have heard of the song “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. But how many of you have heard of or read the book “Born To Run”? In this book, the author, Christopher McDougall told the story of how his love of running led him to the reclusive Tarahumara tribe of Mexico who can run hundreds of miles in skimpy sandals made out of rubber tire. Inspired by this story, I decided to train running barefoot for my upcoming Rock’n'Roll half marathon.

Why did I elect to run barefoot? There are numerous reasons but for me the three main benefits are:

Fun, Fit and Injury Free.

In the past, I rarely associate Fun with running. It was the hard work I had to endure to keep up with my fitness regime or to get rid of the 500 calories crème brulee that I enthusiastically consumed the night before. But for the Tarahumara, they have a blast when they run like the wind through the canyons. For them running isn’t work or punishment for eating. I have now discovered the same joy. Running barefoot helps me stay grounded and connected with my environment, and also bring back childhood memories of running barefooted through puddles of water after a rain storm or chasing my friends barefooted through grass fields near my house. And now running barefoot on the the scenic trails of Tahoe and Truckee is a delightful adventure for me.

Keeping my feet in tip top shape is the second reason that I adopt running barefoot. Most running shoes have thick cushioning soles. Without the thick cushion on the heels, your Achilles tendon and calf muscle get to stretch and lengthen. Muscles, Tendons & Ligaments in your feet also get stronger and your balance will also improve. I can tell that my ankles had gotten a lot stronger since I started running barefoot.

Last but not least, Running Barefoot will help reduce the injuries that are often associated with running such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, knee pains, Achilles tendinitis. How? The barefoot runners learn to run  on the balls of their feet instead of hammering down on their heels.  Landing on the forefoot also allows your arches to act as natural shock absorbers, thereby preventing a lot of injuries associated with high impact running. I have not incurred any ankle sprains or plantar fasciitis since adopting barefoot running.

I have to confess that I don’t totally go bare. Since I live in Truckee and run mostly on trails, I have been wearing the barefoot style shoes which have a very thin sole and no cushioning whatsoever. My Merrell Pace Glove shoes are very flexible and allow me to connect to the earth intimately without having to endure the pain of stepping on twigs and sharp rocks. A lot of shoes company now have minimalist style running shoes to accommodate runners who want to run barefoot style but not comfortable going bare 100%… like me.

Having fun and getting fit without injuries are the 3 compelling reasons for me to embrace running barefoot. I hope by now I have convinced you to give barefoot running a try. However, a word of caution, start out slowly and make sure you practice the right techniques. If you take time to build up the strength in your muscles to form a good foundation, I have no doubt that running barefoot style will transform your run into a highly enjoyable activity.

And don’t forget to get yourself a copy of “Born To Run”. It is a delightful read and you may discover that you were “Born to run” after all.

 7/29/2011 Update: Today I ran 5 miles on the Alder Creek trail with my sister, Mai Nguyen and my friend, Hien Larson. It took me an hour and 15 min. My time has been improving with every run and thanks to the “barefoot running technique” and Merrell Pace Glove shoes…I have not had any injuries. I know that the shoes had saved me from some ankle sprains. I slipped on loose rocks and twigs a few times but due to the sensitivity of the thin sole, I quickly corrected my steps and continued merrily on my run. The trail has been beautiful with orange wild Columbine, Indian paintbrush, white California Corn flower, yellow Mule ears, white Yarrow,  purple Lupine,…are all in blooms. If you have a chance, come to the high Sierra and train for your upcoming races. Not only you can enjoy the beautiful scenery but you also gain the advantage of high altitude training

 

 

 

 

 

August 2011 Calendar of Events for Tahoe Truckee

August 2011 Calendar of Events for Tahoe Truckee

I was late in posting July Calendar of Events this month so I am making up by posting the August Calendar of Events extra early this time so you will not miss any summer fun events while visiting Lake Tahoe & Truckee. There are a lot of great music venues such as Lake Tahoe Music Festival so make sure you buy tickets early. This year Lake Tahoe Music Festival is held exclusively in The Village at Northstar in Truckee. Many famous artists are performing this summer: Blues Traveler, Colbie Caillat, Michael Bolton. You can buy tickets online so check out the calendar of events and come enjoy our four season resort

July 2011 Calendar of Events for Tahoe Truckee

July 2011 Calendar of Events for Tahoe Truckee

There are a lot of events happening in Lake Tahoe & Truckee. Besides hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing…we also have a lot of festivals. Here is a calendar of events for the month of July:

 If you have any questions or want more information on Summer fun events in Lake Tahoe, Truckee…you can email Ann at anguyen@dicksonrealty.com

Log Cabin Home in Truckee CA

 Log Cabin Home in Truckee CA

10171 Alder Creek Road, Sugar Pine Estates ~Truckee CA

I recently listed a  log cabin home in Sugar Pine Estates which is my neighborhood. Sugar Pine Estates is a subdivision in Truckee with lots ranging from 5 acres and more. The neighborhood is very friendly with people taking turn  hosting parties annually on fun holidays such as Cinco De Mayo, Superbowl, Winter Solstice,…We also have progressive dinner party with different household hosting various courses ranging from healthy salads, savory soups, delicious entree to scrumptious deserts.

This custom log cabin home sits on 9 acres and is just a few minutes from historical downtown Truckee. It has gorgeous mountain views that you can see from its wrap around deck circling the house.

This solidly built mountain log home has hand peeled spruce
logs with a wedge notch. The logs are 12 inches in diameter minimum. In the
wintertime, you can relax in the great room with fire blazing in a two story
rock fireplace.

Living in the mountain means you want to enjoy the outdoors as much as the
indoors. In this comfortable mountain log home, that is easily
done. One can cook in the bright kitchen or eat at the dining nook while taking
in the views through the large bay windows. The cozy dining area also has large
windows looking out to a forest of pine & fir trees.

The master suite and a bright, airy loft occupy their own private space on
the third floor. The master bathroom includes a Jacuzzi tub and a separate
shower. Two guest bedrooms are tucked in their own wing for privacy. A spacious
family/recreation room is on the bottom floor with its own bathroom. This is a
truly multipurpose room that will easily fit all your toys and accommodate more
guest sleeping quarters or you can also convert this room into a second master
suite.

This mountain log home for sale is centrally located even
though it sits on a large acreage parcel. Emigrant trail is out of your door for
hiking, mountain biking activities. Prosser Lake is a few minutes away, I have
had many fun kayaking trips with friends & neighbors there including some
full moon kayaking. In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding at
Northstar, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Boreal or Tahoe Donner, if
you choose just put on your cross country skis or snowshoes & go right from
your front door.

Looking for a vacation  mountain home or a primary home in a secluded yet
convenient location, this custom log cabin home is a perfect choice. This virtual
tour will take you through the home & show you what a special property
this is.

Now priced at $899,000

Contact Ann at 530-545-3458 or email Ann at anguyen@dicksonrealty.com for more information on this special home.

Originally posted at http://activerain.com/blogsview/2242437/mountain-log-home-for-sale-in-truckee-ca

Tahoe Mountain Club Now Open to Everyone

Tahoe Mountain Club Now Open to Everyone

Tahoe Mountain Club membership is no longer exclusive to homeowners of Old Greenwood, Gray’s Crossing or The Village of Northstar. Now anyone who loves the Tahoe lifestyle can join the club.

Acquiring Tahoe Mountain Club membership means that you can enjoy all the amenities below:

The Pavilion at Old Greenwood: Members ’ only Swim, Tennis and Fitness Center, Game Room, Bearfoot Bar & Grill, The Retreat Spa, Kid’s Camp, Bear Necessities Market…available Year-Round

Alpine Club : Members’ only Ski Valet, Storage, and Lounge in The Village At Northstar

Schaffer’s Camp: Members’ only On-mountain Dining at Northstar with private dining, ski-in/ski-out

Old Greenwood Golf: Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Golf Digest Top 100 Course, Outdoor Terrace Grill

The Golf Club at Gray’s Crossing: Jacobsen/Hard Golf Course, Preferred Member pricing, Priority Tee Time, PJ’s Bar & Grill, Swim & Fitness Upgrade available

The Golf Academy at Old Greenwood: Northern California Finest Learning Facility, 15-acre training complex, Lessons & Clinics, Junior Camps, directed by Keith Lyford who is top 100 Teacher

Wild Goose: Lakeside Dining on the Shores of Lake Tahoe, semi-private dining, preferred member pricing

Wild Goose II: 36’ Grand Craft Commuter Boat on Lake Tahoe, Brunch cruises, Lunch cruises, Dinner cruises, Cocktail cruises, Thunderbird Lodge cruise, availabe for Private Charter

Four-Season Family Fun: Member Events, Kids Camps, New Year’s Eve Party, Summer Carnival, Monthly Member Mixers. Kids’ & Family Mixers, Tennis & Aquatics Programs, Hiking, Biking & Kayaking, Golf Tournaments, Oktoberfest, Member Ski Days, Kids’ Drop-off Camp, Kids’ Camp Nights and MORE!

2011 Membership Rates for Tahoe Mountain Club:

Initiation Fee: $7,500 (reduced from $35,000)

Membership Dues: $350 per month

Tahoe Mountain Club has one of the best Extended Family Access Plan

Extended Family is defined as the vertical relationships of grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. Members may register their extended family members and their spouses and children with the Club Membership office on an annual basis. An annual registration fee of $100 will be billed at the time of registration for each extended family member and their family.

The registered extended family member and their immediate family will have unaccompanied access to the Club’s Private facilities, as follows:

Schaffer’s Camp: No additional fees

Alpine Club: Daily/Weekly fees apply

Pavilion at Old Greenwood: Daily/Weekly fees apply

An Extended Family Access card will be issued to each registered adult.

The Club will determine on an annual basis specific blackout dates when unaccompanied access will not be available, particularly during peak holiday periods, such as Fourthof July and Christmas Holiday week.

Extended Family Access: $100 annual fee

Unaccompanied Pavilion Access: Must be pre-registered

Daily $10/person – $40 max/family

Weekly $50/person – $200 max/family

I think this is a tremendous opportunity for homeowners who prefer to live outside these resort communities but still want the outstanding amenities that Tahoe Mountain Club offers.

For more information on how to obtain Tahoe Mountain Club membership, please contact Ann Nguyen at 530-545-3458 or email Ann at anguyen@dicksonrealty.com

 

 

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