1. Where is this Sunday’s run?

Barring torrential rain or wildfires in the area, the run will be as shown on the Schedule page of our website: http://trailrunnersclub.com/run_schedule.  The Club runs rain or shine.  Early and Main group arrival times at the trailhead are shown next to the run.  Click on a run to see a course description and directions to the trailhead.

If the run appears threatened by heavy rain or wildfires we will possibly cancel the run altogether or move the run to a safer location.  In these instances an e-mail message is sent to Club members and posted to our website.  We ask potential members to check the website the morning of the run or send us an e-mail to http://trailrunnersclub.com/contact 24 hours before the scheduled run requesting next day run information.

 

2. Where do I go to meet the group?

We prefer you meet us at our meeting place overlooking the Palisades High School track on the west side of Temescal Canyon Road between Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard to check you in for the morning run. However you can meet the group at the trailhead.  When you arrive at the trailhead please tell the group leader who you are so that he or she can check you in.  By adding you to the roster you will be accounted for and we will be able to check you off the roster upon your return to the trailhead.

For further details regarding the meeting place click on Run With Us on the homepage in the brown toolbar or click here: http://trailrunnersclub.com/run_with_us.  Scroll down to the section called Meeting Location.

 

3. What time should I meet the group?

Current meeting times for the two groups at Temescal Canyon Road are listed on the home page of th\is web site.  During the summer we meet 30 minutes earlier to attempt to beat the heat. 

If you prefer to meet the group at the trailhead the meeting times at the trailhead are shown on the Schedule page under Early Start and Main Start.

 

4. Should I run with the Early Group or Main Group?

As a gauge to compare to your ability, the members of the Early Group average about 9-12 minutes per mile.  Main Group members average 6-9 minutes per mile.  The Main group starts running 45 minutes after the Early group.  The idea is that all runners will theoretically finish the run at the same time.

We recommend that for your first run with us to run with the Early Group, particularly if you are new to running, trail running or uncertain of your pace on trails.  However if you are an established or elite runner or certain of your pace you are welcome to run with the Main Group.

 

5. I’m not sure if I’m ready to run the distance of your runs.  Can I run a shorter distance?

Yes of course!  Feel free to come out and try going out for a couple of miles and turning around.  You’ll likely be surprised how far you can run, as the typically lush scenery will spur you on.  The great camaraderie we have also motivates one to run a little further than they may be accustomed to.

 

6. How will I know where to go on the trails to avoid getting lost?

All of our runs are marked with white flour arrows.  Arrows are typically made with a single directional.  These are used for loop and point-to-point courses in which we do not return to any point along the run.  For keyhole courses in which there is an inner loop arrows will be marked with both directionals at the end of the loop portion to signify the “return” section of the course.

 

7.  The previous section didn’t make any sense.

We know.  It’s difficult to explain.  We think it will make more sense when you actually see it. 

 

8.  What should I carry with me on the run?

Though we will not force you we recommend that you carry water or some form of energy drink with you on the run.  If you don’t have a Camelbak or some sort of waist pack you can carry a water bottle in your hand.  The benefits of a waist pack are zipper compartments that typically give you space to keep a hat and gloves in cold weather, car keys, lip balm, energy gels, etc. in addition to freeing your hands of a water bottle.

 

9.  I’m concerned about the wildlife on the trails.  What can I expect to see?

In the Santa Monica Mountains there is a wide variety of wildlife.  You are most likely to see rabbits and deer, which of course pose no threat to humans (assumingly you aren’t interested in becoming a threat to them).  Coyotes and bobcats are also common and are afraid of humans.

There are six or seven known mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Despite what you may have heard mountain lions are extremely unlikely to attack humans.  If you see a mountain lion and it does not immediately flee get up on your tiptoes, raise your arms and make yourself tall to scare it away.

Additionally during the warm summer months it is possible for rattlesnakes to be in the vicinity of the trail.  If you see a rattlesnake on the trail stop and wait for it to leave the area.  Do not try to walk or run around it or jump over it. 

 

10.  OK that’s all fine and good but I’m still weary of running on the trails alone.  Can I have someone run with me?

Yes of course!  When you meet the group at the trailhead or Temescal Canyon meeting spot please tell the group leader that you are new and would like someone to run the course with you.

 

11.  How much is it to join Trail Runners Club and do I have to join the Club before my first run?

The full 12-month membership fee is $45.

You do not have to join the Club prior to your first run.  We invite you to run with us 2-3 times to see if you enjoy the Club.  After that time you can pay the membership fee and become an official Club member.

 

12. What else can I expect with Trail Runners Club other than a Sunday morning of running in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains?

We’re glad you asked!  The Sunday morning runs are just the start of things with Trail Runners Club.  Here’s what else you can expect:

 

13.  Wow that all sounds great.  What should I do now?

Go to our Run With Us page and read our Run Guidelines found on the left side of that page.  Then print out the Application/Waiver also found on the left side of the Run With Us page.  Fill out the Application/Waiver and bring it with you to your first run.

 

14.  Thanks that was really helpful information!  However I have more questions.  How can I ask them?

Feel free to send us a message by clicking on Contact Us on the brown toolbar on our homepage or by clicking here: http://trailrunnersclub.com/contact.  One of our Club members will answer your question(s) in a prompt manner.