Famous View By: Ruben Porras/ModestoFamous

There is a cool breeze blowing through the open door of Serrano Social club this morning and I am really glad to be here. One of these days the staff here will figure outthat I use this place as my office to save myself from renting one. Actually, I’m pretty sure they know that and they just don’t care. That’s what I love about downtown Modesto the most – People stick together and look out for one another.

It is hard to believe that May is already here but it is nice to see the weather warm up and more people take to the streets to support local business efforts. I was downtown last night for the Third Thursday Artwalk and I also took in Nuts game with some friends. We really enjoyed the vibe at the game. It is always nice to see the mascots with kids and listen to the crack of a bat just before the roar of the crowd.

May in Modesto will be busy. Everyone should be able to find something to do to keep them busy. Outdoor events in May are especially fun because the weather tends tostay mild before the heat of summer really sets in.

I never seem to really know where I will be every month but I try to get out as much as possible. The diversity of events scheduled in Modesto never fails to impress me.

This month I will break out my sombrero for the Cinco de Mayo parade on Crows Landing Road, eat way too much ice cream every Friday night at Loard’s while listening to music at the Tenth Street Plaza, get lost in a crowd during Hot Latin Nights outside of the Palladium on May 5th, fall in love right along Romeo and Juliet at the Gallo Center for the Arts on May 14th and and enjoy the Family Cycling Festival downtown on May 19th.

I know moreevents will pop up and I will do what I can to cover them and inform you about them.

If all goes well I will be moving into a funky little apartment at the Heart of downtown Modesto this month. I tell people daily how much I love this city and I plan on living up to that message. The McHenry Mansion will be the first thing I see everymorning as I head out my door and walk over to Serrano Social Club for coffee and that will be the boost I need to make every single day positive and exciting.

Life is good in Modesto. Sure, we go through ups and downs like any other place but I have never seen so many good people rally together for a common goal. I’m proud to call myself a Modestan and I don’t see that pride diminishing.

Have a great May out there!

Get in touch with me on Twitter as @ModestoFamous or send me email to r.porras@me.com.

TheseBoots Are Made For Walking

At age 64, Kathleen Hackett, a retired schoolteacher and cancer survivor has foundsatisfaction in walking as part of her healthy lifestyle journey. She’s been a member at Curves gym since January of 2005 and currently has over 1100 workouts under her belt. Kathleen is an extraordinary woman and a fighter. In 2007 she started The Triumph Fitness Program (offered by Memorial Medical Center Cancer Services) that helped her incorporate weight training twice a week for 10 weeks and from there she gradually transitioned to The Triumph walking group. Since then she’s been a part of every Triumph Walking Group acting as a mentor cancer survivor to those who are new to the Team Challenge program. Team Challenge is a group for runners and walkers, who are not necessarily cancer survivors. In 2009-2010 she trained with Team Challenge for The Modesto Marathon in which she walked the half-marathon in 3:36. Impressive? You bet!

As a cancer survivor Kathleen has been going full force since her last chemotherapy in June of 1993. Back then she was diagnosed with inflammatory breastcancer, which is rare and very aggressive. It’s been nearly 19 years since and she credits her blessings to the awesome doctors and unwavering support from her family and friends. Kathleen shared with me that staying positively motivated helped, and it came from her years as a schoolteacher at Mark Twain Junior High. Back then the students and the staff all shared the feeling that she was having a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young people, and that kept her motivated.

That motivation has kept her strong in her recovery as well as in her everyday healthy lifestyle. Kathleen currently is a volunteer for ACS, Stanislaus Special Olympics, Howard Training Center, and Triumph Walking. She’s also on the board of the Sylvan Improvement Club, the Newporter Homeowners Association and The Stanislaus Division of the California Retired Teachers Association. After all of her volunteer work, she still manages to get her boots on and dish out walking 15 to 20 miles a week. Kathleen admitted to me that she’s not much of a runner and the NordicTrack Treadmill just wasn’t her thing, but walking is. She enjoys being outside as well as being in the company of others and quite frankly, walking is just easier on her body. But, just for the record Modesto View readers, Kathleen is no slowpoke when it comes to charity runs. She currently holds several placement medals in charity races such as Andrew’s Run for the Children, The Cancer Awareness Run and Ride along with several “completion” medals, awarded by The Shadow Chase Running Club that honor cancer survivors for their efforts and achievements. As I said above,Kathleen is an extraordinary woman. Heck! Rumor has it that she can even bust a few dance moves in her Jazzercise classes at Curves.

These Boots Are Made For Walking Continued for on-line Modesto View

As mentioned previously, Kathleen is no sissy when it comes to getting out andracing, even if her race has some walking involved in some cold weather. InDecember of 2011 she jumped in The Spirit of Giving Run and did quite well.Back 2010 Kathleen completed the half marathon at Modesto’s first Marathon and even though she prefers 5 & a 10k race, although another half isn’t out of the question. For Kathleen, speed isn’t as important as trying to improve over a previous time. So when is the next big race I asked, her reply was that she didn’t have any races planned in the near future but was defiantly looking forward to volunteering again for the 2012 Modesto Marathon.

In conclusion, I asked Kathleen on what advice she could give some of us who might be turned off when it comes to fitness and to share what worked for her in her fight against cancer. • Making time for fitness “Efren, I really enjoy the feeling of being part of group striving for a goal. The goal doesn’t have to be the same for all of us; if you achieve your goal, then you can be a winner even if you don’t cross the finish line with everyone else. I like being a part of a team preparing for a race, and I love the team spirit that assures you that no matter when you finish, a teammate will be at the finish line to applaud your accomplishment.”

• As a cancer survivor, what inspirational message would you share with those struggling with this horrible disease?

“When I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in November of 1992, my prognosis was not good. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to look far for help. My friends and family were always there for me, but at times I still felt alone and was sure that no one really understood. Then I joined a breast cancer support group offered by the American Cancer Society. In the group I met many wonderful people who understood and in spite of the fact they were struggling, offered me their love and support. I guess I do well with groups. I try to offer that same support to the cancer survivors in The Triumph Walking group and to the cancer patients I drive to doctor appointments. If they ask, I share as much of my story as they want to hear. There are no guarantees or “sure things” when it comes to cancer treatment and survival, but you can improve the quality of your life by taking control as much as possible. Thecancer survivors who join Triumph are trying to regain some control of their health/life and in some instances, are making connections with other people who care and understand what they are going through. Together, we offer each other comfort and support and love.”

Below are few links to help you get you walking to a healthier lifestyle. Young at Heart www.healthyagingassociation.org Ph# (209) 523-2800 Triumph Fitness Program/Team Challenge www.triumphfitnessprogram.com Shadow Chase Running/Walking Club www.shadowchase.org

FitView By Efren Martinez Modesto’s Marathon Man

As a teacher, he’s well liked by his students, as a runner, he’s a marvel to his fellow runners. Just the sight of him at any race can gets his competitor’s heart rates up. At 37 years young, Jon Olsen isn’t new to running, he’s been running for over 12 years and it showed last year with his 1st place win overall for the 2nd time at The 2nd Annual Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon. In my book, that makes him The Modesto Marathon Man.

For Jon, running a Marathon is like any other day of training. Jon runs 6 days a week or 24/26 days a month. On the average, his weekday training consists of 10/20 miles and 20/30 miles on the weekends. The weather is never a problem because in his own words, “the weather is never poor enough not to get a run in.” What Jon shared with me here will help anyone, whatever your fitness quest might be.

I asked Jon if he would ever consider running on a treadmill and much to my surprise, he said yes. Some runners despise treadmills, so I was excited to hear why. His answer was the hills. Modesto wasn’t born with any so it gives him the necessary training he needs to tackle any up hill or for that matter any down hill grade in a race. Downhill? I guess he’s rigged his treadmill so that he’s not only able to run uphill, but also downhill. Hardcore? You bet.

Back in 2007 Jon entered a 24-hour race and ran 111 miles. He has also has successfully finished ten 100-mile races. Just recently he raced The Tahoe Rim 100 Mile Race and finished 3rd overall in a time of 21:27 and in February won the Rocky Road 100 Miler in Orange County’s Cota De Caza in a blazing 13:14.

So you see, running a marathon to Jon is just like another training day because distance is his thing and he prefers longer races. His favorite distance is 50 miles or 100k races, although he does like running an occasional marathon because it allows him to run fast. According to Jon, there is something to be said for being able to put the pedal to the floor and just go. In most of his races, you are on cruise control and trying to conserve as much energy as possible but in a marathon, its full throttle. My goodness, so are we feeling inspired yet?

No doubt in my mind this man is an amazing runner and all around good guy. With that being said, I went on to ask him about injuries. In every runner’s career there are and always will be an injury, its part of the game. I asked Jon how he copes with injuries and looking for a Superman kind of answer, I got just what I asked for. Jon had foot surgery back in July of 2009 and the healing process took a couple of years. He was able to run and sometimes when he ran, the foot pain always lingered and he would have segments of times that he couldn’t run. At first he had a tough time getting through this, and if you’re a dedicated runner, you know exactly what I’m referring to. Jon shared with me that he was able to get through this with the help of one his church pastors who helped him improve his relationship with God and after that everything fell into place. Since then, injuries and time off don’t bother him anymore. There you have it, a hardcore runner with the Superman answer I was looking for, Marvel! Want to find out more about what it takes to be a Modesto Marathon Champ. Log onto The Modesto View Magazine website to get Jon’s nutrition habits, where he will be racing next, his preferred running shoe and much more valuable insight from Jon in his own words.

Marathon Man Continued

So, we’ve learned much about Jon’s will and his amazing feats he has completed as a runner, so what about his nutrition? What is it  about the mentality of a man that can run for 24 hours covering over 100 plus miles in a race? In any sport, having the right nutrition is the key. Its simple, eat a Twinkie run like a Twinkie. Thus, Twinkie’s can’t run so instead I invite you to take note on what consists of Jon Olsen nutrition that has helped make him a two-time Champion of The Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon in 2010 & 2011.

As a Tri-Athlete myself, I have learned the importance of what types of food are best prior to and afterwards in a Triathlon but honestly, I was eager to get Jon’s take on what his typical eating habits are prior to an endurance race. Jon shared with me that he’s on a heavy protein/vegetable diet with strategic carbohydrates with fruit and tubers thrown in. With this particular nutrition, he tells me that he has never felt better. He recovers faster and he’s dropped more weight, which his mother has freaked out because Jon’s naturally a thin man to begin with and getting thinner doesn’t sound too healthy. With mom’s that’s understandable because it’s just a mother’s protective love that’s taking over. Jon also has cut out wheat and white flour and sugar, corn syrup from his diet as much as he humanly can.

Injuries:

As Jon mentioned, he wasn’t able to cope with injuries very well at first but with the help of his faith he practices, it all fit well just like the right pair of running shoes. Jon’s preferred running shoe would be Saucony but he’s had his sights on New Balance because the company has started to make some lighter more flexible shoe for efficient running.

Music:

Surprisingly, Jon prefers not to run with an iPod, he try’s not to train with one too often because he feels that it prepares him better mentally to run without one, then on race day he will use an iPod for part of the race where they are allowed.

Preparation:
Prior to race day Jon likes to plan ahead the night before and he will generally lay out all the stuff he needs for an easy morning to get out the door to make his way to the start line. Some of his preparations that night consist of having his bib number on his shorts ready to go and he will usually set at least two alarm clocks just to make sure he will not oversleep.  Ready set go?  Not quite yet, the morning of a race he’ll have a little oatmeal, half a cup of coffee, and one VESPA (nutritional supplement). The hydration he needed started a few days ago and having a tall glass of water the morning of the race wouldn’t be a good idea according to any endurance athlete unless your looking to have a few restroom pit stops during the race.

Like the hydration, the fuel Jon needs was put in his body a couple of days ago prior to race day.  Jon’s typical dinner the night before would be Protein but that is it. If it’s a long run, he will also make sure to consume some carbohydrates. His preferred carbohydrates the night prior would be berries and whipping cream after his Protein meal.

Recovery!

I asked Jon what he enjoys after the race for recovery or perhaps just as an indulgent. Jon and I aren’t to far off on this. I personally enjoy a chocolate milk shake and Jon’s target at the recovery station after a race would be Chocolate milk and a lot of it! For whatever reason’s, that’s what his body craves than soon after his stomach has calmed down, he’s also been known to enjoy a good cheeseburger.

This is the advice of a champion and I’m taking it for what its worth. He is a champion and after studying his record I was more then impressed. Some of Jon’s personal best times are 5k-16:18, ½ marathon: 1:19, Marathon: 2:39, 50k: 3:35, 50 mile: 5:47, 100k: 7:12, 100 mile:15:31.

Impressive? You bet, and by now you must be thinking, wow, this guy really loves to run and sure, he does but he also loves what he does for a living.  He’s very much into his job. Jon’s a math teacher at a Modesto City School and in Jon’s own words, “I LOVE IT! I love interacting with the kids and teaching a subject that is so fascinating! Can you imagine our world without numbers? I try to pass that passion down to the kids. And in turn the kids make me a better teacher, father, and overall person.”

I have to agree here Modesto View Readers, Jon is a better person indeed for that and I would like to add a great role model as well. In conclusion, I asked Jon to share a few words with our readers who can’t seem to find the time to get in some fitness.

“You can always make time if it is a priority. Find an athletic activity you enjoy and just do it. Get your friends involved too; At Prescott Middle School, where I teach, we have the Teens Run Modesto Program, which helps train kids to run the Modesto Full or Half Marathon. These kids bring their friends out and they motivate each other four days a week on their training runs to get better. It has now become a tradition at our school that already had a great tradition of producing good runners. Just like adults, kids like to be challenged and the kids see running a half or full marathon as a challenge that they would like to take on.”

Look for Jon Olsen this year at these Races:

Rocky Road 100-mile February 18^th/19^th

Modesto Marathon March 18^th

Sonoma 50 Mile April 14^th

100k World Cup Race (Italy) April 22^nd Note! (He was named second alternate to the US 100k World Cup Team, so this is up in the air depending on whether two U.S. team members don’t travel.)

Don’t miss seeing Jon Olsen and other fantastic runners from our area at the 3^rd Annual Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon on March 18^th 2012 for more information log onto www.modestomarathon.com

Fit View By Efren Martinez

Can’t Touch This

When you meet Barbara Miller for the first time, you meet what we all see up front, which is a polite and soft-spoken person on the outside. But when you run with her, you get a feeling of amazement and MC Hammer’s “You Can’t Touch This”. Barbara’s 72 years young and is what I consider a local running Hero. She’s been featured in Runner’sWorld, Running Times and was just recently on the cover of Norcal Running Magazine. Barbara has also received The USATF Outstanding Athlete Award for her age division 8 times. She was Runner’s World Female Master of the year at age 60 and in 2009 she was United StatesTrack & Field (USTAF) Pacific Association Master Female runner of the year. In 2000, she was the SOS Female Outstanding Athlete of the year, which includes all sports and all age divisions. There’s more, but I’m sure you’re getting the picture post card/video here, “You Can’t Touch This.”

Like I said, when you first meet Barbara, she’s polite, soft-spoken and by all means a very humble person. Her running accomplishments includes setting a world record at The Boston Marathon at the age of 60 with a time of 3:11:57 and she currently holds the Boston course record for her age division. She also has set other American records in the 5K, 8K, 10K, 12K, half marathon and marathon. She started to put up world records in the 55-59 age divisions and has continued all the way to her current age division 70-74. Some of her records have been broken, but she still holds records in several distances. The one she’s most proud of is her Boston half marathon record at age 60. She ran it in 1:29:49 and as far as she knows it hasn’t been broken. Barbara has been running for over 30 years and is an active runner and still races. In fact, she has signed up for a 4-mile race in Sacramento in February and a half marathon in March. She also plans to compete in the Buzz Oates Series in Sacramento. This is a series (13 in all) of races ranging from the 5K to the Half Marathon. She will also compete in some PA/USTAF races mostly in the Bay Area and of course, some of our local races. Yes, Modesto View Readers, “You Can’t Touch This.”

I asked Barbara what advice could she share with our young people today that find themselves too busy for exercise? She replied, “Just do it! You will feel better for it. Being physically fit really raises your quality of life. When you feel good about yourself it spills over into all aspects of your life. Your self-esteem goes up. Your confidence goes up, etc. You do not have to run to stay fit and healthy, but you do need to exercise everyday and make healthy food choices. Running is a personal choice for me. It has been a complete life changer. I feel blessed to have been able to travel to so many places and have so many running friends all over the United States. But, if running is not for you, do something that makes you move and keeps you happy and physically active. Your life will be much better for it.” In memory of Doug Braasch

Modesto View Readers, you can meet and greet our World Record Super Star running sensation on February 5th at The Super Sunday Relay’s in Modesto. This is a fast and scenic two-mile loop through a community park. Each of the three-person team will run the loop once. Individuals can choose to run the loop three times for the entire six-mile time. This is its only race like this locally and there are plenty of chances to win awards (given to top 3 in each age division) & raffle prizes. Get your family and friends together and form a fun Relay Team. For more information log onto www.cvrunning.com/super_sunday.htm or www.shadowchase.org or call 209-986-8446 email info@cvrunning.com

StreetView By: Ruben Porras – Modesto Famous

This is the second article in our series of features about folks that live right here in Modesto that our readers have expressed interest in. This month we sat downwith Randall Padilla who was recognized by Guinness Book of World Records in2010 for being the world’s fastest guitarist. Padilla has since endured some wild ups and downs but has reappeared in love, full of faith, hope and promise and best of all- Ready to rock!

MF: There must be a good reason why you are referred to as “The Official Monster Guitarist.” Tell me about what you accomplished in 2009. Do you still hold the record?

RP: I was recorded playing exactly 6 notes per beat at 235bpm, or 23.5 notes per second. At the time I was considered the world’s fastest guitarist. I no longer hold the record but that is a blessing in a way. When you are noted for something in particular you are often stereotyped. To break the record I was asked to play “Flight of the Butterfly.” I was frankly tired of getting requests to play the same song over and overagain.

MF: You have been under the radar a bit lately. Have you been doing anything in particular to keep your hat in the ring?

RP: I demonstrate guitars for Kona guitars at the National Association of Music Merchants event held in L.A. annually. This allowed me to meet inspirationssuch as Carlos Santana and Joe Satriani. I have also met musicians such as Lita Ford and Michael G. who I plan to collaborate with on my upcoming album. Locally, I give free lessons on Comcast channel 23 every Tues. at 8pm and Thurs. at 9 pm. The show is designed to give kids a chance to get free guitar lessons but anyone is welcome to watch and learn.

MF: Where can locals find you now? Are you still giving lessons?

RP: I am really all over the map lately. I will be opening Modesto Advanced Guitar Instruction in February. I also continue to pump out books, DVDs, online columns and magazine articles. I am also teaching lessons online at shredacademy.com and shredaholic.com.

MF: You mentioned that you try to promote positive organizations that you really believe in. Tell me more about that.

RP: I was a foster child from ages 4-18. I dedicate my life now to giving back to programs involved with foster children, animal rights and veterans. I believe that God put me here as his tool and gave me a talent and an audience. I feel like it is a duty not to squander the fame and the audience that I have developed.

MF: You seem pretty happy. I have followed you on Facebook through some pretty dark times. What turned it all around?

RP: A failed relationship and a new dedicated life partner added the fuel to a fire that has sparked a new sense of creativity and purpose. Life has never been this positive for me.

Follow Padilla on FB for updates at http://tinyurl.com/monster209

Photo caption- Padilla credits his girlfriend, Tysh Baria with his most recent success. Heclaims that she is the only thing that he has ever held tighter than a guitar.

FamousView By: Ruben Porras aka Modesto Famous

It’s a quiet gloomy Saturday afternoon as I sit and write this and it is nice to take some time to just breathe. It feels like I have really been on the go quite a bit lately and I seem to constantly be busy doing one thing or another.

Last night I attended an event at The Fruit Yard hosted by Dana Johnson and Kendall-Jackson wines and had a great time. You can catch Johnson on Fox 40 news cooking up her self-created tasty dishes or read her monthlycolumn here in our magazine.

These are the types of events that I hope to see more of inModesto. It was really good to see the community come together and enjoy a great meal and some time together.

Life being back in Modesto has had its up and downs but things have been more positive than negative. I really enjoy having a voice in this publication and online to share what I come across during my daily adventures.

This month in my Street View column I focus on local talent, Randall Padilla. Padilla was recognized as the world’s fastest guitarist by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010 and will be opening the doors on a new instructional studio in Modesto soon. This is the sort of talent that we need to support locally. I learned a great deal by sitting down and chatting it up with Padilla.

February in Modesto should be a lot of fun as we head into spring and summer. I am most excited about catching rock icons, Social Distortion at the Modesto Centre Plaza on Valentine’s Day and hitting the streets for Tresetti’s annual Fat Tuesday bash. This year’s Fat Tuesday party will be headlined by Flying Blind who is making a big splash after a long absence from the spotlight. It is awesome to see them strap the guitars back on and continue providing a soundtrack for Modesto.

Keep an eye on our event calendar at www.modestoview.com for daily updates about events that we are made aware of. Growing this calendar is high on our priority list. There was one Thursday in January that we had 20music events listed on one busy Thursday night. That is what we like to see! If you need help promoting an event be sure to email us at events@modestoview.com. We will do everything we can to help you out.

Have some fun this month in Modesto. Visit the Gallo Centerwebsite and see all they have going on. They have everything from a tribute to the Rat Pack to the return of the world-famous Taiko Drummers on tap. The State Theatre has a long list of indie films, a tribute to Led Zeppelin and appearances by legends such as Ronnie Montrose scheduled. You should not bebored at all this month.

As always, feel free to email me at r.porras@me.com or buzz me on the old Twitter machine. I tweet as @Modestofamous.

Fit View By Efren Martinez

The Good The Bad & The Ugly

Happy New Year everyone, 2011 was a great fitness year for Modesto with opportunities for fitness, fun and healthy living. Here is the run down of some of our fantastic local races I was able to participate in 2011.

Don Osborne Memorial Run: Oakdale This event is generally the start of my racing season, the weather can be unpredictable but the course isn’t. Start the year on in the competitive frame of mind.

Almond Blossom Run: Ripon A very well organized race, it offers two courses, the1-mile race and the 8K. It’s always been a must race for the year.

Henry’s March: Turlock Everyone Loves Henry and it shows by the amount of people who show up for this run. It’s at Stan State University and the 2 courses are within The University. It’s a good family fun event from The Turlock Running Club is always right on.

Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon: No two ways about it, a year in planning went into The 2nd Annual Modesto Marathon; but nobody expected on having hurricane force winds and rains the night before the event last year. Just the same, the organizers made the best of it including this DJ/Entertainer.

Run for Health: Modesto I love this race! It happens in The Spring and as many of you know, I’m a sunshine kind of guy. It takes place at Dry Creek Park in Modesto and the course is just as friendly as the people who attend it.

Chocolate Festival Run: Oakdale Who doesn’t love Chocolate and Running? It’s a good race, well organized and you get a free entry of fun to The Oakdale Chocolate Festival. Weather is usually nice and warm.

Park Fete: Escalon This screaming fast race happens in Escalon and it’s grown in popularity. Starts kind of early, but that’s a must to beat the heat. A good run followed by a fun festival.

Cancer Awareness Run & Ride: Modesto My favorite race of the year! We get to run or ride our bikes for cancer awareness. The plus side of this event, it’s a huge festival that brings in as many as 3000 people. Not all of them run or ride it, but they do take advantage of the free health information available. Friends, if youjust do one race next year, you have to do this one. It’s super sized good.

Wine and Cheese Run: Riverbank The timing was right on, the course was well covered and outside of running low on water for the runners last year no complaints here. But, please keep me in mind for next years race Shadow Chasers, rumor has it that I have an amazing sound system that will bring the party to life like K’TEL’s “Mr. Microphone” did back in the 80’s

Turkey Trot: Modesto It’s always a full turnout, but this year I couldn’t stop thinking of that song after the race by Carly Simon, “Nobody does it better” The organizers did do another fantastic job, but I would have preferred that the crowds where sectioned off from the finish line, a few got in my way during my sprint, but it’s a good fun family race and they got the job done.

Spirit of Giving Run: Modesto Trained for this run all year long, not because I wanted to out run the other adult racers, but more so to out run the kids. Ultimately I didn’t race this event at all as rumor has it that The Grinch and the Event DJ are one in the same and the Grinch had to run away fast after the kicks to the shins The Grinch received from the children at The Turkey Trot Run and his scolding from Santa. Heaven help The Grinch if these kids ever catch him. A great race to end the year on.

Looking back at all the races I entered in 2011; a nice thought entered my soul, when we enter a race/run, we not only get the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle but with each race we run, we also help out the non-profit that benefits from these races. ModestoView readers, I’ll ask you to take this thought into The New Year. Keep your faith strong in fitness and remember, when you enter a local run, you are not only giving yourself a healthy heartbeat but also helping much of the need in our communities.

So they’re you have it! It’s all good with the only “ugly” here being the weather. As for the “bad”, well that’s on me because I wasn’t able to race in all the races I wanted to last year. For more information and the 2012 dates of these races and others, log onto www.shadowchase.org or www.active.com/

Modesto's Robert House

Five Questions w/ Robert House by ModestoFamous

This is the first article in a series that we have planned that will feature local folks that we see almost daily but do not know much about.

Robert House is the madman that rides his unicycle on McHenry Avenue every day. It was nice to chat with him a bit. There is a storied history behind this single-wheeled street pirate that is quite interesting.

MF: How long have you been doing this? Some people remember you doing this as far back as the 90s. What got you started and motivated to really never want to stop?
House: I have been riding daily in Modesto for 15 years. I was trained by an old friend and as soon as he showed me the ropes I knew that I would want to keep on riding for as long as I could. Learning to ride and balance was like getting set on fire. I was hot for it right away! My firstride was from Yosemite to Briggsmore on a unicycle I bought for $5 at a yard sale.

MF: What is the craziest thing that has happened to you on the road?
House: People are crazy! I have things thrown at me all the time. I have been soaked with Big Gulps, coated in egg yolk and almost knocked over by shoes. I really hate classic Converse Chuck Taylor’s. They seem to be thrown at me the most.

MF: How many unicycles have you ridden over the years? Do you have a fantasy cycle that you would love to own one day? House: I have ridden six different unicycles over the last 15 years. I would love to own a Torker unicycle if I can sav

e the $280 to makethat happen. I’d like to have a shot at the 96 mile record one of these days.

MF: People are curious to know more about you. What is the one thing that you would really like them to know?
House: I carry a photo of my friend, mentor and teacher, Terry Don Vanaman in my wallet wherever I go. I ride for Terry more than I ride for myself. He died this year on April 20th after a battle with Cancer. I miss him but I plan to honor his memory every day that I can.

MF: Give it to me in one line. Tell me what really keeps you motivated to keep riding in the heat, cold and rain. Tell me why you don’t stop.

House: It’s pretty simple- McHenry Ave is my stage and I want to dance all over it.

Fit View

By Efren Martinez

You Run Like A Girl!

Since as long as I can remember, I have heard this bogus phrase more often than once. Regardless, running like a girl would be OK for me as long as I could run like Ali Klikna. Recently she showed me, along with everyone else at this year’s Cancer Run and Ride, how a girl can run competitively.

I have been a DJ in our Modesto area for over 21 years and was there to Entertainer the Event. Not only did I have the pleasure of providing the beats along with some silly antics, but thanks to my wife for taking over on the sound system, I was able to jump in the 2-mile race and I do mean jump in, “every which way but loose” and it was quite noticeable that a silly explosion of crazy neon had taken over methat morning. As I was about to make my way over to the start line I looked over at my wife and said play one of my15-minute mixes I’ll be right back. But, as I approached the start line overly enthused and busting out at the seams, my friend reached over and said, “you know your blowing off loads of race energy” Oh my goodness, he’s right. Suddenly I glanced over at my wife with a smile and yelled, “make it a 20-minute mix!”

At the sound of GO it was time to get our race on and we all took off like rockets ready to kick some fitness Astronauts. Well, almost all of us, there was one runner who held back and that was Ali. As our race started, I fired it up in the lead and surprisingly stayed there at a comfortable pace and after about a mile into the run, I felt even better so I dug in hard and took a bigger lead for the reminder of the race. Well, it was all about the home stretch and out of nowhere came this girl, this lady, with her inspiration of how a girl can run. As I was approaching the finish line, I felt good, I felt strong, unbeatable and it was all my race. Then Ali showed me what girl power is all about. As she approached me from behind, I heard her breath in my ears and before I knew it I was chasing her shadow. I was blown away seconds from the finish line and instantly I thought. Wow! This lady’s got it going on, she had saved some for the finish and proved to be a smarter and a faster runner than me. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you 1^st place over all, Ali Klikna!

After the race, I quickly went over to Ali to congratulate her on a great race and as for me; I had just ran the fastest 2-mile of my life with a time of 11:33. Sure I was thrilled, but honestly a bit bruised competitively. But, as I have learned from the best and my thoughts rapidly turned to find out what makes Ali so darn fast. Sure she had great running form and was smart enough to hold some back for the push at the end. Eager to learn, I asked her. Well, it turns out that she used to run for The University of Santa Barbara and currently holds The University record for the 800 meters with a time of 2:10.81, which is the 5^th all time record at UCSB. WOW! So this would explain why she’s so screaming fast. She’s had some of the best training in the world. But wait, here’s the most inspirational part of Ali. As I was getting into her advice, her husband walked over with a stroller, she then reached down to care for her newborn babies. Yes, I said babies as in plural. That’s all for me folks! This is one incredible lady. I was thrilled to have learned that she had recently given birth to two beautiful twins 6 months ago. OMG! Hands down, she’s not only a talented runner but she also serves to all those expecting mothers out there that it isn’t the end of your fitness competitiveness once you’ve decide to give the gift of life. Mothers to be, Ali as my witness, it can be just as thrilling afterwards on any race day with a win over all. So in conclusion, running like a girl might get a bad rap from some, but as far as I’m concerned, running like a girl like Ali, is something I wouldn’t mind being compared to. Congratulations Ali for placing 1^st over all with a time of 11:26 and serving me a side of 2^nd place. I’m cool with it because this old dude who took home the Masters Award got more out of this race than any other and thanks to you, it’s now my best foot race I have ever raced.

FitView

By Efren Martinez

Weight Loss & Shaved Legs?

When you look at Brian, it’s more than noticeable how much weight he’s lost recently and it only makes his handsome shaved head more attractive, but his legs too? More on that here after a bit; I met Brian 2 years ago at Fun Sport Bikes in Modesto when I was looking for a new road bike, he knows bikes and he dialed me in with a perfect bike for my Triathlons.  With just a few recent modifications, I’ve increased my speed quite a bit from my earlier days when I first started riding with him.  Back then he was weighing in at 204lbs and yet, he was still very fast on a road bike. In fact, I struggled to pass him on the road.  For the longest time, I studied his form, his bike, as well as his pace on how he was always able to tackle a hill and always come out on top first. I was totally intrigued and I couldn’t figure out how such a heavy man could be so fast on a bike, especially uphill. Well, just recently I paid him a visit and much to my surprise he was thinner, like 35lbs thinner! WOW! He looked great including all of his handsome self and his shaved head too. I asked him, how did you do it? His reply, “Efren, it was as easy as riding a bike”. OK sure, but after having my own experience with weight loss weighing in at over 300lbs not too long ago, I just knew that there had to be more to it than just riding his bike.

Just the same, I knew that there would be no keeping up with him now. He was fast before, now he’s screaming fast and recently he started racing. In fact he just completed his first bike race and did very well. Out of 40 racers, he placed 16^th. Not bad for his first race. Still, the fact that he is and always has been so fast on a bike amazed me. As time went by, I stared to study his persona. What makes this guy strong, what makes this guy go, what makes this guy fast? Well if you know Brian, you know that he’s a great guy and in a ride he will make sure you’re OK if you break down before he goes on. Still, after much thought on this, it came to me! Perhaps it’s his handsome shaved head. Less hair makes him more aerodynamic, it just makes sense right. Well, no. Not really, we all wear helmets so in theory we are kind of riding with shaved heads. All of us even the ladies. I’ll stop there just to save some of us the thought of your wife riding next to you bald as Mr. Clean. Oops! Sorry, damage done, picture painted in your mind now.

Anyway, after some more deep thought on Brian, I came up with the only possible explanation,  it has to be his legs. Muscular? Sure. But shaved legs too, hmm? Those of us who know Brian knows that his email address starts with shaved legs. So could that his secret on why he is so fast? So sleek, so aerodynamic, zero drag. Ridiculous, sure and honestly I can’t really say, I have never checked out his legs for razor burn. But, you can bet your sweet Astronauts that I will be paying more attention on what peddles his bike and will find out eventually. Does Brian really shave his legs for faster speeds on his bike or, is it still something else that only can be answered by Brian himself outside of my own silly mentality Twilight Zone of bicycle racing. Well whatever the case may be, you too can ask him personally about his fast speeds and weight loss at the next Ride To Cure Cancer on October 16^th 2011.  This is his 7^th year he’s produced this event that benefits The Triumph Program at Memorial Medical Center. The rides consist of a 25, 50, or 75-mile bicycle ride. The Event will have rest stops, sag support and a great lunch provided by Mexicali Grill.

For more information please contact Brian Zahra at Funsport Bikes 209-523-2700. You can sign up for the ride at Funsport Bikes or go to Active.com and type in “ride to cure cancer” in the Modesto area. If you can’t make that one, look for him at The 35^th Annual Wine & Cheese Century Ride in Riverbank on October 9^th 2011.  That Event will have three routes, 106 miles, 100km & a 25-mile.  It’s a beautiful ride and for more information got to www.stancobike.org or register online at www.active.com