It’s always great when you find an event or product that...

It’s always great when you find an event or product that makes you feel proud to support and represent it. Honored to run for Team @nuunhydration and to be an official ambassador and pacer for @ocmarathon. It’s a great weekend! #teamnuun #ocmarathon #ambassador #pacer #beachcitieschallenge #running #nuunlove #asnailspace #furtherfasterforever #instarunners #werunsocial #costamesa #ocfair #orangecounty #maurrunning (at OC Marathon Health & Fitness Expo)

Run. Club. Love. #chasingnewport Lululemon - Fashion Island Much...

Run. Club. Love.
#chasingnewport
Lululemon - Fashion Island
Much more than a run club, a run family.
#running #lululemon #runclub #runfam #teamnuun #instarunners #werunsocial #furtherfasterforever #instarunners #gopro #newportbeach #balboaisland #orangecounty #maurrunning (at Lululemon Fashion Island)

In honor of my new #running focused account I wanted to do a...

In honor of my new #running focused account I wanted to do a giveaway for my followers! Since @ocmarathon was my first marathon, I am an ambassador for the race, AND a pacer, I would like to share the race with you all. I have a free entry to give away. If you’ve been procrastinating, were on the fence about signing up, or just feel like coming out and running a beautiful race with amazing views, here’s your chance! This is a free entry for the 2016 half marathon or marathon on 5/1/16! In addition to the race entry, I will also be giving away 2 tubes of lemon-lime @nuunhydration to the winner because I love to spread the #nuunlove. To enter you must complete the following:

1. Follow @maurruns, @ocmarathon, and @nuunhydration

2. Like & repost this photo with the caption:

“#runOCwithMAURRUNS - OC Marathon ambassador Adrian Mauricio (@maurruns) is giving away an entry to the OC marathon! Follow him for details.”

3. Tag 2 friends who you think should run the OC in the comments below!

A random winner will be chosen Friday night, 04/22/16.

Please note that this is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, OC Marathon or Nuun Hydration and that I am giving these out on my own accord. The winner will receive a comp code for the OC Marathon distance of their choice and should plan to meet me at the OC Marathon expo to receive the tube of Nuun. Good luck everyone!

#maurrunning #running #ocmarathon #beachcitieschallenge #surfcity #lbmarathon #nuunlove #orangecounty #newportbeach #costamesa #ocfair (at OC Marathon and Half Marathon)

I am taking it easy this week as it’s taper time for...

I am taking it easy this week as it’s taper time for #leonadivide50mile. A nice and easy 10 miler around the back bay with my run family. A special run because two valued members of our run family will be moving away this week. It was also nice to be back out on our usual route which also happens to be right on the @ocmarathon course. #running #leonadivide5050 #taper #teamnuun #chasingnewport #ocmarathon #newportbeach #backbay #orangecounty #maurrunning #rei1440project (at Upper Newport Bay)

Put in 9 miles and 1500 ft of elevation gain yesterday after...

Put in 9 miles and 1500 ft of elevation gain yesterday after running #rnrnola on Sunday. I’ll be needing more of these trail and back to back runs for Leona Divide. It was great to be back on the trails. #running #trailrunning #ultramarathon #training #teamnuun #nuunlove #altrarunning #outdoors #rei1440project #gopro #newportcoast #orangecounty #maurrunning #maurrunselfies (at El Moro Canyon)

Took the new shoes out for a spin yesterday. After much debate...

Took the new shoes out for a spin yesterday. After much debate and research, I decided to try out the @altrarunning Superior 2.0. The extra cushion will definitely be welcome during my 50 miler, but they still give a decent amount of ground feel. Hopefully the 3.0 will incorporate a @vibram sole like the Olympus and I’d be set. #running #trailrunning #ultrarunning #gear #shoes #altrarunning #superior #teamnuun #elmoro #newportcoast #newportbeach #crystalcove #orangecounty #maurrungear #maurrunning (at Pacific Ridge Trailhead)

Usually, we are traveling out and meeting up with our...

Usually, we are traveling out and meeting up with our #blacksheeprun family in various cities across the nation, but it was great having them in our neighborhood this time. Great times at @runsurfcity this weekend! #runfam #runsurfcity #surfcitymarathon #legacy #running #halfmarathon #pacer #teamnuun #nuunlove #beachcitieschallenge #huntingtonbeach #orangecounty #california #maurrunning #latergram (at Surf City USA Marathon & Half)

Surf City half marathon completed for the third time! Had so...

Surf City half marathon completed for the third time! Had so much fun pacing the 2:15 half. A beautiful day to run the beach. #running #runsurfcity #halfmarathon #pacer #asnailspace #teamnuun #nuunlove #huntingtonbeach #surfcity #orangecounty #california #maurfinishes #maurrunning #broncos (at Surf City USA Marathon & Half)

#teamnuun selfie during the @runsurfcity expo! Picked up some...

#teamnuun selfie during the @runsurfcity expo! Picked up some @nuunhydration tubes, a new hat, and chatted it up with some awesome people. Make sure to stop by the booth next week during the @lamarathon expo to try out the awesome new vegan/gluten free formula! #nuunlove #nuunbassador #hydration #nutrition #stayhydrated #runsurfcity #expo #running #halfmarathon #marathon #surfcity #huntingtonbeach #orangecounty (at Surf City USA Marathon & Half)

#teamnuun selfie during the @runsurfcity expo! Picked up some...

#teamnuun selfie during the @runsurfcity expo! Picked up some @nuunhydration tubes, a new hat, and chatted it up with some awesome people. Make sure to stop by the booth next week during the @lamarathon expo to try out the awesome new vegan/gluten free formula! #nuunlove #nuunbassador #hydration #nutrition #stayhydrated #runsurfcity #expo #running #halfmarathon #marathon #surfcity #huntingtonbeach #orangecounty (at Surf City USA Marathon & Half)

Great run this morning with the run fam as many of us are...

Great run this morning with the run fam as many of us are tapering down for @runsurfcity and/or @lamarathon. 10 fasted miles around the Newport Back Bay loop right at MAF. #heartratetraining #maf #lamarathon #training #unitela #ocmarathon #ambassador #fasted #running #teamnuun #nuunlove #newportbeach #backbay #orangecounty #gopro #maurrunning #maurrunselfies (at Newport Back Bay Loop)

First run of the year was a beautiful sunset run around one of...

First run of the year was a beautiful sunset run around one of my favorite sections of the Newport Back Bay. It was nice to get out there and just take in nature and think a bit. #running #training #lamarathon #ocmarathon #teamnuun #nuunbassador #garmin #newportbeach #backbay #orangecounty (at Upper Newport Bay)

It’s official! My first full marathon course and my...

It’s official! My first full marathon course and my “backyard” of running. It’s only fitting I am an ambassador for this great race! Come join me on May 1, 2016. #running #ocmarathon #ambassador #halfmarathon #marathon #orangecounty #newportbeach #costamesa #coronadelmar #fashionisland #southcoastplaza #nuunbassador #ocfair #beachcitieschallenge (at OC Marathon and Half Marathon)

#throwbackthursday birthday edition. The Bulldog 50K fell on my...

#throwbackthursday birthday edition. The Bulldog 50K fell on my birthday last year, but they do not allow Vibram Five Fingers, so I decided to run my own “50K”. 32 miles for 32 years. I created a route that connected all of my run clubs together. Starting at A Snail’s Pace in Mission Viejo, through the hills of Aliso to Laguna Beach, up PCH to Fashion Island (Lululemon/Nike), through the Back Bay (Sat run), and ending at South Coast Plaza (Nike). I had some friends who attempted to run the entire route with me, with various other friends jumping in and out at various check points throughout the day. It was such an amazing experience and still one of my more memorable birthday moments. Check the link in my profile for a link to the video. #tbt #running #ultramarathon #ultrarunning #nuunbassador #kttape #asnailspace #chasingnewport #werunoc #furtherfasterforever #vibramfivefingers #orangecounty #youtube

Always great to run the local races. Being able to run through...

Always great to run the local races. Being able to run through my run neighborhood and see all my friends along the way. From pacers to supporters and of course all my friends running. So fortunate to be a part of this amazing run community! #asnailspace #chasingnewport #lululemon #werunoc #roninrunners #furtherfasterforever #instarunners #running #ocmarathon #runtheoc #beachcitieschallenge #orangecounty (at OC Marathon and Half Marathon)

Ready to run the #ocmarathon tomorrow. Follow me to hit your 2...

Ready to run the #ocmarathon tomorrow. Follow me to hit your 2 hour half marathon goal! #running #halfmarathon #asnailspace #asprc #pacer #nuunbassador #nuunlove #runners #instarunners #furtherfasterforever #werunoc #chasingnewport #orangecounty #newportbeach #costamesa (at OC Marathon and Half Marathon)

Putting in 23 miles this beautiful morning for my longest run of...

Putting in 23 miles this beautiful morning for my longest run of LA marathon training. From Back Bay to Balboa to Irvine. #running #lowcarbrunner #lamarathon #training #vibramfivefingers #generationucan #nuun #nuunbassador #garmin #920xt #longrun #racingforacure #curearthritis #lululemon #orangecounty (at Newport Back Bay)

Sometimes you just have to pause the gps, stop, and take it all...

Sometimes you just have to pause the gps, stop, and take it all in. Taking in the amazing view of the south OC valley, Pacific ocean, Catalina and San Clemente islands. #running #trail #vibramfivefingers #garmin #nuunbassador #nuunlove #orangecounty #whitingranch (at Whiting Ranch)

Race Recap: Dana Point Turkey Trot (PR)

Yesterday, I ran the Dana Point Turkey Trot for the second time.

I really like the Dana Point Turkey Trot. It’s one of the biggest Turkey Trots in the US and attracts over 15000 runners for the various races. With that there are great sponsorships so the health and fitness expo before, during, and after is one of the better expos. Not to mention attracting a good amount of elite runners. On top of that, it’s one of the bigger events that my run club pushes, so there is always a good contingency of us Snails representing and running. Finally, the course is mostly flat with some gradual climbs and descents. It’s really a great PR course if you start in the first corral.

Last year, I opted to run the “combo” race, which entailed running the 10K and the 5K. I was originally going to sign up for the combo again, but I received a free entry into the 10K from my run club and decided that I would just focus on that. My goal was not just to PR, but to also break the 50 minute mark.

Coming into the race, I knew I had to average an 8:03 to hit 49:59. My original plan was to start at an 8 min mile and feel it out from there. I knew I could sustain 7:38 from my 5K PR earlier in the year. I was able to start in the first (of 3) corrals. I aligned myself towards the middle, as the runners up front were 5-6 min milers.

The race started and I started way too fast. Miles 1 and 2 clocked in at 7:30 and 7:22. There was a slight decline, and I took advantage of it, but I felt that I would pay for it later. Not to mention the initial rush and energy at the start. Mile 3 took a significant dip to 7:40. After Mile 3 I decided with such a fast start, as long as I didn’t go over 8 mins a mile, I would still hit my sub 50 goal, so Mile 4 and 5 came in at 7:49 and 7:56. At this point I wasn’t purposefully holding back, but was being limited by my own fitness. About quarter mile from the finish one of my favorite teammates caught up to me and pushed me to finish strong even though my stomach was screaming. I finished Mile 6 in 7:51 with a 7:12 ".2" push to cross the line.

I crushed my goal with an official time of 48:11. A 4 min PR from last year. I would have preferred a negative split, but I was happy to hit my goal and then some. I definitely need to pace better, and usually do with the longer races. We’ll see how the half marathon next week goes.

Nutrition wise, I did eat carbs the night before and that may have contributed to my stomach issues towards the end of the race. I probably should have stuck low carb as I’m used to, but I’m still weary about these shorter, higher paced races. I will have to work on this as well as my pacing.

In the end it was a great race and a PR. I won’t be top 10 in my age division anytime soon, but knowing I placed in the top 10% makes me feel pretty good.

Most importantly, it was good times spent with great running friends. A great way to start Thanksgiving.