My favorite places to go running in Tempe are around Tempe Town Lake and along the Western Canal. Both trails offer the choice of running on a paved path or on dirt. I prefer running on the dirt trail because it’s easier on my knees. After my run I am usually craving a yummy salad for dinner. A few of my favorite places to reward myself after a great run are La Bocca, California Pizza Kitchen, House of Tricks and Four Peaks Brewery.

If you are looking for a great running event, Tempe has several to choose from with varying difficulties:

Oktoberfest das Foot Race 5k Run / Walk – October 2, 2010
Women’s Half Marathon – November 11, 2010
Ford Ironman Arizona – November 21, 2010
P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon – January 16, 2010

There’s still time to start training for one of these amazing atheletics events, so put on your running shoes and enjoy the scenery that Tempe has to offer.

The public is welcome to watch the tournament and support our home team, ASU. Practice rounds for all teams begin at 7:30 am on Thursday, April 1. The first and second rounds of play will begin on Friday, April 2 at 7:30 am with continuous play throughout the day. The final round will begin at 7 am on Saturday, April 3.

If you haven’t been to ASU Karsten, this is your chance to see one of the best golf courses in town. It is a classic Pete Dye, links-style course.  Top PGA and LPGA TOUR professionals such as Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair, Grace Park and Anna Nordqvist sharpened their skills at this premier facility during their time at Arizona State University.

For more info, go to www.asukarsten.com. Go Sun Devils!

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim call Tempe Diablo Stadium home from March 4 through April 1. The Cactus League season, which includes 15 teams, officially begins on March 3 and ends on April 3. There will more than 200 games played in Arizona during the season. The Angels will face opponents such as the Cubs, the Giants, the Dodgers, the Brewers and for the first time this year, the Cincinnati Reds.

Tickets at Tempe Diablo Stadium start at just $6. All of the information that you need to plan a day at the ballpark or a trip to Arizona for baseball fun can be found at www.stayintempe.com, including complete game schedules, ticket information, hotel specials and more.

In closing, I’d love to know…what’s your favorite thing about spring training?

The marathons take place this Sunday, January 17; but, everyone can get into the spirit of the race ahead of time by attending the Health and Fitness Expo on January 15-16 at the Phoenix Convention Center. More than 130 exhibitors will be on hand with athletic clothing and gear, official race merchandise, souvenirs and food. There’s even tourism information for visitors who are not familiar with our area in booths hosted by the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

The P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon is just plain fun. When so many people are suffering through a brutally harsh winter, it’s great to be in this part of the world soaking up the sun and enjoying this fantastic frenzy of runners, fans and bands. Will you be there as a spectator, or as a participant in the race?

For more information on Tempe events, visit www.ExploreTempe.com and http://www.tempescene.com/.

Marathon runners begin their race at 7:40 a.m., while 1/2 marathon runners like myself start at 8:30 a.m. The excitement starts early for runners while they enjoy coffee, fruit and more at the Start Line Village before the race. Once the race begins, so does the non-stop entertainment! A variety of different bands line the course to keep the energy going. This race is not just fun for the runners, but also for the many spectators that come to watch their family members and friends compete.

Once the race is over, the runners and spectators can keep the fun going at the post-race headliner concert featuring Everclear! I will be excited for the final concert since at that point I will know that I have made it, and completed the 1/2 marathon! This year’s headliner concert will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Sun Angel Stadium, immediately following the race. The concert is free and open to the public so make sure to invite your friends!

If you plan to have friends or family meet you at the finish line make sure to check out the road closure information for race day too. It can be tricky getting around that day!

I’m super excited about my first 1/2 marathon – hopefully I make it to the finish line either running or walking – not crawling! Is anyone else running the marathon or 1/2 marathon? If so, I’d love to hear any tips you have for a first-timer!

In my humble opinion, Tempe is the perfect place for a college bowl game, especially on New Year’s Eve. Tempe is a spirited college town that knows how to roll out the welcome mat for visitors. At the Insight Bowl, fans will be able to attend pep rallies for their team in the Mill Avenue District, walk to the stadium for the big game and then, walk right into one of the country’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Fiesta Bowl Block Party is a fun-filled street party with live entertainment, activities for the whole family, fireworks displays and beer gardens.

The Insight Bowl kicks off at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The block party gates open at 5 p.m. For more details about these events, go to http://www.tempecvb.com/infopages/landing_insight.aspx.

May the best team win!

I know to the average person, myself included, think what these athletes do is almost unimaginable. After these athletes cross the finish line of the Ironman, they might also realize that they have just accomplished something they never thought imaginable. If you would like to do the unimaginable and participate in a future Ironman race go to http://www.ironmanarizona.com/ and check out some of the amazing athletes that have won past races.

I have been a volunteer at the Ford Ironman for the last two years and this event never ceases to amaze me. The dedicated athletes that train year round for this event are some of the nicest people you will meet from all around the world. Even after daunting mental and physical tasks of swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 24.6 miles, they were so absolutely appreciative for what we (the volunteers) were doing, I was truly amazed and inspired by the people I met.  Experiencing the energy of this event and being a part of it, though I was not as a participant but a volunteer, it is truly awe  inspiring. The last two years that I have volunteered at this event I almost been brought to tears by these athletes and what thy are able to do. It really makes you put things into perspective, if they can do this then….. well, whatever it is that you or I want to do, but don’t think we can in that moment and even after, really seems possible. If you would like to volunteer at this years Ford Ironman race fill out this form https://www.ironmancenter.com/volunteer/imarz/index.php on the website.

If you have been around Tempe in the last few weeks you have probably seen the signs posted in regards to traffic restrictions for the Ford Ironman this weekend. For more information on the traffic restrictions you can go to http://www.ironmanarizona.com/index.php and under Race Essentials there is a list of roads that will be closed all day Saturday November 22,2009.

The winner is determined by popular vote. Go to www.BestTennisTown.com to cast your vote. Votes will be taken through July 26. The winning city will be recognized during a special ceremony at the US Open. A win for Tempe would mean an award of $100,000, which would be used to further improve Tempe’s facilities and tennis programs. When it comes to building an active community, every little bit helps!

Cast your vote today!

• The Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts – March 27-29. More than 400 juried artists ranging from digital photography to jewelry will fill the Mill Avenue District. Enjoy the art, music and food!
• The Circle K Tempe Music Festival - April 3-4. The festival features multiple stages with over 30 bands including local, regional and national headliners, food booths and fun activities for kids.
• Pat’s Run – April 18. Join more than 20,000 runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators to celebrate and remember the life of Pat Tillman at Pat’s Run on April 18.
• 6th Annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival – March 28-29. Cheer on your favorite cardboard boat at the Rotary River Rally and The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta on April 17-18.
• My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge - April 25. More than 25,000 salsa lovers are expected to come and taste 90 different recipes and vote for the best.

Spring training has officially sprung for 2009! And with tickets starting at just $6.00 per game at Tempe Diablo Stadium, it’s a great way to get outside, soak up some sun and enjoy the early summer we’ve been having lately. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Angels, pick up a few tickets and head down to the stadium, where you can see every team from the Chicago White Sox to our own hometown heroes, the Arizona Diamondbacks. The last game at Tempe Diablo Stadium is on April 1, 2009, so be sure to check out the spring training schedule and make your plans now. Nothing says “spring” like a hot dog and an ice-cold beer at a ballgame!