A Fathers First 5K - Lessons Learned

Author: Jose G. Barr


Having run my first 5K, I now have a good idea about how much I thought I knew about race day...and really didn't.  My journey to the 5K was one of perseverance and some pain (but in a good way, not injury pain).

Here are a few tips for those of you who are looking forward to doing your first 5K.

1. Pick Up Your Bib Early - This is a big one.  You don't want to hassle with having to run over to the check in tent to pick up your bib and goody bag.  Plan ahead and pick it up the day before. This way, all you have to worry about is getting yourself to the race and having fun.

2. Arrive Early on Race Day - If your 5K starts at 7:30, make sure to be there at least 45 minutes to and hour before.  This will give you time to park the car, clip on the bib and get ready to run.

Running Buddy

3. Watch Your Pace - When your race is called make sure to get in where you belong.  For me that was at the back. This gave me the opportunity to set my pace how I had trained and not trying to keep up with the faster runners at the front. This makes a big difference for those of us who are new to races.  Trying to maintain a pace you didn't train for will have you hitting a virtual wall far too early. Remember, run for yourself and not anyone else. Don't worry about being passed up by faster runners, it's ok.

4. Break It Down - Run your race by giving yourself smaller goals to attain.  Break it down into 1 mile segments and then the final .1 mile leg.  As you reach each goal look forward to completing the next one. Before you know it you will be rounding that final corner and see the finish line.

All done with my first 5K

5. Hydration Stations - These are set up throughout the course.  In a 5K race you should be able to avoid the logjam at the first station and continue on to the second one. The thing to keep in mind is that you should already have been hydrating long before the start of the race.  If you are thirsty and its just the first part of the race, you didn't drink enough fluids before the race.  With that being said, when you do pass through a station, make sure to make eye contact with the volunteer and slow down, don't just run through and make a grab at the cup. All you'll accomplish is spilling the water and getting yourself and possibly the volunteer wet.

In the end, running a 5K is about having fun with a group of people who are shooting for the same goal as you.  Enjoy your time on the course and then the festivities afterwards. If your kids are old enough have them run with you and enjoy the time together out there.

Until next time my friends, love your kids,

Cherish your family.

Family Suppport

Home Stretch

Odysseo by Cavalia

Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-beforeseen levels. A veritable revolution in live performance, Odysseo comprises a list of superlatives: the world’s largest touring production and traveling big top, the biggest stage, the most beautiful visual effects, and the largest number of horses at liberty.  Odysseo features 65 horses of 11 different breeds of horses, riders, acrobats and musicians as together they embark on a soulful journey from the Mongolian steppes to Monument Valley, from the African savannah to Nordic glaciers, from the Sahara to Easter Island. 

Odysseo Returns to Orange County for the 2016 holiday season: From November 16 through January 8, 2017

WHERE: Under the White Big Top in Orange County

at the junction of the I-405 & the SR-133 in Irvine

TICKETS: Available at www.cavalia.net and by calling 1-866-999-8111

Tickets are priced from $29.50 to $254.50 + applicable taxes and fees

Special pricing & packages available for groups, children (2-12), juniors (13-17) and seniors (65+)

INFO: www.cavalia.net

Disney on Ice - Worlds of Enchantment

From Wheels to Waves & Icy Wonderlands to Infinity and Beyond!

DISNEY ON ICE presents WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT

Coming To the Southland December 15, 2016 – January 8, 2017

**By Popular Demand, Featuring Magical Moments From #1 Animated Movie of all Time, Frozen**

Tickets On-Sale Now

Rev up for non-stop family fun with four of your favorite Disney stories when Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment comes to the Southland. This action-packed ice spectacular showcases beloved characters from Disney•Pixar’s Cars, Toy Story 3, Disney’s The Little Mermaid plus the enchanting Academy Award®-winning Frozen. Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment is performing from December 15 through January 8, 2017 in Los Angeles (STAPLES Center), Anaheim (Honda Center), Long Beach (Long Beach Arena) and Ontario (Citizens Business Bank Arena).

Thrill to high-speed stunts and high-octane fun, as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney•Pixar’s Cars race across the ice. Dive into adventure with Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, as she explores her undersea kingdom. The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the Disney•Pixar Toy Story gang escape Sunnyside Daycare in a daring adventure to get back to Andy’s room. Plus, enter the wintery world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love comes from within. 

Plus, get warmed up for the show right in your seats with exclusive dance moves taught by the mouse that started it all during Mickey’s Dance-Along Pre-Show Party, as the Disney On Ice skating athletes remind everyone that getting active can help you be your best! Then you’ll be ready to enter a dazzling world of Disney magic to see some of your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life in Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment, with dazzling skating, special effects and timeless characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

L O S A N G E L E S

WHEN: Thursday, December 15 – Sunday, December 18

o Thursday, December 15 7:30 PM

o Friday, December 16 7:30 PM

o Saturday, December 17 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, December 18 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: STAPLES Center – 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $25!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $15 each on select seating (not valid for 

premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at 

the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

A N A H E I M

WHEN: Wednesday, December 21 – Sunday, December 25

o Wednesday, December 21 7:00 PM

o Thursday, December 22 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Friday, December 23 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Saturday, December 24 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

o Sunday, December 25 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

WHERE: Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $25!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $15 each on select seating (not valid for 

premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 

or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

L O N G B E A C H

WHEN: Wednesday, December 28, 2016 – Sunday, January 1, 2017

o Wednesday, December 28 7:00 PM

o Thursday, December 29 7:00 PM

o Friday, December 30 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Saturday, December 31 11:30 AM & 3:30 PM 

o Sunday, January 1 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM 

WHERE: Long Beach Arena – 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $25!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $15 each on select seating (not valid for 

premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 

or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

O N T A R I O

WHEN: Wednesday, January 4 – Sunday, January 8, 2017

o Wednesday, January 4 7:00 PM

o Thursday, January 5 7:00 PM

o Friday, January 6 7:00 PM

o Saturday, January 7 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, January 8 11:30 AM & 3:30 PM

WHERE: Citizens Business Bank Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $25!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $15 each on select seating (not valid for 

premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 

or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Cub Scouts Adventure Weekend

Author: Jose G. Barr

This looks like a good spot Daddy!

September 16 - 18th our pack attended the California Inland Empire Council (CIEC) Adventure Weekend, and what an adventure it was! When young boys join scouting one of the biggest reasons is the camping and outdoor activities.  This weekend, the folks from the CIEC did an amazing job putting on a great weekend for the boys.  There was plenty of activities to participate in beginning friday evening with an outdoor movie.  

Members of our pack arrived early to secure a great location for our campsite, one centrally located so that we were near all the activities. When Joseph and I arrived, we got to work setting up our tent.  The boys would be attending the outdoor movie, playing "The Jungle Book" from 2014. For those of you who have ever been involved with scouting know that there is a special relationship between cub scouting and The Jungle Book (I'll write about this in a later post). One of the things I truly love when we go camping is the friendship and camaraderie that are palpable in the campsite. And one of the best parts is that the boys starting playing games amongst each other, rather than on a phone or tablet.  

The love and dedication that the dads (and the few moms that attended) could be seen and felt. There were many things that had to be done to make this a successful weekend for the boys, including having plenty of water and food available.  Everyone pitched in to make sure all the meals were cooked and the boys fed all weekend long. I truly appreciate everything these dedicated moms and dads do day in and day out for their scouts.  You are amazing! 

The scouts spent the evening watch the movie, while the pack leadership was briefed on the Saturdays activities.  Once we were done there we headed over to the movie and enjoyed a relaxing evening under the stars. When the movie was over we headed back to our campsite to get some rest, our day would start bright and early at 7 AM with breakfast.  

Pancake breakfast hosted by the
Order of the Arrow

The next morning our day started with and great breakfast of pancakes and sausage with OJ and coffee hosted by the local Order of the Arrow Lodge.  There is nothing like having breakfast outdoors enjoying the sunrise and good company.  Once we were done we headed back to camp to get dressed for the opening ceremony.

I have to say that the opening ceremony was truly exciting. Since this event is cosponsored by the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department (SBSD) , they provided a great surprise for the scouts... The SBSD Special Weapons and Tactics team arrived aboard a helicopter and landed in the middle of the field at the ceremony!  The team demonstrated a tactical assault and retreat back to the helicopter before flying away.  

Canoe handling lecture

After the opening ceremony we spent the day enjoying the many activities that were being put on for the scouts.  This included a chance to see some amazing cowboys riding at the Sheriffs Rodeo. At the lake we took the boys out in canoes, enjoying the breeze and wonderful weather that we were lucky enough to have.  I had Joseph and a smaller, non-swimmer, scout with me in the canoe. Boy was that an interesting ride.  The smaller scout kept switching sides, making the canoe come perilously close to tipping over each time.  I have to say that it just made the canoe ride more interesting.  

The three amigos

On the way back to camp from this adventure we stopped to see the search and rescue helicopter that was now on the field by our campsite.  The scouts enjoyed being able to get onboard and look around while talking to the crew.  

After lunch, the scouts attended both archery and BB gun marksmanship training. The boys were very excited to have a chance at learning all about marksmanship and actually shooting a bb gun and a bow.  They each got plenty of time and ammo to become familiar with the weapons while being safe. 

Our day ended with a great hotdog dinner and plenty of fruit for all to enjoy.  As the sun began to set we headed out to the field again for the closing campfire program.  There was music and dancing, skits and jokes, all staples of a good boy scout campfire program.  Several of our scouts earned awards for top marksman at both bb gun and archery, congratulations!

That evening was a quiet one, being that the scouts were tired from a full day of activities.  It was lights out at 9:30 PM for us to get an early start on our day Sunday to begin the process of taking down camp and heading home.

Until next time my friends, love your kids,

Cherish your family.

At the Rodeo

Left or Right eye dominant? 

Gathering for the ceremony

Top 5 Frightfully Fun Activities for Halloween

Author: Jose G. Barr

All Hallows Eve, or as we have come to  know it, Halloween, is a time to dress up as someone or something else and have a frightfully good time with friends and family. There are so many activities to choose from that it can be hard to pick. Below are my top 5 suggestions for things to do this Halloween season.

1. Escape Rooms

One of the newest trends in real world games in the United States are escape rooms. The first appearance of this concept dates back to Japan in 2007. Since that time the trend has spread worldwide and is now here in the US. But what is an escape room you ask? Simply put, it is a themed series of rooms that have been have several puzzles hidden within them. These puzzles must be solved within the time allotted in order to escape the rooms and "Win". This is a great Halloween group activity that is available all year long.

2. Haunted Hayrides

This is one of my favorite activities during the Halloween season. This is the fun family hayride turned on its head. The ride operators take you out onto park or farm property. As you leave behind the comfort of warm glowing lights you being to hear things in the darkness, screams for help and the howling of some unknown creature. Haunted Hayrides takes the haunted house experience to new levels by taking you outside where our most primal fears take hold and our imaginations run wild.

3. Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Who better to put on a haunted maze attraction than the people who brought Frankenstein monster to life. Universal Studios goes over the top on these events. The atmosphere is tense and electrifying with the amazingly detailed sets, including The Walking Dead maze, and outstanding makeup and costumes. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to step into your favorite horror movie here is your chance.  As a Walking Dead fan I enjoy the realism that they bring to the sets and actors. It gives me goosebumps for months after when I watch the show.  Bravo for Universal Studios for working their movie magic for the guests.

4. Community Haunts

There is nothing quite like a community that gets together to decorate their street for all to enjoy.  Here in Redlands, CA it happens every year on both Cajon Street and Olive Avenue. Happily these two streets intersect, allowing visitors to visit both without having to go too far. Home owners on decorate their homes trying to outdo each other in friendly competition.  There are spooky pirate ships (yes, one family builds a huge ship on their front yard for the event) and eerie cemeteries that spring up in the front yards. Others offer a more whimsical approach to the holiday and include not so scary characters such as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Community haunts offer a safe way for families to enjoy a good time with the whole family.

5. Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patch's are everywhere from a simple lot with pumpkins for sale to a mini amusement area with lots of fun things to do together as a family.  Here in Yucaipa we have the "the Pumpkin Patch" operated by the pumpkin factory. They offer tons of fun things to do including for the first time on this farm, the Haunted Hayride!  Boy oh boy and I excited to see what haunts the trails.  They've also got a stage with live music and many less scary things to do.

Whatever you decide to do this halloween season, do it as a family and enjoy the fall.  As for us, we will be on our way to explore the hayride trail and see what goolies and ghost pop up along the way.

Until next time my friends, love your kids,

Cherish your family.