Fire Training

With the heavy smoke that permeated Southern California in late October 2003, I suggested we in the Track and Running community contact the local indoor (enclosed) malls for an indoor area to train. Many have mall walking programs for Senior Citizens in the morning so I asked if we could ask them to stay open an extra hour or so (with skeleton security forces) for similar training opportunities for teams and other local runners. Certainly the air in these enclosed malls is better than the crap we will have to breathe in the outside air under such conditions. Below is a list of malls I received success from. I will leave this in place in case a similar situation arrises. If you are successful reaching a mall, please get the word out by contacting me and I will post the details here.

Here are some of the problems we have already encountered. Many malls are concerned about liability on their slippery floors. Our litigious society strikes us down again. If your group carries insurance a few malls are receptive to the idea. Help and input still welcome.

Here's what we are talking about. If you recognize the geography, you will know the extent of this air pollution disaster.

West Hollywood

Beverly Center

Is willing to provide such a service to organized groups that carry liability insurance. Clubs and teams, if you still wish to take them up on the idea, please contact the business office with your insurance certificate. If you are a club that does take them up on the idea and are receptive to taking in new or temporary members under you insurance, please contact me so I can post the information here. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.

These two malls which say you are welcome to "fast walk" with the "Mall Walkers" Those are listed below:

Brea

Brea Mall

Tuesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Laguna Hills

Laguna Hills Mall

Daily 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

And for the future, I will have a meeting with the following to have a program in place.

Thousand Oaks

The Oaks Mall

Additional contact and suggestions still welcome.