Daniel Raya – Marina, CA

Daniel Raya was the Run Local Pod Live with Meb Keflezighi contest winner, taking home an autographed copy of Meb’s latest book 26 Marathons, a $50 gift card for Sports Basement, an entry into the next Silicon Valley Half and Run Local swag. He shared with Run Local his history with running and where runners should go when visiting Marina, CA.

About Daniel

Currently, I am in my second year of graduate school studying to become a Physician Assistant. My wife and I currently have a 4-year-old son named Danny. Aside from competing in track and cross country in high school, I also ran for my local junior college and university. I’ve always had a passion for long-distance running and ran my first marathon at age 19. To date, I’ve run 5 marathons and numerous other distances ranging from 5k-half marathons.

Unfortunately, my running has suffered some inconsistencies over the past year due to the nature of my rigorous graduate program. However, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, I am currently trying to take advantage of the situation as much as I can. Now that life has kind of slowed down a bit, I’m starting to go for early morning runs to help me get back into a routine. Recently I’ve been struggling on how to best introduce running to my son and will graciously be incorporating some of Meb’s advice from the podcast.

Accomplishments and favorite moments as a runner. 

My most memorable accomplishment as a runner came when I received my first marathon award for winning the 19U division at CIM.

One of my favorite running moments as a spectator was when I was able to see Chris Solinsky break 27 minutes in the 10,000m at the Payton Jordan Invite. I also had a chance to chat with Galen Rupp which was pretty cool.

What are you doing right now to stay physically and emotionally resilient? 

Surprisingly, I’m finding myself staying pretty busy right now. If I’m not studying or running, I’m trying to spend as much time as I can with my family. I know that once my wife goes back to teaching and my son starts school it will be harder to spend time with them.

If a runner were to visit Marina, CA:

Where should they run? Any trail by highway 1 along the Marina coast. The views are breathtaking and you’re steps away from the beach!

Where should the get coffee? Tidal coffee on cannery row. Great coffee with a great view.

Where should they get some food and drink? Daddy’s City Diner in Marina has an excellent Filipino breakfast and Gianni’s Pizza in Monterey has some of the best Brooklyn style pizza I’ve ever tasted.

Other awesome retailers or local run shop you want to shout out? Fleet Feet in Monterey always has what I’m looking for and late night family trips to Gharadelli’s ice cream never gets old!