A Running Machine

Matt Capelouto found the perfect running partner. One that’s always available, never late and able to train at exactly his speeds and distances.

The treadmill became a key training aid for Capelouto about eight years ago, when the demands of fatherhood and work forced him to become more creative with his training schedule.

“I’ve got four kids and work probably 50 to 60 hours a week,” Capelouto said. “You could say I’ve got a lot of time constraints.”

Capelouto has covered up to 27 miles of rubber a day in his garage. He credits this unusual approach with helping him to develop into one of Orange County’s top road racers.

Capelouto will be one of the favorites Saturday at the Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine.

Although he doesn’t know much about the competition in Saturday’s race, Capelouto already has his strategy mapped out.

“I’m going to go as hard as my legs can go right now,” Capelouto said. “I’m hoping to win, but you never know who is going to show up at these things.”

Capelouto ran cross-country his senior year at Orange High, graduating in 1988. He ran mainly as a way to keep in shape for basketball, his favorite sport.

“I didn’t get tall enough, so I had to hang it up,” Capelouto said of his basketball career.

Capelouto continued running at Orange Coast, where he began to flourish, finishing fifth in the state in the 10,000 meters his sophomore year.

Capelouto’s first daughter, Brittney, was born shortly after, shifting his competitive running career into part-time status.

Capelouto was fast enough to be a consistent top-10 contender early in his road racing career, but experienced a resurgence in the last couple years.

He won the 1999 FloJo Memorial Half Marathon in Laguna Hills, and finished second to Fullerton’s Marco Ochoa in the same race last May.

A week later, Capelouto won the Fontana Days Half Marathon, covering the course in 63 minutes 31 seconds.

His latest results have boosted Capelouto’s hope for a future in the sport.

“A couple years ago, I didn’t think I was in the same league as Marco Ochoa,” Capelouto said, “but I think I’ve closed the gap. Now, I don’t plan on peaking until I’m 40.”

Capelouto is using Saturday’s race as a final tuneup for the Las Vegas International Marathon on Feb. 4, his first race at that distance. Since winning the Heart and Sole 10K run Oct. 30 in Irvine, Capelouto has begun fine-tuning his training.

“My aspiration the last couple years has been to do a marathon, but each time I’ve gotten injured,” said Capelouto, who has been averaging 80 to 90 miles a week.

Capelouto ran his longest distance on a treadmill--27 miles--a few weeks ago. He estimates that he does about 50% of his mileage on the 20-year-old machine, which he bought eight years ago for $4,500.

“It’s pretty old, but it’s a brute,” he said. “It can really withstand the pounding.”

The machine, which he keeps in the garage, is capable of calculating distances, changing speeds and monitoring vital functions, all while Capelouto watches television.

Capelouto said it’s preferable to joining a running club or trying to juggle a partner’s running schedule with his hectic lifestyle.

Capelouto, 30, makes his living selling skydiving apparel through his web site (he has recorded more than 100 skydives) and managing a nutrition store in Portola Hills.

The treadmill makes it easier for him to keep an eye on his three daughters (a fourth is on the way next month). Capelouto and his wife, Christine, live in the Wagon Wheel community near Coto de Caza.

“One of the big reasons was the kids,” he said. “It allows me to still be at home and run.”

Capelouto steps on his treadmill first thing in the morning, or waits until after the kids have gone to bed. Occasionally, he will get in a quick 10-mile run during the lunch hour.

There is one drawback, however.

The constant humming from the treadmill’s motor drowns out the sound from his TV and stereo system.

“I don’t use them that much because of the noise,” he said.

Capelouto said his neighbors used to think he was crazy because of the long stretches he spent on his treadmill.

“They’ve gotten used to it,” he said. “Sometimes the motor might be annoying in the morning because I have to get up early for work.”

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On the Run

* What: Southern California Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Fun Run

* When: Races begin with half marathon at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. 5K run and walk starts about 15 minutes later. Kids’ Fun Run starts at 10:30 a.m.

* Where: Woodbridge Village Shopping Center, corner of Lake Road and Barranca Parkway. Parking available

* Signing up: Today from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Woodbridge Village Shopping Center, outside Barnes & Noble. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. On-line registration also available at schalfmarathon.com

* Cost: $30 for half-marathon race, $25 for 5K Run/Walk and $13 for 1K Kids Fun Run. There is a $5 late registration fee

* Information: (866) 395-1313

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

RUNNING

Saturday

* Southern California Half Marathon starts and finishes at Woodbridge Village shopping center in Irvine and includes a 5K run. Details: toll free (866) 395-1313.

Jan. 28

* Pacific Shoreline Marathon starts and finishes near the Huntington Beach Pier. Also includes half marathon and 5K runs. Details: (949) 766-1428 or (714) 536-3525.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Jan. 29

* REI’s Santa Ana store presents “Winter in the Back Country: Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing and Back Country Skiing.” Three REI outdoor adventurers will discuss gear, clothing selection, basic technique and local destinations and an ice climbing slide show. 11 a.m. Details: (714) 543-4142.