Archive for the 'Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports' Category
San Diego’s busy weekend of endurance sports
August 17th, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, San Diego County Bike Rides, San Diego County Community News, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, San Diego County run routes, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
SAN DIEGO– Well we are in the heart of the thoroughbred season currently running at the Del Mar fairgrounds, but this weekend was all about endurance junkies. Young and old!!!
Saturday, the Triathlon Club of San Diego hosted 170 triathletes at Glorietta Bay for our monthly San Diego Running Institute race series. Behind the scenes, the race was experiencing some hiccups as TCSD race director Cory Osth, timing guru John Hill and big time race volunteer, TCSD VP Dave Huff were both absent. This left TCSD member and co Race Director Karam Gill with a pretty large task. The beauty of the tri club is that it only took Karam one email to round up a solid group of 
volunteers and the race went off perfectly!!!
A couple notables at the race were Triathlete Magazine President Mitch Thrower as well as Brennan Lindner of Generic Events and founder of the Playa Del Run series.
The bay was perfect, no one crashed on the bike and everyone was greeted with a wonderful breakfast buffet, croissant sandwiches, parfaits with Kashi granola and fresh fruit, taken care of by Denise Pitre and her crew. If you are not a member of TCSD, you are missing the VERY BEST part of the San Diego Triathlon scene.
Y-TRI youth triathlon
While the grown ups were doing their thing at Glorietta Bay, tri club member 
Troy Cundari with ZEAL Optical, was putting on the first annual Y-TRI youth triathlon.
The race featuring approximately 80 kids, took place within the grounds of Mt. Carmel high school and was open to kids ages 8–13. The kids 8–11 did a 75 meter swim, a 1.5 mile bike and a one mile run while the 12–13 year olds did a 175 swim, a 2.5 mile bike and finished off with a one mile run.
Look for another larger edition of this race next year.
Playa Del Run Solana Beach
The ZOOT Playa Del Run series rolled into town for the second time this year. The six race Aquathlon, swim/run, series kicked off in San Diego’s Mission Bay on April 27th 2008.
Sponsored locally by Solana Beach’s own BnL Bikes, this race features a 1000 meter ocean swim followed by a 5K run. Starting at the newly redesigned Fletcher Cove beach, the weather was perfect with some surf, but not too much. As always Triathlon Club of San Diego volunteers were on hand as swim buddies to help those get through their first ocean swim. Every week TCSD hosts a swim at Fletcher Cove Friday mornings, so there was a lot of local knowledge working to help newer swimmers.
Personally the best thing about this race was seeing ZOOT sales representative and former TCSD beginner coach Sonja Johnson Doherty. Back in April, Sonja was hit by truck on a training ride and shattered her lower leg. Because of the work of great doctors, a great healthy, fit and positive patient and a whole lot of hardware, Sonja was swimming today and has been back on the bike. The run is still in the future, but it was FANTASTIC to see Sonja back competing and wearing that ear to ear grin!!!
AFC Half Marathon
I told you it was a weekend for endurance junkies and the America’s Finest City half marathon closed the weekend. 
This 13.1 mile run starts with a nice downhill from Cabrillo National Monument and finishes with a strong uphill into San Diego’s famous Balboa Park. Along the way runners race along the San Diego Bay and briefly visit sites such as the Embarcadero and the Star of India.
Now in it’s 32nd year, make sure that you do this race at least once.
Well that’s it. Tired?
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Camp Pendleton Sprint Triathlon not to be missed
August 10th, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– The Camp Pendleton Hard Corps race series features some great events. There are of course the two Mud Runs, running races of various distances, a duathlon, international distance tri and a bike race. But the best race of all is the Camp Pendleton sprint triathlon held on the Navy based home of the Swift Intruders.
What makes this event so unique and I mean one of a kind unique, is that the event is that the majority of the race takes place with in the ‘secret wall compund’ that houses the hovercraft. When you travel on hwy 5, you can not help but notice the towering cement walls and wonder just what the heck is going on in there.
The transtion area is set at the base of the landing ramp used by the craft 
for entering and exiting the ocean. This landing ramp also is the worst hill of the whole course and you climb it twice when leaving transition on the bike and run. So for your first event, know it doesn’t get anymore difficult than that.
The swim is an ocean swim and during the summer you should expect some surf as we see a predominant south swell and this area of San Diego county is usually a couple feet larger than most areas south. This day the surf was 2–3 with an occasional 4 foot set waves. The only real challenge was a large 7–8 foot deep trough and then a sandbar again which is where the surf broke again. This caused some funky current conditions. When the surf was down, there was a bit of a north current, but once the waves came the current turned and pushed north. Another thing you can count on is a 
perfect 68–70 water temperature.
The bike route is a very easy out and back with no real hills at all. Truly the only ‘hills’ are an overpass to cross hwy 5 and a rise out of a storm wash. Do they slow down your effort? Yes, but they really are not a climb. When you make your turn on to Las Pulgas, it does seem as though it is a constant elevation gain, so do not let your necessary extra effort discourage you as once you make the turn it will be time to drop down a couple gears and let the legs go!!
Coming back in to transition the prevailing thought for me was, “dang, now we have to run up that ramp!!” It really isn’t that bad. Just short quick turnover and get it over with. The run course is contained within the Intruders compound and you run through and around numerous hovercraft as well as the hangars, cranes and other machinery used to maintain the fleet. It really is pretty cool to be there amongst the workings. Additionally, with all the distractions and the winding unmarked course, you never really know where you are, so you don’t know if you are hurting or not. What I mean by this is, if you see a mile a marker, you gauge your effort and how your legs feel towards what is left. Sometimes this a negative mentally when you calculate that if I feel this way now, I am bummed with ‘x’ number of miles left. I guess it could be surmised as ignorance is bliss!!!
Now that the run is winding down, you come around the corner of the last 
hangar and there is the finish line. What distinguishes it is not so much the balloons and banners, it is the parked hovercraft that you cross thorough with Marines waiting for your bib and chip. That’s another thing about any of the Hard Corp races. Being on the base there are so many ‘voluntold’ Marines out there helping to make all the events GREAT. It makes these events a great opportunity to thank those guys for what they do and they really do appreciate it.
As for results, local Ironman Champion and Carlsbad resident Michelie Jones rode her bike over to make sure she got in her warm up and won the womens 
field in 1:17:15 only beating me by about 15 minutes ;-). The Triathlon Club of San Diego had a great presence at the race and had two club members, Philippe Krebs and Shane Byusse place 2nd and third overall. Funny thing, Phillipe beat Shane by three seconds, but was in a later wave. Wonder how both their times would have been if they were on the course together?
I would have to say that this race in my opinion should sell out as fast as the Mud Runs and should certainly sell out before the International. As a sponsor of both of these races my inbox was flooded with requests for entries because the races sold out. make sure you sign up early and if you can not race, call it a donation to the guys who are out there supporting our country everyday. The money from the races goes towards Marine Corps Community Services. It is a small amount of money for what these guys are doing. Especially given the current situationS our military is involved in.
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Local triathlete JP Theberge wins World Championship Gold
June 15th, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, Real Estate News, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, San Diego county Real Estate News, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
SAN DIEGO– Former triathlon club of San Diego member, CAF athlete and 
Carlsbad resident J.P. Theberge won the Gold medal for Team USA at the Vancouver Triathlon World Championships competing in the Athletes with a disability division. JP had his right leg amputated in 1997 following a motorcycle accident in San Francisco.
With the conditions on race day being downright ugly, the triathlon was turned into a 3k-40k-10k duathlon and it took JP into the second run to catch and pass eventual second place finisher Martin Falch of Austria.
Once in front, JP had an auditory advantage over Martin.
“The Austrian had a prosthesis that made some sort of hissing noise, so I could hear him behind me,” Theberge said. “I knew I had to keep up my intensity to keep that noise from gaining on me. He had beaten me twice before so I was motivated, especially since my wife and kids were watching and my in-laws flew in to spectate.”-North County Times, 6/15/2008,Rick Hoff
Rounding out the top three was another American, former New York police officer Tommy Koehler.
If you see a handsomely tan 6’0 man running down the coast highway betweenLeuacadia and Carlsbad, chances are that’s JP. Give him a shout and a wave he’s earned it!! Congratulations JP!!!
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Do it yourself Boston Qualifier
April 19th, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, San Diego County Community News, San Diego County run routes, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
SAN DIEGO– Triathlon club of San Diego member, 64 year old, Carl Johnson 
wanted to run the Boston Marathon this year with his daughter. He had run it before in 1996 and planned to qualify for this year’s race at the Long Beach Marathon.
As often happens, the wheels fell off the wagon around the 20 mile mark and after a curbside lounge, Carl missed his qualifying time and finished in 4:35.
But you see, we triathletes are an unusual lot, full of ‘outside the box’ thinkers. We set cycling on it’s ear with aerobars and steep framed bikes and Carl applied that thinking to his problem. See 
Carl, a retired art teacher, put the creative energy to work and set up his own marathon course. The Otay Lakes Marathon was laid out starting in Jamul and ending at the Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre in Chula Vista. The course was submitted to and certified by Ron Scardera of USA Track and Field. Now the first of the two requirements that would get Carl his entry, a certified course, was met. The other, run it in under 4:00, was about to be confronted as well.
ON January 20, 2008 with the help of family as volunteers, Carl ran the first annual Carl Johnson Invitational Otay Lakes Marathon and he not only beat the 
qualifying time for Boston, he finished first AND set a course record!!!!
It did take awhile, 43 days, for Carl to get the Boston Athletic Association to acknowledge the results of his race, but they did and father and daughter will be spending a nice New England Monday together looking forward to heartbreak hill!!!
When life gives you lemons………
Congratulations Carl and for Don Norcross’s article, go here.
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Allen Webb drops out of Carlsbad 5000
April 6th, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, Real Estate News, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
Carlsbad– Allen Webb, the new America mile record holder, came to town with the hopes of besting the America 5K mark of 13:24 set by San Diego local Marc Davis in 1976 on the same course.
American miler great, CSUSM cross country coach and Carlsbad resident Steve Scott had nothing but high hopes prior to the race.
“This is the greatest thing to ever happen to the Carlsbad 5000,” Scott said. “More than any world record, to have a top American competing here 
in peak physical shape, prepping for the Olympics is a testament to the quality of this race and the outstanding performances that have been staged here in the past. Regardless of the time, it will be world news how he does here.”– San Francisco Chronicle March 27,2008
Unfortunately it wasn’t his day and he pulled out shortly after I took this picture at about 2.7 miles. He is less than a second back at this point.
Stay tuned for more from the Carlsbad 5000.
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Clairemont area a hit for first time home buyers
April 4th, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, Real Estate News, San Diego County Bike Rides, San Diego County Community News, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, San Diego County run routes, San Diego county Real Estate News, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
San Diego– I recently picked up a new listing in the northern area of 
Clairemont. It is a short sale, as are most of the homes there and in the county. It’s a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath on a nice canyon lot with a pool. We listed it for $399K-475,000 with the hopes of being able to present the bank an offer of close to $450,000. We received 13 offers in 3 days and have two over the goal.
In the last 90 days there have been 40 homes that have sold and there are currently 22 in escrow. The average sold home is a 3 bedroom 2 bath that is just under 1500 square feet with a purchase price of $490,787. The overall median home price in San Diego county, the good, the bad, the detached and attached, is $472,000 and Clairemont has a little of everything San Diego has to offer.
For the endorphin junkie, Clairemont sits on top of the running and mountain 
biking trials in San Clemente and Rose Canyon which link together. Rose Canyon is also a bike path used to connect Mission Bay , where the triathlon club of San Diego holds many workouts and closed course club events, and southern end of La Jolla. There is also the golf course in Tecolote Canyon for a round of speed golf or just to relax in the sun.
Because Clairemont sits above the canyon, some areas have great canyon view lots of Mission Bay, the ocean, Mt Soledad and/ or the surrounding open areas.
Centrally located, the beach, La Jolla, north county, downtown, mission bay and east county are all a pretty short drive.
If you are a first time buyer or a move buyer looking for a livable community you should give this area a close look. It’s a great location for those with an active lifestyle.
Call or email me for more information.
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Beauty and the beast
April 1st, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
Carlsbad– Last month People Magazine reported that pop star, music diva, 
latina hottie and new mom Jennifer Lopez is training for triathlon. Now, it looks as though Mike Tyson will be doing the Auburn Triathlon.
New mother JENNIFER LOPEZ is planning to compete in a triathlon in six months.
Lopez gave birth to wins Emme and Max on 22 February (08) and is already focusing on taking part in the endurance sports event, in which participants swim, cycle and run, later this year (08).
She reveals her intention in an exclusive new People Magazine interview, prompting journalist Peter Castro to ask her when she plans to enter a triathlon.
She replies, “Probably in October, September/October… I want my babies to be proud of me.” The singer/actress has rehired celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson to help her get in shape for the grueling challenge.
Maybe the Nautica Malibu Beach tri with the other celebs?
On the beast front, the Triathlon Club of san Diego received an email that Auburn Triathlon announced the former “baddest man on the planet” boxer Mike Tyson(the only video without f-bombs and more) will be racing on May 18th.
“Last year I was visiting Rickey Williams (Miami Dolphins running back suspended from the league for repeated drug violations) at his yoga retreat in Grass Valley (30 miles North of Auburn) and we watched a little of the Auburn Triathlon. I was captivated by the beauty of the course and the amazing physical specimens participating. I couldn’t believe anyone could do all three
events back to back and not get tired. Being able to participate alongside the great athletes in the 2008 field is a dream come true! I just hope I can survive the whole event. I’m more nervous about this race than I was for heavyweight title fight!,” exclaimed Mike.
Feel bad for the drafting marshalls!!!
The J Lo story is true while the Mike Tyson aspect is….. April Fools!!!! 4/2/2008
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70.3 World Champion visits TCSD
March 22nd, 2008 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports
San Diego– Triathlon Club of San Diego hosted 2007 70.3 World Champion 
Mirinda Carfrae Thursday night. Mirinda has recently signed on with local company and club sponsor ZOOT Sports, so with the help of Elisette Carlson(pictured with Mirinda and I) the meeting was on.
Competitor Magazine editor Bob Babbit was on hand to interview Mirinda and as usual, Bob’s incredible knowledge of the sport and his appreciation of the age grouper made the interview insightful and entertaining. I think it was also comforting to Mirinda as she did tell me that all of this attention is new to her and a touch disconcerting. After hearing her share her experiences growing up 
with 5 brothers and sisters, coming up through the sport and her record setting performance at the 2007 World Championship, she seems very genuine and presented herself with gratitude towards the sport and her fellow athletes. ZOOT scored a winner in her!!!
She also spoke about her sponsorship with Cannondale which I tuned in to as I am currently looking into the new carbon Slice, and Cera Sport. I love the 2007 Felt B2, but after a second back surgery the new Slice feels less chattery through my body and fits me a bit better. During the question and answer when asked about nutrition, she said she feels very strongly about Cera Sport and if results are any indication it must work.
All in all it was another visit for the triathlon club with one of our sports elite. The Triathlon Club of San Diego is 1700+ members strong and easily the best value in triathlon. We meet once a month and have numerous club workouts throughout the week as well as two ‘races’ a month.Go here to join today.
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