KEVIN DAVIDSON: MARATHON MAN
Jarrett Pflieger
Many people dream of completing just one marathon in their lifetime. That was Kevin Davidson’s goal… 18 years ago. He has done 53 of them since.
Kevin is a member of Triathica with an extensive background in running, wanting to try something new to give his knees a break. His knees deserve it. They have carried him through over 50 marathons; at least one a year, for the last 18 years. Kevin believes, “Triathlon gives me new ways to push myself, is less punishing on my body, and gives my upper body a chance to get conditioned.”
After 53 marathons, the thrill of finishing is still there, but Kevin wants something more. He has recently set his sights on a goal of grandiose proportion. He wants to complete at least one race on every continent. That’s right, all seven of them, Antarctica included. Right now he is planning a trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia to check Asia off the list. He is not familiar with the region, so he will be taking a group tour to Cambodia with Cathy Loper Events, a company that organizes groups to compete in races around the world.
Another notable racing feat was the time he did the Marathon du Medoc in France last September. After completing the race, he and a friend then took a flight to Hawaii and ran the Maui marathon the next weekend. “The racing in back- to-back weekends wasn’t bad, but the time change was killer. It was hard for my body get used to it, but it was still a great experience,” Kevin explained.
Kevin is the first to admit that any speed he had 18 years ago is long gone. Sure, he would like to go fast, but just going out time-and-time again to prove he still can is enough for him. He started running because of weight gain and health deterioration caused by a back injury. He soon learned that if he had no accountability, he wouldn’t run. For him, signing up for a race was the motivation he needed to get out and train. That, along with a consistent group of training partners, has kept him going all these years. Being able to eat and drink what he wants when his training load is high hasn’t hurt either.
Kevin recently completed America’s Finest City half-marathon in San Diego, CA. He liked the race a lot and although he wasn’t ecstatic about his time, he was happy with his effort. It was a relatively hilly course, but he kept his pace under ten minutes per mile and dipped as low as 7:30 on some of the downhill sections. “Overall it was a great race. The weather was awesome for running until mile 11, then sun came out and it got hot fast. Some of the scenery was just amazing,” he described.
Kevin’s only major complaint about the race was its lack of the usual “beer garden” at the finish line. He normally looks forward to kicking back a few brews after his races, so the lack of the beer garden was disappointing to say the least.
Kevin now has his sights set on the Orange County International Triathlon on September 27th, 2009. He has been training hard and improving dramatically on the bike, his weakest event. The weekly Saturday morning group rides at Triathica are getting him more comfortable on the bike and improving his fitness. “I have a fear of crashing while going fast which really holds me back on the steep downhill sections. I’m definitely getting more comfortable with downhill speed, which will hopefully save me a lot of time in the race,” he said. The group rides go through Santiago Canyon, the same route of the OC Tri bike course. This is getting him more familiar with what to expect on race day. We know Kevin will do great.
The man is going to do a marathon on Antarctica, it is doubtful an Olympic triathlon will phase him.
FREE GROUP WORKOUTS (week of August 24th)
All of our group workouts are free to members and non-members, so come on out!
We want everyone to enjoy our group workouts but we should clarify the intent. The intent of the group workouts is to “workout.” Yes, it includes a social element. Yes, your Triathica host is happy to give you tips. But please be aware that everyone there is attempting to get a workout in at his or her own pace. If we all go at the slowest person’s pace many people won’t be getting in a proper workout. We will attempt to pair you up with another athlete so you’re not left alone.
Week of August 24th
Event: Group Swim
Place: Triathica flag at Big Corona near the lifeguard station next to the jetty
Day: Wednesday, August 26th
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Planned Workout: 1 – 3 loops around the buoys
Event: Group Ride
Place: Triathica HQ
Day: Saturday, August 29th
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Planned Workout: 1 loop around Santiago Canyon
Event: Group Run
Place: Triathica HQ
Day: Sunday, August 30th
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Planned Workout: 9 miles through Whiting Ranch
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Big Corona – Corona Del Mar From the 405 N take the Jamboree Road Exit Make a left at Jamboree Turn left at Macarthur Boulevard Turn left on to CA-1 Pacific Coast Highway Turn Right on Marguerite Turn right on Ocean Boulevard Park at the beach ($8.00) or on the street (free) |
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Triathica – Triathlon Training Center From the I-5 Freeway: Exit Bake Parkway and head east for about 4 miles Make a left on Rancho Parkway South Turn right at the 3rd driveway 2nd building on your right Triathica is in Suite B on the right side of the building (Automotive Associates’ building) |
CLASS SCHEDULE
Do you want to get faster on the bike? Do you like group training? Do you hate stoplights, flat tires, cars, and crashes?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should check out Triathica’s spin classes every Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. The morning class will be at 6:00 a.m. and the evening class at 6:00 p.m.
Our spin classes are different from anything you have ever done. You will be riding top-of-the-line CycleOps 300PT indoor cycles with power measuring capability (watts.) When you can see how much power you are producing, you know exactly how hard you are working from one workout to another. Spinning without watts and without structure can be a huge waste of time. Get a great workout in under an hour at a Triathica spin class. It will feel like you went for a three-hour ride on the road. Don’t get left behind; indoor training is the new standard for increasing performance on the bike, all done in less time.
We are starting small with only two classes per week, but expect to add more soon as demand grows. To reserve a spot in a class, call 949.273.6223 or email jarrett@triathica.com.
REMINDERS
Jarrett Pflieger
This is just a quick reminder of things coming up at Triathica.
ITU Sprint Triathlon World Championship roundtable August 27th at 6:00 p.m.
It appears that Orange County will be well represented with the contingent going to Australia for the World Sprint Championships, including a number of Triathica members.
We thought it might be beneficial for everyone interested to get together and talk about his or her last-minute tips and just get to know one-another. Therefore, Triathica will be hosting a roundtable on Thursday, August 27th at 6:00 p.m. for everyone that has qualified for Worlds. This event is FREE!!!
Those that have been to Worlds before can share their stories and probably provide some good advice regarding travel, workouts and the competition they can expect.
Please call 949.273.6223 or email jarrett.pflieger@triathica.com to RSVP.
CPR/AED certification August 28th 6:00 p.m.
What would you do if something terrible happened to a family member, friend, or training partner? Would you know what to do if a good friend went into cardiac arrest on a training ride? Are you going to hope it never happens to you, or decide to be prepared just in case it does?
All people, especially athletes, should learn the CPR techniques for saving the lives of their training partners, close friends, relatives and colleagues in a time of need. Please join us on August 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Triathica to learn these valuable techniques and life saving skills. The cost of the class is $60 per person.
Please call 949.273.6223 or email jarrett.pflieger@triathica.com to RSVP.
READY, SET, GO!
Jarrett Pflieger
No races coming up this weekend? Still want to get the competitive juices flowing?
Triathica is having another CompuTrainer time trial race this Saturday the 29th at 3:00 p.m. We are planning to do the OC Tri course, but it’s really up to the participants. Sorry guys, Ironman courses are off limits. Only 6 spots available, so don’t wait to reserve your spot if you are interested.
With the CompuTrainer MultiRider system, we can have up to six riders at once set up their own bike on a computer simulated course that mimics the experience of riding out on the road. The computer-controlled trainer will simulate climbs and descents in the course by increasing or decreasing the resistance. Seriously, it feels like the real thing, maybe even a little bit more challenging. Finally, a video game that gets you in shape!
During the course you will be able to see your cadence, heart rate, watts, speed, and tons of other data on the screen while you race. This is an incredible tool to help you monitor how your body performs under race conditions.
This is a great opportunity for a fun and competitive training session, or a way to prove you are as good as you think you are on the bike. Even if you don’t really want to compete and just want to try out the CompuTrainer, definitely feel free to come in and ride the course for a good workout. No pressure whatsoever.
Its only $15 to race or $10 if you are already a member, so hurry and reserve your spot today. Call 949.273.6223 or email jarrett@triathica.com to RSVP.
Date: Saturday, August 29th
Time: Starting at 3:00 p.m. and going until?
Cost: $15.00 each (Members pay $10)
RSVP: Jarrett@triathica.com
