MOVIE NIGHT
Movie Night
Date: Friday, July 10th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Showing: 2008 Ironman World Championships
Serving: Pizza
NEWBIES WELCOME (Ron Saetermoe)
We were all newbies (triathlon virgins) once. My first race was in Iowa back in 1983. Like a lot of us, a friend of mine talked me into my first triathlon – a friend that didn’t even do the race!
Since I didn’t have a bike (a lot of newbies don’t) I borrowed one from a friend of mine. It was a beautiful Schwinn 10-speed. Reflectors, headlight, fenders and all. After I took all that crap off, I was ready to race.
Keep in mind that back in 1983 the sport was still pretty new. In Iowa they hadn’t figured out how to spell t-r-i-a-t-h-l-o-n yet. So as far as knowing how to train, how to nourish yourself or even the rules, no one had a clue.
I remember practicing on my friend’s bike the morning of the race (that’s right, I hadn’t ridden before race day). I was all decked out in my Adidas sweat suit looking fast. A young girl that was there with her parents said “Boy he sure looks fast.” Funny, I haven’t had anyone say that since . . .
Coming from a swimming background I was first out of the water (out of ALL athletes – all 50 or so of us) in this super-sprint triathlon (even shorter than the normal sprint distance). Feeling great, I jumped on the Schwinn and sped off, promptly getting passed by most of the field. My arms cramped up so bad I had to massage them as I rode.
By the time I got to the run I was so exhausted I was forced to walk at one point (this was a 5K run). My “friend” caught up to me and urged me to go faster. At that point I was calculating his early demise.
Anyway, that was my first race – one I will never forget – I had survived and could now call myself a triathlete the rest of my life.
We were all newbies once so don’t fret if you’re a newbie now. We can help you get through it. Then, you can reflect back on the days when YOU were a newbie.
FREE GROUP WORKOUTS
Week of July 27th
All of our group workouts are free to all 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.
All of our group workouts are free to all members and non-members, so come on out!
Week of July 13th
Event: Group Swim
Place: Triathica flag at Big Corona near the lifeguard station next to the jetty (Regular Location)
Day: Wednesday, July 29th
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Planned Workout: 1 – 3 loops around the buoys
Event: Group Ride
Place: Triathica HQ
Day: Saturday, August 1st
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Planned Workout: 1 loop around Santiago Canyon
Event: Group Run
Place: Triathica HQ
Day: Sunday, August 2nd
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 Turn Left at Breakers Drive Turn left to stay on Breakers Drive |
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Triathica – Triathlon Training Center From the 5 Freeway: Exit Bake Pkwy and head east for about 4 miles Make a left on Rancho Pkwy South Turn right at the 3rd driveway 2nd building on your right Triathica is in Suite B on the right side of the building |
COEUR D’ ALENE IRONMAN JUNE 2009
by Larry (Lar-Dog) Davidson
2,153 eager triathletes gathered on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene (CDA) to participate in the 7th running of the Ford Ironman CDA ’09 edition. The road to my 5th Ironman was another very enjoyable ride, and one that I will certainly remember for the rest of my life; just like the other four. It will also put an end to my “once per year” Ironman races I have done since 2005.
Much of this Ironman was about me (as usual), but in many ways it was very much about a rising endurance athletic star, Scott Callender. I work with Scott (affectionately known as “Scooter”), and I think it was my bright idea for him to get involved in triathlon in the first place.
My training leading up to the race was terrific, and I have numerous training partners that I have enjoyed spending time with in the pool, riding our bikes throughout Southern California, and numerous runs, with the best of those being in Aliso & Wood Canyons.
The posse of Quinton, Art, and Scott converged on Coeur d’Alene, and we all trained using different methods and coaches. In the end, we all put it “out there” during the race, and I am proud of my commitment, effort, and race performance. I am also proud of Quint, Art, and Scott. All three of these men motivate me in many ways, and I am blessed to call them friends.
A constant at each of my Ironman events has been my sweetheart wife, Kim Marie. She has not been feeling so great the last few months, so for her to volunteer her entire day at Ironman and help out, was unbelievable. She is my rock when I race, and Lar- Dog needs his rock.
My training was spot on throughout the year, and I had some really terrific racing events leading up to this Ironman event. My racing since January included three half marathons, an Olympic distance triathlon, a century (100 mile) bike event in the ridiculous hills of Santa Monica, and 2 half Ironman events. Suffice to say, on race day I was ready to rumble.
The weather leading up to the event was all over the board. One day it was predicted to be in the 80’s, and then it was supposed to be windy, rainy, and cool. I have raced in super cold (Wisconsin in ’06), and VERY hot (Hawaii in ’07). The other obvious fact is that everyone who races, gets to enjoy whatever weather race day brings, so I just say “bring it.”
Kim & I arrived in Idaho on Wednesday, which gave me plenty of time to get my bearings and to swim, bike, and run some parts of the Ironman course. It started off with a Thursday swim in the beautiful and majestic waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. As I pulled up my wetsuit, I was joined by Ironmates Quinton, Art, and Anna. Once we began the swim, I could not help but take immediate note of the gallons of water I was seemingly swallowing, and the waves pushing me around. I couldn’t believe a lake swim could have such conditions, and hoped it was just a windy day that was causing this. (More on the delightful swim later.)
Later on Thursday, the same group did a bike ride, which was basically a tour of the Ironman run segment. I was happy to see the run course, and thought that it would provide for a pretty quick marathon as the terrain was relatively flat, with only one biggish hill.
I ran on Friday for about 20 minutes, and Saturday was basically a day off my feet, with no training.
Isn’t this interesting and fun to know all the great details about me and my training? OK…time to just tell you about the race and the day in general.
I must say that I was very stoked to have numerous friends and acquaintances participating in the race, along with a lot of spectators that I know. The double loop swim, bike, run, allows competitors and spectators to see each other frequently throughout the day, and that is a real kick in the pants.
The Swim
Here’s the deal. This was the hardest, most difficult swim I have done…ever…period. I was warned about this, but I must not have believed it. I struggled mightily on the outbound swim leg. The wind was pushing the water and the waves were smashing into me. All the while I had big trouble breathing, and was sucking in that nice lake water. I don’t think I swam a very straight line either, and that compounded the problem. Basically, I wanted to quit and go home. Fetal position seemed like a nice option, but damn it, I am a freakin’ Ironman, and I will not give up that easily!
The first turn buoy was a total mess of people that were completely stopped and treading water; what a joke. I finally found relief on the trip back to shore, as the wind was at my back. That’s the good news. The bad news is that I had to do another freakin’ loop of the swim and enjoy the pounding once again! I exited the swim winning the battle, but concerned that I may have lost the war. My swim was a very poor time for me: 1h18’. I was 51st on the swim in my age group: how pathetic!
The Bike
I jumped on the Lar-Dog Lucero and busted the move for my 112-mile adventure. I rode VERY smartly and held myself back in the first 50 to 60 miles. Trust me, I was working hard, but I was holding back just a “bit” for the first 3 hours. At around the halfway mark of the bike, who should I pull up next to other than my training partner…SCOOTER! He was all smiles and encouraging as usual.
I started putting more effort into the ride as it progressed, and I ended up with a great bike time of 5h37’. My average speed was just under 20MPH. This is a hilly course in many sections, and I was 100%+ jazzed at my execution of a very solid Ironman bike split. I moved up a bunch in my age group off the bike, and was in 13th place when I entered the 2nd transition area.
The Run
I am a strong cyclist, but an even stronger runner. I zoomed through T2, and began to see how may old bastards (males 50 to 54, look out!), that I could “run down.” Kim was there and she cheered me on numerous times, and every time I saw her throughout the day, I was extra motivated. I have no “bigger fan” than my sweetie Kimmie.
For pacing, I run with a Garmin (GPS)…and guess what, it was frozen up and inoperable; thus I was without a stopwatch. Have no fear though…Kim to the rescue. She grabbed my backup watch, and handed it to me at mile three. What a God send!
I quickly got my running legs beneath me, and felt decent as I started to click off the miles. At mile seven, I had my first serious hamstring cramp. I ended up stopping numerous times throughout the run to stretch them out, as they cramped badly and stopped me dead in my tracks. I also was taking in a lot of fluids, and made three porta potty stops. None of this crap helps your time, but there is really no choice than to deal with it as quick as you can and move on.
I had an unbelievable battle with another age group competitor on the run. He and I traded places several times, and at the end, he was just too much for me and got me by about a minute! I tip my hat to him, as I gave it my all, and he was better. I ran a personal best Ironman marathon of 3h41’, and was 6’ shy of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. It has been a goal of mine to qualify for Boston in an Ironman.
The Finish
My run moved me into 9th place in my age group, and 7’ from garnering a slot to Kona (you know, the Hawaii Ironman). I am disappointed I didn’t “punch my ticket” back to the big dance, but it is truly bittersweet. I now will have a whole lot different type of summer (not having to train for Hawaii), and can look to get my “endurance fix” doing some other “cool” events or things.
One of my takeaways from this year is a deeper sense of appreciation for simply having a lifestyle, and the ability, and body to be able to participate in these kinds of things. I am blessed beyond measure, and I will continue to be grateful for all that God has given me. I am proud of Scooter who became an Ironman, and I am thankful for my training pals who I have gotten to know on a more personal level in the past months.
Finally
If you have read this far, congratulations. Now this is the important part…
Go out and do YOUR Ironman. Life is short. Your Ironman is whatever you want in life…something that takes hard work and determination. Something that you need to learn, something that stretches you beyond your little comfortable zone that I suspect you are hanging out in.
There is sweetness and a life-long satisfaction in attempting to do something that is hard, different, and new…and something that not every civilian will or can do.
When I trained this year, my theme was to “Do today what others won’t, so that I can do tomorrow, what others can’t.” It’s time for you to find your IRONMAN!
COMPUTRAINER MULTIRIDER
One of the pieces of equipment that sets Triathica apart from the rest is our CompuTrainer MultiRider system. The only one of its kind in Orange County, this unique piece of equipment allows you to ride on some amazing bike routes from around the world, and right in your backyard.
In reality, our CompuTrainer room permits three types of set-ups:
1. Real Bike Course Video: Ride the Ironman courses from Arizona or Coeur d’Alene (single rider)
2. 3-D Interactive: Ride courses from around the world (two riders)
3. MultiRider: Ride courses from around the world (up to six riders)
In addition, the CompuTrainer has “Spin Scan” Pedal Stroke Analyzer that allows you to review your pedal stroke to improve your efficiency.
Come on in and ride with us. Your first Triathica visit is “on the house.” Our walk-in rate is $20.00 for non-members and $15.00 for members. Buy a 10-pack which is $15.00 per session for non-members and $10.00 per session for members.
