Las Vegas Triathlon Club

Las Vegas Tri Club Duathlon

2010-02-06T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone our first club event is on March 7th out at Lake Mead. It will be located at the top of the hill, at the Boulder Beach picnic area. The event will have a 10:00 am start time, check in begins at 9:00 +/- a few minutes.

We have the duathalon early in the season when the water is cold that way even those that may not have a wet suit and the kids have a chance to get together and participate.

Barbecue to follow!! The post event barbeque is always fun and an opporutunity to meet fellow athletes and their families.

Distances will be 1 mile run 11 mile bike 3 mile run.
You must be a member to participate in the event.
Bring a volunteer with you and earn extra raffle tickets.

LV Tri Club Kick Off: Victor R

2010-02-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

On January 23rd, The Las Vegas Triathlon Club held it's annual kick-off social. We all gathered at the O'Aces Bar and Grill for some great food, drink and company. It was a chance to see everyone in different garb, hard to recognize anyone without their helmets and tri gear. The turnout was fantastic, Dave counted over 100 members, far higher count that previous years. Awards were handed out to volunteers for their hard work and dedication as well as title sponsors.

We'd like to thank O'Aces Bar and Grill for their fine food, hospitality and loyalty. Also Robin Lobato, DDS for his sponsorship and commitment to the club through thick and thin.

The Club has chosen the San Diego International triathlon as its "A" race once more. For the last few years, the SD Int has been the choice event for the club, great venue, fantastic weather and one of the more picturesque run course I've ever seen! We all gather on Sat night at a local eatery and enjoy a good, hearty carbo dinner. This year, Dave has to find an establishment that can handle a few more, as I see it, we will have the biggest turnout yet! So, with that in mind, sign up as soon as possible, this event sells out every year. I had a blast chatting with everyone, let's do it again!!!.....................Victor

San Diego Tri - Club Event

2010-01-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Triathlon is the only out-of-town major event that is on the club's calendar. As many of you know it is a great fun race. We get together for dinner on Saturday night and meet at the race finish to celebrate. We think is is a great weekend at a very reachable destination. The problem is the race fills up- registration has begun so get with it and have a great weekend in San Diego with us. The link is on the picture click on the guys photo to reach the registration site - don't wait!!!!

Tri Club Party Video Invitation

2010-01-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

Club Update 12-11-2009

2009-12-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Club Members –

The date and location have been set for the Triathlon Club’s season opener party – January 23, 2010 at the O Aces bar/restaurant. The club will provide the food with a no host bar – you will receive an Evite soon on that. (or check out triguy's post on the message board http://www.lvtriclub.com/tribb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1030&sid=615fbef9a765e11f1c595a6c13bfb2b4)

Sorry for the lack of communication recently. Our major effort over the last 30 days was to get the “join page” up and running. (we are almost there) That page required modification to handle a new club benefit with membership.

(Conceptual proof of last years jersey - 2010 will be the same with sponsor logo changes)
I don’t know if you were aware but the Board voted to provide every membership with a club cycling jersey. Yes that is right with every individual ($55) or family membership ($65) you will receive a Sugoi cycling jersey – pretty cool. We actually have to pay Sugoi approximately $50 per jersey. We have conserved the clubs funds and have received generous support from our club sponsors in the past and so we are in a position to do this. One of the important things that you will be responsible for is specifying your jersey size – if you have any concerns either try a Sugoi jersey on at a merchant or we will have some sizes available at the season opener party on January 23, 2010. We want to make you happy so please make sure you know your size. We will not be stocking gear to any extent this year – sign up by January 23, 2010 and we will make your jersey part of our first order. (If you want tri shorts, cycling shorts, or a racing top you must order them in advance as well – we are currently developing the procedures for that ).

We have tentative dates for all of the Club triathlons next year: March 7, 2010 - Duathlon (includes kids event); May 16, 2010 Sprint Triathlon (includes kids event); July 10, 2010 Sprint Triathlon (doesn’t not include kids event due to potential heat/health issues for them); October 3, 2010 Sprint Triathlon (includes kids event). All of our events are !!Free!! to all the membership - most events like this are $50-$90 per person - and don't feature Nick G - "The Voice of the Las Vegas Tri Club"

e-mail me with any questions or concerns – have a great holiday season!!

Dave Carlson
President Las Vegas Tri Club
citydave@cox.net

Silverman: by Dave C

2009-11-10T05:47:00.000-08:00

I was a race official at the Silverman on race day so I got to see the race from a number of points of view. I don’t know everyone in the club now we have grown so much over the last couple of years but I recognize many, I was struck by how many club members were on the course as participants, volunteering as course workers directly for the race director and as volunteers at our aid station. Our community of triathletes and our club members are generous and engaged!!!

Our final club project was the aid station at the Silverman, which thanks to the efforts of many of you was a big success. Toni Repetti and Nick Gallager worked hard to get coverage for the station and kept things together on race day – thank you! We don’t do this at every race but not every race is an Ironman distance race that finishes in the dark and cold month of November. We are triathletes that understand and respect the punishment that these athletes are facing and I think that comes through as they approach our station hear their name and “what do you need”. Thanks everyone!!!

Dave Carlson
President Las Vegas Triathlon Club

Here is a list of aid station volunteers
Toni Repetti
Jim Rowe
Nick Gallagher
Tammy Silver
Dave Reichert
Susan Dreihaupt
Gail Parker
Genesis Layco
Keith Mitchell
Carol Kiland
Dave Carlson
Marge Addison
Bonnie McMillian
Curtis Ching
Dion Glenn
Lou Hillegass
Steve Wondel
Dria Preston
Tim Duffy
Cathy Duffy
Michele Brooks
Bonnie Parrish-Kell
Paul Chao
Sheila Garner
Sarah Knippel
Shane Bueno
Matt McDougall
Beau McDougall
Tom Farrar
Robert Baker
Monica Maccaux
Camthi Dao
Russ Gerard
Nancy Hancock

Congratulations Pumpkinman Participants

2009-10-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of our wonderful members that participated in the Pumpkinman - you are totally cool. On top of that look at the number of people that got on the podium. If we missed your name let me know.

Patrick Almeido

Jackie Arcana

Peggy Brennen

Patrick Burkhardt

Joe Carter

Vanessa Crocker

Kirsten Eddins

Reenie Griffin

Alise Haney

Edward Hoffman

James Huff

Brandie Koehler

Monica Maccaux

Rex Mitchell

Scott Petersen

Mauricio Prado

Coco Salah

Tammy Silver

Bob Swift

Tony Taylor

Cicely Valenti

Jay Watson

LV Tri Club Race #4 Results

2009-10-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

It was a great day on the course. Here are the results - due to an error in the course setup the bike course was 9.5 miles instead of 12 so adjust your times accordingly if you want to normalize your performance over the series. The women dominated on this event finishing first and second - nice work ladies!

LVTriClub Race #4 Results
Lake Mead # Athletes: 33
Rank Bib Name Time Swim Bike Run

LVTC
1 33 Cicely Valenti 01:02:13 (4) 00:11:13 (3) 00:28:50 00:40:03 (1) 00:22:09
2 32 Reenie Griffin 01:06:01 (3) 00:11:12 (2) 00:28:44 00:39:57 (8) 00:26:03
3 28 Victor Rodriguez 01:06:15 (9) 00:12:22 (1) 00:27:45 00:40:08 (10) 00:26:07
4 12 Tasha Purcell 01:06:45 (1) 00:10:42 (10) 00:31:58 00:42:41 (3) 00:24:04
5 22 Patrick Burkhardt 01:08:00 (13) 00:13:13 (6) 00:31:03 00:44:16 (2) 00:23:43
6 11 Ben Keller 01:08:32 (5) 00:11:58 (8) 00:31:50 00:43:49 (5) 00:24:43
7 31 Joe Carter 01:09:08 (2) 00:11:09 (4) 00:29:20 00:40:29 (15) 00:28:38
8 24 Eric Molfetta 01:11:16 (11) 00:13:08 (7) 00:31:48 00:44:56 (12) 00:26:19
9 6 Susan Dreihaupt 01:12:05 (12) 00:13:10 (12) 00:32:35 00:45:45 (11) 00:26:19
10 16 Geoffrey Hall 01:12:42 (21) 00:14:56 (13) 00:32:55 00:47:51 (6) 00:24:51
11 27 Todd Schleusner 01:13:01 (7) 00:12:11 (5) 00:30:31 00:42:42 (19) 00:30:18
12 10 Kevin Boyles 01:13:34 (15) 00:13:35 (16) 00:34:29 00:48:05 (7) 00:25:29
13 1 Bob Rynda 01:16:24 (32) 00:19:45 (11) 00:32:11 00:51:57 (4) 00:24:26
14 29 Shannon Johnson 01:16:30 (8) 00:12:17 (18) 00:35:13 00:47:30 (17) 00:28:59
15 21 Sue White 01:17:03 (22) 00:15:16 (14) 00:32:57 00:48:13 (16) 00:28:50
16 18 Rex Mitchell 01:18:07 (28) 00:17:04 (15) 00:33:15 00:50:19 (13) 00:27:47
17 3 Mark Dunaisky 01:18:42 (16) 00:13:41 (21) 00:36:28 00:50:10 (14) 00:28:31
18 8 Sue Phillips 01:19:33 (17) 00:14:16 (20) 00:35:32 00:49:49 (18) 00:29:44
19 2 Michael Connolly 01:19:38 (10) 00:12:43 (27) 00:40:50 00:53:33 (9) 00:26:04
20 5 Alison Sloat 01:21:07 (18) 00:14:22 (19) 00:35:18 00:49:41 (22) 00:31:26
21 20 Kay McKercher 01:22:04 (6) 00:12:08 (24) 00:37:52 00:50:01 (23) 00:32:03
22 9 Jeff Phillips 01:22:45 (20) 00:14:46 (17) 00:35:04 00:49:50 (25) 00:32:55
23 26 Jason Bello 01:23:57 (14) 00:13:29 (22) 00:36:33 00:50:02 (28) 00:33:54
24 15 Steve Waller 01:24:06 (33) 00:21:17 (9) 00:31:50 00:53:07 (21) 00:30:58
25 17 Kathryn Knapp 01:26:47 (27) 00:16:49 (23) 00:37:02 00:53:51 (26) 00:32:55
26 7 Jennifer Lugo 01:27:07 (26) 00:16:13 (26) 00:40:00 00:56:14 (20) 00:30:53
27 23 Huichi Olson 01:28:18 (19) 00:14:35 (25) 00:39:27 00:54:03 (29) 00:34:14
28 4 Kathy Degolia 01:32:15 (24) 00:16:04 (31) 00:42:25 00:58:30 (27) 00:33:45
29 13 Mary Payan 01:34:36 (30) 00:19:18 (29) 00:40:53 01:00:12 (31) 00:34:24
30 14 Raymond Payan 01:34:38 (31) 00:19:21 (28) 00:40:52 01:00:13 (30) 00:34:24
31 25 Virginia Valentine 01:34:41 (25) 00:16:05 (32) 00:46:11 01:02:17 (24) 00:32:24
32 30 Jade Bailey-Assam 01:36:33 (29) 00:17:30 (30) 00:41:25 00:58:56 (32) 00:37:37
33 19 Gail Buy NYF (23) 00:15:33 (33) 00:46:44 01:02:18

Here is the order of the kids finish - we decided not to post times this go-around.
Congratulations to the next generation and thank you parents for letting your kids participate!!!

Harrison Griffin
Andrew Schleusner
Alexis Almeido
Austin Almeido
Paige Hillegass
Monet Griffin
Autumn Valentine
Eric Arias
Aidan Bello
Salina Arias

Thanks Volunteers and Board Members

2009-10-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

The club members had a great day on the course and you made it possible. These things are hard to put on and it requires people like you who say “I will take responsibility you can count on me” to make it happen. We had a couple of glitches which are just part of the day. We handled them and moved on undistracted – that is what we do in our professional lives as responsible adults every day, and it shows when we put on an event. I can’t tell how delighted I am with the results you produce. It is an honor to work with you.

Aren’t those kids races fun.

We will have the results soon - Congratulations

Later,
Dave

Club Uniforms 50% off at Club and Pumpkinman Triathlons

2009-10-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

The board decided this year to give club members a smokin deal on our inventory of uniforms. We will be offering them for 50% off "while supplies last" That is about $25 for a road jersey, a racing jersey and trishort. See us at the registration table.

Club Update: Sprint - Club Strategy Meeting

2009-10-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

Mini Tri 3 sign-up

Update: Weather - Sunny and Mid 80's

Hello Everyone – This is a crazy time of year for many of us. The last few races are coming up including our Club Sprint triathlon, Pumpkinman, Silverman and the Florida Ironman among others. Then there are things like the RTC Viva Vegas Ride and the Ultra Marathon Relay Ragnar this weekend.

Gone are the days when you didn’t have to make choices.

I want to talk a little about the Club Sprint on Oct 11th– you have the details on our other post. I am not sure what the weather will be like next weekend fall is very unpredictable as you know. We will be doing our best no matter what the conditions and if necessary we will make accommodation for the conditions as they evolve on race day. So if you get up and it is blowing don't just pull the sheets back over your head- come on down - we will make it work. I cannot find a web site that monitors the water temp but typically it is 70 degrees and this September has been warmer than normal which means that wet suits are not required.

For those of you who are concerned about the kids – the race is only 100 yards along the shore –the water is waist high on the kids - they can stand up at any time. They should not get too cold they will only be in the water for a few minutes – just dry them off in transition if they are cold. Parents can do the race with the kids or cheer them on, you can ride the bike course and pace them on the run. It is all about fun and participating as a family.

The following week is Pumpkinman. We will be at the expo so if you need a club uniform stop by and see if we still have your size. We will have a club hospitality tent at the finish so look for that. I plan on working for USAT as a course marshal – giving back a little for the good of the sport.

Sunday the 18 we are going to have a club board strategy meeting where we will be talking about the 2010 season and the clubs direction, so send me your concerns and comments
citydave@cox.net

The Last Club Triathlon Sunday October 11

2009-09-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

Course Map :
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/LV-Triathlon-Club-Mini-Tri-2-Course

Hey everyone this is it the last “mini” sprint distance triathlon of the season. We will also be repeating the kid’s event following the sprint.

For those of you who are considering club membership - we do three of the these training events a year + a duathlon all are free to members and family members.

Our timekeepers have been tracking everyone during the season and we will be recognizing the top participants in the future – so if you are in the running keep it up. I will post the standings prior to the race.

Distances: 500 yard swim – 12 mile bike – 3 mile run
Kids: 100 yard swim – 2 mile bike – 1 mile run

Start time: 8 am for the race
Check In: 7:00 -7:30 am
Kids Event: 9:30 am

The Kids Tri was a great event last time all of the kids had at least one parent in the sprint race. We encourage parents to support their kids by cheering and accompanying them during the event if they wish to. There are no rules about pacing or anything of that nature – it is about having fun as a family and being safe.

Planet Hollywood recognizes Victor R.

2009-09-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone: I was floored when I recieved the letter of recognition from the USAT. I'm proud to say I was honorable mentioned in my AG, something I never expected. My employer, Planet Hollywood, published this piece in the hotel newsletter. PH is thinking of sponsoring me next season but, they way the economy is at present, it might be a year later. Regardless, I'm flattered by this award. I'd like to recognize all of my training partners who, over the last few years, endured numerous hours of training along side of me. I love the sport of triathlon, one that has brought me many hours and days of pain and suffering as well as happiness and health!!!................Thank you all...........Victor

Article:USA Triathlon (USAT) recognized Planet Hollywood’s dealer Victor Rodriquez for earning the distinction of Triathlon All – American Honorable Mention. This title is given to those who demonstrate hard work, determination and excellent race results over the course of the year. Victor has shown commitment and dedication in competing in various marathons and triathlon, which has placed him at the very top of his age group.
USA Triathlon is the sanctioning authority for more that 2,000 diverse events, ranging from grassroots to high profile races nationwide. The organization works to create interest and participation in a variety of programs, including camps, clinics, races and educational opportunities.
USA Triathlon’s 110,000 strong membership is comprised of athletes of all ages, coaches, officials, parents and fans striving to strengthen multisport.

Club Series Standings

2009-09-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Susan Dreiharpt Total time for 3 races 3:42:33
Leslie Lao Total time for 3 races 4:48:35

Joe Carter Total time for 3 races 3:10:02
Eric Molfeta Total time for 3 races 3:43:51
Mark Danairky Total time for 3 races 4:24:15

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Race Series Results
Boulder Beach, Lake Mead
Duathlon Results 3/21/2009
Triathlon Results 5/30/2009
Triathlon Results 7/11/2009
Participant Split Times Total
Run/Swim Bike Run
Al Jankowiak 0:13:11 0:36:19 0:26:32 1:16:02
Alise Haney 0:10:43 ####### 1:23:16 1:23:16
Alise Haney 0:11:22 0:39:35 0:29:29 1:20:26
Allen Lev 0:12:45 0:39:04 0:37:47 1:29:36
A McDougall 0:10:50 0:38:26 0:27:57 1:17:13
Amy Ziembe 0:15:18 0:37:15 0:15:39 1:08:12
Amy Ziemer 0:00:00 0:59:03 0:31:18 1:30:21
Andrea Bourque 0:23:29 0:46:00 0:29:20 1:38:49
Ben Keller 0:11:48 0:37:59 0:27:27 1:17:14
Bob Rynda 0:15:00 0:38:00 0:35:52 1:28:52
Bob S 0:09:38 0:36:04 0:31:46 1:17:28
B Parnsh-Kell 0:13:33 1:22:03 0:28:04 2:03:40
Brandie Kochler 0:16:16 0:45:28 0:39:56 1:41:40
Brandie Koehle 0:17:05 0:43:56 0:36:38 1:37:39
Brian Wainscott 0:15:31 0:35:21 0:20:00 1:10:52
Brian Wainscott 0:14:20 0:34:25 0:55:53 1:44:38
Brooke Bohlke 0:16:33 0:42:13 0:19:20 1:18:06
Bruce Sillitoe 0:16:44 1:03:16 0:40:59 2:00:59
Bruce Sillitoe 0:16:53 1:03:48 0:44:06 2:04:47
Cand Trummell 0:21:56 0:49:35 0:39:12 1:50:43
Catherine Duffy 0:18:58 0:48:22 0:21:00 1:28:20
Chad Dymon 0:10:56 0:36:09 0:33:55 1:21:00
Chris Bunting 0:11:28 0:31:42 0:23:29 1:06:39
Chris Kleinhenz 0:12:42 0:29:51 0:14:27 0:57:00
Chris Wener 0:13:54 0:41:17 0:37:56 1:33:07
Cicely Valenti 0:10:12 0:36:47 0:23:18 1:10:17
Cicely Valenti 0:10:49 0:33:04 0:23:00 1:06:53
Cindy Newman 0:00:00 0:49:52 0:28:06 1:17:58
Coco Salah 0:11:16 0:36:42 0:42:33 1:30:31
C Frankenberger 0:17:55 0:51:29 0:38:02 1:47:26
C Frankenberger 0:20:33 0:47:22 0:44:00 1:51:55
Corey Hollon 0:13:47 0:35:01 0:17:35 1:06:23
Corey Posgay 0:17:37 0:38:05 0:30:25 1:26:07
Curt Howell 0:00:00 0:52:20 0:36:43 1:29:03
Curtis Ching 0:11:21 #### #### 1:34:32
D'Andre Childs 0:13:27 0:31:33 0:16:42 1:01:42
D'Andre Childs 0:14:02 0:42:48 0:34:53 1:31:43
Darryl Smith 10:51:0 0:17:45 1:08:51
Darryl Smith 0:20:00 0:41:12 0:32:20 1:33:32
Dave Browning 0:10:52 0:35:47 0:24:54 1:11:33
David Cramer 0:23:56 0:47:09 0:27:25 1:38:30
David Watts 0:14:27 0:40:30 0:31:59 1:26:56
Deanna Snyder 0:16:01 0:31:45 0:19:09 1:06:55
Deanna Snyder 0:12:20 0:37:38 0:32:07 1:22:05
Deborah Johnson 0:20:00 0:41:02 0:26:03 1:27:05
Dennis Lobato 0:13:36 0:32:14 0:27:10 1:13:00
Donald Bowman 0:12:24 0:37:51 0:22:19 1:12:34
Ed Hoffman 0:17:28 0:44:35 0:26:17 1:28:20
Ellen Charnley 0:09:42 0:39:06 ####### 0:00:00
Eric Lea 0:13:35 0:30:25 0:17:00 1:01:00
Eric Molfeta 0:00:00 1:01:26 1:01:26
Eric Molfeta 0:00:00 0:51:27 0:28:09 1:19:36
Eric Molfeta 0:12:44 0:40:10 0:29:55 1:22:49
Frank Lowery 0:08:41 0:33:45 0:25:48 1:08:14
Garon Salway 0:11:20 0:32:17 0:26:22 1:09:59
Geoff Hall 0:19:08 0:40:52 0:26:15 1:26:15
Gerald Norton 0:14:05 0:39:12 0:36:08 1:29:25
Greg Bailey 0:15:10 0:36:07 0:19:13 1:10:30
Greg Bailey 0:16:09 DNFbike 1:51:55 1:51:55
Huichi Olson 0:15:36 0:37:15 0:17:03 1:09:54
Ian Segal 0:12:58 0:34:02 0:15:18 1:02:18
Jackie Arcana 0:00:00 0:44:01 0:26:31 1:10:32
James Huff 0:09:55 0:32:48 0:25:20 1:08:03
James Lockhart 0:13:20 0:34:15 0:29:25 1:17:00
J McGaughtey 0:11:41 0:41:19 0:27:41 1:20:41
Jarin Sillitoe 0:15:57 0:47:34 0:35:29 1:39:00
Jason Bello 0:14:50 0:47:25 0:43:34 1:45:49
Jason Molitz 0:12:20 ####### 1:23:47 1:23:47
Jason Molitz 0:12:39 0:34:26 0:30:14 1:17:19
Jeannie Gordon 0:15:51 0:37:30 0:20:26 1:13:47
Jennifer Grube 0:12:22 0:31:22 0:13:43 0:57:27
Jennifer Grube 0:11:48 0:37:45 0:26:05 1:15:38
Jeramy Benson 0:11:38 0:34:22 0:27:12 1:13:12
Jeramy Benson 0:16:16 0:39:17 0:34:11 1:29:44
J Lea/Kent Hugh 0:24:43 0:40:22 0:26:30 1:31:35
Joe Carter 0:11:20 0:27:32 0:12:50 0:51:42
Joe Carter 0:00:00 0:44:08 0:23:58 1:08:06
Joe Carter 0:11:53 0:32:13 0:26:08 1:10:14
Josh Saterlee 0:18:35 0:52:41 0:39:34 1:50:50
Joy Lea 0:20:41 1:03:28 0:56:56 2:21:05
Lea/ Hugh 0:24:43 0:41:58 0:36:54 1:43:35
Julie Holt 0:17:05 0:46:18 0:43:23 1:46:46
Justin Williams 0:14:33 1:16:58 0:44:05 2:15:36
Karen Lasko 0:12:09 0:36:48 0:25:48 1:14:45
Karen Lasko 0:00:00 0:47:06 0:23:46 1:10:52
Kathy Degolia 0:16:45 0:46:15 0:33:22 1:36:22
Kathyrn Knapp 0:20:02 0:46:10 0:33:28 1:39:40
Kay McKercher 0:10:58 0:49:02 0:44:38 1:44:38
Keith Caceres 0:00:00 1:04:13 0:36:28 1:40:41
Keith Caceres 0:21:41 0:44:06 0:33:24 1:39:11
K Kuykendall 0:11:40 0:32:26 0:26:18 1:10:24
Kevin Boyles 0:14:28 0:39:50 0:29:33 1:23:51
K Degough 10:42:3 0:15:30 0:58:08
K DeGough 0:14:20 0:33:35 0:28:46 1:16:41
K Kleinhenz 0:13:13 0:32:05 0:14:30 0:59:48
Kurt Faux 0:17:47 0:45:34 0:36:01 1:39:22
Kurt Ouchida 0:00:00 0:00:00 1:17:01 1:17:01
Kurt Ouchida 0:11:12 0:35:09 0:30:04 1:16:25
Leslie Lao 0:16:22 0:42:32 0:19:49 1:18:43
Leslie Lao 0:15:02 0:48:28 0:38:10 1:41:40
Leslie Lao 0:16:38 0:48:55 0:42:39 1:48:12
Leta Rose 0:10:28 0:50:22 0:31:10 1:32:00
Leta Rose 0:12:06 0:46:53 0:29:06 1:28:05
Mark Beerer 0:11:30 0:41:37 0:21:11 1:14:18
Mark Danairky 0:13:13 0:45:27 0:49:08 1:47:48
Mark Dunaisky 0:14:44 0:35:00 0:16:55 1:06:39
Mark Dunaisky 0:14:44 0:40:54 0:34:10 1:29:48
Martha Langer 0:11:35 0:48:51 0:38:34 1:39:00
Mary Chamness 0:16:09 0:53:09 0:42:47 1:52:05
Mary Payan 0:16:22 0:39:38 0:19:07 1:15:07
Matt McDougall 0:14:14 0:34:56 0:22:08 1:11:18
Mauricio Prado 0:12:52 0:34:57 0:22:35 1:10:24
M Cronenberg 0:14:40 0:39:46 0:32:54 1:27:20
Michael Rainer 0:13:45 0:31:26
Michael Ratner 0:13:39 0:36:53 0:30:27 1:20:59
Michele Oehler 0:10:48 0:37:59 0:27:21 1:16:08
Michelle Oehler 0:10:57 0:36:14 0:26:29 1:13:40
Mike Colety 0:09:55 0:31:54 0:24:34 1:06:23
Mike Hanning 0:13:27 0:26:33 0:14:33 0:54:33
Momoka Caceres 0:16:02 0:47:33 0:37:43 1:41:18
Momoka Caceres 0:21:45 0:47:56 0:36:58 1:46:39
Monica Maccaux 0:13:42 0:34:10 0:15:00 1:02:52
Nancy Hancock 0:14:00 0:51:43 0:39:58 1:45:41
Nate Goldberg 0:16:57 0:46:06 0:23:04 1:26:07
Neil Rose 0:00:00 1:03:53 0:48:12 1:52:05
N Cramer 0:14:46 0:34:24 DNF
Nicole Cramer 0:13:22 0:38:44 0:39:21 1:31:27
Nicole Gunckel 0:12:52 0:41:57 0:33:53 1:28:42
Pat A. 0:10:07 0:32:37 0:24:19 1:07:03
Patrick Almeido 0:10:02 0:31:50 0:24:42 1:06:34
Patrick Marsh 0:13:50 0:31:00 0:17:48 1:02:38
Pat Marsh 0:11:28 0:37:20 0:28:20 1:17:08
Pat Marsh 0:50:41 DNF
Pat Burhardt 0:13:50 0:44:54 0:34:47 1:33:31
Paul Chao 0:16:14 0:37:33 0:19:13 1:13:00
Raymond Payan 0:15:01 0:34:23 0:20:22 1:09:46
Rebecca Marsh 0:18:58 0:40:47 0:22:17 1:22:02
Reenie Griffin 0:10:19 0:33:33 0:24:46 1:08:38
Rex Mitchell 0:16:54 0:37:42 0:30:59 1:25:35
Rob Taylor 0:10:30 0:35:54 0:24:41 1:11:05
Robin Lobato 0:12:30 0:33:33 0:29:35 1:15:38
Robin Lobato 0:13:05 0:32:25 0:27:00 1:12:30
Rose O'Donnell 0:18:58 0:50:10 0:38:50 1:47:58
Ryan Pierson 0:15:58 0:46:12 0:40:11 1:42:21
Ryan Turner 0:18:55 1:07:54 0:32:53 1:59:42
Scott Petersen 0:12:15 0:26:05 0:15:10 0:53:30
Scott Petersen 0:10:19 0:34:22 0:28:01 1:12:42
Scott Pierson? 0:16:02 0:46:08 0:40:10 1:42:20
S Wildermuth 0:13:53 0:51:39 ########0:00:00
S Wildermuth 0:15:14 0:48:44 0:40:47 1:44:45
Shannon Johnson 0:11:10 0:39:15 0:33:39 1:24:04
Shawna Glasser 0:13:55 0:40:45 0:31:28 1:26:08
S Snyder 0:13:02 ########1:16:08 1:16:08
Sue White 0:14:47 0:43:53 0:31:18 1:29:58
Sue White 0:16:16 0:39:25 0:32:00 1:27:41
Susan Dreiharpt 0:12:56 0:40:26 0:27:39 1:21:01
Susan Dreihaupt 0:14:15 0:32:23 0:16:12 1:02:50
Susan Dreihaupt 0:13:11 0:27:05 0:38:26 1:18:42
Taeg Williams 0:18:35 1:12:56 0:44:08 2:15:39
Tammy Silver 0:13:13 0:36:08 0:33:36 1:22:57
Tasha Purcell 0:13:16 0:32:49 0:15:45 1:01:50
Ted Olivas 0:11:32 0:37:08 0:27:07 1:15:47
Teresa Sullivan 0:10:16 0:50:45 0:33:49 1:34:50
Tim Hastie 0:16:12 0:46:56 0:32:52 1:36:00
Tim Hastle 0:18:35 0:52:41 0:39:34 1:50:50
Timothy Duffy 0:11:51 DNF
Todd Lynn 0:14:40 0:30:50 0:16:22 1:01:52
Tom Farrar 0:12:05 ########1:25:20 1:25:20
Tom Farrar 0:13:59 0:41:32 0:34:31 1:30:02
Tony Taylor 0:16:01 0:38:08 0:21:45 1:15:54
Tony Taylor 0:14:47 0:40:31 0:36:07 1:31:25
Traci Owzarek 0:15:04 0:34:11 0:18:03 1:07:18
Tracy Morris 0:00:00 0:52:33 0:30:22 1:22:55
Tysa Sillitoe 0:15:22 0:51:28 0:35:32 1:42:22
Tysa Sillitoe 0:16:50 1:03:52 0:44:05 2:04:47
Vanessa Crocker 0:12:09 0:36:40 0:26:49 1:15:38
Vanessa Crocker 0:12:39 0:33:47 0:26:43 1:13:09
Vena Sillitoe 0:16:44 0:36:23 1:07:49 2:00:56
Victor Leach 0:11:52 0:35:00 0:29:18 1:16:10
Wendy Boyles 0:13:28 0:37:29 0:30:49 1:21:46
William Demaree 0:18:52 0:43:08 0:29:53 1:31:53

Adjusted times from participant feedback

Become a USA Triathlon Official: Dave Carlson

2009-09-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Here is something to think about - Nick and I are USAT officials. We took the training and work a couple of races here during the year. It is just another way we give back and support the local triathon community. We have the opportunity to see the race and the set-up from the inside and I feel my presents sometimes makes the race safer because we can make recommendations to the race director. Not all races have officials - it is not a requirement but those that do are generally the more professionally done and safer races in my opinion.

To become a USA Triathlon official, one must participate in one of the many clinics held around the country each year. There is no charge for attending a clinic. One must be a member of USA Triathlon and bring the membership card or join at the clinic.

Clinics are held in conjunction with a sanctioned event, and will have USA Triathlon officials assigned to marshal the race. The Officials Certification Clinic consists of about three hours of classroom lecture and discussion. Each clinic has a limited number of spaces and applicants are urged to contact the clinic instructor to reserve a space early. The SW Region has the following clinics open for registration:

Saturday, October 24, 2009 (afternoon) Practicum Race: SOMA Triathlon (10/25/2009)

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 (Noon- 3pm) Practicum Race: Silverman Triathlon (Nov. 8, 2009)

Clinic participants are expected to attend the lecture and work following day at the associated practicum race. You must be able to participate in both the lecture and the race in order to attend the clinic.

To sign up for a USAT Officials clinic, please contact Shelly Lydon at Lydon@peoplepc.com.

Thank you for your interest.

Shelly Lydon
USAT SW Regional Coordinator
(707) 228-5289

National Qualifiers - We can do better.

2009-09-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

I recieved a letter from a long time club member and veteran triathlete - I think they raise a good point. We as a club could do a better job. Thank you.

"I have an observation/question. As one of the original members of this tri club back in 2003 my one singular complaint has been about the lack of awareness of local and out of town races, particularly for those that are qualifiers for national or international competition.

This weekend was another good example. There was a race a Lake Las Vegas (I think it was at least on the calendar) - one of Keith's Sunsetracing.com races that was a national qualifier for the Amica series in Phoenix in November.

In this case the top 10 from each age group could have competed in at least some sort of national championship. I don't recall seeing anything on the website and only saw a few triclub uniforms at the race.

I have competed in 2 World Ironman Championships, 2 Clearwater 70.3 Championships, 2 USAT National Championships and this year the World Age Group in Australia next month.

I doubt most club members even know how to go about qualifying. I feel more of a calling to increase the awareness of opportunities to members in the US and worldwide, both individually and as a tri club team.

I never did understand why we had the Club National Championships in our home last year and we apparently didn't register as a team?

As a fellow national and world traveler I am sure you can appreciate the experience these opportunities provide for the individuals and team. Thanks for letting me voice my opinion and let me know how I can help."

Utah Half - Victor R, Marty and Pierre

2009-08-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Victor: Hello all: The Utah Half turned out to be a weather-ridden event. High winds delayed the swim for 45 minutes, finally they decided to do half the distance to atl least get us wet. We actually swam between storm fronts.........The bike ride was an adventure in itself, overcast skies, 20-25 mph winds, a bit of rain and hail, flat as a pancake............Some sections we were doing 38 mph, others, 16 mph!!!...........The run was a bit windy, sprinkly and shaded, nice!!!...........After the event was over and all the participants were done, the front moved out, sunny skies and the temp was 84..............Duh!!!..........Overall, it was a great event one that I recommend everyone to do, low-key, fantastic food and goodies, great organizers, awesome winners awards, and not very expensive, $138.00!!!.............The only thing I didn't like was the 382 mile drive which took over 6 hours........Saw a few mwmbers of the tri club, Pierre Laterneau, Conrad Shumacher, and a few others which I can't remember now.............I had a great day and came up with the top spot in my age group.............What's up next? Santa Barbara tri, Aug 22.............Happy training........................Victor

Marty Bryan: Pierre and I went to Utah for the second year in a row. This year reminded me of IM Utah 2002 where someone drowned in this lake as 70mph winds came up while we were in the water. It is now in a protected cover and the 30-40 winds still blew away the buoys and the start was delayed for 45 min. It later hailed and rained on the bike. Pierre was second off the bike and was around 6th overall. After and average swim and cautious bike trying not to crash in the rain, I ran a 1:42 to pull back to third in age group. Pierre won his age group. Victor and Conrad did as well so it was a good outing for the tri club!
>
> Marty Bryan
>

Next Club Social TGIF August 21@7pm

2009-08-13T05:31:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!!
The Board has put together a TGIF social next week at the Blue Martini. We will have some hors d'œuvres. Come on out and kick back at 7:00.
It is located in Town Square (I-15 & 215)
6593 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Red Rock Full Moon Ride

2009-08-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

Last week some of our members attempted to ride the loop during a full moon - pretty cool. The ride was nixed cause of strong winds that would have made it too dangerous to ride.

Tapio L. and Tammy Silver "We went out to the meeting point prepared just incase anyone showed. No one did. If conditions were different, we would have gone ahead, but the wind was so strong out there, it was blowing the truck around, so no need to endure the downhills (or uphills) in that wind in the dark. Too dangerous."

Some other time.

The Marlborough Triathlon in Mass: by Tammy Silver

2009-08-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I attended my 27th high school class reunion, which took place in Boston, MA. While I was in the area, I noticed that there was a sprint triathlon not to far away, so I registered for it, rented a bike, and was set to compete the day after the reunion festivities ended.

The course was designed by Jarrod Shoemaker, who is ranked 9th in the world on the ITU circuit. The distance was a 1/3 of a mile swim, a 15 mile bike consisting of 3 loops around the lake, and a two loop run of 1.65 miles each for a 3.3 mile total.

The race was tough. Lots of hill that were harder than they looked without momentum going into them. It rained just before the swim start, so the slick roads made it hard to get speed on the downhills. Because, it was a three lap bike course, the pros were on their third lap when I entered on my first lap. I could only imagine how frustrating it must have been for them to have to deal with us “amateurs”. There were lots of first timers riding mountain bikes in the middle of the road where you can’t cross the yellow line. So the first lap was really congested. There was a hairpin turn at the bottom of mile two on the bike, and on lap two I took it too fast; my back wheel fishtailed and I almost bit it, but managed to hang on somehow.

The run was uphill for the first mile, flat, and then downhill for almost a half mile. By that time the sun came out and it was getting steamy. So, lots of challenges that we aren’t used to in the Vegas and California races that we are accustomed to.

The race was very well organized and it was fun to attend something completely different that what I’m used to. Also, I have to give a plug for Landry’s bicycle shop in Natick, MA, where I rented a Trek Madone. They honored my LV Triathlon Club membership and gave me $20 off a new Specialized bike seat. That was pretty cool.
From the album: Wall Photos
By Maryse Roudier

No Title

2009-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

I was with a young couple that was exporing their relationship at one of our events - and this song reminded me of them!!

Hope Your Season is Going Well

2009-07-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hey- I am an old hand and that is why I am going to spew. (by the end of this you will know why I am so big on bringing your kids etc into our events and activities)

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Helen KellerUS blind & deaf educator (1880 - 1968)

We are in the middle of our tri season. I for one have had to deal with a lot of medical stuff - stinosous in the back between L4 and L5 (whatever that means)and shin splints. I signed up for Vineman in November and the San Francisco Marathon in January figuring I would be in shape. Then I wreaked my back in January making my daughter furniture and got shin splints in the San Diego Tri for whatever reason 3 weeks ago. I was signed up to do the Vineman with my son and the marathon with my daughter a week later. Here I am committed to do these races with the people I love the most in the world and I don't want to "DNF" (did not finish).

Our tri community stepped in. I went to Victor Leach a good guy, club sponsor and chiropractor, he said I could make it and treated me with his ART methods. Thanks Victor I was going to bail on the event so that is exactly what I needed to hear. He told me to see his buddy Pat for another treatment at the Vineman expo - Pat said I could make it too. I met Al one of the new guys in the club at the expo and he quoted Dave Wignall another tri veteran and club member who says when he is having a bad day "what else do I have to do today".

I was optimistic but on race day despite everyones hopes I realized after the first quarter mile on the run I was screwed but I did not want to give up and I didn't. I walked the run except for mile 5 where I shuffle ran - but I made it a 3:15 run - oh well.

The SF Marathon was the following Sunday - 7 days away. I massaged my shin using Victors methods. I was in better shape than before the tri and on race day I was able to complete the marathon ( I ran 16 and walked- ran the rest) with my daughter.

I have two points: first-we need each other to help us through difficult times, secondly-this is a learning sport where you learn the difference between severe discomfort and the impossible. If you do this stuff long enough you will experience the same thing. Don't be afraid and don't give up, talk to others. We are people who other people admire and really the only thing that separates us is that we don't give up.

Thanks for your support LV Tri Club,

We are endurance altheletes - we don't go down easily. I met my goals - to do a half ironman with my son and a marathon with my daughter - who cares about the time. When you meet your deamons - tell them that you have a race to finish, they will have to wait until tomorrow.

Congratulations to all of you - we are in a great sport !!

Kids Mini Tri Results

2009-07-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

The kids had a lot of fun. This was a first -an open water kids triathon. The kids swam around a 50 yard bouy line, rode up the hill- down the trail - turned around, transitioned at the NPS building at the top of the hill and then ran to a shortened turnaround on the trail.

My favorite part of the race was the swim. The water was hip high - kids were so excited and working so hard they would stand up semi - exhausted take a breath and dive back and keep going. By the way that is legal in USAT racing believe it or not - cool huh.

If you have little kids you got to get in on this next go-around!!!

5 Alexis Almeido F 19:34
6 Austin Almeido M 19.44
4 Ashley Dornak F 26:14
1 Hannah Cramer F 27:52
2 Mackenzie Cramer F 28:00
3 Megan Haney F 28:40

Mini Tri Posts

2009-07-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

David Watts wanted to say thank you for a great event. I am a motorcycle racer who began using triathlons to train. This was my second triathlon event and I was very impressed with everyone's attitude and passion for the sport. I have been to many events for motorcycle racing and other events. I must say that I was impressed with everyone's willingness to accept new, inexperience (which I very much am) members. Thank you, what a GREAT event. I will be at Pumpkin Man and Las Vegas Tri. Again thank you again, Las Vegas Tri Club is a class act. Thanks,David Watts

Shannon Smith Johnson had a fantastic time at the LV Tri Club's race this morning... boy does this team have some elite athletes! Definitely a good race to prep me for Oxnard's Strawberry Fields Tri next weekend... can't wait to visit my old stompin' grounds.

Bonnie Parrish-Kell Jackie Arcana: I heard you ripped up the course and took the women's title - congrats!

Jackie Arcana at 3:47am July 12 - Actually, I was second.

Victor M. Leach had a great time at the mini tri! thanks to our president dave carlson and his support team for a GREAT EVENT! you guys ROCK!Yesterday at 11:54am · Comment · LikeUnlike

Tammy Silver had a great time at the Las Vegas Triathlon Club sprint triathlon.

Jeff Whitehead saw his friends at the club tri, and remembered, oh yeah, that's what's happening today.

Mini Tri Results

2009-07-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Great Job everybody especially for those new to the sport. A big thank you to all of our great volunteers, photographers and board members that worked to show our athletes a great time. Thanks everyone!!

Our results are brought to you by our great timing volunteers and team Hosea that compiled all of them.

Joy Lea - our last finisher with a time of 2:21, Congratulations!!!

We have two photo links: create your own " I love me or I love me and my family walls" with photos from the race. You are in these photos!! the first and most extensive link is the snapfish club site link - create an account and download quality pictures for 25 cents each. There are 500+ photos:
If you were there you are here......
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1617622014/a=126375277_126375277/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
here is a second link with additional photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lasvegastriathlonclub/LasVegasTriathlonClubMinTri71109?feat=email

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Triathlon Results
Boulder Beach, Lake Mead
Saturday, July 11, 2009
# Participant Split Times: Gender Swim Bike Run Total
39 Mike Colety M 0:09:55 0:31:54 0:24:34 1:06:23
12 Patrick Almeido M 0:10:02 0:31:50 0:24:42 1:06:34
43 Chris Bunting M 0:11:28 0:31:42 0:23:29 1:06:39
49 Cicely Valenti F 0:10:49 0:33:04 0:23:00 1:06:53
48 James Huff M 0:09:55 0:32:48 0:25:20 1:08:03
77 Frank Lowery M 0:08:41 0:33:45 0:25:48 1:08:14
35 Garon Salway M 0:11:20 0:32:17 0:26:22 1:09:59
67 Joe Carter M 0:11:53 0:32:13 0:26:08 1:10:14
46 Kenny Kuykendall M 0:11:40 0:32:26 0:26:18 1:10:24
73 Jackie Arcana F 0:00:00 0:44:01 0:26:31 1:10:32
58 Karen Lasko F 0:00:00 0:47:06 0:23:46 1:10:52
41 Matt McDougall M 0:14:14 0:34:56 0:22:08 1:11:18
75 Robin Lobato M 0:13:05 0:32:25 0:27:00 1:12:30
69 Scott Petersen M 0:10:19 0:34:22 0:28:01 1:12:42
71 Dennis Lobato M 0:13:36 0:32:14 0:27:10 1:13:00
44 Vanessa Crocker F 0:12:39 0:33:47 0:26:43 1:13:09
70 Michelle Oehler F 0:10:57 0:36:14 0:26:29 1:13:40
26 Ted Olivas M 0:11:32 0:37:08 0:27:07 1:15:47
79 Albert Jankowiak M 0:13:11 0:36:19 0:26:32 1:16:02
72 Victor Leach M 0:11:52 0:35:00 0:29:18 1:16:10
61 Kurt Ouchida M 0:11:12 0:35:09 0:30:04 1:16:25
5 Kevin DeGough M 0:14:20 0:33:35 0:28:46 1:16:41
56 James Lockhart M 0:13:20 0:34:15 0:29:25 1:17:00
42 Amanda McDougall F 0:10:50 0:38:26 0:27:57 1:17:13
11 Ben Keller M 0:11:48 0:37:59 0:27:27 1:17:14
45 Jason Molitz M 0:12:39 0:34:26 0:30:14 1:17:19
33 Susan Dreihaupt F 0:13:11 0:27:05 0:38:26 1:18:42
47 Alise Haney F 0:11:22 0:39:35 0:29:29 1:20:26
78 Michael Ratner M 0:13:39 0:36:53 0:30:27 1:20:59
54 Chad Dymon M 0:10:56 0:36:09 0:33:55 1:21:00
7 Wendy Boyles F 0:13:28 0:37:29 0:30:49 1:21:46
2 Deanna Snyder F 0:12:20 0:37:38 0:32:07 1:22:05
64 Eric Molfeta M 0:12:44 0:40:10 0:29:55 1:22:49
1 Tammy Silver F 0:13:13 0:36:08 0:33:36 1:22:57
8 Kevin Boyles M 0:14:28 0:39:50 0:29:33 1:23:51
32 Shannon Johnson F 0:11:10 0:39:15 0:33:39 1:24:04
40 Rex Mitchell M 0:16:54 0:37:42 0:30:59 1:25:35
66 Corey Posgay M 0:17:37 0:38:05 0:30:25 1:26:07
15 Geoff Hall M 0:19:08 0:40:52 0:26:15 1:26:15
6 David Watts M 0:14:27 0:40:30 0:31:59 1:26:56
22 Melodie Cronenberg F 0:14:40 0:39:46 0:32:54 1:27:20
24 Sue White F 0:16:16 0:39:25 0:32:00 1:27:41
57 Leta Rose F 0:12:06 0:46:53 0:29:06 1:28:05
68 Ed Hoffman M 0:17:28 0:44:35 0:26:17 1:28:20
28 Nicole Gunckel F 0:12:52 0:41:57 0:33:53 1:28:42
50 Gerald Norton M 0:14:05 0:39:12 0:36:08 1:29:25
18 Jeramy Benson M 0:16:16 0:39:17 0:34:11 1:29:44
25 Mark Dunaisky M 0:14:44 0:40:54 0:34:10 1:29:48
80 Tom Farrar M 0:13:59 0:41:32 0:34:31 1:30:02
14 Tony Taylor M 0:14:47 0:40:31 0:36:07 1:31:25
34 Nicole Cramer F 0:13:22 0:38:44 0:39:21 1:31:27
13 William Demaree M 0:18:52 0:43:08 0:29:53 1:31:53
38 Chris Wener M 0:13:54 0:41:17 0:37:56 1:33:07
74 Patrick Burhardt M 0:13:50 0:44:54 0:34:47 1:33:31
10 Darryl Smith M 0:20:00 0:41:12 0:32:20 1:33:32
37 Tim Hastie M 0:16:12 0:46:56 0:32:52 1:36:00
3 Kathy Degolia F 0:16:45 0:46:15 0:33:22 1:36:22
53 Brandie Koehle F 0:17:05 0:43:56 0:36:38 1:37:39
21 Jarin Sillitoe M 0:15:57 0:47:34 0:35:29 1:39:00
76 Martha Langer F 0:11:35 0:48:51 0:38:34 1:39:00
30 Keith Caceres M 0:21:41 0:44:06 0:33:24 1:39:11
9 Kurt Faux M 0:17:47 0:45:34 0:36:01 1:39:22
16 Kathyrn Knapp F 0:20:02 0:46:10 0:33:28 1:39:40
17 Scott Wildermuth M 0:15:14 0:48:44 0:40:47 1:44:45
4 Jason Bello M 0:14:50 0:47:25 0:43:34 1:45:49
29 Momoka Caceres F 0:21:45 0:47:56 0:36:58 1:46:39
55 Julie Holt F 0:17:05 0:46:18 0:43:23 1:46:46
23 Rose O'Donnell F 0:18:58 0:50:10 0:38:50 1:47:58
65 Leslie Lao F 0:16:38 0:48:55 0:42:39 1:48:12
36 Candace Trummell F 0:21:56 0:49:35 0:39:12 1:50:43
51 Colleen Frankenberger F 0:20:33 0:47:22 0:44:00 1:51:55
52 Greg Bailey M 0:16:09 DNF - bike 1:51:55 1:51:55
19 Bruce Sillitoe M 0:16:53 1:03:48 0:44:06 2:04:47
20 Tysa Sillitoe F 0:16:50 1:03:52 0:44:05 2:04:47
31 Joy Lea F 0:20:41 1:03:28 0:56:56 2:21:05
63 Pat Marsh M 0:50:41 DNF

T1 time is included in swim time, T2 time is included in bike time

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Race Series Standings

2009-07-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Race Series Results
Boulder Beach, Lake Mead

Participant
Duathlon Results 3/21/2009 : Triathlon Results 5/30/2009 : Totals

Female

Jennifer Grube 0:57:27 1:15:38 2:13:05
Susan Dreihaupt 1:02:50 1:21:01 2:23:51
Amy Ziemba 1:11:33 1:30:21 2:41:54
Leslie Lao 1:18:43 1:41:40 3:00:23

Male

Joe Carter 0:51:42 1:08:06 1:59:48
Patrick Marsh 1:02:38 1:17:08 2:19:46
Eric Molfetta 1:11:26 1:19:36 2:31:02
D'Andre Childs 1:01:42 1:31:43 2:33:25
Scott Petersen 0:53:30 1:42:20 2:35:50
Mark Dunaisky 1:06:39 1:47:48 2:54:27
Brian Wainscott 1:10:52 1:44:38 2:55:30

Mid-Summer Mini July 11 - 2009

2009-06-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

Dave here, I would like to invite -or rather Evite - you all to join in the fun. Once again this year we are putting on our short distance triathlon series. They are basically sprint distance events. The club is about building community within the sport and this is one way we do it - as you know we try to put on first class events that are affordable that means $0 dollars. I don’t have to tell you what a great deal that is from an entry fee standpoint. One of the reasons - we believe that our sport is getting pretty expensive and we want to give families an opportunity to go out to the lake for a real event without breaking the bank. That is not to say that our elites in the club don’t put in some awesome times – it is about having fun together in a supportive environment and practicing your skills. This year we are including a short kids open water tri along the shore. We would like you to join us. (you must be club member for insurance purposes sign up on line or at the event)

This is it our 3rd sprint distance mini on July 11th 7:00 and a short kids open water tri - along the shore at 8:30 so save the date.
Here is a link to a course map - use the satellite view - zoom in for detail
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/LV-Triathlon-Club-Mini-Tri-2-Course

Here is the evite site for sign up
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=EZDTRQIZVLEJKPKSINSE&inviteId=FIMICYVEGBSBBQOSMMZO&showPreview=false&x=987394627

San Diego International Triathlon

2009-06-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Check this race out - this will probably be a club race in 2010 - next year we are going to be even bigger!! If you haven't done it you have to do it.

San Diego was perfect, beautiful weather, great venue, the company of other athletes – friends and family. This year the club decided to get together at a destination race – not to far away so that it was affordable and did not require days off to get there. San Diego was a perfect choice.
The course is my favorite – sorry Lake Mead – a safe ocean swim, an awesome bike course which takes you to the top of Point Loma and a pancake flat run along the city’s ocean front. I think everyone I talked to in the club really enjoyed the course.

Saturday, the day before the race you go to the expo - rack your bike – and then enjoy the best course talk in Triathlon by the charismatic president of the SD Tri club – I learn something new every time and laugh my posterior off.

Then a club dinner with families at La Pizzeria Arrivederci – this year about 30 people including athletes and their families showed up to celebrate our sport and our lives.

Race day was everything we hoped for with a micro brew beer corral at the end. Monica won her age group and Victor placed third in his after completing IM CDA the previous week – We had about 15 athletes and about 30 friends and family there as well - Congratulations Everyone!!!

Dave Browning, Curtis Ching, Robert Hosea, Dave Carlson, Robin Lobato, Victor Rodriguez, Jenna Novotny, D'Andre Childs, Darrel Smith, Jennifer Grube, Tammy Silver, Julie Hosea, Monica Maccaux, Jeannie Gordon, Mike Hanning

Ironman Coeur de Alene - by Jessica Fasulo

2009-06-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hey!! OMG I totally loved the experience!!!

My first Ironman and the first things that come to my mind are victory, cold, and garbage bags. I felt victory the entire time, in a sense that all my hard work and training paid off. Those 4:30am runs before work in the morning, waking up at 5am on a Sunday morning to crawl under the gate to run at Red Rock before the sun came up, the long hours spent on the bike and my constant smell of chlorine from my swim workouts paid off.

Going into Ironman, I didnt know what to expect. I have heard a lot about Ironman from fellow triathletes and I thought I understood, but really, you don't realize how much goes into an Ironman until you actually do one. I never understood why people go to an Ironman days before the event, and stay for a few days after, and now I know its due to all the logistics of the event. Taking care of gear check bags, setting up your bike, attending meetings, well it's overwhelming. Fortunately I had my best friend to share in the experience. With four years of triathlon racing in the past, she and I felt we were experiencing triathlon for the first time. We were filled with so much anxiety, excitement and thrill.

Race morning we had gotten up at 4:30am and did our usual breakfast routine and walked down to the shuttle that dropped us off at the Couer D'Alene Resort where we stepped out into upper 50's temps where the driver reminded us how choppy the water was becoming. I was told to get changed into my wetsuit in the women's changing tent to get into my own "chi" and so I did along with Danielle... still not believing that I was going to be doing my first Ironman.

My friend and I walked to the swim start, and it was a herd of people shuffling to the water where we walked to the beach surrounded by over 2500 other athletes. The wind blew but the excitment and nervousness we felt kept us warm. The beach was amazing... something I only saw pictures of and for the first time I was a part of. It was a beautiful sight. As I stood there I tried to understand how exactly all of us would fit in the water at the same time. Those few minutes waiting on the beach felt like seconds until the horn went off and I found myself elbow to elbow hopping into the lake. The entire swim was about survival. Trying NOT to get kicked in the face, fighting for a spot in the water. I was swam over, my feet were scratched and pulled, and I wondered if I would make it out alive. I couldnt believe just how brutal everyone was, and a few times I found myself questioning the sanity of the race director to allow this to happen. I was thinking, how the heck is this legal? This is a drowing waiting to happen... GEEZ!
The first loop went well, and I thought the second would thin out and I would get into a groove, but that wasn't the case. The second loop I was fighting fellow triathletes the entire time, and eventually I was out of the water in 1:10. I saw wetsuit strippers and laid myself down as my suit never came off so fast! Running into transition I went to the changing tent and was greeted by a woman who helped me get dressed and ready for my 112 mile bike. It was cool out so I wore both arm warmers and a jacket with gloves to keep warm and was so happy I did so. I got on my bike and shoved some food into my mouth and started pedaling. I was in no rush, knowing I had a long hard bike ahead of me. While riding I knew all my hill training paid off because although I wasnt moving that fast, I felt good. Around mile 50 my best friend caught up with me and we enjoyed one anothers company at the special needs area where we enjoyed peanut butter and jelly. I got off the bike just once to use the bathroom and after my two sandwiches I was back on for a second round of climbs. I was happy to finally get off the bike after 7+ hours and to the start of the marathon.

Coming into transition I was waiting for people to yell at me to slow down and dismount, but instead there were a group of men telling me to ride right into them and they help lift me off my bike where I found myself running into someone handing me my bike to run bag. In the changing tent a veteran Ironman helped me change and I found myself stuffing a bar in my mouth and beginning my marathon. The first half I felt strong and was running with a smile on my face, so happy to be running, until mile 13 where I started to become fatigued. I was in need of coke and chicken soup. As the rain came down so did my energy but fortunately my special needs bag had more peanut butter and jelly awaiting. My knees started to bother me but I wanted to push through the pain and keep going. The volunteers were amazing, and I attribute my success during the race, especially the marathon to their support. I found myself doing the survival shuffle at some points with trash bags on my hands to keep warm but I kept one foot in front of the other. I drank so much coke for the caffeine and chicken soup to keep warm, and kept pushing along until the last left turn when I saw the finish. I was so filled with emotion and finished running crossing the finish line in 13:39.
My first Ironman was a victory, cold, wet, and an experience I will never forget. Prior to Ironman my goal was to finish Ironman with no time expectations, and not walk during the marathon, and I did just that. I was fortunate to have my best friend with me, and surprisingly enough after shopping in athletes village the next day we spent the evening in bed achy and sore researching ironman.com for our next race.

San Diego - In a week

2009-06-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to another great San Diego International triathlon in a week. I think most of the Chipendales from the club will be there again.

Good Luck in Coeur de Alene

2009-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Coeur de Alene IM 2008 Swim

There are about 6-10 club members doing this Ironman this weekend. For many it is their first. An Ironman is a big deal - it is not a one day race - it is at least a 3 month period of training, testing, and working on nutrition. We wish all of you the best of luck.

Tri Club Family Picnic June 13th

2009-06-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

The LVTC second annual picnic is Saturday, June 13 at the Vistas Park in Summerlin. Bring the family, come socialize with club members, and enjoy some great BBQ! The club will provide BBQ beef brisket, BBQ chicken, beans, and drinks. Bring something to share (pick from the list when you RSVP). Use this link to RSVP

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/ZCBKXPZFBKJBXBUHHYGX/facebook/1243524520086

Congratulations Diamond Kids!

2009-06-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go out to all of the kids and families who participated in the Diamond Kids Triathlon in Blue Diamond on Saturday. Heather and Jared Fischer owners of Las Vegas Cyclery are behind this great event. This year there were 300 kids from around the community that participated, they were really fun to watch.

The Club went out basically to support athletes - show our colors, intive people to our July 11 mini-tri and watch. Heather said that many of the families ask about other events that kids can be involved with and she felt comfortable with our club's mission and event performance.

Thanks Heather and Jared!!

Nellis AFB Course Ride Report

2009-06-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

We were contacted a couple of months ago regarding the possiblity of doing a duathlon or a time trial at Nellis AFB. We were honored and excited about the possiblity of doing something with the Air Force men and women. Today several club members went for an exporlatory ride out there with air force cyclists and triathletes, an opportunity most of us never get. The scenery was terrific and roads are well paved and almost deserted. There are a variety of courses that could be laid out. The Air Force was having an exercise so there were planes taking off all the time - as we returned we were momentarily under the flight path - an F-16 makes a lot of noise taking off. The American flag on our jerseys never looked better.

Thanks Nellis!! We had a great time.

We think we will try to put on a Club time trial before the end of the season.

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Results

2009-05-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Mini-Triathlon Results
Boulder Beach, Lake Mead
Saturday, May 30, 2009

Snapfish Photo Link 380 downloadable photos - if you were there you are here
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=978768014/a=126375277_126375277/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Participant Split Times

Swim Bike Run Total
Pat A. 0:10:07 0:32:37 0:24:19 1:07:03
Joe Carter 0:00:00 0:44:08 0:23:58 1:08:06
Reenie Griffin 0:10:19 0:33:33 0:24:46 1:08:38
Cicely Valenti 0:10:12 0:36:47 0:23:18 1:10:17
Mauricio Prado 0:12:52 0:34:57 0:22:35 1:10:24
Rob Taylor 0:10:30 0:35:54 0:24:41 1:11:05
Dave Browning 0:10:52 0:35:47 0:24:54 1:11:33
Donald Bowman 0:12:24 0:37:51 0:22:19 1:12:34
Jeramy Benson 0:11:38 0:34:22 0:27:12 1:13:12
Mark Beerer 0:11:30 0:41:37 0:21:11 1:14:18
Karen Lasko 0:12:09 0:36:48 0:25:48 1:14:45
Jennifer Grube 0:11:48 0:37:45 0:26:05 1:15:38
Robin Lobato 0:12:30 0:33:33 0:29:35 1:15:38
V Crocker 0:12:09 0:36:40 0:26:49 1:15:38
Siobhan Snyder 0:13:02 1:16:08
Michele Oehler 0:10:48 0:37:59 0:27:21 1:16:08
Kurt Ouchida 0:00:00 0:00:00 1:17:01 1:17:01
Pat Marsh 0:11:28 0:37:20 0:28:20 1:17:08
Bob S 0:09:38 0:36:04 0:31:46 1:17:28
Cindy Newman 0:00:00 0:49:52 0:28:06 1:17:58
Eric Molfeta 0:00:00 0:51:27 0:28:09 1:19:36
J McGaughtey 0:11:41 0:41:19 0:27:41 1:20:41
Sus Dreiharpt 0:12:56 0:40:26 0:27:39 1:21:01
Tracy Morris 0:00:00 0:52:33 0:30:22 1:22:55
Alise Haney 0:10:43 1:23:16
Jason Molitz 0:12:20 1:23:47
Tom Farrar 0:12:05 1:25:20
Shawna Glasser 0:13:55 0:40:45 0:31:28 1:26:08
Bob Rynda 0:15:00 0:38:00 0:35:52 1:28:52
Curt Howell 0:00:00 0:52:20 0:36:43 1:29:03
Allen Lev 0:12:45 0:39:04 0:37:47 1:29:36
Sue White 0:14:47 0:43:53 0:31:18 1:29:58
Amy Ziemer 0:00:00 0:59:03 0:31:18 1:30:21
Coco Salah 0:11:16 0:36:42 0:42:33 1:30:31
D'Andre Childs 0:14:02 0:42:48 0:34:53 1:31:43
Leta Rose 0:10:28 0:50:22 0:31:10 1:32:00
Curtis Ching 0:11:21 1:34:32
Ter Sullivan 0:10:16 0:50:45 0:33:49 1:34:50
Keith Caceres 0:00:00 1:04:13 0:36:28 1:40:41
Momoka Caceres 0:16:02 0:47:33 0:37:43 1:41:18
Brand Kochler 0:16:16 0:45:28 0:39:56 1:41:40
Leslie Yao 0:15:02 0:48:28 0:38:10 1:41:40
Scott Pierson 0:16:02 0:46:08 0:40:10 1:42:20
Ryan Pierson 0:15:58 0:46:12 0:40:11 1:42:21
Tysa Sillitoe 0:15:22 0:51:28 0:35:32 1:42:22
Kay McKercher 0:10:58 0:49:02 0:44:38 1:44:38
B Wainscott 0:14:20 0:34:25 0:55:53 1:44:38
Nancy Hancock 0:14:00 0:51:43 0:39:58 1:45:41
Frankenberger 0:17:55 0:51:29 0:38:02 1:47:26
Mark Danairky 0:13:13 0:45:27 0:49:08 1:47:48
Josh Saterlee 0:18:35 0:52:41 0:39:34 1:50:50
Tim Hastle 0:18:35 0:52:41 0:39:34 1:50:50
Mary Chamness 0:16:09 0:53:09 0:42:47 1:52:05
Neil Rose 0:00:00 1:03:53 0:48:12 1:52:05
Ryan Turner 0:18:55 1:07:54 0:32:53 1:59:42
Vena Sillitoe 0:16:44 0:36:23 1:07:49 2:00:56
Bruce Sillitoe 0:16:44 1:03:16 0:40:59 2:00:59
B Parnsh-Kell 0:13:33 1:22:03 0:28:04 2:03:40
Just Williams 0:14:33 1:16:58 0:44:05 2:15:36
Taeg Williams 0:18:35 1:12:56 0:44:08 2:15:39
Ellen Charnley 0:09:42 0:39:06 0:00:00
S Wildermuth 0:13:53 0:51:39 0:00:00

Mini Tri Photo Sample

2009-05-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

The mini-tri was very exciting with over 60 participants - We have 380 Photos on our club photo download site.
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=978768014/a=126375277_126375277/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

An Awesome Day - Great Conditions

Great Competition for Men and Women at the higer levels

Seasoned Masters

First Time Finishers

Families doing their First Triathlon together

May 30th Mini Triathlon Evite Sign Up

2009-05-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone - Dave Carlson - the Pres here - We are trying to get a head count for food and support requirements for the mini-tri this Saturday the 30th. If possible if you haven't yet could you go to our evite site and register. Just say that you are not me and register. See you Saturday

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=NIHEAVKMUVDEAGASZTVT&src=email

(As most of you know these are free events for club members and you have to be a member to be insured - so either go on our join tab or make arrangements at the event registration table.)

Scott Archibald, LV Tri Club Member Vying for USAT Board Position

2009-05-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Scott Archibald, LV Tri Club Member one of 11 candidates vying for a USAT Southwest Region Board Position

Platform
After years of cycling between 3000 – 5000 miles annual I needed some variety and I tried triathlons in 2008. Although new to the sport of triathlons I have become an avid triathlete recently completing RAGE triathlon in Las Vegas, NV & Wildflower in Monterey County, CA with additional events scheduled in 2009.

Background & Experience:

I am a seasoned executive in Fortune 50 companies with recent experience in the non-profit world that I feel prepares me to serve on the USAT Board.

:Executive Board Member, Multisport Ministries (2008 – present). Multisport Ministries is a Christian based triathlon team focused on providing fellowship for male triathletes (Christian or not). As a member of the executive board I participate in strategic planning efforts and assist in efforts to grow the organization. I am also in the process of helping form our pro team. Within a short year we have grown from 2 to 150 members with a handful of members looking to go professional. We benefit from active support through triathletes such as Chris Lieto and Josh Merrick.
:Treasurer & Executive Director, Kravenko Foundation (2008 – present). The Kravenko foundation provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience the art of dance. I am responsible for all financial and business aspects to ensure success at the Kravenko Foundation.
:Vice President Operations, Neusport Football Club (2006 – 2008). I successfully completed a $1 Million turn around at this youth soccer non-profit organization during 2007.

Goals for Board position:
First and foremost, I would like to involve a wider audience to triathlons in order to increase awareness and participation within the sport. This may include increasing participation in Duathlons, Junior and U23 events, as well as increasing overall participation in triathlons.

In addition, I feel that it is important to promote triathlons as a way that participants can make a positive and healthy impact on their lives and their community. Requiring USAT sanctioned events to meet specified green standards while also providing programs or assistance to the community will be an important part of this. Promoting health awareness as a fourth discipline of a successful triathlete is critical and the most overlooked aspect of many triathletes. Encouraging health oriented vendors to support and participate in race activities should introduce a “healthy living” aspect to participants and the community. Lastly ensuring that USAT is fiscally viable organization. Providing various levels of membership (e.g.: lifetime, gold, silver, bronze, etc.) may help increase the financial state of the organization while bringing in additional members.

Complete list of candidates
http://usatriathlon.org/news/article/13089

Upcoming Events - Heads-Up

2009-05-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Tri Club Members - I just wanted to start a dialogue regarding our upcoming events.

Club Kits: This week we should be recieving our 2009 Club unforms which will include tri tanks, road jerseys and tri shorts. Check them out - we should have ordering capability in the on-line store at some point in the near future. They will be available at our Iron Girl table and at the mini tri.

On May 30th we will be holding another training LV Tri Club mini- triathlon complete with announcer, racks, food - etc. at Boulder Beach. This will include a kids - mini with a swim along the beach in thigh high water so the kids can stand up. We are going to do a trial run on the kids swim course in two weeks - Mike Coltey said he would assist. Let me know if you are interested in helping put the kids course together and go to the practice swim +. In a couple of weeks.

As you know our training events are free to members. I think that is a huge bargain.

Then we are planning a training ride/course check at Nellis Base on June 7th to check out a 25 mile loop for future events - like duathlons and time trials maybe even a mini - tri.

On June 13th we are putting on our annual club family picnic and pot luck. We are working on a location now. This is a really fun event as all of you know that attended last year.

June 27th is the San Diego International Triathlon which we said earlier in the year was our away event. It is filled now - hope you were able to get in.

Frank Lowery and Heather Fischer are putting on some kids triathlons as well check our calendar. These are great local people who do an excellent job.

Swim Coaching: I just got an e-mail from Swim Las Vegas that they will be holding a two stroke clinic. http://www.swimlv.com/Welcome.html . They offer club discounts. I am going to check with the other coaches as well to see what they are doing.

Club Calendar link http://www.lvtriclub.com/main/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=33

Xterra Report

2009-05-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

The "Caveman" and the "Queen" of XTERRA - Conrad Stoltz and Melanie McQuaid win XTERRA West Cup

Saturday, May 02, 2009

LOEWS LAKE LAS VEGAS RESORT, NEVADA - Defending XTERRA U.S. Pro Series and three-time World Champions Conrad Stoltz and Melanie McQuaid proved once again to be the best in the sport by surviving major challenges from a loaded pro field at the Loews XTERRA West Cup at Lake Las Vegas, Nevada .

A cool desert breeze greeted more than 350 racers to the 68-degree, clean and clear 1.5-kilometer point-to-point swim in Lake Las Vegas. It all started elegantly enough below a row of palm trees on a white sand beach in front of Loews peach-colored Mediterranean style resort.

After the familiar XTERRA cannon blast ushered off the pros in the first wave, swimmers u-turned their way out of the Loews beach cove and around the 8th hole of the Jack Nicklaus’ designed Reflection Bay golf course to another white sand beach a mile away that opened up into the great wide open of the southern Nevada desert.

Christine “Big Fish” Jeffrey beat everyone out of the water – even the top men – in a little over 20 minutes.

The early morning sunshine made it tough to see the buoys, but one racer after another commented on how nice and enjoyable the swim was. The lead pack of men were just moments behind Jeffrey with Evans, Stoltz, Seth Wealing, Branden Rakita, and Dan Hugo all coming out together, with Ironman standout Jasper Blake just a few strokes back.

The bike course is a non-stop barrage of short, steep, one and two-minute climbs followed by quick descents – all on a virtual moonscape highlighted with the various shades of red, sand, and grey that the desert dishes out. There are more than 2,000-feet of climbing on the 30km bike course (1,000+ per lap) and lots of room to pass.

“I had a couple hiccups today,” said Stoltz. “I dropped a chain and had to stop and fix that which probably cost 30 seconds and I took a digger too, and that didn’t cost much time but it sure was humbling. It’s interesting because at first I thought this course would be too easy because it’s not real technical, but then with all the riders churning up the dirt it really made a lot of sections loose and tricky.”

Iron Girl Participants

2009-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Good luck Ladies of the Las Vegas Triathlon Club

Here is the list of participants for Iron Girl. There are 29 members (out of 102 females – adults and children combined) that are participating. This list was created in a combined effort by Robert and Julie Hosea our membership directors. We have some great people on the board, Thank You !!!!

Arcana Jacqueline
Bachir Ann
Bohlke Brooke
Bourque Andrea
Caceres Momoka
Charnley Ellen
Colety Lisa
Collins Amber
Dahlgren Amy
Fasulo Jessica
Garner Sheila
Grube Jennifer
Hillier Billie
Job Lisa
Johnson Shannon
Kaleikini-Johnson Deborah
Kempf Ami
Knippel Sarah
Lam Kit
Marsh Rebecca
Morris Tracy
Myers Leslie
Olson Huichi
Owczarek Traci
Payan Mary
Purcell Tasha
Salah Coco
Snyder Deanna
Watson Kim

Welcome to 2009

2009-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

As we begin a new season - I like to think about what we can do to support each other. Here is a song to remind us of our connections to each other, enjoy your adventures and travels this year - be sure to take an extra day to look around. This starts out a little slow but wait until you hit the street singer in Amsterdam........

Dave Carlson - President Las Vegas Triathlon Club

Tri club has strong showing........Victor

2009-04-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Rage in the Sage triathlon took place on Sat, April 18 at Boulder Beach. Upwards of 700 athletes tackled the three distances offered, half iron, olympic and sprint. The main concern was the water temperature, it had everyone on edge, thinking about the frosty splash specially in the early morning. According to race organizers, the water chilled the thermometer at 63 degrees, although, some people tended to disagree, I for one, thougnt it was a bit cooler..........(I was born in the tropics!!!).

As far as I'm concerned, everyone succesfully completed the bone-chilling swim, no casualties. The bike course was hilly to say the least, accompanied with a bit of a head wind, very natural for SoNev!!!.........The run was hilly as well, two climbs greeted the runners and by then the temp was reaching 80 degrees!

I tip my hat to BBSC Endurance group, headed by Brogg Sterrett and his lovely sister Aubrion. They put together a fantastic show, none better anywhere with athlete safety the main goal. Our club was well represented with over 60 athletes competing in all distances and placing high as well. For further results check the
Rage's website.

Our president, Dave Carlson served as an official (marshall), he was out there making sure no one crossed the yellow line and no drafting on the bike course. Overall, it was a great event, one that no one should miss in the coming years. You can check out the photos on: www.zazoosh.com. Thanx for reading and I'll see you out training..........

LV Tri Club Members Racing Rage

2009-04-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

RAGE was Saturday the 17th and the Las Vegas Triathlon Club had a teriffic showing - 60 members participated! Here is the roster - Congratulations everyone

Alper, Eliot
Archibald, Scott
Bailey, Greg
Bailey-Assam, Jade
Benson, Jeramy
Blau, Colleen
Bowman, Donald
Brennan, Peggy
Cannon, Kevin
Carter, Joe
Chao, Paul
Colety, Michael
Cramer, Niccole
Dahlgren, Amy
De Liagre Bohl, Pieter
Degolia, Kathy
DeGough, Kevin
Delaberta, Christina
Delia, Joel
Fasulo, Jessica
Frank, Stefanie
Grube, Jennifer
Hoffman, Edward
Kempf, Ami
Klumpyan, Kay
Lao, Leslie
Lea, Eric
Lea, James
Lev, Allen
Marsh, Patrick
Marsh, Rebecca
Matlock, Christopher
Molfetta, Eric
Morris, Tracy
Myers, Leslie
Nichols, Brandon
Norton, Gerald
Olivas, Melissa
Olivas, Ted
Olson, Huichi
Owczarek, Traci
Paar, Randy
Petersen, Scott
Posgay, Corey
Rodriguez, Victor
Rowe, Izaac
Russell, Serena
Satterlee, Joshua
Smith, Darryl
Valenti, Cicely
Vigil, John
Watson, Kim
Wener, Chris

New Members Racing

Vowell, Lee
Rynda, Bob
Burke, Kevin
Degolia, Kathy
Walters, Michael
Wells, Yvonne Kinane
Greaves, Bill
Whitehead, Jeffrey
Yancey, James
Quigley, Tina
Novotny, Jenna
Faux, Kurt
McKercher, Kay
Stammetti, Mona
Daley, Cyndie
Kuykendall, Kenny
Holt, Julie
Turner, Ryan
Whitney, Arthur

Showdown at Sundown: Victor R

2009-03-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Dave: Here are the pix from the race. I will write an article as soon as I know how Jeremy and Carl finished. I got lucky and won my age group, had a fantastic race and felt good!!!..............There were a few members out there rooting for us, that was nice!!!..........Talk to you later, Victor

Havasu tri: Kick-off for '09: By Victor R.

2009-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

The Lake Havasu tri took place on March 21 in the sunny Arizona community sided by the Colorado river. Havasu is one of the first triathlons of the season and a few of the club members jaunted down to participate. The weather was just about perfect, low 60's at the start and a high of 86 by 2pm, what else can you ask for? The water was a bit chilly, 66 degrees and very calm. Close to 700 athletes graced the venue including college teams from U of AZ, AZ State, Colorado, BYU, NM State and a few others.

The swim took place at Windsor Beach state park, just a stone's throw from the famous London Bridge. The bike course headed out north on London Bridge Blvd, long, fast, straight roads was on slate for a few miles. The organizers threw in a posh neighborhood with numerous turns and mild hills, bike handling was a must as 90 degree turns were common. Soon after, back on the straight road, speeds reached in the high 20's with a mild tail wind. However, the fun was over, another ritzy, high-end development with short, very steep hills. There were three climbs, about 100-200 yards long. My Garmin registered in excess of 20% grades, definitely granny gears!!! The descends were just as steep with speeds reaching in the high 40's!!!..........The last 7 or 8 miles were on that aforementioned straight road, this time the wind picked up a bit and made it very difficult to get back to transition. The run was pancake-flat, well, most of the way. Just about a mile from transition, the runners had to climb about 80 steps and run across the famous London Bridge, pretty cool to say the least!.........

The run course sided the river, it was an out and back. Overall, it was a great event which I recommend everyone include it in next year's calendar. Havasu is only about 150 miles from Vegas, a very easy drive.

The next event will take place at Lake Las Vegas, next Sat. The Showdown at Sundown is a unique event, it starts at 3:30 pm followed by a party for the athletes at the resort. Hope to see everyone there. Rage is also coming up on April 18 as well as the X-Terra West Championships on May 2, also at Lake Las Vegas. We have been riding on Sun mornings from the Henderson MultiGen at 8am. Jackie Arcana is the ride leader, she usually heads out to Callville Bay for a refreshing 80 mile trek. E-mail me and I will fill you in. Anyway, it's nice talking to you all again and hope to see you out there training....................Thanks for reading, Victor

LV Triathlon Club Duathlon Results

2009-03-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Lake there were 45 adult participants and 11 kids. I want to thank all who helped with the race and the picnic especially our teriffic leadership team. Thank You!!!

Here is a link to our snapfish photo site. Tapio took 525 pictures you can download a good quality photo for about 25 cents. Let me know if you have any problems. citydave@cox.net If you were there you are here: (new link)

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=278679744/a=126375277_126375277/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

Getting into the group room may require me as the manager to send you an invitation email - so send me your email and I will get you in.

Las Vegas Triathlon Club Duathlon Results

Boulder Beach, Lake Mead Saturday, March 21, 2009

The Results are listed in the following format
T1 time is included in bike time, T2 time is included in second run time

Run
Bike
Run
Total

Joe Carter
0:11:20
0:27:32
0:12:50
0:51:42

Scott Petersen
0:12:15
0:26:05
0:15:10
0:53:30

Mike Hanning
0:13:27
0:26:33
0:14:33
0:54:33

Chris Kleinhenz
0:12:42
0:29:51
0:14:27
0:57:00

Jennifer Grube
0:12:22
0:31:22
0:13:43
0:57:27

Kevin Degough
10:42:38
0:15:30
0:58:08

Kristin Kleinhenz
0:13:13
0:32:05
0:14:30
0:59:48

Eric Lea
0:13:35
0:30:25
0:17:00
1:01:00

D'Andre Childs
0:13:27
0:31:33
0:16:42
1:01:42

Tasha Purcell
0:13:16
0:32:49
0:15:45
1:01:50

Todd Lynn
0:14:40
0:30:50
0:16:22
1:01:52

Ian Segal
0:12:58
0:34:02
0:15:18
1:02:18

Patrick Marsh
0:13:50
0:31:00
0:17:48
1:02:38

Susan Dreihaupt
0:14:15
0:32:23
0:16:12
1:02:50

Monica Maccaux
0:13:42
0:34:10
0:15:00
1:02:52

Corey Hollon
0:13:47
0:35:01
0:17:35
1:06:23

Mark Dunaisky
0:14:44
0:35:00
0:16:55
1:06:39

Deanna Snyder
0:16:01
0:31:45
0:19:09
1:06:55

Traci Owzarek
0:15:04
0:34:11
0:18:03
1:07:18

Darryl Smith

10:51:06
0:17:45
1:08:51

Raymond Payan
0:15:01
0:34:23
0:20:22
1:09:46

Huichi Olson
0:15:36
0:37:15
0:17:03
1:09:54

Greg Bailey
0:15:10
0:36:07
0:19:13
1:10:30

Brian Wainscott
0:15:31
0:35:21
0:20:00
1:10:52

Eric Molfeta

0:00:00
11:11:26
1:11:26

Paul Chao
0:16:14
0:37:33
0:19:13
1:13:00

Jeannie Gordon
0:15:51
0:37:30
0:20:26
1:13:47

Mary Payan
0:16:22
0:39:38
0:19:07
1:15:07

Tony Taylor
0:16:01
0:38:08
0:21:45
1:15:54

Brooke Bohlke
0:16:33
0:42:13
0:19:20
1:18:06

Leslie Lao
0:16:22
0:42:32
0:19:49
1:18:43

Rebecca Marsh
0:18:58
0:40:47
0:22:17
1:22:02

Nate Goldberg
0:16:57
0:46:06
0:23:04
1:26:07

Deborah Johnson
0:20:00
0:41:02
0:26:03
1:27:05

Catherine Duffy
0:18:58
0:48:22
0:21:00
1:28:20

Jim Lea/Kent Hugh
0:24:43
0:40:22
0:26:30
1:31:35

David Cramer
0:23:56
0:47:09
0:27:25
1:38:30

Andrea Bourque
0:23:29
0:46:00
0:29:20
1:38:49

Joy Lea/Karen Hugh
0:24:43
0:41:58
0:36:54
1:43:35

Niccole Cramer
0:14:46
0:34:24

DNF

Timothy Duffy
0:11:51

DNF

Amy Ziembe
0:15:18
0:37:15

Michael Rainer
0:13:45
0:31:26

Kids
Total Time

Josh Hosea
0:22:02

Taylor Payan
0:25:45

Megan Hosea
0:28:20

Jessica Snyder
0:28:20

Hannah Cramer
0:28:50

Alexandrea Payan
0:31:22

Kersee Johnson
0:31:32

Afton Lea
0:32:49

Eliot Lea
0:32:50

Spencer Colety
0:38:45

Iron Girl - the Beginning: by Linda Hightower

2009-03-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

This year I really want to become more involved in the social part of the club as I don't know anyone in my circle of friends/Mom's (even my husband) that has any interest in doing tri's. They think I am crazy and compulsive! I think they aren't crazy and compulsive ENOUGH! I would like to meet others that share my joy for the sport.

I had run a few marathons in the past, but never biked more than around the block on my broken pink Walmart mountain bike, let alone used gears or even thought about changing a flat. As a swimmer? I was the tanning by the pool and splashing with the kids kind of "swimmer". I never swam face down, never with goggles, didn't know how to head turn and breath. Nothing. Not to mention I was (and I still am) very terrified of the open water. As silly as it sounds I have a fear of the fish and other "dangerous animals" swimming around and under me in that dark unknown! I grew up in Orange County and spent a lot of time at the beach - but never would I dare to get in past my calves (not even in my 20's when I lived in Hawaii for 3 years). I still refuse to do so, unless its the race day getting closer and/or a must time for training purposes. Otherwise I'm still strictly a pool laps girl and even that is not a great time for me.

In February of 2008, I was looking for something other than marathons to do and I came across an ad for the Iron Girl. I thought, why not? Maybe it would help conquer my fears of those pesky water animals - it hasn't. So last year, from mid-February to the race in the beginning of April - a whole 2 months - I did what I thought I should do to train. I read books and I joined the tri club! Unfortunately, due to my schedule and my kids/husbands schedule, I was only able to do one brick workout, one short bike ride at Lake Mead (and still on the Walmart mountain bike), and two open water swims with Jackie Arcana. The rest of my training was just me out there on my own. I taught my self to ride a road bike (and one month before the race, I "invested" in an inexpensive refurbished 20 year old specialized road bike - its old, but I love it!). I taught myself to swim with goggles and face down, breathing to the side and learned to change a flat (albeit very slowly) and I did the Olympic Distance Iron Girl.

That morning, after I checked my bike in and as I was walking to the swim area, I literally had tears roll down my cheeks because I was convinced that I could feasibly come in dead last (which to me was/is worse than not finishing at all - I think I I am very all or nothing person). At the start of the swim I had tears well-up again, I managed to blink them away, but I was very close to the hyperventilating point. It was seriously the most nervous I had been in my entire life.

That Iron Girl day I came in with a time of 2 hours and 51 minutes - which was 37th place overall and good enough for 5th place in my 35-39 age group. I was relieved (and proud) because I really did go into that race just not wanting to be the very last person across the finish line - or having to put my tire changing skills to use! I have not been able to do another tri since then and I have slacked on the training, but I loved the feeling I had that day and I am determined to carve out time this year for more than one race.

I have the Mom/Wife/Job schedule....taking care of the house, shuttling kids (a preschooler and a 3rd grader) to/from school, then to after school activities 5 days a week, I work part-time as a substitute teacher, and I help my husband run our small trucking business and in this economy, taking care of that business, has been rough and stressful. Lately we seem to be just hanging on - trying to ride out the slumping economy. This year the Iron Girl is in the beginning of May and this year I want to do better than my first try/tri. I have moved up to the 40-45 age group and I am hoping to have a great year celebrating turning 40!

My future goals for this sport are to eventually do the Silverman half and Silverman full. After that, something I really, really, really want to do is to someday take part in the original Ironman in Kona. When I say this, I have people tell me that its not possible, or they just nod their heads and give me that "good luck on that" look; the ones that don't say anything at all are probably thinking the same thing. I just shrug and think that it's good for me to have personal goals and dreams and eventually, someday, I will get there. Anything is possible.

Spring Season Sunday Training Ride: by Victor R

2009-03-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone: The ride on Sunday will start at the MultiGen (Paseo Verde and Green Valley) at 8am sharp. We will ride to Callville Bay, round trip should be at around 80 miles, lots of hills!....... All levels welcome. We regroup at certain points, no one will be left behind. Hammerheads have been spotted laying it all on the line!............
We have been doing these rides for about 5 weeks now, great training for the upcoming Rage, Showdown, and Iron Girl tri's...............
This is actually Jackie Arcana's organized ride, she will not attend this weekend as she's preparing for the Boston Marathon..........
Jeremy and myself will do the honors in leading the group (Jeremy is the young stud who's always chasing me!) Please bring two bottles, bars, gels and whatever goodies you desire. The store at Callville Bay is fully stocked with all kinds of good stuff and junk too!!!...........Hope to see you all there............Victor

Club Mini Duathlon March 21st: by Dave Carlson

2009-03-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. We are planning a great event for our first Mini-Du. Based on input at the social we have decided to put on a kids mini as part of the event.

Last year we had a spectacular day and a wonderful turnout. This year we are going to start the day out with a transition clinic by Coach Jackie Arcana at 9:30. The adult race will begin at 10:00 followed by the kids race start.

We will begin the picnic after the adults finish - you can cheer the kids on with a hot dog in your hand. The event will start at the PICNIC area at Boulder Beach - Lake Mead. This is the first of the Club races.

This will be a short distance Duathlon, approximately a 1.5 mile run, 10 mile bike, 1.5 mile run. Registration begins at 9:15 near the picnic area at Boulder Beach. The kids race starting after the adults will be approximately a 1/2 mile run, 2.5 mile bike (on the paced River Mountain Trail), 1/2 mile run.

This race is free to Club members. A current 2009 membership is required to participate in all Club races. We will have a picnic beginning after the finish of the adults duathlon. Hang out after you finish and cheer on the kids finish and have a burger or hot dog.

If you are not planning on participating in this event, please come out and support your Club as a volunteer!

Desert Classic Duathlon: by Victor R

2009-02-26T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone:
It's that time of the year once again, dust off the ol' equipment, time to get in the pool, hit the road on wheels and sneakers and get ready for the upcoming triathlon season. I hope you all had a good recovery winter, well deserved after a grueling end of the year which culminated, for most of us, with the Silverman full and half. Now it's time to get back to biz, get serious about our training and set a few goals for the '09 year.

It was a pleasure seeing everyone at the club social held on Jan 24 at O'Aces Bar and Grill, I personally had a great time chatting with all of the club members and had the pleasure of meeting several new ones. I'd like to thank our main sponsor, Dr. Lobato for providing us with the finest tri club around. Also many thanks to our club president, Dave Carlson for all of his dedicated time and effort, Dave Reichert for his unselfish dedication to succeed, Nich Gallagher, Curtis Chin, Dave and Julie Hosea and the many others who make it possible to operate such a great organization....................

The Desert Classic Duathlon took place on Sunday, Feb 22 in Fountain Hills, AZ. Fountain Hills is a community located about an hour northeast of Phoenix in the beautiful Sonoran desert. The event consisted of a 3.5 mile run, a 21 mile bike, and capping it off with a 2.7 mile run. The initial trail run took the athletes through a gorgeous, smooth trail snaking its way around the saguaros, the bike course headed out of the McDowell Mtn Park into the highway, pretty hilly to say the least, and the final run caught everyone by surprise, a rocky trail, deep sand, a pretty steep hill and gnarly descent, ruts included.

Overall, it was a great event, perfect to start the season. The organizers did a superb job to provide the entrants with the best, safest possible venue. Plenty of food and drink awaited the weary racers, the volunteers were exceptional and the weather was ideal, low 50's in the morning and by noon, LOW 80's!!!..........Club members making the trip were, Jeremy Wallace, Annette Powell, Chris Matlock, Reenie Griffin and myself, plus a few others. For results please go to: www.desertclassicduathlon.com, and for event photos go to: www.fotojack.com.

There are a few events coming up both locally and out of town. March 21, Lake Havasu tri, March 28, Showdown at Sundown (Lake Las Vegas), April 18, Rage in the Sage, April 19, Newport Beach tri, May 2, X-Terra West Championsips, (Lake Las Vegas), May 9, St. George tri, Big Rock tri, Perris, CA, Iron Girl (Lake Las Vegas), May 17, Tempe tri, Tempe, AZ, May 30, 31, Dueces Wild, Show Low, AZ, June 13, Utah Summer Games tri, June 21, Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene. For more information on upcoming triathlon events please go to: www.trifind.com............

Oh, by the way, our next club social will take place on Saturday, March 7 at the Fireside Inn, corner of St. Rose and Spencer on the east side of town, hope to see everyone there for a great time!!!...........For more info go to: www.lvtriclub.com.......

It's been nice getting in touch with everyone once again, keep an eye on the 'blog' as I will bring you the latest on upcoming events, results, and a few anecdotes about members and their experiences............Take care.........Victor.........

How to Get the most out of your Membership

2009-02-26T05:59:00.000-08:00

We have a lot of new members to the club this year – welcome. The Board is working to provide club benefits and events that are fun and beneficial to the members. Here are a few things to consider helping you get the most out of the club.

You already know about the website http://www.lvtriclub.com/ is where you can get a lot of information about events, training, advice, and member achievements. Be sure to check out the message board.

Training groups – we don’t have any formal training groups or times yet this year. If you want company on your swim, ride or run, post your plans on the message board. If you’re looking for a group ride, look on the message board.

Attend Club races – these are great warm-ups for other races, and are perfect opportunities to get some race experience and meet club members. These races are put on for LV Tri Club members only and are free.

Attend Club socials – Drink, food, and fun, what else is there? Come meet your fellow triathletes in a social environment without the sunglasses, helmets, and Lycra (we hope).

Wear Club gear –when you are out training so members can recognize other members.
Races – The Club would like to have a presence at all of the local triathlons, and have picked the following events to focus on for Club participation.

• Rage – Saturday, April18th
• Iron girl – Saturday, May 9th
• San Diego International Triathlon – Sunday, June 28th
• Las Vegas Triathlon – Sunday, September 27th
• Pumpkinman – Saturday, October 18th

2009 race kits and training gear We are finalizing our order and will be getting a limited number of tri tops, tri bottoms and road jerseys. Place your order now to ensure we have your size. Complete the attached order form (along with payment) and mail to the address on the form or you can email it to LVTriMembership@embarqmail.com.

Training Opportunities for beginners/intermediates

2009-02-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone -Your president here - the new season is upon us. Some of you have been making plans to do your first offical tri and other are moving up to the olympic distance. Many of you have reservations about making those commitments - what if I fail? my swim really sucks, my bike is ok, I think I can get through the run but I am just not sure about it all. Well my friends we have all been there. Each person has their own way of dealing with challenges and the unknown but most people get through these things with practice and coaching.

This is going to sound like an ad - it is not - it is my personal opinion. We have a couple of coaches that are offering programs during this pre-season - early season, Jackie Arcana and Kara Robertson/Paul Fritz. Jackie has put it all together in a series of coached work outs covering swimming, running and biking - basically $10 per sesion. Kara and Paul just got done with a stroke clinic about $12 per session. I took part in the stroke clinic - my understanding of how to swim freestyle increased significantly over 4 sessions.

The club supports what these people are doing because they are dedicated to helping us - these prices are extremely reasonable. If you need advice, technique improvement, confidence and encouragement please do yourself a favor and contact these people. Jackie's training has begun but maybe you can work something out 376-0437. Kara is putting together another clinic I believe 498-2316.

2009 kick-off party photos

2009-02-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

There were about 100 members at the 2009 kick-off party.

The 2009 Season Outlook

2009-02-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Tri Club,

We had an outstanding turnout for the season opener party there were about 100 that crowed the O-Aces that night.

Your board is meeting twice this week to map out the seasons activities.

Our next social will be somewhere in the Henderson area on March 7. We are planning several more including a post event barbeque after the duathon on March 21st.

We have 4 events planned as of today March 21- duathlon, May 2 -sprint tri, July 11-sprint tri, and October 11-sprint tri. I am going to see if we can add an olympic distance on May 2, it depends somewhat on whether we can get another 4-6 volunteers. Can you or a family member help?

We will be putting on several supported training rides to help people get ready for some of our early season races, concentrating on the sprint and olympic distances. We are working on the details and should have the schedule posted within 2 weeks.

We would like you to consider volunteering for athlete support at our events if you are not racing. It is fun cheering on others and getting into the action from the other side. If you are racing - bring the wife/husband - kids and have them be volunteers as well. After every race we hang out and have a picnic of some kind so everyone can meet each other.

See you at the races - Dave

Tri Club 2009 Opener Party Jan 24

2009-01-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

Click on the link to sign up

http://www.evite.com/r?iid=ZURWSWKFVMZHDJWBHRKG

James Harrington's Kona Experience Reprint

2009-01-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

James is one of Las Vegas's premier athletes, and club member. I believe he is a sponsored athlelte and I will post the names of his sponsors when I get them ( I think Hammer Nutrition and Red Rock Runinng). This year the conditions on Kona were very difficult, even for Kona as I understand it. That makes James's performance even that more impressive. Congratulations. Here is his race account which which appeared in the "Lab Report"

"The field here is absolutely amazing! I cannot believe all of the strong athletes from all of the world here to compete. I feel very privileged to be a part of this and experience it. The day started out beautifully with the clearest skies we have had all week. The winds were kicking up a little bit which added some chop and swells to the swim…not good for someone who is a poor swimmer. With all of the strong swimmers in the field it stayed very packed in which made it difficult to get into a rhythm. Unfortunately my swim time was a couple of minutes slower than I wanted, but in all it was a good swim.

The bike starts out with a couple of loops through town which were very congested! Once out on the Queen K highway though that all changed. We had a little bit of a tailwind on the way out to Hawi, but this quickly changed right after the turnaround. What was a slight tailwind turned into the nastiest crosswinds I have ever experienced. To top that off it was a downhill sections so as you reached speeds in the mid-20s to low-30s you were getting blown from side to side. After we made the turn back onto the Queen K for the final 30 miles back into Kona the crosswinds turned into headwinds! This stretch of road was rough since we were now 80 miles into the bike. I did have the marathon to look forward too...I always enjoy the run!

After getting into a nice rhythm on the run I was able to run my best Ironman marathon with a 3:15! I finished 273rd overall with a time of 9 hours 56 minutes and 37 seconds."

Coach Jackie Acana: Observations

2008-12-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

Jackie is one of our most experienced and sucessful coaches. After returning with her athletes from Kona I asked her to give us her perspective.

I thought it may be beneficial to tri group members for me to list out what skills were most associated with the athletes I coach and who I have watched over the years who experience the most success. These athletes include not just “winners” of the race or their age group but the true ambassadors of the sport. I am sure you must have come across the athletes who exude excitement about our sport and perhaps even motivated you to give it a “tri”. This also includes those who have met their goals for their race or season. This most definitely includes those who decided to increase their exercise, give up a bad habit, improve their food choices and enjoy a more vibrant lifestyle no matter what their place was in the race. The athletes I have witnessed with the most success have shared the following traits:

Stick to the plan – Successful athletes do not make arbitrary changes to the plan of action that was established to support their goals. Naturally, any good coach or self coached athlete will make adjustments based on major schedule changes, injuries and illness. However, the most successful athletes do not change their minds about where they are headed. They do not second guess where they were going or why. They put their faith in the path that was set out and don’t waiver. I once met an athlete that thought nothing of changing direction mid-season and even during taper to follow what the latest article said or some tip picked up from a guy they met at a party. They ended the season frustrated with their results. Be a diligent goal setter so every step you take is getting you closer to your dream. You need to break it down into manageable pieces and start tackling them one by one.

Be consistent – The most successful athletes do most of their workouts most of the time. Sure, there are legitimate times you should miss a workout. For example, when you are sick you should skip it. However, most other reasons do not take the entire day and night. Most successful athletes find a way to be creative with their schedule so they can get it done. It may not be their favorite time or location. Perhaps they’d rather run outside in the morning but had to go into the office early. The creative athlete will run at lunch time on the treadmill or after the kids are in bed at night if they have to. They may not like the alternate workout as much but they will do what they have to do within reason to achieve their goals. This also means they are consistent on not just a weekly basis but on a daily basis. Missing 4 days and then doing all missed workouts in one day is not how the highly successful athletes do it.

Be realistic- Setting your sights high is a good thing....to a point. Expecting to be vastly improved in a short period of time will generally lead to disappointment. I know many of you as children were told you could be anything you set your minds to. Well, at 5’3” I am probably not going to play basketball at a competitive level no matter how bad I want it. Keep your goals high but achievable with some reaching. Keep in mind this includes a realistic time table. It may take years, not weeks to reach more difficult goals. In our society the desire to do nothing or the absolute minimum and get something for it quickly is widespread. I am not sure why since it does not work in the long run, ever. The athletes who are very successful do not follow this popular bandwagon. They do not expect it to be easy or without sacrifice.

Be Patient and Persistent – While this often ties into being realistic it is also about not giving up. Yes, it is hard sometimes. That is what makes it so rewarding. It may take years, not weeks to reach more difficult goals. Did it take you 20 years to gain that extra 20 pounds? Well it will probably take more than 20 days to lose it in a healthy way. Be patient with the process. It is easy to backslide into old habits. The important thing the most successful athletes know about pursuing difficult goals is that they will fall off at times. Their success comes from getting back up again over and over again.

Be Flexible- Anything can happen on race day. Things can go wrong and frequently do. Many things are beyond your control. If you enjoy the disciple and like seeing the results of your hard work, it really isn’t as important what happens on race day. Many talented athletes have lost my respect by having temper tantrums at the finish line because of this or that perceived unfairness. You need to be able to go from plan A to Plan B or even C or D. This is the best way to ensure your “success”. In advance I like to think of my best case goal. If everything is just right, what am I capable of achieving? Next, I have the “What is most likely to occur” goal. This is the one I will tell my friends and family about. I never tell them the best case goal so I can keep the pressure off myself. Next is the “what if things go wrong “ goal. This is the goal I go to if I have a mechanical or a stomach problem. It is the goal I can live with if things out of my control start to happen. Finally, the main goal I have had since I first started and is still very important to me which is simply to finish. Finishing is why we start. It is for the glory and bragging rights after the pain goes away. Finishing is the only goal I encourage my beginner to have. One caveat; I do not encourage anyone to try to finish if it would cause permanent damage. Bad injuries and illness fall into the category of “Let’s not be stupid, we can always do another race if we handle this problem now correctly”. Being able to move between these goals go a long way toward making you a successful athlete.

It is not just about the workouts – When I first started in this sport I thought if I just did all the workouts in my plan, I would be on the podium. It took some time to realize it takes so much more than that. The best athletes have dedicated themselves to a whole lifestyle approach which includes flexibility, nutrition, stress management and core strength. The athletes who stay in the longest also include rather than exclude their families and important non-athletes in their lives. These are all important aspects you should include if you want to stay in the game for more than a season or two.

Have Fun- In the final analysis, this is a hobby. It is supposed to be fun. The most successful athletes do not forget this. While they may have on their game face during the race, they are in it for the joy of the sport, the camaraderie and the lifestyle. Enjoy the journey. Granted, I do not enjoy every hill repeat on the bike, every minute of every long run and surely not every lap in the pool. Generally, however, I find it worthwhile and rewarding when I finish. Find joy in your training by sharing it with others or find serenity in training alone. Do what works for you but have some fun doing it.

Everything counts and it is all worth it.

jackie@xcellperformancegroup.com
702.376.0437
2033 Hobbyhorse Ave.Henderson, NV 89012

Quest for Kona: by Jay Watson

2008-12-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Quest For Kona, an Ironman Arizona Race Report
by J.A. Watson

As many of you have probably done, I started watching the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona on T.V. a couple of years ago. I was captivated by the Hoyts, Blazeman, the parade of nations, the underpants run,etc. and thought Kona would be a pretty cool thing to do. I've been doing Tri's for 3-4 years, did the bike portion of Silverman the first two years, and have been somewhat successful in OLy-1/2IM races. But I've never done a full ironman or even a marathon. So I figured I had an outside shot of qualifying for Kona when I aged up in 2009. My plan was to volunteer for the spring 2008 IMAZ and register for spring 2009. When they changed the date to fall 2009 and I could register online, I went ahead and signed up for this years fall race.

Looking at past results, I figured I would have to go 10:30 in M45-49 to have an outside shot. OK, that's doable: Swim 1:15, Bike 5:15, then run my first marathon in$;00 with transitions thrown in there somewhere! I've had issues with pulling calf and hamstring muscles when I run, and I only run with compression sleeves on my calves now.(even though they look hideously ugly!) I'm an Ob/Gyn doctor and have a 10yr old daughter and 8yr old son, so my training schedule is usually 2-3 swims, runs, and bike rides per week. Masters swimming at 5:30am for the past 2 years, longest run 16 miles, and longest bike 81 miles.

I tapered for 2-3 weeks and drove down to Tempe on Thursday night. Friday morning I did the Gatorade warm-up swim at Town Lake. 65 degrees, choppy, murky and swam for 35 minutes. I was surprised at how many foreigners were there and there wasn't a lot of body fat to be seen, so I was a little bit intimidated. I took advantage of the free massage and told the masseuse that I had problems with my calves and hamstrings. So he proceeded to give me an A.R.T.(active release technique?) massage, which left me feeling like I had charley horses in my calves! I spent all day icing and compressing my calves, and the next day heating and trying to massage and roll out the knots in my calves. NEVER try anything new on race day, or 2 days prior to race day for that matter! I felt much better by race day though.

Race Day: My day started at 3:30 with my typical pre-race banana and oatmeal breakfast, then drove from my sisters house in east Mesa to the race sight. Calf sleeves and trisuit, lots of chamois cream, got body marked, checked out my bike, loaded up aerobottle with accelerade and velcred 2 flasks of powergel and accelgel to my bike. Suntan lotion and then tried to relax till wetsuit time. Surprisingly I fely pretty relaxed at that time. I spoke with a guy who was doing hios 16th IM of the year!Don Hennesy? I want his job!!! I jumped in the water 14 minutes before the start, and set up about 2/3rd the way over to the bouys-away from shore. I started my watch when the pro's started 10 minutes before us and positioned myself about 5 people back from the front and waited for the cannon to go off. My swim going out was very uncrowded and I got bumped more coming back in, but also caught a good draft on the inward leg. I felt good the whole swim and checked my watch after my wetsuit was pealed off and was pleasantly surprised with a 1:05:35. (37/247 in AG) WOOHOO 10 minutes ahead of schedule!

I put on a TT suit over my trisuit for the bike and had a decent T1 of 5:49. I headed out on the bike and started reeling in the faster swimmers. I tried to keep my pace steady and not get overly excited, but I know the adrenalin was running high. I got passed by the first and only pack I saw about 10 miles into the bike, but they thinned out going up the hill to the turn around. I didn't see any penalties get handed out, but I did see a few people in the penalty tents. The marshalls did seem to be ever present on Beeline Hwy, but nowhere else that I saw. I was surprised there was a headwind going out on the first 2 loops, then it shifted to a tailwind for the 3rd loop. First loop
22.19MPH, 2nd 21.64MPH, and the last loop 22.09MPH. I didn't bother to pick up my special needs bag, since the volunteers were AWESOME! Every high speed handoff was like they'd been practicing all week long! The only glitch I had was when my TT suit zipper broke as I was trying to zip it down in the last mile. I ended up just tearing it open. I'm glad I started zipping it down well before T2. Bike:5:05:50.....SWEEEET! T2 1:14 and headed out to do my first marathon at
6:18:27.
I put on Desoto arm coolers on the fly and tried to take in water and
gatorade at each aid station. I kept telling myself to run the whole marathon-NO WALKING! First 2 miles I did at 7:30pace, but it felt like 8:30 and I thought the markers might be wrong. Probably oxygen debt! I knew I had a long way to go. I didn't know where I stood, but saw 1 guy pass me on the bike in my AG and 5 on the run. No muscle cramps or pulled muscles, maybe that ART was a good thing?! My pace started to drop on the second loop. I had to stop to use the facilities twice, so maybe I was drinking too much. I bonked slightly at 20-21 until I got
a gel at the next aid station. I kept pushing it and caught back up with 3 guys in my AG in the last 3-4 miles and pushed hard the last 2 miles as I was still unsure how I stood for Kona slots and didn't want anyone passing me coming in.

Finished at 10:12:43(run: 3:54:17). My race couldn't have gone better, but I knew qualifying times would be lower on such a perfect day. Turns out I was 13th in AG and only 7 Kona slots. I still had to go to the rolldown the next morning just to make sure. I felt bad for the guy who finished 8th in under 10 hours and still didn't get a spot. YOu actually had to be faster in M45-49 than M40-44.(9:53 vs 9:54) My time would have put me in 3rd M50-54 which would get me to Kona, but I've decided not to pursue that next year as family and finances take priority.(Maybe!) Maybe Silverman will be my Kona. No Kona spot for me this year, but I had fun trying! I'll just have to experience it vicariously through Michael Sullivan for now!

Las Vegas Tri Club wins Silverman Award!!

2008-11-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

The LV Tri Club won the best aid station at this year's Silverman triathlon. The award was claimed at the banquet for the volunteers held on Sat, Nov 15 at 6pm, in downtown Henderson. Dinner was provided by the Outback Steak House who cooked us a fantasic array of steak, chicken, salads and wild rice.........

Nestled at mile marker #7 on the run course, Nich Ghallager and company went beyond the call of duty to provide every athlete with the proper hydration and nutritional needs required to finish such grueling event. Not only did they have all of the goodies but they were dressed as chefs and ran along side the athletes generating adrenaline to the weary runners. They even had a young lady singing and playing guitar just to make evryone that much more comfortable. When I went through, they overwhelmed me with cheers, encouragement and every possible nutritional need, needless to say, I was fully energized!!!
Congratulations to Nick's gang, they had tough competition from numerous aid stations but came out on top!!! I will mention again and again that without the dedication, hard work and countless hours these volunteers spend out there, we wouldn't be able to race.

I was honored to be a guest speaker in front of these wonderful folks who unselfishly dedicated their valuable time and effort so we can race. I also tip my helmet to the Henderson Police Department (it was great running red lights!!!) who did an splendid job holding traffic and making the roads safe for the racers. The City of Henderson and its officials who went all out to make this event possible, providing road closures and needed permits. The Henderson Multi Generational Complex where the expo and finish line took place. And last but not least, Frank and Megan Lowery and their fine staff who have worked so hard to bring us the finest full distance triathlon for the last four years.

It's been a great year for the Tri Club members, finishing the year with Silverman was a special treat. We've had a great time this season and it's time to relish in our results and take a well deserved break. Looking forward to the year-end party coming up soon where we can unwind a little and aknowledge the fruits of our efforts. 'Till then, take care and, thank you for reading....................Victor
I'm just lookin' for some TUSH............ZZ Top

Silverman Report 3: Stefanie

2008-11-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

See Stefanies post on her sidebar blog

Silverman Report 2: Susan

2008-11-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

this will read more like an adventure race than an honest-to-goodness ironman distance race. i guess i like to add all sorts of drama to my race day antics in order to get the most out of the experience...but here, i added too many. and man, do i regret it. well, really only that this was my race to lose.

i did the race and finished in 16:43 ish....but i missed the bike cut off by 9 minutes and they took my chip...... so i finished unofficially to NOT take 3rd place. i am totally hacked at myself and disappointed. and i totally totally loved loved loved the cool award...i so wanted one. wish they had a "she stuck it out like a fool" award.

but i am a warrior!!! if a foolish one.

Silverman race in Las Vegas is very difficult - i say this simply b/c it IS. every single finisher has my utmost respect.

the race claims it is the HARDEST ironman distance race...with 10,000-12,000 feet of climbing on the bike. it always challenges me. maybe cuz i am a Floridian, maybe b/c it is so late in the season, maybe b/c i do way too much athletically before i arrive in Las Vegas to tackle it...whatever, it just wears me out from start to finish. the whole thing.

and, as usual, conditions at the start were not cooperative....and my friend Barb who has been on Team USA with me every year was talking about not making cutoffs at World Championships this year as we made the bus ride over to the swim start....apparently for me, that was bad juju and of course, i failed to eat at my fave sushi restaurant like i do before all my other ironmans...! dang, i am good at compounding mistakes...but Barb also did not make the bike cut off...dang the foreboding.

but back to the race report...the swim started out nicely...however, the wind and rain were coming in and struck with about 1/3 - 1/2 of the swim to go...the 2-5 foot swells during the last 1/3 really took it out of me. i used literally any stroke i could to get in. the water really churned up and i struggled to make it back to T1...several folks gave up...but i didn't. i kept being blown off course and could not see the buoys as i would have to struggle to site...you would look up and take water straight in the face. i had to spin around several times to gag after taking in a breath of water...

i used up some time i would later determine i did not have.

and i feel really bad about this: i had CONNED my friend Blaine into doing the full race. he beat me out of the water by 1 minute, and even tho i had to really suit up for the cold weather and wind, i was thru transition faster than he was.

i had on a skull cap under my helmet, i borrowed some additional bike shorts from my friend victor (cuz i rented a bike to save myself some money on the flight charges for the bike and i knew this race would probably just be a survivor-athon).

the bike was a specialized but it was a road bike and the seat was really really really hard. victor gave me the bibs and since i have never used them, i put my jersey on then had to take it back off since i forgot to put the shorts over my tri shorts first :) and i had on a vest and arm warmers. i even shoved gloves into my back pocket.

i chose, as a neighborly gesture, to wait on Blaine after i came out of the T1 tent. this might have been another strategic error. i again lost some valuable time since he also took a bathroom break after we got past the timing mat.

...then we headed off - always 3 bike lengths apart - on a really hard bike course. in the beginning, i struggled in the wind and rain and cold weather. i am sure that having Blaine in my sites helped with the mental game of gutting out the bike. but he soon petered out and i went off and left him to struggle, thinking he would always have me in his sites. maybe i could return the favor for him.

i did not see him again until the turn around of the bike and he was about a mile back. i was coming undone on the false flats heading into special needs around mile 52. i really could not believe, in my fave sport of biking, that i could literally be going as slow as i was and still be upright. but i just could not get the bike to go any faster and i was starting to get dizzy and coming outside of myself. i kept lulling myself into continuing to go by saying, don't stop now and rest on the side of the road like you want to, but keep going to your McDonalds burger at special needs...

overall, i really don't think i could have gone faster on the bike. if i ever developed some energy to "attack" the climbs, it petered out pretty quickly as i climbed the next hill...check out the bike profile on www.silvermannv.com and understand that there is very little way to practice for this in pancake flat florida...

at special needs i came in and got some assistance getting off the bike and i immediately sat down to "get right with the world"..i was shaky/shivering and kinda dizzy. i ate my burger and drank my red bull and made my second drink of sustained energy. on the first 50 miles, i had had one bottle of that and 2 gus. i only had a green acai drink for breakfast. maybe another foolish mistake?

also, my nether regions were so sore on this bike. i had borrowed some aero clip on bars that were WAY TOO SHORT for me which changed up my whole posture. and the shifting on this bike was so different from mine...mine are bar end shifters. this road bike posture sat me on the seat differently so every angle of my sit bones were annoyed with me...thanks victor for the additional padding.

i also found that having to come out of the cramped aero position (altho it was windy so i was grateful that i had some other posture to reduce the head wind resistance) to push the brakes levers left or right or use my thumb to move the gears the other way. i think it took me (since i rented it the day before and only rode it around transition a bit before "checking it in") 10 miles of the race to figure out which way to move them to go easier or harder.

that couldn't have helped me with speed. and if i was down grasping the gears and went to shift, i would accidentally squeeze the brake lever as i shifted, slowing myself down accidentally. and of course, since it was not MY bike, the derailleurs were not working perfectly and i had to finagle the shifter every time i shifted - which on this course, is about every 15 seconds - to get it to move to the middle ring. altho i was extremely grateful for the third ring.

i did feel really badly as i had convinced Blaine to do the full and he was also sick with a head cold. with the conditions, it was not the year the course was forgiving. he struggled mightily. i saw him at the half way point and he was going to give up :) he later sagged in from the special needs area (stopping once as they passed me in the van to cheer me on)...i really needed that!

after my special needs short stop, i headed back out and felt much better...the rest of the course was difficult in that there were a lot of climbs...but all of them doable. i never set land speed records, but i thought i was consistent. i climbed out of the "bowl" and at mile 90 started to come undone again. i was racing to make the first bike cut off at the tunnel at 3:45 at mile 92. i made that by a half an hour and assumed i was home free...but here is my rookie mistake.

i had been biking with the thought that the total bike cut off time was 5:30 (like all ironmans - but this race started at 6:30 so i only had til 5 pm, even tho race director here gives folks til midnite, which allows a total of .5 hour over normal ironman times - but i needed the extra half hour on the bike) ...

so on the bike path with the "3 sister" short steep mountains of 20 percent grade at times, i biked 1.5 of them and walked the bike up the other ones to save my legs. this bike trail appears to me ALWAYS to be a false flat and the little downhills are short and quickly over. i just put my head down and gutted and gutted and gutted it out. but at mile 102 when i came off the path, i was just so undone and had no energy (i had only had one more gu and my sustained energy drink). i made a huge compounded mistake and i stopped to get some sustenance and sat in a chair eating broth with noodles and some nuts and some power bar...wonder how much time i lost then?

b/c then i got back on the bike and with more energy, pedaled faster. and there are a bunch of downhills on the way back into town except for a few quick climbs to the down hill and a long uphill into T2. you can really make up some time...but not when you are focusing on the WRONG time.

and here is where the story gets sad.

i was 9 minutes late getting back when i came into T2 and the race director Frank was waiting for me. he said that he was sorry but he couldn't let me go on. i have known Frank since i did the inaugural race 3 races ago and he knows i always struggle here. i really thought he was kidding.

i had worked so hard to get up the hills into transition and i just stared at him waiting on him to say, "just kidding, go girl and kick some course butt"..but he didn't. i just stood there. then i said "you are kidding, right?" and he said, "no". and i said, "but i made the cutoff" and he said, "no you didn't", and i said, "well, when was it?" and he said, "5". and my watch said it was 5:09.

i was absolutely devastated. i couldn't even respond, i could only stare at him. but he said he had to take my chip, so i grudgingly handed it over like it was a dream sequence. i have NEVER not made a cut off (altho i have always come close here) and i asked if i could go on to do the marathon since i was not thru and i KNEW i could do it in under 17 hours...i don't recall Frank's response, but i don't recall hearing NO. my friend Blaine said he had been fearing this as he waited and he wondered how i would handle it...guess i passed.

and to make matters worse, i had been chosen by the film crew to be interviewed for a show they are making for NBC on the silverman race to be aired later this year. i guess my race resume of pure-extreme-athletic-nuttiness made me stand out. and Spencer, my new friend, was there to capture MY FAILURE on the camera and i was so taken aback with the news that i teared up a bit since i literally could not believe this was happening and i was "interviewed" saying, thru tears, that "i came here to do 3 ironmans in 3 weeks and i was going to do it!" and so i, with my head still not wrapped around "this failure", headed off to the changing tent....

but in all my chaos, i grabbed the wrong bag (84 and not 64) and tried to go into the men's tent. i was directed into the right tent and came back out when i opened the bag and wondered why there were different clothes in it...so Spencer was right there and helped me find the right bag and back inside i went. i made the same "bib" mistake again as i took my jersey off and put some long sleeve underarmor on over my arm warmers cuz it was really cold out and then realized i had to take my shirt off again to get the bibs off since i did not want to run in them...and then put on my compression socks and shoes and put my vest back on and got ready to head out.

there was a young girl who walked in the tent when i was in there and she had tears on her face too. i asked what happened and she told me that she too had missed the bike cut off by 2 minutes. (Blaine later told me she was also devastated when she came in and threw her helmet down...guess i missed that option) i told her that she was still an ironman waiting to happen and to lace up and come out with me. i thought maybe she would, but i headed out and never saw her again.

Blaine was waiting and he was kind enuff to accompany me for the long hours ahead. i drank my red bull and was quite cold but just started running. i ran the down hills and the straight aways and then walked the uphills. it is a 2 looped course that i have done 3 other times - though always with positive results. i felt like a fraud out there since i had been "banished" from the race for the inability to do things in the time constraints...

but i knew i could do a sub 6 hour marathon to get in under 17, so that is just what i did. there were no heroic attempts to run up hills or run faster or pass people or anything. i just tired to remember why i loved ironmans and why i loved seeing new places, meeting new people and putting myself to athletic tests. and maybe learning something new about myself....and so i did.

i encouraged folks along the way, thanked the volunteers and tried not to feel too chagrined when others would encourage me - as i still felt like a silverman fraud -- even tho i had done it 3 other times successfully (which i had to keep reminding myself). i saw Spencer at the rock quarry on the course and tried to be upbeat Susan but i was still feeling sorry for myself a bit and still disappointed in what was clearly mine to have thrown away. he said he would see me at the finish and i knew he was a man of his word. therefore, i would be a woman of mine.

i ran when i could and walked really fast when i couldn't. i really appreciated Blaine's company and liked showing off the silverman course to him...esp. the views of the strip as you came back down the big long hill after the little quarry out and back.

we made the turn around and headed out to do the 2nd loop and there was Spencer waiting to cheer me on and get some good stories. we told him that i had passed 2 half iron athletes so i was making good time :) and we chatted a bit before sadly, i had to head on back out.

i was not too hungry so i had only a few gus and some liquids but i skipped many stations as i felt i was not working hard enuff to warrant food. i would finish later regretting this decision as i felt poorly starting at mile 20.

Blaine's hip started bothering him and so on 2 sections, i went it alone and it was one of those sections where i got a little teary again at just how foolish i had been. but i snapped out of it and ran with 2 women that i passed and cheered them on.

Blaine and i ran the little walking path back and ran right thru the finishing chute to make 16:43...and to complete my 3rd ironman distance race in 3 weeks. and i was so glad to see my friend Victor who was kind enuff to come back out near midnight to find his friend who has rocks for brains.

dang you, silverman!!! i shall return victorious!!! see ya next year!

Silverman Report 1: Victor R

2008-11-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

The Silverman full and half distance triathlon took place on Nov 9 in the beautiful city of Henderson, NV. As always, race director Frank Lowery managed to put together the finest full and half distance event in Nevada and the southwest as well. This was the 4th year Frank has provided SoNev with such fine event.

There were upwards of 700 athletes from abroad and the states, topping the number from previous years. This year we were honored to have OPERATION REBOUND athletes participate in the event. O. R. is a group of military personell who have served this great nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the Middle East. These brave soldiers came back home with life-long injuries, most of whom were injured on the line of duty. I got to meet most of the brave men and women of O. R. These folks, most of them amputees, are being helped by an organization called CAF, Challenged Athletes Foundation. I spoke with a young man who lost his right arm on a road-side bombing and asked him how he could swim with one arm. He replied by saying that he uses his left arm for propulsion and kicks his feet as rudders to proceed in a straight line, simply amazing!!! The other gentleman I spoke with lost his left leg below the knee in a similar fashion, I saw him pedal his bike and run with no trouble at all. These men and women refuse to let their misfortune slow them down, their will to succeed and spirit is unparalled. I feel very fortunate to have raced with these brave personel and hope to see more of them next year....................

If you live in SoNev, you know how the weather can be unpredictable from day to day. We were hoping for some good news from the weather service but no cigar, a storm is brewing in the Pacific and it's heading this way. The previous days were gorgeous, sunny and warm, no wind, just perfect. On race day, things were a bit different. At 6am it looked like we were going to get lucky and enjoy a fine day. The full athletes took off on their swim at 6:30am, things were calm until they were half way through their 2.4 mile splash. It suddenly became very windy causing the lake to churn up two-foot waves and white caps. Some of the kayakers were blown off course and had to be rescued buy boaters.

At this time, the half iron athletes were sitting in the water waiting to start. The wind was trecherous but everyone was anxious to begin. The park rangers, along with Frank, decided to delay the start, we sat in the water for 45 minutes waiting for the storm to pass. Eventually, we were asked to exit the pond and corrall inside the changing tent. The main concern wasn't the windy conditions, it was lightning!!! At around 9:10am, the storm had passed and we were allowed to start our swim. It was very interesting out there, you could hardly see the bouys, it was difficult to navigate. We all managed to make it through the "washing machine" and now it was time to deal with the wind.

The bike course was very hilly and cross winds played havoc with the riders. Fortunately, just about everyone made the time cut and by then, the weather had calmed down. The run course was hard as we all know but at least we didn't have to deal high winds and rain. After all was said and done, it was a great day of racing, many athletes achieved their goals and dreams of being an ironman, what a feeling!!!.....................

Silverman may not be the most famous or largest triathlon on the schedule but it certainly is the most down to earth. Frank Lowery and his fine staff always manage to engage that "Ma and Paw" atmosphere and everyone involved feels like they're at home. I've been to other events and the feeling is that you're a number racing from point A to B. This is my fourth year racing Silverman and I will keep on participating for as long as I'm able and Frank allows me to do so. Next year, Frank promises to provide us with another stellar event and I heard him clearly say that he guarantees perfect weather unlike what we experienced this year. Also, he promised to remove about 8 or 9 thousand feet of climbing from the bike course!!! Wow!!!................

There were numerous LV Tri club members as well as many SoNev locals racing Silverman, too numerous to mention so, please go to: www.silvermannv.com and click on results, there you will see your favorite athlete's number and placings. Again it's a pleasure bringing you a short romp of Silverman, thank you for reading and it's time to rest and recharge the batteries for a couple of weeks then, back to the grind!!!.............Victor

Kona Report:by Jackie Arcana

2008-10-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

This year I had the pleasure of accompanying two athletes I coach to the World Championships in Kona. One, athlete, Melodie Cronenberg, qualified in her age group and the other, Sara Levin, won a lottery spot.

(Jackie at one of our mini-triathlons)

What is it like to coach someone to World Championships? It is the icing on the cake. It is an exciting finale to a long process. Getting an athlete ready for any event and watching them complete it after a long build up process, overcoming obstacles and staying focused is an incredibly rewarding endeavor. Getting an athlete to do an Ironman is a special challenge particularly when they weren’t an athlete before. Helping someone get to Kona is beyond special. This year I helped Melodie qualify in her age group just 3 weeks before World Championships.

World championships are truly a race like no other. For one it is held in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The climate is comfortably warm for the most part. It is everyone’s “A” race. The athletes are as uptight as the locals are relaxed. The fresh fish and local fruit are both bountiful and amazing. However, it is the Hawaiian culture that differentiates this race from all other triathlons. It is more of an experience than a race. There is something special about the history and spirituality that touches almost everyone who visits and most certainly all that race it.

Standing on the sea wall during the swim start in Kona, the native Hawaiian music drives high energy percussion into the wildly screaming crowd. All senses for fans and athletes alike are heightened to maximum. The energy stays that way all day long until the last athlete crosses the line and is given the last lei and the last finisher medal. Many times throughout the day I had to wipe tears away as I watched countless stories of courage, grit and determination. Watching the first wheelchair athlete finish and then seeing him behind the scenes in the athlete zone was very moving. He was completely spent unable to utter a single word. I watched a gentleman in his 60s finish with the 10 hour guys. He told me he was very tired in his French accent. Naturally, there were athletes from all over the world. Many had sacrificed much just to get to the starting line. Many gave much to get to the finish. Everyone gave just a little more than they thought was possible because this was Kona, World Championships. These athletes are the best of the best.

Both of the people I took had great races. Sara Levin who races in the 35-39 age group had an Ironman PR of 13:07. Melodie Cronenberg who is in the F 60-64 age group, pulled off a 15:35 three weeks after IMUK and with a bad case of plantar fasciitis to boot. These details are important but pale in comparison to what they symbolize. These athletes set high standards and achieved them. For myself, all the hard work, planning, structuring, training and advising were well worth the effort just to be a small part of these two athletes dream come true. For all who dream of some day going to this race, it is worth it. It is an incredible experience to be part of whether you ever race or not. To volunteer or otherwise participate and be part of the crowd are all great options.

Photos by Tapio and Tammy club members that make this a regular event

Looking Foward to 2009: Dave Carlson President

2008-10-28T06:03:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone it is your boy Dave over here,

It has been quite a year, the club adopted a new name, created a new mission statement (it is on the blog page), we redesigned our logo and club gear, we put on a series of new events, we redesigned our website for improved communication, we were at many events supporting our athletes, we brought on a lot of talent in the management group and our membership has grown and includes a lot of new and returning faces.

That was last year; in 2009 we plan to perfect our events, include more community building activities, hold 4 more mini-triathlons, put on a two day triathlon event May 2-3, we are working on putting together more event based training rides and perhaps a mentor program. That is a lot.

The reason that I believe we can make agenda listed above happen is that we have been able to attract many new people that have tremendous skills sets - like you and your friends. Our people have business or technical backgrounds in medicine, engineering, management, advertising, finance and graphic arts just to mention a few. We will need your assistance in the coming year.

This organization is about athletes helping athletes – in a supportive environment – having fun together and entering into enduring relationships. We are building a movement of inclusion. When I talk to people at the beach, or at the market in Blue Diamond or on a run, I treat them like members that haven't decided to sign up-yet. I guess I am a big believer in what we are delivering to our community. So get with your friends and join the movement! Tell your story, give us your ideas. The first words out my mouth when we get a new idea are "how can we incorporate that into what we are doing" which is why we have a Blog, a message board, a facebook site which is a work in progress and several other projects under development. Things will change; and this club will be a part of it!!

Within two weeks we will begin accepting 2009 memberships. Last year we had 4 mini-events at the lake including 3 triathlons that were basically sprint distances - the cost per member for these was $0 thanks to our sponsors. Can you believe that! Think of families with kids who want to participate together what an unbelievable deal! We also had a picnic and socials about every other month among other things. That is our base line for this year – we are planning on delivering more, beginning with a 2009 season kickoff party in January.

Our membership director team, Julie and Robert Hosea, tell me that we will be offering next year’s memberships at last year’s prices until the first of January when there will be an increase of $5-$15 depending on whether it is an individual $40 or family membership $55.

See you in the coming year if not sooner!!

Dave Carlson
President Las Vegas Triathlon Club
2228 Timber Rose Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89134

Cell 702-406-4602
Home 702-309-8791citydave@cox.net

Sonya is up against it: by Asia

2008-10-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

I recieved this invitation this morning, one of our local young athletes has been diagnosed with cancer. I am not sure how Sonya is going to deal with this but I personally believe that with her athletic backgound and the support of the community that she is in the best possible place to get on with her treatment.

Good Luck Sonya and thanks for organizing the event Asia.

Dave

Asia writes:

MY GOOD FRIEND, SONYA JOHNSON, HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER. I AM HOSTING A RIDE IN HER HONOR TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE DISEASE AND TO RAISE A LITTLE MONEY

RIDE FOR A CURE NOVEMBER 2ND 2008 (SUNDAY ) 8AM
VALLEY OF FIRE EXIT 75 OFF I-15 NORTH PARKING LOT PAST THE GAS STATION

I WILL BE PROVIDING ALL THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND SAG SUPPORTNO DROP RIDERIDERS OF ALL ABILITIES ARE WELCOMED

RIDE: 50 MILE OPTION 65 MILE OPTION

RAFFLE, PRIZES, TONS OF FUN, LUNCH INCLUDED

IF YOU KNOW HER YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH HER INFECTIOUS SMILE
IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MEETING HER...YOU SHOULD

MY VERY FIRST THOUGHT AFTER SHE TOLD ME GET THE CYCLING COMMUNITY INVOLVED COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR LOVE

ALL MONEY RECEIVED ( RAFFLES - FOOD )WILL GO TO SONYA TO HELP WITH HER CO-PAYS

SHE HASN'T BEGUN HER TREATMENTS YET SHE IS STILL AWAITING AUTHORIZATION FROM HER INSURANCE COMPANY SONYA IS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THE RIDE OF HER LIFE

IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE RIDE BUT WOULD LIKE TO DONATE PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE W/O RIDING EMAIL MEPLEASE RSVP TO:

ASIA
NEWYORKGIRL777@AOL.COM

Spin with Victor one of our top Cyclists!!!

2008-10-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

I just found out after the RTC Century ride that Victor instructs spin classes. Victor is one of our top cyclists and an amazing triathlete. While he routinely takes 1st place in his age group his strongest disapline is the bike.

We are always looking for opportunities to get together and train - here is a great one that will work well for those on the east side or Henderson. I asked Victor to tell me about his class...

Dave:

I've been a spin class instructur for about 3 and a half years. I work at the 24-Hour Fitness on Silverado and Maryland.

My schedule is: Mon and Wed, 9am. I also sub at the clubs on Wigwam and Pecos, Tropicana and Decatur, Green Valley and the one in Henderson, Basic Rd and Boulder Hwy.

My classes are very intense, basically simulate road racing situations, climbs, sprints, tempo and fast descends. I employ 90% classic rock with some blues, country and a bit of modern top 40 stuff. The average member burns about 1100 calories per session which last 1 hour. I average about 1300 to 1400 calories per hour, mind you that I have to talk during the session and that requires a bit more energy.

I'm proud to say that I have been selected as the top instructor in the last year and a half, something I'm proud of. Hopefully this coming spring, when the company holds its seminars, I will be leading a bike-fit class, another on how to properly ride a spin bike and maybe some nutritional information, we'll see. One of the reasons I've been succesful at spinning is that do in class exactly what I do on the road, many other instructors are not experienced in road racing and do carzy things on the bike that you would normally not do on the road. Well, that's about it...........Had a great time today chatting with you and others, it was a great day!!!...........See you later, Victor................................PS: Don't forget the time trial, I think it will go great!!!

Become a USA Triathlon Official!

2008-10-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

Nick Gallagher our social director is the only USAT offical in our community. I am going to join in and get trained this time around. Come with me to the training and I will buy you a couple of beers after. Dave Carlson President LV Tri Club... I am going to check with Shelly and see if it is possible to work a specified number of hours during the race to recieve certification. You know I have to suppot our troups at the aid station

The Officials Certification Clinic consists of about three hours of classroom lecture and working the associated practicum race.

A USAT Officials' Clinic will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008 in conjunction with the Silverman Triathlon held Sunday November 9, 2008. In order to complete the certification, you must be able to attend the lecture on Saturday and work the race on Sunday from 5am into the afternoon. This is generally a lot of fun combined with some work.

To become a USA Triathlon official, one must participate in one of the many clinics held around the country each year. There is no charge for attending a clinic. One must be a member of USA Triathlon and bring the membership card or join at the clinic. Clinics are held in conjunction with a sanctioned event, and will have USA Triathlon officials assigned to marshal the race. The Officials Certification Clinic consists of about three hours of classroom lecture and discussion and working the associated practicum race - in this case, Silverman Triathlon.

The next clinic in the SW Region will be held on Saturday, November 8-9, 2008 in conjunction with the Silverman Triathlon. Clinic participants are expected to work the Silverman Triathlon as their practicum event. You must be able to participate in both the lecture and the race in order to attend the clinic.

To sign up for the Silverman clinic, please email to me at: Lydon@peoplepc.com.

Thank you for your interest.

Shelly Lydon
USAT SW Regional Coordinator, Instructor
(707) 228-5289

I led a pretty normal life until three weeks ago: by Shawna Glasser

2008-10-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

I led a pretty normal life until three weeks ago. When I was preliminarily diagnosed with MS I had the decision to sit around and feel sorry for myself and all the limitations I might have or to keep on living. I decided to keep on living. No time was like the present to check my goals off my life list. One of those goals was a half Ironman Triathlon. That is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run. (They call this a “70.3” because that is the mileage count for the entire thing.) I had it all planned out for a six year span. I would do two years Sprint distance, two years Olympic, one year Half Ironman, and the next year the big one, a Full Ironman. The goal was to do better at each distance the second time around to show I was growing as an athlete. I did not want to do the distances too fast. I thought, “If I do a full Ironman Triathlon next year, what could I ever do to trump that?” It left open all the excitement and challenge the next stage of racing had to offer.

When I got the diagnosis I got a feeling of confusion. Since people progress differently and symptoms can happen suddenly, what could I experience? I decided while I’m young and am at the beginning, I would do a Half Ironman Triathlon before the doctor tells me “no.” I was scheduled for a race October 18th, but a specialist is being flown in to examine me and I can’t race and make my Dr’s appointment. My health comes first, so I bumped my race date to September 28th only a week and a half from the day I made the decision to do the Half Ironman.

Forrest Gump had a wise mother who said that famous, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” I also have a very wise mother. My mother’s wisdom still guides me to this day. Her words are, “Its mind over matter. If you don’t have a mind, it doesn’t matter.” Lets do this!

The only issue was being properly trained. You don’t go and run a half marathon when you can only run the distance of a 10K. You need to know what to expect from your body and your body needs to know what it can expect from you. Despite doing a marathon and century ride recently, it is a whole different experience putting them back to back.

I got out the old trisuit a weekend before my race. I had run 17 miles combined over two days and went out for a 30 mile bike ride. I had been 25 pounds heavier when I was last in that trisuit so it was interesting to see where the changes were. In the past I always thought I had a pear shape figure, but I’m turning into more of a boy shape. With this last weight loss I just lost my butt. There was just extra lose material where my rear end used to be! I guess we’ll call my shape “carrot.” I’ve got wide shoulders and everything narrows in from there. J

Much like the grief process there are the stages of Triathlons. First starts with excitement. You decide what race and distance you are interested on doing and you get to let your mind wonder how great it will be. Next comes planning. You have to figure out how to prepare yourself for race day to meet your goals. Remember a goal without a plan is a dream, not a goal. Next there is experience. You get to follow your plan and have fun playing with it. Something you thought would work well doesn’t, you adjust. You find your weaknesses and exploit them before your competitors do on race day! As your event arrives, usually 48 hours for me, dread sets in. I usually think, “Why did I sign up for this? Am I nuts?” 24 hours before my race I slide into “Let’s get this over with.” On race day, sheer panic! Triathletes are very compulsive people. They want everything to happen exactly as they have envisioned in their mind. That is no small task and it brings a lot of stress and doubt. Once the race starts you get “race vision” which I guess would be your acceptance phase. You are so focused on your goal, you have forgotten everything else.

I arrived at Boulder Beach which is at Lake Mead. It is a very common place for these Triathlons. I had never done a distance this long before so I have never been on the beach shortly after 5am. It was pitch black. Some of the participants had those head lamps on, mental note on a good idea if I ever do this again. I toted all of my stuff to the transition area to set up for this adventure. The guy on my left, wow. He was friendly and he was in great shape. He had a gorgeous face to go along with it. Of course he didn’t hold a candle to my husband, but I was just admiring all the work he put in to look like that.

During the swim I was reminding myself to keep my elbows up and the little technique things to swim properly. I had to laugh when I started thinking about that movie “Finding Nemo” where Dorothy starts singing to Marlin, “What do we do… We swim, swim, swim…..” Just like Marlin I said, “Oh great! Now I have that song stuck in my head!” The swim went well. I turned around the last bouy and headed for home. I kept my eye on a huge orange ball floating on the water but was trying to figure out my exit point. Using a great landmark for women, I locked my eyes on the bathrooms and decided it was time to turn up the heat. There was this guy next to me who decided to sprint it out with me. Poor guy ended up sucking my bubbles. It is common knowledge that most triathletes pee in the water right before getting out, but I just couldn’t do it. I’m struggling to get my daughter to not be so barbaric and pee in our back yard, so what kind of example would that be?

As I exited the water I saw a clock that read 38 minutes and change. I was pleasantly surprised because I was anticipating 50 minutes. I got out of the water and really did not know how hard to push myself in transition. In a long distance, like this one, those seconds you can save yourself in transition might not matter overall. I decided to take transitions ¾ of what I would normally do. Not waste time but not expend all my energy at full speed. I had counted how many slots it was to my bike and went right to it. I had stripped my wet suit to my waist and pulled it off my left leg no problem. The right leg I had a hang up with, but didn’t struggle for long. I grabbed the Hornet and off we went.

I was really proud of my effort on the bike. I was 15 miles from the finish and out of water. I had a powerbar, but without water I just couldn’t stomach it. My mind was wondering on how good that water from that water stand was going to be. As I came around the final loop to where the water would have been, I was thoroughly disappointed it was not there. I decided to keep on pushing and I would get some water on the run. As I approached the 49 mile mark my throat was so dry I could barely swallow. I didn’t have a drop of saliva in my mouth. By mile 51 I was still pushing hard but ready for the bike to be over. I had predicted a 3 hour 30 minute bike ride and I was dead on. While my torso was tucked over my thighs, peddling was bumping my bladder reminding me a potty break would be a good idea. I pulled into the transition area and told the person I had lost my chip. He said to keep going and let the race director know later. I got off my bike and felt a little sluggish, but that is to be expected. When you run after getting off a bike you feel like you are in slow motion because of the speed difference. I made eye contact with my husband and let him know I needed a pit stop.

My sisters and their friend Timera were standing by what I thought was my transition spot. Without hesitation I race to where they were and looked down to not recognize the stuff. A quick backup two rows did the trick and I switched into my run gear and grabbed my racing chip. I crossed the run mat and darted for the port-a-potties. As I came out several people were yelling at me to give them my chip. I yelled back, “I’m still racing! Mother of two, bladder has taken a beating!”

Since this was an open course, Richard was allowed to run with me. I figured he could give me some emotional support and try to push me if I needed it. At the beginning there was ice cold Gatoraid and water. It was like liquid heaven. I was so hot and thirsty. I felt like one of those ants I used to fry with the magnifying lens as a child. Maybe 50-100 yards in I was down to a walk. You have no idea how hard it is to cool down while you run. I walked for the first 2 or 3 miles. Richard would run ahead and get some water for me. We would dump one water on me and I would drink the other one. It was so frustrating. Mentally I wanted to run, but my body just didn’t want to. It is like coaching a player who doesn’t want to play! Nothing hurt, I was just tired and my legs were heavy. I decided to walk and run. We hit all the water stops and I drank like it was my last water stop. Sometimes it takes between 4-7 miles for me to warm up so I was hoping this would be the case. I saw a lot of runners struggling so I didn’t feel so bad. It was a lot hotter than expected and I hadn’t trained outside in the heat of the day, being that I didn’t expect to be doing this event. Part of the course was the historic “6 Tunnels” which was an old rail system hauling supplies to Hoover Dam in the early 30’s. It had amazing views of the lake. There was an unmanned water station with a bottle of Gatoraid behind it. I took a drink to realize it was concentrated and my stomach felt like it had been punched. I chased it with some water and hoped for the best. I started coming out of my slump and running longer portions. The last 4 and half miles I ran the majority of.

One of the mysteries of my symptoms is hearing loss. About 4 miles into the run I lost hearing in the left ear. I have now confirmed it is an exertion thing. Richard said something about, “You really don’t need to hear to run” but he was on my left side. My right started flickering too. Too bad I can’t turn it off and on at my convenience.
I was passed by race volunteers in a truck and offered ice cold water. Ice….Cold… Glorious…. Richard had caught up to me and he isn’t kidding with people calling him “Thunder.” The way his feet pound the pavement you have ample warning he is coming. We got closer and closer to the white tents which were by the finish line. I was tired and glad it was over. I just wanted to get into the shade and down some bottles of ice cold water.

As I crossed the finish line the first thing on my mind was about the racing chip. I mentioned it to the volunteer collecting them and she said, “Sorry, you only get credit for what the chip reads.” I went to find the race director because he could look at the computer on my bike as proof I went the distance and the time it took. I found one of the directors and was trying to fight back the tears when I was telling him what happened. So much was riding on this race counting. He assured me everything would be counted. He said he couldn’t imagine having me out there for 7 hours and not get credit for what I earned. He said it just wouldn’t give me my split times. (Meaning my transition times and my bike time wouldn’t be posted.)

At the end of the day I wanted to complete the Half Ironman in 7 hours or less, but I’ll accept 7:31:01.

I forgot to stretch after my event so my body let me know it was unhappy on the way home. I was having muscle spasms and stabbing pains in my muscles. I was screaming profanities like a woman with turrets for half of the ride home. I suddenly had a craving for pizza on the way home. I had no desire for whole wheat or anything fat free for some reason. After the big race Richard made ribs with Tony Roma’s Carolina Honey Sauce, mashed potatoes, and I made a chocolate cheesecake. I figure no matter what I ate on that day would ever amount to the calories I burned.

Half Ironman…. It hurt like hell….. It was awesome…. Anyone wanting to do a Full Ironman Triathlon needs to have their head examined because that is just crazy!

Mini- Tri Results

2008-10-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

We want to thank all the volunteers:

Mark Dunaisky, Jeanne Clayton, Nick Savatgy, Curtis Ching, Sheila Garner, Dave Reichert, Todd Lynn, Julie Hosea, Victor Rodriguez, Robert Hosea, John Harrington, Dave Carlson, Chris Matlock

Have a good one!
Julie Hosea

Jeanne our announcer at the mini-tri media center

Robert took some excellent photos. These are available for you to look at or download in high quality format at our Snapfish site. Participants you should do this - he really did a great job - thanks Robert!!! Here is the link if you have difficulties let me know - I may have to put you into our Snapfish data base. http://www2.snapfish.com/groupview/groupid=2472910/groupownerid=126375277/t_=126375277

Longhorn 70.3: by Jayne Furman

2008-10-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Kim Watson, Julie Cutts, Lisa Locati and I met up with Shannon Cutting for Longhorn 70.3 in Austin TX. This trip was planned a few months ago when Locati, on a Tuesday McGhies bike ride, quietly worked her persuasive powers. "I’m going to Texas for a half ironman, so let me know when you’ve signed up". I answered the only way I knew how. "Leave me alone, no way I’m doing it". This went on for a few more weeks, Cutts and Watson signed up, and I caved. I really had no desire to train, but after I started riding and swimming again, I was glad to be back into the mix.

The excitement built as we got closer to departure. The trash talking had begun. When Lisa found out Shannon, Julie AND Kim were all in her age group, that Kim was running the loop strong every weekend, and Cutts was on a cycling tear, she expressed herself mildly. F*()*()*)*()*(*((*((*(*K !!!!!!!!

We had so much luggage – between the bikes, laptops, duffel bags, etc -- and for some reason, Cutts decided to stash a Viking oven in her Samsonite. The Ford 150 would come in handy!
You’ll notice in the airport photos that everyone was smiling a bit more on the front end than the return trip !!

We stayed at the Embassy Suites at Town Lake, went to packet pickup, and bumped into Shannon. We were invited to dinner at her unbelievably hospitable friends home located about 30 min outside of Austin on a gorgeous woodsy plot of land with a spectacular sunset view from their rooftop deck. Leslie is an accomplished musician, and an awesome cook. She played Big Bad Betty for us, a humorous song about an Athena she competed against. We were now race ready.
The day of bike check in we (ie, Jayne) wanted to drive the bike course. Shannon had driven it the day prior. Monkey See, Monkey Do …. and despite warnings from Shannon about unmarked streets and where they were located, the 4 of us still managed to get lost looking for Monkey Lane. This caused some major stress to our chauffeur Julie Cutts, who had a look of fear as if we were driving into enemy territory and would never find our way out alive. This apparently pumped her up so much she chewed up the bike course with a 2:33 bike split (10th fastest female).

Race day we were extremely lucky. Temperature was ok, plus we had cloud cover for a lot of the day, and the humidity wasn’t bad. The swim in Decker Lake was a little short. I didn’t shed any tears bout that !. We all swam without wetsuits, good advice from Shannon. Most wore them, but the water was a mild 78 degrees.

I never did get thru transition during visualization, which led to me putting my socks and cycling shoes over soaking wet muddied feet, and then heading for T1 exit without my helmet--- till someone in transition told me HEY, you need a helmet ! DUH !
Check out the socks. You’d think this was my first triathlon.

The bike leg was mostly rollers with one nice climb at the end. There was plenty of cross and headwind too. It looked more like the Tour de Austin for the 1st 20 miles till we all spreaout a bit. Very cozy, kinda annoying.

The course was fun though, and included a hill called Quadzilla at 7 % grade. About 3 miles was on dirt, the rest on pavement, and there were very few actual "flat" sections.
It was a two loop course so we saw each other a couple of times. At one point Locati yelled "hey what are you doing walking". I lookup to find her limping with a smile on her face. Still she finished under 6 hours, even walking like 4 miles. Shannon was the 2nd overall female and first in her age group. Kim hada great race, and her training paid off as she easily PR’d. Way to go Kim !

I pulled into the stable in 6 ½ hrs, this one was sweet under the circumstances of a 2:45 half marathon shuffle. I finished feeling great, what more can you ask.

The fun continued for a couple more days. We went for a hike in the park, and a swim in the refreshing water of Barton Springs (68 degrees) We stopped for some beverages in Willow City at Harry’s

After our ride we refueled at the Becker Vineyard, enjoying some wine in a serene settinwith trees, and greenery. We visited a couple bike shops (yes, Mellow Johnny’s), a running store, some very cool shops on Congress Ave (SoCo), and had dinner at Mexican restaurant located on Lake Travis. This was a wonderful trip, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to experience all of it. Triathletes looking for an October 70.3 should consider Longhorn in 2009.

Jayne

Kona Participants Review Journal Article

2008-10-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Seven local triathletes are scheduled to compete Saturday in Kona: lottery winners Michael Sullivan, Julie Marschner and Bruce Beckett of Las Vegas; age-slot winner Melodie Cronenberg age-slot winner James Harrington of Las Vegas; and lottery winners Sara Levin and Derek Rude of Henderson.

Here is a story from the Review Journal written by Todd Dewey
Melodie’s coach is our own Jackie Arcana

It's no surprise, then, that Henderson resident Melodie Cronenberg values her health -- so much so that she has completed close to 40 triathlons in the last six years, including nine Ironman events consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile run.
I love the training; I love being healthy and setting personal goals to achieve," said Cronenberg, 60. "I love the sport of triathlon, and I do well at it. I kind of found my niche later in life."
Cronenberg, who started competing in triathlons shortly after accepting a challenge from co-workers to run a road race, will compete Saturday in the world's most prestigious triathlon -- the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

She qualified for the event, which will feature close to 1,800 athletes, by winning her age group (60-64) at the Ironman UK, which took place Sept. 7 in Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom.
Cronenberg was disappointed with her finish of 16 hours, 21 minutes, 28 seconds, but it was enough to qualify her for the Super Bowl of her sport for the first time. She competed in Kona in 2006 via a lottery spot.

"This is the first time I've actually qualified," she said proudly. "Getting a lottery spot is lucky; qualifying is tough."

Cronenberg, who suffers from plantar fasciitis in her right foot, said most people need three months to recover from an Ironman event and wait six months before entering another one. But she'll barely have one month in between events when she starts Saturday's race.
"It's a tough turnaround time, but I'm ready for it," she said. "I'm excited. It's what I wanted."
History is on her side. After completing Kona in 15:08:08 in 2006, Cronenberg posted a personal-best time of 14:25 at Ironman Florida about two weeks later. She hopes to better that mark Saturday. "That's my goal, depending on the elements over there," she said.

In her first race in Kona, Cronenberg battled rain, wind and cold weather, not to mention hills and mud, to finish. But she said it was well worth the effort.
"Absolutely. It was amazingly rewarding," she said. "When I crossed the finish line, it was absolutely exhilarating. It's hard to describe how you feel. It's just totally uplifting."
Along with the chance to travel and make friends, Cronenberg said she loves the atmosphere at Ironman events.

"The energy, when you're in an Ironman, you can almost touch it, it's so thick," she said. "Everyone in the sport of triathlon is an inspiration. There's a wonderful camaraderie, and the support you get from other triathletes is phenomenal. It's a very unselfish sport.
"The bottom line to all this is I'm having the best time of my life."

Cronenberg said she trained six days per week, for an average of 20 hours, to prepare for Kona. She swam, biked and lifted weights an average of three or four times a week but ran only three times a week because of her injury. Cronenberg also said she completed one long run (15 to 18 miles), one long bike ride (80 to 100 miles) and one long swim (11/2 to 2 miles) each week.

"I don't train as much as some people, generally because of my age, but it's still a lot," she said.
Cronenberg concedes she has wanted to quit in the middle of an Ironman event "many times."
"That's the whole deal with the Ironman -- the mental toughness it takes to talk yourself out of stopping," she said. "People use a lot of different tricks. Sometimes you shame yourself into going on because you don't want to look bad.

"I just like to remember the feeling I get when I cross the finish line, how motivating it is, and also how much I get to brag."

Cronenberg said she also uses for inspiration her daughter Lara, who has undergone two open-heart surgeries and also recently had a pacemaker implanted in her chest. "She had the first surgery when she was six months old. I was just 19. It was very difficult," Cronenberg said. "They didn't think she would live past her teenage years, and she's 40 now.

"I am just so fortunate to have the health that I do that allows me to be in this kind of sport. It's a gift. I feel very blessed."

Las Vegas Triathlon - a first: Jade Bailey

2008-10-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

It all started when I was having problems motivating myself to work out and had gained a few unwelcome pounds. One of my good girlfriends, Melissa Page, had done one sprint distance triathlon and raved about it. I clearly remember hanging out with her the day she finished and being inspired to hear her talk about it and seem so fulfilled to have completed a triathlon.

(My friend Melissa)

As a general life overachiever, I set a goal and then relentlessly pursue it. Having trouble working out? Sign up for a triathlon! Sprint distance, let’s not get crazy here. That is a great goal to work for I thought. Go big or go home. And you know what? Signing up for the race was the biggest blessing in disguise I could ever ask for because through it all I found something I love that is also a very positive outlet for my time. Training for it changed me permanently. Completing it made me realize I can do almost anything if I put my mind to it. Even better, finishing the race in less than 2 hours (my newbie goal) was one of the most satisfying moments of my life.

I ran into my friend Jenna Novotny at a PR industry party at Tao, told her about the triathlon, and was very happy when she signed up. We then proceeded to chat with some of the VIP hosts at Tao who all said they were doing the tri too. Yeah right, none of them did. But in their defense, the Tao Group just opened a new club which is clearly a time consuming endeavor. Melissa had already signed up for the tri so the three of us were good to go. Friends in tow, check. Next step? Training.

(Jenna)

My training consisted of endless spinning, and not nearly enough swimming and running but that came out fine in the end. Being cognizant to maintain work/workout/social life balance, I hardly ever worked out 6 days per week or 2 times per day. I learned to love spinning (after my butt stopped being sore) and had a great routine at 24 Hour Fitness. Moving from Summerlin to central Las Vegas put a monkey wrench in my gym routine but I discovered the amazing Saturday morning triathlon class at the LVAC on Karen. Swim, bike, run with a group and be done by 12 p.m.? Totally awesome, count me in! Consistent training was really difficult but in the end it was more than worth it.

A few days before the race I met fellow LV Tri Club member Victor Rodriguez, who was an absolute angel and answered my many pre-race questions. I have to credit him with some of my success because without him I wouldn’t have known to drink electrolyte laden water the night before (Elete baby!), eat breakfast the morning of, and to bring a colorful towel/balloon/sidewalk chalk to the transition area to help find your bike. All very important things that I would not have known otherwise.

Through it all I met really interesting people, made new friends (always a bonus), and most importantly learned about just what I can do if I put my mind to it. I’m still a total triathlon novice and will be for the next few races but I’m hooked on this and will be committed to successful races in the future. I have learned that running is my weakest activity and to help mitigate this I’ve signed up for Las Vegas ½ Marathon in December. I would love to join the running Elvi and run as Elvis but feel that could impede the race time. What do you think? See you at Lake Mead!

Update 10/8/2008

2008-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from the President:

I would like to welcome everyone to the mini tri this weekend Sunday October 12th, registration starts at 6:45am and the event at 7:30 at Boulder Beach. This will probably be our last race event of the year. We have a great time at these training events.

We are proud of our triathlon community. It has been another long hot summer – many of you have adjusted and trained through to meet your fall goals. Congratulations, that takes real commitment and discipline. We wish you the very best in the coming weeks. We also would like you to journal some of your stories and take some photos for our Blog and our website.

Last night we had a board meeting to discuss the year end and plans for the 2009 season. Everyone is starting to get booked up – you are probably in the same boat. We decided to have a party to celebrate the new season so that the members can enjoy their company holiday parties without trying to fit another event in. We will be scheduling that for sometime in January – stay tuned.

I have been privileged over the last year to work with our talented Board membership , good work and commitment to achieving our goals attracts good people. We have created two new positions on the board to help generate new ideas that will help us stay relevent and achieve a new level of performance for our athletic community. We have some specific ideas on the table which we roll out next year.

Again all the best - good luck!!!! Later Dave

Las Vegas Tri Club fares well!!! by Victor Rodriquez

2008-09-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Las Vegas Triathlon took place on Sunday, Sep 28 under perfect weather conditions at Lake Mead's world renown Boulder Beach. Just before the gun went off, upwards of 700 athletes enjoyed a balmy 79 degrees, water temp was at around 77 degrees, wetsuits optional. The skies were partially covered with dark clouds but no rain was forcasted. No wind, calm waters, what else could you ask for? How about a cool late morning? Naw!!! The weather man called for a high of 98 degrees by 11 am, he was right!

The promoters offered a sprint, olympic and a half iron distances. The swim course was a rectangle with each distance going out to their respective colored bouys. The sprint and olympic bike courses stayed on North Shore road heading out towards the south toll booth and back. The half iron headed out past the Calville Bay turn-off and back. The run course took the athletes on mostly dirt roads and some paved sections.

I must say that the promoters went all out and provided the entrants with a well-run event with plenty of volunteers, well stocked aid stations and plenty of goodies at the finish line. Safety was number one as I noticed the bike course well patrolled and well marked. My congrats go to Eddie Carlin for a fantastic, well organized, safe event!!! Let me say "thank you" to the many volunteers who donated their time and effort to make this event possible. Without volunteers, we couldn't have such fine events like this one. So, next time you race, stop and say "thanx" for letting me race!!!

The Las Vegas Tri Club was well represented at this event. I must have counted at least 15 members donning our blue and silver colors throughout the entire day. I looked up some of them on the website's result page, I know I missed some of you so, please forgive me, I'm lacking brain cells dating back to the 60's!!!.......

I'll start with the half iron entrants. Jessica Fassulo is a young lady who is fairly new to the sport. I have seen her at several local and Utah events. She has done very well at the sprint and olympic distances. This time she ventured into the void and captured first place in the 25-29 age group, finishing 29th overall, way to GO!!!............

The other half iron lady is Yvonne Kinane-Wells. Yvonne is a veteran of many triathlons including sprints, oly's, halves and full IM's. Yvonne entered the half and claimed 1st in her 50-54 age group, crossing the line in 41st place overall. The ladies endured plenty of heat as they finished their events at around 1 pm when the temps were hovering at around 100 degrees!!!.......We tip our helmets to them............

The olympic distance saw John Harrington claiming 10th in the ever-tough 45-49, one of the toughest, most competive groups. John suffered from a foot injury two weeks ago at the Kokopelli tri in Utah, losing a couple of toe nails in the process, Still, he managed a respectable 87th overall.

I entered the olympic and fared pretty good dispite suffering from old age syndrome, gastritis, oldfartitis, cantrunitis and numerous "itis's" I can't spell and all of those other old people ailments that haunt me on a daily basis, just wait until you all hit 50!!!...............I was fortunate that my competitors suffered a bit more than me from those ailments I mentioned. I claimed 1st in the Geritol/Poly-Grip group sponsored by Depends (55-59), 27th overall and, 3rd overall on the bike split..............

Now to the sprint (smart) group. Annette Powell had a fantastic race, she finished just off the podium in fourth place by a few seconds in the 40-44 age group and 91st overall. Lisa Job, dispite having two punctures, the second requiring a complete tire change, finished 23rd in the 35-39 group and 261st overall. Just a lack of luck kept Lisa from claiming a higher position but, that's racing and next time it will be different. Shiela Garner, a brand new club member, finished her first-ever triathlon in style. Shiela claimed 17th in the tough 30-34 age bracket and 203rd overall, mind you, this was her first tri!!! Another newby is Jade Bailey who also did her first one. Jade just became a member of the tri club and proudly claimed 18th in the 25-29 group crossing the line in 258th overall. Jade's training and partner in crime is Jenna Novotny also a new member. Jenna almost ran away with the top spot in the 20-24 age group claiming 2nd place, just being pipped for first by seconds. The other studette is Melissa Page. Melissa also became a member and crossed the line looking great in blue and silver. She finished in 269th place overall and 19th in her 25-29 age group.

These mentioned athletes were just a few I gathered from the result page, if you wish to look for someone, go to: http://www.mountainmanevents.com/, click on results. Overall, we had a great time and look forward to the club's mini-tri on Oct 12, Pumpkinman coming up Oct 18 and the biggie, The Silverman on Nov 9th. I enjoy bringing you the latest from the events around Las Vegas and the neighboring states. If you have any stories about your latest event, please send them to me and I will forward them to the club's website. My e-mail is: lancewins@hotmail.com. See you on Oct 12th.................Victor Rodriguez

Club members claim 'Trifecta': by Victor Rodriguez

2008-09-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Kokopelli triathlon took place in Hurricane, Ut on Saturday, Sep 20. This event was the third in a series of three triathlons offered by Brogg Sterrett and his fine staff at BBSC Endurance.

The first one was the St. George triathlon on May 20, the second was the Utah Summer Games on June 14. In order to participate in the trifecta, an athlete must do two out of the three events, if you do all three, the organizers drop your lowest result and tally up the points. The scoring system is very complicated so I won't get into it. The ticket is to do all three and try to finish in the top three or higher. Being consistent is the key, many athletes will not participate in all three events therefore opening the door to the ones who are persistent.

Last year, the Kokopelli tri was cancelled due to foul weather, a late summer storm crashed through and the park rangers, along with the organizers, cancelled the event. John Harrington and I were sitting in the water just 3 minutes before our start when we heard the announcer call the event off. I exited the water extremely dissapointed, I had trained for this event diligently for quite a few weeks, but, you can't win against Mother Nature. John sat in the water in disbelief, they literally pulled him out of the water, the man wanted to swim and he wasn't about to be denied!

This year was a bit different. Perfect weather graced the venue at Sand Hollow reservoir, the race was on! A sprint distance was offered, 750 meter swim, 12.5 miles on the bike and a 3 mile run, the olympic distance was exactly twice the sprint. BBSC Endurance outdid themselves with a perfectly organized event, plenty of volunteers, lots of food and drinks, medals for all finishers and a great announcer who blurted out your name when you came through the finish kite. The swim was modified to accomodate the low level of water. Two laps were required for the olympic and a single one for the sprint. The bike course for the olympic was modified as well. I understand that Brogg used the old St. George tri route eliminating several 90-degree turns and a section of rough road that rattled your chain and your teeth! The run course was pretty brutal, several steep hills, deep sand and a few rocks to mess up your ankles.

Overall, it was a great day of racing and everyone involved had a blast. I'm happy to report that John Harrington claimed first place for the day, adding to his trifecta victory. John literally had to win the day to claim the trifecta, several scenarios were possible for him to win, the easiest was to win, no doubt there! I claimed second for the day culminating my result with the trifecta title by virtue of points from the first two events (two firsts), a slighter easier road than John's.

We spent some time with club members Molly Kramer and Kara Robertson. Both of these ladies participated in their first olympic triathlon. Molly claimed third in her age group (25-29), pretty darn good for her first one. Kara had a great swim and a good bike, the run proved a bit much for Kara, unfortunately, she was pulled due to the time cut. Kara is a champion swimmer recently completing an ungodly 10,000 meter (6.2 miles) swim in the frigid waters of Colorado Springs, it just took her a bit over 4 hours........Unreal!!! With a bit more focus on the run, Kara will be a force to be reckoned with, you just can't beat her out of the water!!!

There are too many LV residents to mention so I will direct you to www.milliseconds.com, there you can find all of the results including the trifecta. The next event will be the Las Vegas triathlon to be held this coming Sun, Sep 28, followed by Brogg's baby, The Pumpkinman taking place on Sat, Oct 18. Pumpkinman will hold the club championships and the Half-Maxx Iron, making it the largest triathlon in SoNev by far. This event is sold out but, look for Brogg to open a few more spots in the coming few weeks. Check Brogg's website, www.bbsctri.com.

The final event will be the toughest full distance triathlon in the world, The Silverman. It will take place on Sun, Nov 9. This event offers a full distance, a 70.3 and relays. Frank Lowery is the brains behind this brutal event. Frank is in his fourth year promoting Silverman and I can see it being the premier triathlon in the western US. You can find Frank coaching the masters swimmers at the Henderson MultiGeneral complex around 5:30 am. It's been a great season for the Lv Tri Club, many great results by its many members, check the 'blog' and 'message board' to find out more. OK, I must get some rest which happens to be my favorite training session, 8 hours!!!..............

Nate and the Big Kahuna:

2008-09-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

I decided that doing another half iron was the perfect "birthday spanking", the Big Kahuna Triathlon in Santa Cruz, Ca. fell right on my 29th birthday so I signed up and away we went. This wasn't without weeks of training, plenty of adversity (both physical and especially mental), and a whole lot of saving to make sure we had enough money to get there. On Friday, 9/5/08, we loaded up the rented Dodge Caravan and set out for the 9 hour drive to the Central Californian Coast. This time around my amazing support crew consisted of Samantha, Bailey, and a special guest appearance by my father, Vince, who flew out from Ohio on Thursday. The drive to Santa Cruz was beautiful, and relatively relaxing considering it's length. Mapquest claims it's 545 miles and while I didn't track it, that number seemed about right. Once in Santa Cruz, we found our way to the Boardwalk (where the movie "Lost Boys" was shot) and easily found our hotel for the weekend.

The accommodations were nice, if a little expensive, but VERY close to the race site. I was really happy that I found this place and was able to get a room. Shortly after our arrival, my good friend and adventuring companion James arrived after driving down from San Francisco. James and I have been climbing and skiing in the mountains together for a long time, and it's always special when we can get together. The next day James and the rest of the crew joined me to pick up my race packet and a drive up the coast to preview the bike course. It was a beautiful day, and our ride up the coast was smooth and enjoyable for everyone. When we stopped for lunch, my dad had to snap a pic of this mural on the hood of the pick up next to us...

The course runs along HWY 1 up the coast and was exactly as described, "rolling hills". There were a couple steep ones and I wasn't sure what to expect during the race. The scenery was gorgeous and I was excited to get out there on the bike.

After our drive up the coast, we returned to the hotel so that I could prep my gear and get off my feet. Just as I finished my preparations and was laying down another surprise guest! My brother had driven all the way up from L.A. to see my race on my birthday!

Race Day: Down to the details. I woke up at 5 am, had a yogurt, and a bagel. Drank a pint of water and got dressed. Everything had been laid out meticulously the night before and I was smoothly out the door by 5:30am. I arrived in transition, found a great spot, and set up smoothly. Unfortunately, I've got my transition setup whittled down efficiently to only the essential items and nothing else. I was set up in less than 5 minutes and had nothing left to do besides stand around nauseated from nervousness and marvel at how complicated everyone else's setup is. I should have taken a picture of mine compared to everyone else's, it was comical. Two pairs of shoes (1 cycling, 1 running of course), my aero helmet with gel flask, sunglasses and spare kit inside it and placed on top my cycling shoes, and my running hat with gps, gel flask, and number belt placed inside of it. No towels, no water bottles, no boxed lunch, no chairs, no assortment of nutritional items and supplements, etc. are necessary. In a race this long, keeping on the move is paramount, I can't imagine how stiff my legs would get if I lounged around in transition. Anyway..sorry for the rant... I suited up and made my way to the athlete meeting. I couldn't hear a word of the meeting but I had done this dance before so I wasn't too worried about it. The water was much warmer than I had expected which was a truly pleasant surprise. Hyperventilating from the cold water on the swim has been an issue for me. I didn't want it to compound my already high anxiety about the swim. I lucked out for sure. I warmed up and watched the waves go off, my wave was dead last so I had plenty of time to fight the feeling of wanting to puke. I just tried to stay loose and talk to Sammie and Bailey about anything else. I took photos with everyone before the start.

If you ever see this smile from me...I'm faking...

Before long my wave was off. I started toward the back and outside. My plan was to take it easy and just get through the swim. I planned to count my strokes continuously as a sort of mantra in order to keep any anxiety at bay. Counting strokes worked brilliantly and I was able to just put my head down and swim without anxiety. I exited the swim in 46 minutes to a crowd roaring "Happy Birthday Nathan". I was a little confused as to how everyone knew but then I spotted Sam and Bailey...

They really outdid themselves this time. They are always super supportive, but their hula skirts and banner had gotten the whole crowd in on the act and wherever I ran people were yelling "Happy Birthday Nathan!" The run to transition was long but I didn't think it was bad at all. I was smart about it though and left flip flops at the beach exit before I got onto the concrete. T1 = 4:49 was in the top 5 of my age group and only 3 seconds from top 3. Once again, keep it simple and straight forward and keep moving. That's what I did. The bike ride was fantastic. I'm going to include a whole geek section about my tactics, nutrition, pacing etc. after the race report. Here's the story, I knew what the course looked like already which gave me quite a bit of confidence heading out onto it. I knew that there were a couple of hills to stay conservative on, but otherwise this was a course that really suited me. The headwind was pretty strong most of the way and a couple of scary gusts had my attention. Most of my ride was spent in the left hand side of the lane as I picked one rider after another off. By the turn around, I was passing people who had started in the second wave, a full 25 minutes ahead of me. I felt great, and never felt like I was pushing myself at any time. There were a lot of riders getting flats on the side of the road and I really felt for them. I'm sure it will happen to me at some point, but that just sucks. At the turn around my brother and dad were there to get some great action shots of me...

I completed the bike in 2:51 for an average speed of 19.65 miles an hour. I was pretty happy with this split because it was a significant improvement over my previous time but was still very conservative setting me up for a good run. T2= 1:18.9 Fourth fastest in my age group and I wasn't in a particular rush to be honest. The run course was the most beautiful run I've ever been on. It was pretty darn flat with just a couple small hills to contend with and break things up. My kind of running. The best part about the course is that as you head north and near the halfway point of the run, you are running on a great dirt trail that follows along the top of the seaside cliffs. The sun, the breeze, the ocean below, the smell of the salt spray in the air, were all simply amazing. I couldn't believe how invigorated I felt, this far into the race. At mile 5, I was feeling so good that I decided it was time to stop holding back and just let my legs go. Until that point I had been holding 9:45 miles, once I relaxed and let it go my pace dropped down to 8:10 miles. I didn't feel like I was working for it and decided to keep going as long as it felt easy. Unfortunately, I got so caught up in how great I was feeling that I lost track of my execution. I forgot to take in any calories and electrolytes for a few miles and this came around to hurt me quickly. At mile 9 my legs started cramping ferociously, and I began to ache all over. I was still able to run under 10 minute miles but I was in so much pain that I couldn't keep my mind together to keep running. All I wanted was some ibuprofen. I finished the run in 2:35. Quite a bit slower than what I was on pace for during the first half but still a substantial improvement over my last half iron. Running down the beach I was exhausted, I couldn't see the finish line, and I just wanted to be finished.

All of a sudden, I rounded a corner and there it was! The finishing chute, the banner that Sam and Bailey had made for me, and a thousand people screaming happy birthday and cheering me to the finish. Even the race announcers knew it was my birthday and made a big deal out of it. It was SO AMAZING. I finally felt validated. I finally felt like I had truly completed a half iron. My last race felt like I got lucky because of all the problems. This race felt like I had truly been out there, giving it my all, even taking some chances and going for it on the run. I'll probably never get to break the tape first, or hoist my country's flag over my head in victory. This was my day however, and as I ran past Sam and Bailey, I wanted them to know how special that banner was to me. I snatched it from their hands and hoisted it over my head going down the finishing chute. The Big Kahuna was over! My official finishing time was 6:19:38 and tenth in my Age Group. Finally I'm inside the top ten at a big race! But it wasn't over... When we returned to the hotel the party had just begun and as I opened the door to the room I was greeted by a fully decorated room, and a giant basket with all the recovery items I could ever want after a race.

After a shower and a nice nap, we went out and gorged ourselves on wings and french fries. Then it was off to Kiva Retreat House, where Sam had booked a private hot tub and steam room for us to help soothe away the soreness. I felt fantastic after all that. It happens every year, because Sam tries so hard to make my birthday great. I have to say it again this year, this was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

This was a team effort. There were a lot of people who made this race a success and if even one of them had been missing, I wouldn't have had as good an experience. Thank you: Mike Sullivan, Samantha, Bailey, Chris, Chris Thornham, Nick Savatgy, Larry, Chris Wahl, Mom, Dad, Clay, Jeremy Firth, Melissa Bailey, and James. Without you guys as the foundation of support I stand on, and the motivation you provide to keep me training, I wouldn't be as happy as I am today.

____________________________________________________________________ As promised, here's the geek report. On the bike my strategy was to ride at 75% of my functional threshold power (my current FTP ~280 watts) for the most part. This is VERY conservative, as most other athletes will ride at 80-85% for a half ironman.

Having concerns about how successful my run could be if I rode to hard, I opted to lose 5-10 minutes on the bike by riding overly conservative rather than lose an hour on the run because I rode too hard. I consciously kept the real time wattage on the Powertap at 210-215 watts. When climbing I kept it under 250 for all but the steepest hills where I attempted to keep it under 300. I feel that this worked quite well, and next time I'm going to bump it up to 80% of my FTP My fueling for the bike was 1 gel flask with 550 calories of Gu. I estimated my ride would be in the neighborhood of 3 hours, and I planned for 200 calories an hour. I also tried to keep my hydration at 24-28 ounces per hour. Electrolyte replenishment was 2 endurolytes per hour. This plan worked excellently. Near perfectly. Next race I will probably up the endurolytes to 3 per hour (provided the same conditions). I coasted any time my speed was over 35 miles an hour on the down hills. Here are the bike stats according to WKO+... Entire workout (178 watts): Duration: 2:52:21 Work: 1839 kJ TSS: 144.5 (intensity factor 0.71) Norm Power: 199 VI: 1.12 Pw:HR: n/a Pa:HR: n/a Distance: 56.159 mi Min Max Avg Power: 0 489 178 watts Cadence: 38 229 90 rpm Speed: 2.5 49.8 19.6 mph Pace 1:12 24:08 3:04 min/mi Hub Torque: 0 380 70 lb-in Crank Torque 0 744 171 lb-in My normalized power was a bit lower than I was shooting for, but I attribute that to the rolling nature of the course. There was a lot of time spent coasting.

On the run, my strategy was to go out at a VERY VERY easy pace. A pace I felt like I can run all day long. I was going to do this for 3 miles and then assess the situation every 2 miles from there. I ran 9:45-9:55 for the first three miles and I was really holding back. I knew that I needed to remain patient and keep focusing on my nutrition. I held the same pace until mile 5, where as mentioned I cut loose and just ran. I didn't push, but I didn't hold back. My strategy was to run only hard enough that I could hold a conversation. I talked to people as we passed each other to make sure I was holding to my strategy. My mistake on the run was not focusing on nutrition and electrolytes enough. I was drinking 8-10 ounces of water at every aid station but by mile 5 had forgotten to continue taking in calories and electrolyte caps and ultimately believe that this is where I lost a lot of time. I had a flask with 475 calories of CarboPro 1200 in it. I only consumed about half of this flask on the run, and most of that was in the first 2 miles. This certainly wasn't enough. I also only had 3 endurolyte caps at the beginning of the run, and didn't take anymore in until I was at mile 9 and cramping. Next race I will shoot to take down my entire flask before the halfway mark on the run, and I will take 3 endurolyte caps every 45mins to 1 hour. There it is, the geek report. I hope this is helpful to someone out there and I look forward to everyone's comments.

Thanks for taking the time to read this ridiculously long race report.

Amtrak Century, September 6, 2008

2008-09-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

(The Crew:Ray Payan, Mary Payan, Julie Hosea, Robert Hosea, Debbie Johnson)

Five club members (and a co-worker) did the Amtrak Century on September 6, 2008. It’s a point to point century ride from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA put on by the Orange County Wheelmen. The return trip to Irvine is by private train. This is advertised as a great first-time century. It is a very easy mostly flat to downhill ride with a few climbs. Actually, I think the hardest part of this is getting registered. The ride is limited to 1,100 riders, 700 return by train and 400 are on their own. Registration opened at 7:00AM on Father’s Day and was closed within 20 minutes.

We all arrived in Huntington Beach on Friday afternoon. Ray and I consider a more local bike for the ride instead of our road bikes. We opted for speed over comfort.

We found our way to the Irvine Transportation Center early Saturday morning, dropped off our bags and coolers, and made it through the efficient check-in. We are given a route slip with way to many turns to memorize so we decide someone in front of us will know where to go. Someone overhears us and cautions us to make sure whoever we follow has a wrist band so we don’t end up at someone’s house instead of in San Diego.

We are finally off at 6:20. This is the first century for four of the tri club members in our group. It’s a little cool, not very light, and damp. The first 10 miles are relatively flat and traffic free. We make it over the first little climb and enjoy the long downhill through Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, and San Juan Capistrano to our first rest stop.

After a short stop it was back on the bike to Dana Point and our first view of the ocean. We rode through San Clemente and through a park/campground area and along a traffic free bike trail to rest stop 2. We were unable to ride through Camp Pendleton this year, so it was about 7-8 miles on Interstate 5; this was not the most enjoyable part of the ride. We finally get off the freeway and into Oceanside for lunch. Everyone is feeling pretty good after 62 miles and there hasn’t been any whining! We are right on my estimated time schedule and should make it to San Diego in time to catch the train.

Leaving lunch there is a pretty steep but short climb and everyone ‘feels’ their legs again. No one is talking about it, but we all know THE HILL is coming up. There is flat road, cool damp air, and beautiful scenery through Carlsbad and Del Mar before we get to Torrey Pines. Everyone makes it to the top and the final rest stop to enjoy popsicles and ice cream bars. After a short stretch through La Jolla and some more bike trails, we are in Mission Bay. Continuing south we find ourselves riding on what seems like freeways with the traffic and interchange ramps. We were slightly navigationally challenged through this section but managed to stay on the correct route somehow.

After regrouping it was an easy ride down Harbor to an uneventful finish. We were right on schedule; just enough time to grab our stuff, head to a nearby gym for a quick shower and then to the train. The train ride back to Irvine was a lot of fun – it was a party atmosphere.

This was definitely a great ride for first time century riders.

Do you have what it takes to support our injured veterans through our sport - triathon?

2008-08-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Join Team Operation Rebound Silverman Half Relay and Support Injured U.S. Military Personnel Since the beginning of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than 27,000 U.S. military personnel have been wounded – many suffering traumatic, permanent injuries. In 2004, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), an organization with 15 years of experience supporting the athletic endeavors of physically challenged athletes, launched Operation Rebound. This program, which has touched hundreds of wounded veterans provides the training, specialized equipment and mentoring permanently injured military personnel need to get back into sports – whether their goal is to simply finish a local 5K or make it to the Paralympic games.

On November 9th, you can Race for a Reason at the Operation Silverman Half Relay, and make it your mission to raise funds for Operation Rebound. Your efforts will help ensure U.S. military personnel who suffered permanent injuries fighting for our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan get full access to life-affirming, healing sports activities. As a member of Team Operation Rebound Silverman Half Relay you’ll race alongside seven injured veterans as they take on the challenging same swim, bike and run you do.

Commit to raising just $1,000 for Operation Rebound and you’ll also gain access to other benefits, like:
A custom racing uniform
An Operation Rebound technical training shirt
A special “Operation Rebound” early wave start
A special “Operation Rebound” racking zone in the transition area
Special seating at the pre-race pasta dinner
A CAF Race belt and water bottle
VIP registration (no waiting in line)
Cool incentive prizes available for those raising more than $1,000
Make your race matter. Support Operation Rebound and our troops.

REGISTER NOW!Registration Closes Nov 1st, 2008 Relay field is limited to first 30 relay teams.The Operation Rebound teams will cover the Nevada Silverman Half Distance Triathlon, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Mead, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run through the astonishingly hilly downtown Henderson, NV. Relay Divisions: Male, Female, Coed, and Operation Rebound teams: Awards will be given to the top three teams in each respected division. The Operation Rebound teams must contain a member of the CAF or Operation Rebound to be eligible for awards. Each relay member will receive a finisher shirt and finisher medal.Meet your CAF Athletes

Click on the names below and check out their stories:
Andy Hatcher
Brandon Erickson
Dave Rozelle
Dean Wagner
Evan Morgan
John Morley
Melissa Stockwell
Mike McNaughton
Rich Ingram
Tim Gustafson

Vineman 70.3: by Mellisa Olivas

2008-08-20T09:40:00.001-07:00

Mellisa's Crew - Victor- George- Ron- Melissa- Tom- Jamie- Doug- Dwayne- Ted

If you are looking to exchange the dead heat of a Las Vegas summer for a cooler, more scenic venue, then the Vineman 70.3 Triathlon in the Russian River Valley of Northern California is the race for you. It features a barely wetsuit-legal swim in the Russian River (virtually no current) followed by a bike course that takes you winding through a myriad of vineyards and a run that, although hilly, is incredibly lush and green.

The logistics of getting there with your bike can be a little challenging since it is a 10 hour drive from Las Vegas. The closest airports are Oakland and San Francisco which are an hour away, unless of course you have your own plane like some people we know, and can fly directly into the Sonoma County airport which is five miles from the finish line.

Register early for the race as it tends to sell out and make your accommodations as soon as possible. Our group enjoyed our stay at the Sonoma County Condos (Worldmark by Wyndham) which is approximately three miles from the finish line in Windsor. This location is great as we found the need to travel back and forth between our condos and the expo multiple times. Windsor is a 10-minute drive from Santa Rosa and features a variety of quaint restaurants and a Walmart for those last minute race supplies.

Our group drove up early and previewed the course prior to race day, which I highly recommend. The weather was 90 degrees on the high end and 55 degrees for the low. We were fortunate to have a cloud cover for longer than forecasted on race day so we took advantage of the cooler temperatures and had a fabulous time.

Also, if you like wine, then you cannot miss the opportunity to put together a great post race party the next day at the local vineyards. We did!

It looks like there are about 8 guys for every girl on this trip - how does she do it? By the way Mellisa came blasting by me on the run at mile 7 - her leg turn over was great, she destroyed me with her energy. Congratulations - nice race. Dave Carlson

X-Terra Championship, Ogden, UT: by Victor Rodriguez

2008-08-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

On Aug 16, the final stop on the X-Terra tour took place in the northern town of Ogden UT. This is the final qualifier for the national championship to be held in Lake Tahoe's Incline Village in early October. This event drew the finest X-Terra triathletes from the neighboring states of Nevada, California, Arizona, Colorado and by the elite from Utah.

The event took place just outside Ogden at the Snowbasin ski resort. The venue has held numerous X-Terra events and was the clear choice again this year. John Harrington and I decided to attent this event simply because it's the premier race just before the big one in Tahoe. We ran into Jay Watson, a member of the LV tri club and better half of Kim. Jay will be competing in his first off-road event after having competed in numerous triathlons for the last few years.

Having done several of these events, John Harrington and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to compete against the finest athletes in the region, with the chance of qualifying for the nationals. With that in mind, we programmed the GPS to guide us to the northern parasise of the Wasatch mountains, 7 hours, 450+ miles later, we arrived in heaven! At the registration booth, we were greeted with a big smile by Jennifer Marsh and Ann Mickey. These ladies are employed by X-Terra, travel around the country organizing these events and I must tell you, they do a superb job making sure that everything goes smoothly. Jen and Ann had us down and all we had to was sign at the dotted line, how's that for service!!!

The roster was loaded with top pros. Starting with 3-time world champion Conrad Stoltz, Josiah Middaugh, defending champion Seth Whealer and many others, the men's pro field was stacked with the finest. On the women's side, Shonny Vanlandingham, canadians Melanie McQuaid and Danelle Kabush, Lisa Leib and many others promised to keep the course 'en fuego'.

The course called for two transition areas. The swim portion was held down from the mountain at the Pine View reservoir, a 1500 meter splash was scheduled. From there, it was an uphill battle for 12 miles up to the ski lodge. Another loop around the ski runs covered the other 6 miles with a gorgeous section of single track, fast decends and countless tight switchbacks all the way to T-2. The run took us up several steep ski runs with the middle section covering two-plus miles of shaded single track, a few more climbs and a fast decend to the finish line. The weather was just superb, with temps ranging from 68 to 82 degrees, slight breeze and a few puffy clouds.

The water temp was 73 degrees. The pros were not allowed to wear wetsuits, the age groupers had the option, I wore mine so did John and Jay. After the smoke cleared, Conrad Stoltz emerged as the winner by a scant 30+ seconds. The top five pros were separated by less than 60 seconds, very close and exciting for the many fans which crowded the finish line. The women's winner was Melanie McQuaid with Shonny Vanlandingham a very close second by less than a minute. Danelle Kabush finished in the top ten. This second place finish places Shonny in a perfect position for the championship event to be held in Hawaii. Shonny crossed over from mountain biking to X-Terra after being a 5-time national champion which includes 3 cross country titles along with a short track and a marathon (50 miles race). Shonny resides and trains in Durango, many athletes from the southwestern Colorado town participated and came up with some shiny hardware. We had the pleasure of meeting Coloradans Ashley Angel, an up and coming triathlete who promises to rise rapidly along with age grouper Dave and his lovely wife Bobbi. We sat with Dave and Bobbi at their table and shared some stories, Ashley acompanied us to the local ice cream parlor for some after hours treat.

The field included several challenged athletes but one that comes to mind is Megan. Megan lost her left leg just below the knee and that hasn't stopped her from living life. In fact Megan competed in the challenged division and did quite well. Unfortunately, an over zealous rider tried to pass her on a tight section of single track and slightly bumped her and she lost control. She ended up in a ditch with a tree stump pressed against her right side, a nasty gash on her left ankle and two dislocated fingers. Just before the accident, John Harrington was trading places with Megan on the wide, steep climbs preceeding the single track. Megan went on ahead and John followed about a hundred yards behind. John entered the single track and heard a rider in distress. Unselfishly, John rendered assistance jeopardizing his eventual result. He pulled her out of the ditch and proceeded with assesing the injuries. She seemed OK dispite a some blood around her ankle, John calmed her down and she went on with the rest of the race. She eventually finished and headed to the ER for a quick check-up and several stitches. Megan showed her mettle and John his sportsmanship and unselfish determination. I tip my helmet to both athletes for showing what it takes to compete. That's what makes X-Terra events so great, the spirit and dedication no matter the situation.

The awards presentation was held at the downtown Amphitheater with many local restaurants displaying their finest dishes. The live band cranked out some of the finest southern rock, everyone had a great time! At the party we ran into 'Kalei'. Kalei is the announcer and voice of X-Terra. You can find her behind a mic at every event blurting out instructions and announcing everyone's names as they cross the finish line. We met her back in May at the Temecula X-Terra, her voice clear and smooth as ever! She gave us a bit of billing as we stumbled across the line, mentioning Las Vegas and our club. We also ran across Brogg Sterret and his right-hand-man, sister Aubriann, they designed this year's swim course. Brogg is the promoter for some of the finest events in the southwest region such as Rage in the Sage, St. George, Kokopelli and Pumpkinman triathlons. Brogg is know for promoting the finest events on the planet with safety being number one on the list. This year's Pumpkinman event will include a half, olympic and sprint distance as well as club nationals. If you havn't done this one, sign up, you'll llove it!!!

This year's Ogden X-Terra was dedicated by Conrad Stoltz to pro triathlete Jamie Whitmore. Jamie endured a major operation to remove a tumor from her leg, she's doing fine but might have to go through another procedure. We hope to see Jamie racing again soon in the pro circuit doing what she does best, winning!!! The entire triathlete community including the Las Vegas Tri Club wishes Jamie a speedy recovery, we keep her in our minds and prayers. Oh, by the way, if you would like to see complete results, log on to http://www.jtltiming.com/. Time to log off, have a wonderful evening and remember, pain is temporary, glory is forever.............

Camp Pendleton II: by Bailey Sheridan

2008-08-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

(Me , Chris, Nate, Samantha - The Crew)

Well, there are the races where we except calm oceans, cool weather and no wind, so we sign up for them. Then there are the races where we except huge waves, intense wind and hot weather and we may think twice about whether its worth it. On Saturday, August 9th I learned my lesson about expecting one thing and being given another!!

Camp Pendleton Sprint Triathlon was probably one of the most memorable tri's I have ever done. The course was beautiful, the weather nice (compared to this Vegas heat) and the wind wasn't too bad. However, I was not expecting those freaking huge waves!!! I thought they were supposed to be rolling small waves... but no... they were big... and scary!!!

Me, Nate, Sam, and Chris left for Camp Pendleton Friday morning with our hopes high!! We arrived in Oceanside around noon and went for a quick swim to stretch out our suits and get used to the water. The waves that day were pretty big... I mean for someone who mainly swims in Lake Mead!! However, they were not too powerful and it was fun to swim under them and mess around. All of us knew these waves were monsters compared to what we would have tomorrow. We all expected calm oceans on race day...

When we woke up Saturday I was prepared... I knew the swim would be awesome, I had the bike down and just had to get through the run. I was ready to give it my all, and I was determined to be 1st in my age group. We loaded the bikes and headed to the base where we proceeded through checkpoint after checkpoint until be got to the race area.

We all went to our areas and set up our transitions. Sam.. ending up with the best spot... right next to Michellie Jones!!! We were all standing around Sam when Michellie showed up and propped her bike next to Sam's. We said hello and then Sam turned to us saying, "You don't know how intimidated I am right now..." We laughed and Michelle just turned to us and said "Well, Good!"

(Sam's bike next to Michellie's)

After talking to Michellie we all walked down to the water to test it out. Holy shit... not what we had expected!! The waves were crashing and there was a big current pulling to the right. I didn't think much about it just that it was going to be a pain.

Chris was 1st to leave... after he ran in we splashed around and waited for our waves. Next thing I knew he was right behind me. He ended up having a panic attack and couldn't breath in the water. He was pulled out and was very disappointed. After I saw Chris I knew this wasn't going to be an easy swim.

Nate's wave was next and Sam's was after me. I just hoped that they would both be fine. After Nate left I lined up and waited nervously. Right when I heard "GO!" all fear left my body and I sprinted to the water. I just tried to swim as hard as I possibly could! Wave after wave I was pulled back. It was like swimming with someone holding your legs!! I have never felt so useless in a race! However, once I was passed the 1st buoy I knew I was good. The way in wasn't nearly as bad. Body surfing came into play!! Then once I hit sand I threw off my wetsuit and ran!!

My first transition was awesome.... I had been practicing it with my fabulous coach... Nate that is... and practice paid off, it was by far the fastest transition I have ever had!! The bike course was beautiful and fast. There was a few hills but nothing too bad... mainly steep but short hills!! As I neared the end of the bike course I got my feet out of my shoes and tried the running dismount I had been working on. It worked very well but hurt a little and was sloppy!! Oh well.... T2 was also very fast for me... thanks Nate!!... and I was off on the run...

The run was where things started to go downhill for me. I wanted to run a 9min mile for the run, but once I got to the top of the hill from transition, cramps set in!!! Not just any cramps either, these were cramps from hell. Damn salt water!! The first 2 miles consisted of me yelling at myself to go faster and how I wouldn't get 1st!! Then I finally said screw it and pushed myself to run in it. I got close to the finish and topped it off with a sprint in.

YEAH!!! It was over!! I had never won a race before and I was determined that this would be the one. And sure enough training paid off... #1 in 19and under age group!!! WHOOOOOO... and I actually beat people!! Usually I get defaulted #1 or something. I was ecstatic!!

They called my name and I got my award and hugged my awesome teammates and coach. Me and Nate finished the race, Nate missing top 10 in his group by 7sec!!!! Chris and Sam both called it at the swim but I was still proud of both of them for trying. I mean come on... they went into the water scared shitless and gave it all they had... what else could you ask for!!

(Me and Nate after the race!!)

This was a learning event for everyone. I now know never to underestimate Mother Nature and that I can push myself even harder than I thought!! This was a great race and I would recommend it to everyone!! Just beware of those waves!!

bailey

Camp Pendleton Sprint Triathlon Report 8/9/08, by Nathan Chaszeyka

2008-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

This was the first triathlon I ever participated in, and I was very anxious to get back and see what kind of progress I’ve made over the last year. I talked my girlfriend, Samantha Meiers, and good friends, Bailey Sheridan and Chris Perlewitz into going back with me and enjoying this excellent race. On Friday, 8/8/08, we loaded up my little Subaru Impreza with 4 bikes, and 5 sets of wheels, and all the other tri gear we needed for the weekend. The looks we were getting with all those bikes on top of the car, and the back hatch full of Zipp wheels were hilarious. We joked about how the car looked like we were supporting a pro tour.

The drive down to Oceanside was uneventful, and we were quickly checked into “Carlson Race Headquarters” as Dave likes to call the Motel 6 in Oceanside. Everything was going well. We needed to get to the beach for a short swim*(see footnote), so after a short 20 minute nap, the team rallied and prepped our wetsuits. 20 minutes of swimming in heavy surf was more than enough preparation for the race. The swim is never that rough in this race, right?

We enjoyed a dinner of fine Italian food at Dominic’s in Oceanside Harbor and caught up with some old friends. Dominic’s is my favorite Italian restaurant, west of the Mississippi and I eat there several times during every trip to Oceanside.

On Saturday morning, we woke at 5:15 and casually made our way out of the hotel and to the race site. We were among the first people there and all of us had prime rack positions in transition! Samantha had the best position in transition, as she was lucky enough to share space with World Champion Michellie Jones! MJ was great company and chatted with us extensively. Samantha remarked about how intimidated she was, and Michellie humorously replied, “good” with a smile and a laugh.

Unfortunately the fun ended there. The race start was quickly approaching and as we turned our attention to the swim, we were in for a rude awakening. None of us are swimmers, per se; we all have gotten into swimming so that we could participate in triathlon. Therefore, none of us is necessarily a strong swimmer in heavy surf. As we turned our attention to the swim course, we saw the WAVES. The entire first leg of the “U” shaped swim was going to be head first into 4 foot waves. They were one after another and unrelenting. The surf proved to be too much for Samantha and Chris and they withdrew on the swim. I don’t blame them. All I could think about as I battled my way through was how bad I wanted out. I fought on, promising myself that if I could get through the swim, I was going to have a great race. Somewhere behind me, Bailey was making the same kind of deals with herself (We talked after the race and realized that we were both thinking similar thoughts.)

I had no idea what my swim time was, I’ll have to go with whatever the race clock claims, but it wasn’t pretty. Oh well, that’s racing for you. What I did know was that there was a flat (by Vegas standards), fast bike course ahead of me and I was going to give it hell. My goal was to not let Michellie Jones pass me on the bike. I knew she had to have closed most of the gap between our start waves (7mins) on the swim, so if I could hold her off on the bike, I was having a good ride. I went out hard and built on it from there. A quick glance at my computer showed that I was holding 270-280 watts and 21 mph steadily. I was hoping for more speed out of an effort like that, but that was the windiest ride I’ve had along this course yet (my third time on it between different races). I maintained my aero position for all but 3 minutes of my 54:xx ride, where I had to stand to get up some short, steep rises.

Before I knew it I was popping my shoes off and hauling butt into transition. 30 seconds to change into my running shoes, grab my Garmin, and race number belt and I was outta there. I heard footsteps behind me in the chute going out of transition, and just as I made my way clear of transition, there was Michellie Jones on her way past me. I had held her off on the bike! I’ll take that as a minor victory. I never saw Bailey on the bike, but I was in my happy place trying to forget the pain for the entire ride, so it’s no wonder I didn’t see her.

I found my legs and had a great run, my Garmin had the time as 26:42 and I forgot to push the stop button for a little bit after the finish so 26:3x would be closer. That was my best 5k run finish in a sprint yet, and it was awesome to have the hard work pay off.

Bailey finished up shortly after I did and we went to check the results. I was 11th out of 35 in my group with an official time of 1:39:51, and missed being in the top 10 by 8 seconds! Darn! Bailey on the other hand, had a victorious day, winning her age group by nearly 12 minutes! I guess my coaching is paying off for her as well, if I do say so myself, haha.

The rough swim was a hard pill to swallow, and the four of us talked at length about how to deal with such situations in the future. I’m really sorry that Samantha and Chris couldn’t finish with Bailey and I, but I fully support their choice to withdraw. Triathlon is about challenging yourself and enjoying that challenge. When you are plunged into panic and terror, the fun is over and there’s nothing wrong with calling it a day while saving your enthusiasm for a future race. There was a point on the swim where I was contemplating quitting triathlon altogether because I was not having fun. That’s not how it’s supposed to be. I’m glad I chose to stick with it though. At the end of the day, I had improved upon my previous time in this race by nearly 30 minutes! Hard work and consistency in your training does pay off.

* One thing that I don’t think a lot of triathletes know is that it’s very important to get your wetsuit saturated the day before the race. I talk to a lot of people about wetsuits on a weekly basis, and the most common complaint is that they feel restricted in their wetsuit. Aside from proper fit and donning of the suit, keeping the suit hydrated, especially the day before a race, is key for the flexibility and fit comfort of the suit. When the neoprene is completely dried out, the suit is much less flexible and tends to fit smaller. If you want to have a good comfortable swim in your suit, get in it the day before the race, and swim for at least 10 minutes. It will pay off in the long run, I promise!

Get Ready for September events – Lake Mead Mini-Tri August 17

2008-08-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

The fall racing season will be here soon. It is time to practice your skills, see where you are at, and have a good time. This is another in our series of mini-tri training events. Boulder Beach. We have been having an excellent turn out for these.

We are going to start this one pretty early in the morning. 6:00 AM. Mike will be the race director again, Nick will be announcing and Cutis and Lou will be working the breakfast table.

We will not be doing any clinics before this one; it is going to be hot and it is too early in the morning.The distances are going to be the same as before. 300 yard swim 10 mile bike and a 2 mile run. Bagels and coffee will be served along with some refreshing fruit and diet coke.

Once again everything is free!!, thanks to our sponsors. Due to insurance requirements you need to be a member which is an annual $40 for individuals $55 for families and includes a great training shirt. Don’t worry if you are not currently a member sign-up on line or at the event. Come on out and have a good time and a great training session!!

Flagstaff Race Report: by Victor R

2008-08-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

On the weekend of July 20, members of the LV Tri Club invaded the high, cool terrain of Flagstaff, AZ. This is one of the best places to race a triathlon in the western US, the weather at this time of the year is favorable for any outdoor activitiy, temps range from the low 60's to the mid 80's, water temp at a mild 73 degrees, a bit humid and some thunderboomies. I was joined for this event by my training partners, John Harrington, Lisa Job, and, Annette Powell. We had planned this trip for quite some time and we were all anxious for race day to arrive. We packed Lisa's Land Rover to the hilts, you couldn't see out of the back window due to the ladies' 'EXTRA LUGGAGE', coolers, wheels, pumps and several other pieces of equipment required. The bikes hitched a ride on a custom bike rack specially designed for the Rover.

We left at 8am Saturday morning with an estimated time of arrival at around noon-ish. During the trip, we entertained each other telling stories and watching videos. Jeff Dunham and Peanut kept us laughing for the better part of two hours, afterwards, classic rock surrounded the cabin and we sailed on. Upon arrival, we checked in, recieved our packets and stuck around for the usual question and answer period and explanation of the rules and regulations of the event.

John made up his mind to race the day before, not having been registered, we were told that the event is sold out. We were hoping for some no-shows and sure enough, there were a few, John was in! We decided to drive the bike course instead of riding it. The sprint course was mostly flat with a minimal grade near the turn-around. Further down the road, we encountred a hill heading out towards the olympic turn-around. These hills and grades were comparable to riding West Charleston all the way to Blue Diamond and back, nothing too difficult. Lake Mary provided the swim venue. Murky and calm, Lake Mary isn't the most sanitary water hole I've ever seen but it will have to do, just don't swallow any water. We didn't check the run course but the 375 foot climb at the half way point of the olympic course was supposed to take a bite! Lucky for the sprinters, their turn-around was just before the bump.

We stayed at a small place near downtown Flag, very comfortable and clean with pool, jaccuzzi and free internet. Dinner was at the Red Lobster, we treated ourselves to a great meal, after all, we needed the calories. Back at the hotel, it was time to hit the sack, we had a wake-up call for 4:30am. My start time was 6:45am (olympic), followed by 7:10am for the sprint. There were 750 entrants and not enough room for them all at the transition area. It was a struggle to find a spot, you literally had one foot to spread your equipment. The officials were forcing the athletes to reduce their area, no one was willing to share. Following all of the commotion, the race got underway. After the smoke cleared, we had some good results, the trip was a success!!! At the finish line, we all gathered for a team photo, we looked bushed but happy to have finished and done well. We all shared the same comment. 'Boy, I sured sucked a lot of wind during the swim portion, I couldn't catch my breath.' Later, we all realized we were racing at an altitude of 7000 ft, hardly sea level!!! Another thing, we all looked great donning the tri club's colors, my compliments to whoever designed the uniforms, they look fantastic!!!..............Here are the results from our group followed by some other LV residents. LISA JOB: Sprint, 21st, 35-39, 1:39:30, 198th overall. ANNETTE POWELL: Sprint, 6th, 40-44, 1:52:44, 256th overall. JOHN HARRINGTON: Sprint, 1st, 45-49, 1:20:59, 46th overall. VICTOR RODRIGUEZ: Olympic, 2nd, 55-59, 2:32:53, 51st overall. Other LV residents: HALF IRON: James Harrington, 1st, 30-34. Conrad Schumacher, 1st, 45-49. Paul Bednar 4th, 40-44. Randy Netski, 6th, 35-39. OLYMPIC: Quentin Heiden, 14th, 30-34. Todd Sims, 6th, 35-39. Ann Marie Borgerdin, 3rd, 30-34. Bob Ballentine, 6th, 45-49. Yvonne Kinane-Wells, 2nd, 50-54. Barbara Graham, 3rd, 40-44. Vicky Brown, 7th, 30-34. SPRINT: Russell Aaron, 1st, 20-24. Keith Panke, 9th, 25-29. Gabe Gilmore, 5th, 30-34. Allen Savage, 21, 30-34..............The next tri on the calendar is on Aug 3rd. This one is an X-Terra held in Snow Valley, Ca, 15 miles west of Big Bear near a community by the name of Running Springs.
The next club mini-tri will be held on Aug 17th. This is a complimentary event provided to us by our wonderful sponsors, take advantage of it, come out and race!!!..........'Till then, race fresh, don't train!!!.....Just joking!!!.....................Victor

Big Creek Olympic Distance Tri: by Alison Guerin

2008-08-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

It looks so nice - but........

Location: Des Moines, Iowa. Affectionately referred to by the locals as the 'sixth circle of hell' (7=Omaha, who knew?)

Seems nice enough, I get there early this morning, beautiful state park bordering a very pretty lake. I set up my stuff & check out the beach. Am a little distressed about the unusually large quantities of feces on the beach - large green modern-artish piles of excrement - a little disconcerting, but I figure I can work around it. Water very green and not-at-all see through, also a little disconcerting. Read the many signs (in large letters) warning sternly about the lasting health implications of the gack floating in the water - the Des Moines Health District strongly discourages ingesting any of the "water" - a lot more disconcerting. I head back to my bike to re-fuss with my stuff, warm up, meet people, calm the heck down. Encounter a whole bunch of folk talking about the recent algae bloom in the lake and how unpleasant it has made swimming - disconcerting yet again.

Decide that even though the water is warm, I am going to follow the lead of ALL the locals and wear my wetsuit. By this point, if it isn't already painfully clear, I do not want any of that dreck touching my skin - neither do the locals, so I figure - when in Rome... One of the local gals was talking about having to backstroke through the slime, but that's another story for another day.

Pre-race briefing on the beach at 7:35. First wave scheduled to start at 8:00. What the heck, everybody was there, so they started the first wave at 7:40 - Gack!

My wave starts, the 'water' actually wasn't so bad close to the shore, but the deeper it got the weirder it got, and regardless of the health department warnings, I wound up ingesting surprisingly large quantities of 'water,' (more on this later). I should NOT have been in my wetsuit because, regardless of gack levels, the water was way too warm to be swimming in a wetsuit. I got so hot that fears aside, I wound up pumping water through the suit in an attempt to cool off. By the time I finished the swim - in my inimitable backwards swimming style - I was worn out. (Swim time: 50 mins)

Hit the beach, jump on the bike, have a great ride. Halfway through, the sun came out and it started to warm up even more, but the headwind made it pleasant. My nose is running, I'm thinking it's a pretty bad time for my allergies to flare up, a fellow racer points out that I'm actually leaking lake slime. OMG! Apparently everybody does it, it's just a fact of life. But seriously, I mean really, are you serious? Any activity that involves leaking green slime has to be fully reconsidered and remeasured. Honestly. (Bike time: 1.5 hours)

I churn through the bike, make up some of my abysmal swim time, transition to the run with a smile/grimace, and attempt to manage my slime leakage problem, (which doesn't appear to be letting up) needless to say, I won't be buying those pictures. Temperature goes up, headwind stops, tummy starts churning. As it turns out, lake slime also upsets your stomach! I accomplish the run, which was really more like a slimy, upset stomach, fast walk, with some slow walking when the stomach got really bad. Finished. (Run time 1 hour + a lot).

Well, they won't be holding a spot on the Olympic team for me this year. But, I did learn some valuable lessons. 1. Don't swim in poop water, no matter how much fun it may appear to be on the front end. 2. If you DO swim in poop water, keep your mouth shut. 3. If you wind up ingesting said water, cut your losses and go for a lie down in the rental car. 4. When you forget how heinous it was, you may just want to do it again.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Club members pedal to Gold: By Victor R

2008-07-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

On Sat, July 26, four members of the LV Tri Club headed out to the high desert of Lancaster, CA for a run at the state championship team time trial. The team consisted of two men and two women. We entered the 180+, which means that our ages combined have to exceed 180 years. The competition involved teams of two and four riders. Two-rider teams were grouped from 70+, 90+, and 110+. Four-rider teams, 140+, 180+, and 220+. There were four-man teams, four-women teams and mixed squads, the same for the two-person competition.

I contacted Eric Knutsen several weeks ago and asked him if he was interested is forming a mixed squad. He replied by saying that he would ask his wife Colleen and Julie Cutts. I was happy to hear that we could race together. Eric is an established time trialist with plenty of experience and results to prove it. Colleen has a wall full of jerseys she has earned over the last few years. Julie earned a state, 4-woman title last year with Collen and two other ladies. I have raced with Eric on several occasions, last year we came in third and this year we earned another third, both two-man time trials. Last year, I was fortunate to have raced with Dave Ellis, Tony Gonzalez and Dave Kelsey on a four-man team, we topped the board with a championship. All of us have had some experience in time trialing, seems like a winning combination, wouldn't you think?

We decided we needed some practice, and practice we needed!!! The first practice was sort of a go-hard session with little planning and organization. Eric employed all of his experience, wits, and, with the help of his lap-top and a nifty program, came up with a plan for our next practice, huge difference, we had a system which took in consideration all aspects of time trialing. The next three parctices were picture perfect, we had it down!!! We left on Fri morning and I must admit, I was nervous as a hooker in church!!!

Upon arrival, we checked out the course and rode a few miles. The wind was howling, it was hard to stay together, we couldn't carry on with a productive practice. On the morning of the race, the weather was perfect, 68 degrees, 5 mph winds and sunny. Our start time was 7:26am. We all warmed up on our trainers, the announcer called us to the line, it's time to perform! The course was an out-and-back, 24.8 miles (40 K). Everything went well, the plan worked, the end result was to our liking, a victory!!! We didn't know how well we did. Waiting for the results to be posted was a bit tormentuous. Finally, we learned how we fared, a time of 54 minutes, 41 seconds, 5 minutes, 19 seconds ahead of the second place team!!! It was another wonderful experience for me having raced with such great athletes, I thank them all for the opportunity and would love to do it again in the near future.

I urge all club members to participate in a time trial, the race of truth, you against the clock and, if you do a team, members depend on each other, just a little more pressure!!! After all, we do a time trial in every triathlon we participate in. Looking forward to the club's mini-tri on Sun, Aug 17th, hope to see you all there..............Race fresh, don't train!!!.............Who said that?..........Victor

Frank Lowery of Lowery's Multisport: by Tony Taylor

2008-07-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

Lowery's Multisport (Races Inc.)

July 2008 I'd like you to know a bit about Frank Lowery. Frank is probably best known for SILVERMAN, but he's involved in a LOT of athletic pursuits. I met Frank when he was an active duty airman at Nellis Air Force Base. He worked as a combat medic in the base hospital. I was a civilian Federal employee working at the Family Support Center (I retired a couple of years ago). Frank and I were part of the 2001 Nellis contingent of four from Nellis AFBto the Air Force Marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.Frank was the airman, I was the civilian (oldest guy), and there was also an NCO, and a Chief. We had a great time.

When I have a tri question, Frank gives me good advice.Frank's athletic background is quite impressive. He is a long timecompetitor in the sport of triathlons and held national rankings from 1990to 2003. His interest in the sport began when he was 15 and a family friend challenged him to finish an event that seemed "unachievable" by someone his age. He finished the race and was hooked! Since 1986 he has competed in over 200 triathlons, including three Ironman and more than 40 Half Ironman races.

At 16, Frank was recruited to play soccer in Scotland for the U16 National Team. He graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor ofScience in Exercise and Sports Science. He received a scholarship to play soccer and run cross-country for the University and became the first student in the University's history to compete in two collegiate sports simultaneously. Frank's career as a coach began with a youth soccer team 17 years ago.

For the last 12 years, however, his primary focus is coaching swimming at both the age group and master's levels. Frank currently coaches the Henderson Nevada Masters Swim team and has increased program participation by over 500percent during his 5-year tenure. His reputation as an excellent swim coach, coupled with his superior athletic ability, has given Frank the opportunity to coach on a more personal level, tailoring workouts based on an individual's goals and objectives. Frank has built his career around coaching, race directing, and youth development. Frank holds a level 1 USATriathlon Coach Certification and a National C Soccer Coach Certification. I have been volunteering for Frank for many years. I want you to know why I continue volunteering with him: he treats his volunteers VERY well - we're valued and he shows it. Of course he abuses-overworks us (but he REALLYworks hard as well).

Here's what really tickles me: it's a family affair. Meg, Frank's wife, is involved in Frank's events up to her eye balls (as well as being mom to threekids). Frank's brother George and Meg's brother Mike show up whenever they can (which is quite often) to lend a hand. Frank's dad, George Sr. (who lives in Florida) pops up frequently. Take, for example, Frank's famous and fabulous fish fry. The Georges (father and son) drive from Florida with iced fresh fish that they personally caught off the Florida coast from Joey's (another brother) fishing boat. Frank's family turns out as well as friends and swimmers for Frank's very successful masters' swimming program. Frank some how "charms" all kinds of people to help promote Silverman. People like the renowned six-time Ironman champion Dave Scott; Chris McCormack, affectionately known as "Macca," who is the 2007 Hawaii Ironman winner; and Tour de France cyclist and Olympic medalist Tyler Hamilton. Heck he KNOWS these people.

In addition to the Silverman, Frank also hosts kids' tris (for futureTriathlete/Silverpeople)! They're a lark! It's supreme people watching time. Parents don't swim with their kids, but some ride bikes with them and more run along side their kids. If you want to laugh (if it isn't your kid) come and watch. Kids and families show up: some arrive early and others are the harried late ones.Bikes of all kinds and in various conditions are racked at the transition area. Some tires need to be pumped up. There's always someone who forgot a helmet. Speaking of helmets: kids wear them every which way. Some are so loose they wouldn't serve much purpose, so we help them do it right. We are easing kids into a sport we love. Wet kids stagger up from the pool, some with a glazed look on their faces trying to figure where their bikes are. When they find them, they extricate the beasts from the rack and hopefully head in the right direction AND geton the bikes before the "mount" line.

I saw a small "Barbie" girl's bike with TRAINING WHEELS! I saw a gal finish the cycling portion by pedaling with one pedal. When asked what happened,she replied "it fell off." The pedal was stuffed between the cable and downtube. How the heck did she pedal with one pedal? We sure didn't have muchtime to discuss this because she was off running. I wonder how many adults would have her devotion to her sport? At one race I saw a young girl careening down the hill on her bike for thefirst turn on the course. I was ready to grab her so she wouldn't go in thetraffic lane. Another adult of the mother persuasion was looking prettydarn concerned - it was Meg Lowery with two children in a stroller. It was her daughter Jayden, riding for the first time without training wheels, who was scaring us. Some how Jayden got control and rode off, unaware of our concerns. After the kids wobble back on their bikes and park them (read "drop it anywhere") they must figure out where to run (while the grown ups are screeching incomprehensible adult directions).

The kid tris are an exercise in organized chaos, but there are some really serious, good triathletes in them. One young guy has all the expensive trigear and places at the top in kids' tri; when he competes in "adult" tris hebeats many adults.Frank also sponsors Splash and Dashes. Are they fun to participate in -like a hyped up practice for a tri (minus the cycling). And to add to the fun, there are neat prizes such as Bellagio Buffet certificates, shows on the strip, and even airline tickets occasionally!

Organization and eye to detail personify Frank. Silverman is a year-long planning/working event, but when Silverman is being physically set up, Frank doesn't stop for days. Frank and Meg are masters at getting key volunteers(supervisors) and major sponsors. There are all kinds of volunteers, somework days and weeks prior to the event, and some work on the day of theevent. I like to be a floater and fill in where I see the need - I like to savor as many aspects as I can. I initially like T1 & 2, then fill in elsewhere. Frank sometimes foils my plans - he's the boss: he can fire volunteers.

The "power behind the throne" is Meghan (Meg-The-Hugger [with a capital H])- it's her Lowery Multisport too.

Vineman 70.3 Results

2008-07-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the names of some of the athletes that participated/competed in the Half Vineman this weekend. Conditions were as perfect has they have ever been for the race.

1990 Jonathan Vose Las Vegas, NV 40 M 05:09:29.7
280 George Lowery Las Vegas, NV 38 M 05:10:11.4
266 David Browning Las Vegas, NV 38 M 05:29:53.5
1019 R. Costello Las Vegas, NV 62 M 05:34:58.1
1281 Kirk Mitchell Las Vegas, NV 26 M 05:37:21.9
1120 Melissa Olivas Henderson, NV 37 F 05:48:07.1
809 Diana Jonas Henderson, NV 52 F 05:47:43.3
2103 Dwayne Eshenbaugh Henderson, NV 42 M 05:25:06.2
665 Chuck Abbott Las Vegas, NV 48 M 05:49:38.1
2150 Victor Leach Las Vegas, NV 42 M 05:53:24.1
613 Troy Lovick Henderson, NV 46 M 05:54:56.0
1404 Jamie Eifert Henderson, NV 30 F 05:58:42.8
1073 Kerry Hutchings Las Vegas, NV 36 F 06:03:55.2
1161 Sara Levin Henderson, NV 38 F 06:06:49.5
978 David Carlson Las Vegas, NV 58 M 06:17:23.2
340 Bryan Young Henderson, NV 39 M 06:19:55.2
128 Eric Molfetta Henderson, NV 36 M 06:24:01.0
2135 Scot Marker Henderson, NV 42 M 06:31:45.3
82 Kevin Yamashita Henderson, NV 35 M 06:35:26.0
1008 Howard Clark Las Vegas, NV 61 M 06:37:16.7
573 Dean Willmore Henderson, NV 46 M 06:46:42.1
1348 Andrew Wright Las Vegas, NV 29 M 07:39:37.1
781 Karen Lasko Henderson, NV 48 F 05:18:24.5
2193 Pat Marsh Henderson, NV 43 M 05:44:24.7
2135 Scot Marker Henderson, NV 42 M 06:31:45.3

On The Sideline: by Kay Klumpyan

2008-07-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

To me the most dreaded part of a triathlon is getting out of my warm cozy bed in the wee hours of the morning and plummeting in to a cold, dark body of water. Even though I planned to partake in the San Diego International Triathlon due to a small mishap which involves a pinecone and a sprained ankle I went as spectator to cheer on my friends. As a spectator you still have to get up at the wee early hour, as your friends want you they’re with encouraging words, to carry their gear, or just to chat with them in line as they nervously wait for an open port-o-john. Then they are off racing and the spectator waits.

Everyone looks the same in the water unless you are lucky enough to have a friend such as I do with a funky swim stoke and you can identify them by that alone. One can also identify the well-seasoned athletes from the newbie’s by observing the water exit. Those gasping for air or struggling to get their wetsuits off are pinpointed as needing more training verses those that ease out of the water and swiftly transition unto land. After the girls made it to land, my only workout for the day began as I attempted to dash over to the bike exit to catch them coming out of T1 and start their ride. Now that they are on their bikes, I have time to kill.

Off to claim a spot on the bike route, eat my muffin and finish my coffee I can leisurely watch the bikers pump up the last hill to T2. To my surprise I saw several Las Vegas Tri suits buzz by, I would let out a “go Las Vegas” as it is hard to identify people by name disguised in their helmets and sunglasses. As a spectator you never really know how the athlete is doing out there, if they are having a good race, struggling or just taking a relaxed approach. But, as I wait and anticipate times, Monica comes by with a big smile, her first triathlon and by that smile I see that she loves the race. Jeanne has blood dripping down her leg, I can safely assume that she took a spill somewhere along the way, and Camthi has a very focused look, the concentration is intense.
Time for the last leg as a spectator, I am off to the finish line in the shuttle bus. Watching the athletes cross the finish line with mixed looks of both enthusiasm and exhaustion always gives me goose bumps. What an accomplishment after all that training, dedication and sometimes, self-deprivation of all those other things we could be doing or eating if we weren’t triathletes. I can finally regroup with the girls at the finish line, hearing the excitement in their voice as they chatter about their race, their goals, their endless effort and when they wanted to back off. I also had stories to tell as a spectator, all the quirky things you see when the athletes are out conquering the course.

Camthi - Monica - Jeanne

I am back on the shuttle bus to T1 and one never realizes how stinky one gets after racing until you are on a bus full of athletes who just gave 110% and you are one of few that did not break a sweat. My last duty as the only person with energy left is carrying all the excess gear back to the hotel as the girls peddle their bikes back. Now for the best part, beer and burgers, it still tastes great even as a spectator.

I dedicate this article to all the families and friends that give us support and are out there cheering us on as we are conquering the course and becoming victorious with our goals.

New 15 mi Red Rock Running Trail Needs Athlete Support: by Heather Fischer

2008-07-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Heather is a member and one of the owners of Las Vegas Cyclery (one of our supporter shops); she was key in getting the 159 bike lane widened. The BLM wants to build a 15 mile off road paved pedestrian/bike path from Summerlin to 160 similar to the Rivers Mountains Loop Trail at Lake Mead. How cool would that be!! It is running into problems - you and your families could be key supporters in turning the tide here. Thanks Heather for all of your hard work on our behalf!!

Heather writes:

Check out yesterday's article on the front page of the Review Journal for a twisted account of the Red Rock bike path. http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=859222483&msgid=4020339&act=72D1&c=4747&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lvrj.com%2Fnews%2F24171124.html.

It is a glaring example of why we need to stay active and not apathetic to our future. Had anyone been to the public meetings (especially the reporter), the article would have come out completely different.

The article contains two misconceptions:
1-that cyclists will not be able to use the bike lane on the road if a separated path is built along 159
2-that most cyclists don't want a separated path

#1, Myth: Cyclists won't be able to use the bike lane on the road if a path is built. Just look to our neighbors for the facts. A separated path is not a novel concept. In fact, Nevada is way behind its surrounding states, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and California, who don't only have way more separated bike paths, but more road cyclists as well. Roadies who are guess what?....yes, still riding in the bike lanes on the road. But at the same time, the separated paths are also happily being used by other recreationers who appreciate the choice to run, walk, or ride in the beautiful outdoors away from dangerous traffic. If you come to the meetings, you will learn from both governing bodies of 159 that the road will not be outlawed to road bikers if a path is built. BLM contacted me yesterday, upset for being misquoted in the article. They are doing this for us, to provide further recreation opportunities, not to take away from anything we already have, which they couldn't do anyway. The first priority at the safety charettes was to give road bikers more room to ride safely outside of the lines of traffic. And gratefully, that priority was followed through by NDOT. Now that that's done, we can safely work with the BLM to build a separated bike path for everyone else, which brings me to the second misconception in the article:

#2, Myth: That most cyclists don't want it. That would be to say that we are so egotistical as roadies that nobody else matters. That's not what I would like to believe. I know lots of caring cyclists (including Jim Little, a great cycling advocate who also told me his words were taken out of context), who would love to help their friends and families have an opportunity like this. There has never been a better time for people to ditch their family cars and fossil fuels for a bike ride or walk in the beautiful desert scenery. Paths in surrounding states are very popular and historically well-maintained. We already have our beautiful bike lane here, why would we try to sabotage further, safer recreational opportunities for others?

After my invitation to the public for the last bike path meeting in May, I was extremely disappointed to see that only a couple of cyclists showed up. Equestrians, on the other hand, showed up in impressive numbers. They are great advocates for their sport. What happened to cyclists? I thought we cared about the future as well. The path was planned for bikers and runners, yet because mostly just equestrians showed up, it ended up looking more like a gravel horse trail by the end of the meeting rather than a paved path suitable for families, recreational bikers, runners, and strollers. I assure you, this is not how it's going to turn out, if I have anything to do with it and if more cyclists show up to the next meeting. Please come. If you have concerns, or care about others, that's even more reason. BLM is being more than accommodating to our schedules to allow as much public input as possible:

Public Hearing on the Red Rock Canyon Separated Bike Path:
August 12, 2008, BLM Offices
Your choice of either a lunch-time or after hours presentation, at 12:15 and 6:00pm
If you can't make either of those presentations, an open house will be held from 12-8pm
BLM Public Meeting Room
4701 North Torrey Pines, Las Vegas
Directions and info: 515-5000

Feel free to call me with any questions/concerns as well. 875-4803.

Tri Club in San Diego - Post #2 Victor+Carol

2008-06-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Curtis, Nick, Dave, Victor and Lawrence took the day off from their nocturnal Chippendales gig at the Rio to do the San Diego Tri - way to go boys!!

There were quite a few participants from our club and our community that did San Diego last weekend. We will post reports as we recieve them.

Victor R writes: LV tri club invades San Diego

Last weekend (June 29) the San Diego International triathlon took place in the city by the border. This is one of the premier events in the west coast as upwards of 3000 athletes participated with perfect weather, superb organization and a venue to die for. Pros as well as age groupers shared one of the best race days I've ever seen.

The swim took place in San Diego harbor, calm waters greeted the entrants, water temp was a balmy 74 degrees, wetsuits optional, no sharks!!! The bike course was fast with a few 90 degree turns, a minor hill and some grades towards the turn-around. Wind wasn't a factor but you could feel a breeze heading back to T-2. The run was pancake-flat taking the runners on a trek alongside the harbor ending on the other side by Anthony's Grotto restaurant. Just before the finish line you could see the USS Midway, a WWII aircraft carrier with its many jet fighters resting on deck. That was breathtaking, but not as much as the run itself. The party at the finish was fantastic, live band, several vendor tents, massages, plenty of drinks, food and surprisingly, the results were posted immediately!

I hooked up with my friend and tri club member Lawrence Rossetti, who was responsible for me racing this wonderful event. We rented a van and headed out to SD early Saturday morning. We wanted to get there early and enjoy the festivities, check out the bike course and slide into the pool at the hotel.

We were invited to join other club members for dinner at a little italian restaurant in Old San Diego near Barrio Logan. After getting ready and driving in circles for a while, we arrived at the quaint hole-in-the-wall eatery. The line was humongous, it snaked all the way around the building, I was hoping I didn't have to wait. Lawrence just walked through everyone and I followed, dirty looks everywhere.

Once inside, I was pleased to see that we had a table reserved, Curtis and his wife arrived early and secured a corner of the room. I was introduced to everyone, I had no idea there were so many members racing the following day. At the table sat Nick Gallagher and his lovely wife, Dave and Carol Browning, Curtis Ching, his two daughters and his better half, the waitress was waiting for Lawrence and I, she said: "Gents, what would you like to drink?" The place was packed with little room to even slide back your chair, fantastic atmosphere, the food was incredibly tasty, and best of all, the company!!! After ingesting some tasty appetizers, they main course arrived, you can smell the garlic and olive oil, yes, I was in culinary heaven!!! We all consumed as many calories as possible as they would come in handy the following day. After dinner we all sat and chatted outside an ice cream parlor, the weather was cooling rapidly, we were all ready to retire......

Race morning was a bit overcast, cool and humid. It was impossible to find any one at the start as everyone had a different transition spot, athletes everywhere getting ready. I shook hands with Lawrence and he headed out to get suited up. Two hours later, we all gathered at the finish line and talked about our experience. It was a great event, I would recommend it to anyone as an "A" race, it doesn't get any better!!! The LV tri club was well represented, you could spot our colors from afar and the "better halves" were cheering us on on the run course...........We thank you!!!............

I was asked to gather results from our members as well as other Las Vegas participants, here we go. In the sprint disatance I found only four LV residents: MONICA MACCAUX (25-29) finished with a time of 1:22:28. RUSSELL AARON (20-24), 1:13:30. DONG-KYU KIM (20-24), 1:16:31. MARK KAPLAN (55-59), 1:36:15. In the international distance I found quite a few more LV residents and club members. Let's start with club members. LAWRENCE ROSSETTI, 35th in age group (35-39) with a time of 1:58:32. DAVE BROWNING, 34th, (35-39), 1:58:18. CURTIS CHING, 61st, (35-39), 2:10:30. NICK GALLAGHER, 24th, (45-49), 2:04:17. VICTOR RODRIGUEZ, 1st, (50-54), 2:01:05. The others were: VICTOR LEACH, 52nd, (40-44), 2:11:09. SEAN TRUCHARD, 18th, (45-49), 2:00:59. VANCE SUTTON, 14th, (45-49), 1:58:16. THOM REILLY, 46th, (45-49), 2:14:38. JAMES LOCKHART, 5th, (55-59), 2:04:23. LEXI TEJEDA, 4th, (50-54), 2:23:00. JAMES LAYDEN, place unknown, (30-34), 2:23:09. And finally, TIFFANY VINCENT, place unknown, (20-24), 2:07:33.............

The next event will be the Flagstaff triathlon taking place on July 20. This competition is provided by Eddie Carlin of Mountainman Events which promotes the LV Triathlon to be held on Sep 28. I'm looking forward to Flag and hope to see many members of the club competing in the high loftiness, cool air of northern Arizona. Thanx for reading and I'll see you training.............Victor Rodriguez

Carol Browning Writes:

I could have Dave (#366 above) write a blurb about the San Diego International Triathlon but I thought it might be pretty cool to hear about it from the perspective of a supporting wife. Having done the race last year it was a little bittersweet watching from the sidelines. Even though I was bummed I couldn’t do the race this year for medical reasons, I was very excited to watch Dave and the rest of the tri-club race their hearts out. If you have never done the San Diego race before and are thinking about doing it, I highly recommend it. It is a fun, fast, and exciting event.
First of all, even though Dave and I trained last year with the club, we actually became members this year. It is a very close nit group and would encourage your friends and family to join. It can be a little nerve racking showing up at an out of state event and not know a single person. The tri-club goes out of their way to make sure team members are contacted. The Club organized a pasta dinner the night before the race at Filippis in Little Italy (section in downtown San Diego). There were 10 of us that participated and it was a lot of fun. At least for me anyway… Since I wasn’t doing the event I got to drink plenty of Chianti with Curtis’ (#370 above) wife Jacqui. J J J I guess you can call that carbo-loading! We couldn’t get enough of the mozzarella and tomato salad (the tomatoes must have been void of salmonella because no one got sick – thank goodness! – just thought about that now….)

On race day, it was a very comfortable 65-70 degrees and not a ripple was found on the calm water. The event took place in the Harbor right across the street from the airport. It is always a very well organized event. For all those who are nervous as hell about the swim, no worries, as this year you could ask for a swim buddy. All you needed to do was look for a swimmer with a powder blue cap and they would help guide you through the water. Pretty awesome huh? What is special about these swimmers is once they were done with helping others they would get right back in the water and do it again. We are talking doing anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 meters each when all is said and done! I want one of those next year!

The transition to the bike was right by the water and the ride was slightly challenging as you road uphill all the way to Cabrillo National Monument. But the cool thing about this is once you made it to the top (oh, and looped twice around the monument), it was all downhill from there back to transition. The run is the best part. We are talking flat, fast and gorgeous scenery to view. You run along the harbor and pass cruise ships and eventually make your way into Seaport Village to the finish line. This is where I got to hear Lawrence (#437) tell me he did not re-fuel during the race as he was still full from the pasta dinner the night before. Are you hungry now Lawrence?

All the tri-members who participated did an awesome job. It was great seeing not only Jacqui and the girls and Serena cheer for Curtis and Nick(#631) (and of course me for Dave) but everyone supported each other. I can’t believe Victor(#753) (or Vincent as I like to call him – for some reason can never remember his name) who had wrecked just a few weeks ago did the race with road rash, bandages, saran wrap and all!! A big shout out goes to all the supporting family members and friends at the event. I thought it was pretty cool to see Serena with baby in tow running and taking pictures of Nick. And a big thank you for Jacqui and Curtis’ girls for waking up early so Curtis could actually get to the race on time! WAY TO GO LAS VEGAS TRI-CLUB TEAM!!

Geek Review- Value of Computrainer Ironman Video: Dave C

2008-06-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Fellow triathletes I am not trying to promote anything here, I am not an elite athlete, I just want to do the best I can given my limitations. This is a tool that helped me and I need all the help I can get. I was surprised that I had one of the better bike splits from our community - my confidence and timing was certainly much better than it would have been without it. I sent this message into Computrainer after completing IM CdA:

Hello Computrainer,

I was one of the first people to order the video software when it came on the market. When I called to inquire about customer satisfaction guarantees, your bottom line statement- if your not satisfied - sorry. Not very reassuring.

I have had problems in the past with the computrainer software so I was leery. The good thing is that I have always gotten customer support. I went ahead and paid I think about $100 for it.

With all of the above said - this is without a doubt the best add on for this machine. When I finally got it installed it was great. I knew that the course had been changed and it was now "more scenic" which is generally a code phrase for hillier and it was far more hilly.

I loved the fact that it had been filmed on race day so I knew where every aid station was, I knew every turn, every incline, every landmark. When I drove a portion of the course before the race I saw a deer just about in the same place it was on the video.

It was critical that the grade was posted on the read out as I rode because the video can not fully show you what the hill looks like. That was the biggest difference between the course and the video - but it wasn't that surprising. The other difference was the wind at the end. I guess that is fairly typical of the course, you might want to have someone write a course guide to go along with the product describing typical conditions, or put in a wind direction and speed factor.

I did this event a couple of years ago so I knew we were riding the run course - there are probably a lot of people that did not know that. You might want to film the run course and include a ride on that in future versions- why not it is probably a fairly easy thing to do and would be very valuable to your customers.

I am the president of the Las Vegas Triathlon Club and I put an announcement on our website that if anyone wanted to come to my house and try the software+computrainer out they were welcome.
http://www.sntriclub.com/tribb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=618 I only had one taker John Vigil pictured in the photo. He agreed with me after the race that this was a great help. I had to put up with kidding from people who think trainers are stupid or from people who think the only kind of workout is an interval workout.

The Computrainer comes with software that features robot bicyclists in front of repetitive fake scenery the whole set up is boring. The video software was the missing link; I was able to go on an "enjoyable ride". I trained for 3+ sometimes without getting bored; I trained while it was still dark. I liked it so much I would turn off other things; I have another monitor with the Tour on it next to my computrainer - I had to turn it off because I would rather ride this course video without distraction.

I am 58 - I am a serious participant but not a real competitor, I generally finish in the top half of my age group. This was a great training tool and it really helped.