Catching Up

Vacation, Christmas, New Years, Aquathon...... I've been kept too busy to blog sorry.
Anyway, just a quick update.
The tri group is battling through Winter with the normal motivation, positiveness and fun that I have learnt to expect from them.
As our New Years Resolution Party draws near, I receive many e-mails outlining personal goals for 2010. It is so important that everyone takes the time to plan for 2010 instead of getting caught up in day to day activities until before they know it another year has passed by.
Finally, the Training Transition Junior Aquathon Series website is up and live. Find the link at www.trainingtransition.com. From this series, I hope to build Training Transition Juniors by finding some talent and desire amongst the children who compete.
On another note, we'll soon be fully decked out in Training Transition custom kits. Thanks to Kristin who made the great designs. And thanks to those of you who wear them - I hope proudly!
Happy New Year to you all. See you at Moonlight Beach, 11am on New Years Day for a beach run and ocean.............DIP!

Palm Springs Tri Clinic

We had a great weekend in Palm Springs for the 3rd Training Transition Palm Springs Tri Clinic. We kicked off Friday with a technique session in the pool, followed by a trail run up up up into the mountains. Then we celebrated Derek's birthday with a feed and a few drinks out by the pool at the hotel while the kids watched a movie on the huge screen that is rolled out onto the pool deck. We had an early start on Saturday for a 45 mile ride before beinig greated by the kids all with their faces painted on our return. After a break for lunch and a soak on the hot tubs, we headed up the Aerial Tram and ran up through the trails on the snow while the children did a nature walk, climbed rocks and played in the snow. After a nice Mexican dinner out, we retured to bed before the final day - a 45 or 60 mile ride (or a round of golf!)from Palm Springs. Well done everyone - what an amazing effort by you all. Here are some happy memories from the weekend.

The Big Kahuna

Andy and Susan headed up to Santa Cruz last weekend for The Big Kahuna Half Ironman.

Unfortunately the fog never cleared so it was changed to a duathlon.

Andy had a great ride and managed to complete the run after a calf tear in his previous half ironman. The stage has been set for many more successful races for next season.

Susan got 2nd in her age group to add to her list of podium finishes this season. Well done Susan.

That just about wraps it up for the season....

Next, Tri Clinic in Palm Springs on Nov 13th, 14th and 15th.

Can't wait.....

All Women's Tri October 18th

Well what a great line up of results last weekend:
In the 35-39 category, Training Transition got: 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th

Well done Christy, Megan, Elizabeth and Katie. You have all put so much work in, you deserved those results. You all help each other to achieve these results.

Joan is improving every year with a new improved time this year to add to her list of 11 triathlons this season.

Oh, and Elizabeth got a trophy for 2nd fastest transition. Great effort Elizabeth!

Sorry I couldn't take first place this year but that person whose name I think was Michelle Jones?! is just too fast for me, even after an Ironman the weekend before. You are amazing Michelle! Sorry Kiwis, the Aussie won again...

And Wendy did her first triathlon ever last weekend. After being peeled off the deck and taught some quick survival techniqes during the swim, things when from average to great as she finished the race with a smile to complete the first of what will hopefully be many tri's - among 10 century rides that she plans to do in 2010.

Next race, Big Kahuna for Andy B and Catalina, just for Christy I think. Then a little break and off to Palm Springs for the November Tri Clinic...

Keep it up Team Training Transition.

Rachel

Mission Bay Tri

Great results today everyone..... Official results will be up as they come to hand. I hear rumours of a 2nd, 4th, 10th and a lot of personal best achievments...It was great to see you all.

What's New

Well quite a lot has been happening since I last posted a blog.
Imperial Beach Triathlon
Santa Barbara Triathlon
Malibu Triathlon

There were some especially good results over these races, including a lot of personal triumps. Joan did her first race without a swim buddy, Cathy, Patrick and Elizabeth completed their longest distance event yet. And many many more.....

The NEW schedule will start on Saturday 3rd October. This schedule is the one on-line now. As the ocean cools down and there is less need for track workouts, we'll move to a focus on swimming technique and training, running in preparation for the Carlsbad / San Dieguito Half and then the earlier races for next season (Desert Sprint and Oceanside 70.3)

We're heading back to Palm Springs for another tri clinic on November 13th.

So, if you're not part of the team already, you're missing out - come and join us! if you can't make the group workouts, I'll write you your own personal program....

Rachel

Lastest and Greatest

Hi All,
Sorry for the lapse in updating the blog. Busy busy busy....
Last weekend we had a blast witht the Monster Tri Training Weekend.
Friday - Trail run up at San Elijo Hills
Saturday - Bike up Mt Palomar, Swim Technique B&G club
Sunday - Trail run Olivenhein horse trails, Bike Twin Oaks, Lake Hodges, San Elijo Hills followed by a picnic dinner.
The kids had fun too - lots of playground and friend time!

After a light training week, we did a mini tri at Moonlight Beach this past weekend and private swim lessons afterwards.

So everyone should be well prepared for Imperial Beach or Santa Barbara this weekend.
Patrick, Cathy, Elizabeth, Susan, Annamarie, Mike, Joan, Jamie - Good luck...

Results soon.....

Rachel

Wow Again!!!!

That last Blog was by Andy BTW----just wanted to clarify as I think RC is now going to change her password and keep it from me. But Wow---what a great group. :-)

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who are all the hot babes in these race photos? Those TT girls are something else!!!!!!!!!

3 bronze medals at Solana Beach Tri

Christy F35-39
Annamarie F40-44
Cathy F45-49

Solana Beach Tri

Vineman 09

Andy and I headed up to Sonoma last weekend for Vineman. For those of you who haven't experienced this race, it's worth it if you get the chance. The swim is in the Russian River, the ride around the vineyards and the run through rolling hills in Windsor. But if you don't like the heat, stay away - it was 101 degrees by noon.
Anyway, as Training Transition is all about you guys, let's get to the details. Andy.
Andy has put in a lot of hard training over the last few months. He was well prepared mentally and physically, all apart from his calf which has been giving him grief since the start of the season. To cut a long story short - great race Andy through to mile 9 of the run when your calf just decided it wasn't going to hold up to the finish line. I know you'll be back though - stronger and more determined than ever next time!
This is the reaction that the photographer waiting in the finshing shoot got when Andy appeared, limping, a little later than expected....

Carlsbad Tri

Here we go again.....Another day, another race.

Can't wait until the morning to get to the beach to cheer the team on.

Christy, Katie, Annamarie, Jamie, Elizabeth, Kelly, Jim, Megan - best of luck. You've all put in a lot of hard work. Put all of that hard work into practice.

It's a sprint tri - all of you are capable of racing hard the whole way.

See you there,
Rachel

SDIT

On the Eve of the San Diego International.....

Yes, the day before another great local triathlon.

Most of the team was out on the bike course today as we went over what to expect tomorrow. Everyone seems in good form so I hope that continues through until tomorrow. If not, you can drown your sorrows afterwards - don't forget..... BBQ, 1pm at Rachel and Bart's house, 6519 Ave Del Paraiso, Carlsbad 92009.

I have received 'super secret time goals' from most people. If you haven't shared your time goals with me, feel free to whisper it in my ear in the morning. I can share mine in the morning, if anyone is interested!

If you haven't a game plan, feel free to let me know. I spoke with most of you today about gear choices, when to go push it, when to take in nutrition etc bit if you missed out, just ask!

Best of luck tomorrow everyone. You'll see me right before the last corner (yeah right, before the last ten!!!),

Rachel

My name is Sissy.  I am 7 years old.  I started training last summer.  What inspired me to start training was watching my mom run a 10K Iron Girl.  After a while, I started running laps at the track.  Then I heard about a 5K Iron Girl.  That is when I started training.

Last Sunday, I ran the Iron Girl.  I felt good afterward.  Here is a suggestion for feeling good after a race.  Start at a steady pace and gain a little speed as you go.  

This is what I ate.  I ate bagels and cream cheese.  

Next time I run a race, I will prepare more.  I was pleased with my race time.  I am looking forward to my next race.

Your Aflac Iron Girl Del Mar event results are listed below:

No. T160   5K     Sissy Sugarman   35:23

Finally, results from last weekends Irongirl run:

5k Mother and Daughter Team
Sissy Sugarman (7 years): 35.23
Elizabeth Sugrman (X Years): 35.22 - out-sprinted her daughter!
Well done Sissy!!

Christy Fritts: 47.41
A 6 minute improvment on last year. Great effort and a reward for all of your hard training.

So, now we have proof - distance on the soggy horse track has been reduced so we'll all be back to compete next year. Not a good course for PB's, but good for year on year improvement.

Hey everyone, its Jenn! Thanks for the well wishes and kudos. I am really excited about how my race went on Sunday. I haven't been able to walk the last two days but it was worth it. I went into Sunday which was my 5th marathon not really sure how I was going to do. I had set a goal to qualify for Boston but my fastest marathon up until then had been 4 hours and I needed to make 3:40 or faster to be eligible for the Boston marathon. I had planned to run with the 3:40 pace group but due to a long bathroom line at the startline, I ended up starting 4 minutes behind the start of the race. I had a friend running with me who did an excellent job keeping us on pace with her garmin watch. She also wanted to qualify for Boston. I felt great up until about mile 18 or so and then my legs started to get more sore with every step but by that time I was on track to reach my goal so I just put my head down and kept telling myself to just keep running. The race went by extremely fast up until the last 4 miles where every step was painful. But as I said before by that time it was worth it to push through the pain knowing that if I could just keep it up for those last 4 miles I would reach my goal and I did. It feels really great to know that all my hard work and pain has paid off and so now all I need is some company in Boston! Hope to see you all soon!

Rock n Roll

Well done Jenn.
3.33 which qualifies Jenn for Boston (a very prestigious marathon).
Great effort - the training and the race.

Cathy's Birthday

The TT crew helped celebrate Cathy's birthday tonight with a 45 min track run. Sorry it was not a more exciting present - easily trumped by another gift, a pair of pyjames. Ask Cathy for more details.....

Anyway, Happy Birthday to the lovely Cathy. We have been reminded that the day is coming for the last couple of weeks.

Who could not welcome the birthday of someone with such a great personality and huge smile (not to mention, an age group medalist)!

R 'n R Marathon tomorrow

Good luck for the marathon tomorrow Jenn - Rock 'n Roll!

Happy Birthday Annamarie

We're glad you made the move to duathlons!

From all of your Training Transition friends. 

It's the little things...

Hi Everyone - its Christy.  First off I want to thank you all for welcoming me (and Derek) to your team. Everyone has been so sweet and supportive. I have truly enjoyed working out with TT and being pushed to the max each time. It was comforting to see all of your friendly faces on the course!

I had several mishaps during the race but overall I was happy with my result. Like, Megan, this race was my first triathlon last year so I couldn't wait to see improvements. With that, I set some high goals to accomplish for myself. I felt fine on the swim and strong on the bike until I missed the 2nd loop turn. I was so focused on trying to catch a guy in front of me that I missed the turn and proceeded to follow him to the dismount. I cut through the cones and tried to make up some time for being a complete idiot. It was now a mental struggle. Was I DQ'd? How much farther did I go? As I approached the dismount I  forgot to click out my second foot - somehow I pulled it off but my bike was on the ground and I screamed like a little girl. When I ran into transition I was disoriented and could not find my spot! Uggh.. it was one minor thing after another. These 3 things have never happened to me in the past 5 races so I was clearly not focusing on the right elements for this race. All I wanted to do was go faster & in turn completely overlooked the basic (and necessary) details. So, learn from my mistakes...and race on!  See you soon. 

Party On

June 28th, after the SDIT, I'll organize a party so we can tell race stories (and replace lost fluids)to our hearts content!

Encinitas Tri

Hi All, it's Megan.  It was great to see you all out there racing today as well as TT's newer members, Kristie and Katie.  This is my alma mater race as last season Encinitas was my first ever triathlon.  So I hoped to do it justice by improving last year's time.  I think I dropped 11 minutes.  I definitely recommend not reapplying mascara or moisturizing eye cream between transitions, it'll definitely improve your time.  All said, I really am lucky that I didn't finish with a DNF as the MC of the whole event was my old boyfriend before I met David and when he read my name and saw me cross the finish line I thought he might demand my timing chip and chuck it into the ocean.  Fortunately, David and Andrew were ready to duke it out if necessary.  Such gentlemen.

As Andrew said, perhaps after the next race we can get together for an informal soiree and exchange the battle stories and soap opera dramas that seem to take place at these events. Andrew's buying!

Encinitas race

Hi all,

It's the newest kid on the block, Katie! Wow, what a fun day. This was my first time racing Encinitas, and it is definitely my favorite race so far. Especially since the waves (or lack there of) were so kind to us! Since I didn't have a last year's time to improve on, I just set my goal time around what some of  you hovered around last year, although I thought it was a bit of a lofty goal for me. I set it for 1:30, and was pleasantly surprised to see that I came in about 3 1/2 min. better than that. The water conditions helped me get off to a good start and I had no nerves today at all. I felt best on the bike and decent on the run, with some good moments and some slow moments due to a cramp. But all in all, I really felt great. It was so much fun to see all of you out there and to cheer one another on. This has really been a great experience for me joining this group, making new friends and enjoying the camaraderie. Rachel, you have been an amazing coach and friend and I really thank you for helping me get where I've gotten in these short 5 weeks I've been with you all. So....off to train more and more and more and keep on improving on all levels. Great job everyone -- you all did incredible. And I agree w/ Andy. Next time we need to all meet up together afterward, share some laughs and congratulations, enjoy some photo opps and perhaps some eggs benedict and bloody marys!! ;) Oh, and nice work Ms. Challis for kicking butt and coming in 2nd! You sure inspire me.

Rachel, TT team----how much fun was this weekend. :-). So great to see and race with everyone. Next race we all have to plan on getting together somewhere afterwards to tell our race stories.

Personally for me, I had a great weekend on the 66 mile tour on Saturday and race today. I think I have seen more of North San Diego County now on my bike then I ever did when I was growing up down there. Great route on Saturday---Poway, Fairbanks, RB--it was great.

Watching most of the group start the Swim this morning before me fired me up. It was just so great to see everyone out on the course. Thanks for all the encouragement and cheering. Back to training----faster, faster, faster.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Encinitas Tri

I'm so proud of you ALL.
How did you all feel?

Eve of the Encinitas Tri

On the Eve of The Encinitas Triathlon, all is calm (except in my household as Bart has just left for Europe!). Most did a quiet 2-3 mile jog this morning, listened to the nutrition clinic, picked up race packets and then went onto their other commitments. Andy rode in the 66 mile Encinitas Century Ride - well done Andy. He appears more amped up than ever for tomorrow. Katie hurt her back last week, but has recovered enough, I hope to have a good race. Christy and Elizabeth are ready to battle it out over the course tomorrow. Each have their strengths and both are VERY determined. Derek has his mind set on an especially fast bike split, which has motivated me to make sure I give it everything and more tomorrow! Patrick is hoping his bike will hold together and he'll improve on last years time. Cathy could potentially bring in 3rd overall place as her bike has done this all before. Megan is also looking for an improvement on last year, which I'm sure she will show us - by how much though, let's wait and see. Our 2 Duathletes, Annamarie and Lynne are skipping tomorrow's race, but I'm sure we'll see them at the races soon. Joan and Mike will be back again tomorrow for more. With an increased work load over the last few months, it hasn't helped their training, but they'll both fight to the end to bring in some good results. I know they will! And I'll do the best I can. I hope I didn't forget anyone. Go for it everyone - it's a sprint, so make sure to treat the race that way. Go Team Training Transition. You deserve great results. Rachel

Well done Joan - most people in their 30's would be pleased to acheive what you do. You work so hard at everything you do and deserve the results we see.
Rachel

Joan's Kung Fu Results

I had my annual big Kung Fu tournament yesterday, and it was a great success!

I was in 9 events and I placed in all of them…..

GOLD – Two person form Golden Leopard vs. Tiger with Mr. Ester
GOLD - Broadsword
GOLD – Push Hands
SILVER – Continuous Sparring
SILVER – Tai Chi Form (40 step)
SILVER – Tai Chi Weapon (I did cane form)
SILVER – Weapons Techniques
Bronze – Form
Bronze – Hand techniques

Much to my shock and surprise…..I ended the day with the 3rd place award for points scored! I know I was VERY LUCKY……but I’ll take it!!!!! Tai Sifu came up to me and said, “Are you Joan McDonald? I want to congratulate you”……I started to cry…. Not very martial…..but I just couldn’t help it…….

Team Encinitas took 2nd place!!!!

Thanks to all of you who supported me!!!! Put up with me……

Love,,

Joan

Mini Tri

Well done to those of you who completed the mini triathlon that I organized on Saturday. It was great preparation for those of you who are racing Encinitas next weekend. I was most pleased to see that everyone found that spark that ignites the race pace that is necessary for a sprint distance triathlon.
As I was pushing it down the 101 on my bike, Katie came whizzing passed me 'ah, haaaaa!' she mentioned as she went by! That make me work!
Keep up the good work. I'm so excited to see you all in action at the Encinitas Tri next weekend.
Rachel

Rachel is Competing in Wildflower 70.3 this weekend

Hey team---its Andy here---Rachel gave me her pass code to post a Blog----uh, oh!!! Anyway, RC-Coach is doing Wildflower 70.3 this weekend and I wnated to send out a big, "We're rooting for you and cheering you on" blog. I told her we would all recognize a moment of silence for her on the beach tomorrow and send her good vibes--karma. She told me just to sing the Kiwi National Anthem which is scary because of my singing voice so I am hoping someone knows the anthem. Go Rachel Go!!!!!!!!! We are all rooting for you and wishing you best results!!!!!!!!

PS: I think I have a Kiwi color speedo---I will wear it in your honor this weekend. HYSTERICAL--I crack myself up.

Andy Did It

Well done Andy,
Great race last weekend in the Newport Tri. Check out this link for the full details: http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=53793575&rsID=76892&pubID=3

Good luck Andy.
We're with you all the way!

What is Andy up to this weekend?

RC—staying up here tomorrow, Friday---going to do the Sprint course swim tomorrow in the Back Bay and have sister Carolyn, Manhattan Beach, coming into Newport to hang out for weekend and watch race on Sunday. I am going to tear this course up---at least I hope so.

New Schedule

As the water warms up and the days get longer, the 'new' schedule has begun. Track sessions are held at San Dieguito every Monday night, rides are on Wednesdays and Saturdays and beach runs / ocean swims are every Friday evening. Childcare is available at every session.
OK, the ocean is cold, but not too bad after a few minutes in the water, especially after a run beforehand.
Next race for most is Encinitas on May 18th.
Keep up the good work!

Race results

Well it was another great weekend of racing.
On Saturday, Erin finished her first half ironman (California 70.3) - her second triathlon ever after commencing training less than a year ago, with a 1 and 2 1/2 year old! She even finshed with a sprint (and probably a smile knowing Erin).
Susan set herself a tough goal in the same race - to beat her time of 6 years ago, which gets tougher, I think after a certain age. Anyway, she didn't master it this year, but gave it a good go and will be coming back in 2010 for another go!
Jennifer also raced Oceanside 70.3 - she looked like she was skipping through the run even when I saw her with about 4 miles to go. I'm yet to get the full story.
Mike, Joan, Cathy, Elizabeth and Annamarie did the Carlsbad 5k today. There was a prize on the line which Elizabeth, Patrick and I think Annamarie have won as they went faster in 09 than 08. Cathy did a great time but had not competed in 08. I can see some exciting track sessions this Summer.
I've also had word of a good time by Christy Fritts (22.37) who is aiming to come to our first track session next Monday. Well done Christy.
Oh, and I didn't do too badly! Thanks for all of the support. I just noticed that there were only 4 Americans in the top 10. I had better start training you all up so you can balance up the nationalities a little better!
Rachel

On the eve of another race weekend......
This time, we have Andy lined up for the Cal Poly race tomorrow, Erin, Susan and Rachel for the Oceanisde 70.3 and Joan, Mike, Elizabeth, Cathy and Patrick for the Carlsbad 5000. A round of colds seems to be trying to slow the team down, but we won't let it get to us!
Good luck everyone.
Let me know if and when you're ready to post your results.

3/29

It sounds like everyone survived the weekend.
Annamarie did well in the Devil Dog Duathlon (well she says that the bike was her best part, but we all know that!). Still waiting on Joan and Mike's results.
Cathy did very well in her first Olympic Distance triathlon at Coronado today.
I'll post the results when they come in.
Erin and Susan went for training swims in the ocean (yes, it's cold, but not too bad).
Elizabeth and Andy survived a ride full of monster hills yesterday.
I think Sissy had the roughest time falling off her scooter at the playground yesterday as she scratched up her knee.
Well done everyone!

The Race Season Has Begun

3/27: It's the Friday before a busy race weekend for the team. The Devil Dog Duathlon tomorrow and The Superseal / Superfrog Triathlon on Sunday.

Watch the space tomorow to see how everyone did