Let me say, Santa Cruz was a beautiful location for my first 70.3. The ocean, forest, awesome volunteers & spectators.

That said, here goes.....It was a cold and foggy morning on the beach.....

Swim - Cold, dark water, big...it's the ocean!
Standing at the start, last minute decision was made to stay on the inside close to the buoys, with everyone else. Rough crowd, I caught on quick...throw elbows, kick, hold my position, be aggressive. Swallowed a few gallons of salt water, felt seasick. (Seasick? Swimming?...strange.). I did it...!! Didn't see one shark either, ðŸ¬

Bike - At the mount line I noticed my speedfil tank was loose. During its stay in transition something happened and the bracket was coming out of the frame. Rode with my fingers crossed that it wouldn't fall off! Nice ride, lots of hills. Not too hard for me, I'm from Chico...I trained on hills. The first 20 miles were amazing! Then...maybe all that salt water got to me. Stomach pain like I've never felt, this kept on till the end of the race. Goals for pace, time, all forgotten...just push through, focus on the positive, be thankful to be doing this! Had several nice comments on my bike handling and climbing skills. Thank You, Chico cycling community, for teaching me to be a cyclist...!!

Run - 13.1 miles to go! My stomach, ugh! By mile 5, I had to stop trying to pick up the pace and focus on finishing. One foot in front of the other....one mile at a time. Stepped in a hole on the trail during mile 6....now the pain in my foot could take my mind off of my stomach, lol. It was a really beautiful run, the ocean views were spectacular!

I finished, 8 hours, 37 minutes.... Things didn't go as planned, I knew they wouldn't and it was okay. I learned so much! Maybe next time......hahaha

I want to thank Everyone for the help, encouragement, support, advice....
My family, mom and dad, Breann, Brent, Cort and Marlina! My Chico Tri Club family, all of you!! Heather Martinez, best swim coach ever! My cousin Jason Hall & Brandon, for being with me and helping! Picking up the pieces after several meltdowns!!!! Aren't you all glad it's over and won't have to hear me talk about it? ðŸ˜

My first 70.3 was awesome....the experience of a lifetime! I did my best on September 11, 2016. Maybe next time I'll do even better....maybe!!!

Notes

1. Personal Best
2. Cruiser
3. Mountain Bike

Note that past TT results can be found on the Time Trial Page.

Swim, Bike, Run & Smile

Events:

We had a great turnout for the CTC summer party. The venue and food was amazing. Thank you to everyone who showed up and if you couldn’t make it this time we’ll see you next time.

The following is a list of the Club races for the 2016 season:

1)  (canceled) Graeagle

2)  September 17, 2016 Black Butte Tri Event, Black Butte Lake, registration is open: http://blackbuttetriathlon.org/

Training:

Swim at One Mile:

The swim at One Mile as begun. Bring your wetsuit and swim laps with your friends, on Friday mornings at 7:00 AM.

In Motion Swim:

“Heather” at In Motion holds a Tri swim class on Tue. and Thurs. at 9:30 A.M. contact In Motion for further details.

The River Road TTs:

Have begun and will continue as follows: 08/04/2016, and end on 09/01/2016. Registration will start at 5:30 P.M. and the first rider rolls at 6:00 P.M. The starting line is on West 5th St., heading west out of town, just past Miller Ave.

The Friday Rides:

If you are interested in this ride please send me an email to sinsdady at yahoo dot com.

Runs:

Tony English, is leading a LSD run on Sundays from the bathrooms at 5 mile at 8:00 AM. This is an easy pace 60 minute run. There is also a LSD run on Saturdays meeting at the 5 mile bathrooms at 8:00 AM.

CTC Track Workout:

Every Thursday (except for the Thursdays that we have the TTs) meet at the Chico State track at 5:45 PM.

Race Results:

This is a shout out to anybody who has participated in a recent race. We would love to hear from you. Please send me any information on a race you have participated in.  This could be as simple as your name and the name of the event, your results or a race report outlining your personal experience.

Athlete of the month:

Please take the time to help us pick the next Athlete of the month. Just send an email to president@chicotriathlonclub.com listing your nomination.

The athlete of the month for July is Brian Larson. Congratulations Brian!!

Volunteer opportunity:

Joanne Gilchrist has created the following list of volunteer opportunities for the Club. Please contact Joanne @ jejg at hotmail dot com, if you are interested in helping out at any of the events listed below.

2016:

Black Butte Tri September 17, 2016.

Almond Bowl Nov 6, 2016 Aid Station

Sponsor spotlight:

http://www.wallerfinancialcoaching.com/

Waller Financial Coaching provides a complimentary consultation and $250 off financial planning services for all CTC members. They also provide basic financial planning services for all board members at no cost. Have a great time running, swimming and riding this Month.

Shawn Hughes

CTC President