Hello 2015

As 2014 comes to a close I would like to thank all the Members that made it a great year! The Drought created many challenging situations. But we found places to swim and forged forward. The Tri-class this coming spring is going to he condensed into 8 weeks with some longer Saturdays spent at Lake Natoma and the Bike Trail. If you need help with your swimming please contact Coach James at the Lodi Masters Swim program!! Get started early. hint hint!!!! Time to stop talking about a New Years resoulution!!

It's almost a New Year and time to start thinking about how you are going to make your Life healthy, strong, fit, faster and happy! Spring Triathlon Class starts April 25th 2015 and the graduation race is on Father's Day at Rancho Seco on June 21st. Cost for the class $125 plus race fees. And, you can get a head start with your swimming anytime. Please don't hesitate to e-mail me at oldmanlifeguard@gmail.com. More exciting news on the way!! Coach James

Big Weekend of Racing

For the Kids

Lodi Masters Triathletes has a full schedule of racing this weekend. Saturday started off with our very first USA Triathlon sanctioned "Splash and Dash". This was a great event to let kids "get their feet wet" in multi-sport racing.

Gorgeous day for a swim :-)

Kiddos hammin' it up 

...and they're off...

Finish line photo op

Vineman 70.3

Sunday is Vineman 70.3. This event is one of the most popular and highly competitive triathlons in the world. This race is limited to 2,300 athletes. Eric raced the 2013 Vineman Monte Rio olympic distance race in order to get registration preference. Paul just lucked out on opening day of registration. Nevertheless, both men have been training hard the last several months to get ready for this race. Good luck guys!

Eric and Paul

Tri for Real #2

Two weeks after Vineman 70.3 is Vinema /Barb's Race/Aqua-Bike. We have several racers in these events so this Sunday most of them are heading out to Rancho Seco for a tune up race. This will be the last long, hard effort before the big day.  Remember to relax and have fun!

Here we go again ;-)

Coming Soon...

Next weekend coach James is doing the Tahoe relay, so everyone is expected to stick to their taper schedule and not do anything crazy ;-)

Just because most of the team is competing in their "A" race this month, does not mean that this is the end of the season. The next Triathlon 101 class will start in August (Tell a friend!).

Also, experienced team members are are kicking around the idea of heading down the coast to tackle the "kelp crawl" in the Triathlon at Pacific Grove.

Looks like fun!

The Week Ahead - June 2-8

June 2 - June 8

Race/Event Info: 

Graduation Race - Father's Day Triathlon (Sunday, June 15)

Monday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School  
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

  

  Come test drive some New Balance shoes

• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm  3 mile and 5 mile walk/run with the chance to wear New Balance shoes to get a feel for them. Its always more fun to run with a group of people so come on out and bring your friends!!

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Last chance to practice open water swimming with the team
before next week's race

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School (tentative)

Saturday

• Tri Practice at the Mokelumne -  8:30-11:30am  

Sunday

• Speed Star???

The Week Ahead - May 5-11

May 5 - May 11

Race/Event Info: 
Registration is now open for Avenue of the Vines 5k or Half Marathon - Sunday May 18
Graduation Race - Father's Day Triathlon

Monday

Come out to Fleet Feet and run with your team mates!

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School  
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm  SPECIAL "Seis de Mayo" event: Check out the Mizuno Rider and Inspire - Test the shoes out on the run. Then back to the store for some good times, good company, chips & salsa and mexican beer! RSVP   

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School (tentative)

Saturday

• Group ride - Meet at House of Coffees in Lodi at 9am. 

Sunday

• Mother's Day! No workout planned.

The Week Ahead - April 28 to May 4

April 28 - May 4

Race/Event Info: 
Registration is now open for Avenue of the Vines 5k or Half Marathon - Sunday May 18
Race fees for the Father's Day Triathlon go up on April 30th

Monday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School  
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm  Come run with us!

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 4:30-7:00pm McNair High School

Saturday

• Triathlon 101 - Transition Clinic / Races 9:00-12:00 McNair High School, Stockton. 

Pack your bags!

Sunday

• Delta Century Ride - 26, 62 or 100 mile options. Coach +James Cotta is working this event.

The Week Ahead

April 21 - April 27

Race/Event Info: 
Delta Century Ride - 26, 62 or 100 mile options - Sunday May 4
Registration is now open for Avenue of the Vines 5k or Half Marathon - Sunday May 18
Race fees for the Father's Day Triathlon go up on April 30th

Monday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm 

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

A real brick workout

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Saturday

• Triathlon 101 (Brick Workout) 9:00-12:00 Katzakian Park, Lodi. 

Sunday

• Speedstar or Clements Loop.

Bike Clinic featuring Williams Cycling - Recap

Yesterday was the team's 4th Triathlon 101 bike clinic and it was a tremendous success!

Spring 2014 Bike Clinic

They say that practice makes perfect and that was certainly evident at yesterday's clinic.  Williams Cycling of Stockton was gracious enough to send Josh Geiszler to go over bike maintenance and most importantly how to repair a flat.

Impressive set up

Not only did Josh bring an impressive collection of tools but he also brought several sets of Williams carbon fiber wheels as well as their beautiful and extremely light Aeros Genesis carbon fiber road bike.

Please, no drooling on the bike

On top of all the great info and tips, we also got some very cool Williams swag to wear.  We can't say "Thank you Williams Cycling" enough!!!

Group ride across town. 

After the maintenance portion of the clinic, it was time to hit the road. Along the way, Coach James covered important topics such as rules of the road and how to ride in a group. The group rode to the Grape Bowl to practice bike handling skills (including how to fall).

Watching people fall is more fun than actually falling...

Drills on grass make falling less painful ;-)

Coach James demonstrating handling skills

If you liked James' Williams Cycling kit, you can order your own from the Williams website...

http://shop.jakroo.com/storefront/Williams-Cycling

VERY IMPORTANT!

Saturday is a very important day and everyone must do everything possible to attend. We will be going over Bike maintenance at the Tokay Pool with Josh of Williams Wheels. (9am)  He will be covering topics not just for the Newbies but for everyone in the Club. And then we will ride across town to the Downtown Parking Garage and head up to the upper level for Handling Skills and Race Prep. There will be a Water Bottle hand up practice for those interested.  I will be going over a number of Safety Rules we all need to adhere to as a Club.
I am shooting for being done by 12:30 at the latest so you can make plans for the Day
I will also be swimming at 7:30 am. We just need to be out and ready to ride Bike by 9 am.
Please scroll down through the Blog to read all the information for the week. Again a great big thanks to Tracy Pengilly for all her help with the new Blog. Her help over the last two weeks has been incredible!!  Don't forget Fleet Feet at 5:30 PM  today 3 OR 5 MILES!!!

P.S.  Don't forget your Helmet!!  I have a couple old ones at the house  Let me know if you need to borrow one

Coach James

The Week Ahead

April 14 - April 20

Race/Event Info: 
Delta Century Ride - 26, 62 or 100 mile options - Sunday May 4
Registration is now open for Avenue of the Vines 5k or Half Marathon - Sunday May 18
Race fees for the Father's Day Triathlon go up on April 30th

Monday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm 

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Hookie Ride (Tentative) - Pancakes anyone??? 

Stockton based Williams Cycling

Saturday

• Triathlon 101 (Cycling Clinic) 9:00-12:00 Tokay High School. Josh from Williams Cycling will the guest speaker. 

Sunday

• Easter Sunday - No ride.

Coach Wrap-up

This past weekend was totally amazing. And, I have the greatest Athlete's in the world!!! Most of you went out there and pushed your limits!! Coach Emily did a great Job with the Run Clinic and I focused on building a great workout weekend for everyone. One of the things you learn about riding Bike in the Valley is "The Wind is your friend". Everyone finished yesterday with a sort of amazed look on their Faces that they actually finished the Ride. There is no Power Meter that could duplicate the workout we had yesterday on the Bike.  Even though Triathlon is an individual Sport. The Team efforts experienced this weekend build confidence in everyone.

Next Saturday is the Bike Clinic with Josh at the Tokay Pool.  Then, We will be riding with the Tri Class enrollees for the first time and we will be going to an undisclosed location for Drills and Fun. Looking forward to them seeing what our Team is all about. 

And then the following weekend will be our first Brick Workout. Can't wait to see the looks on the new athlete's faces when they try to run off the bike!!  LOL

Swimming schedule is the same this week. You can come at 5 pm if you want that has been working well with getting an early start on the Covers as everyone finishes up their workouts

Thanks Everybody I had so much fun, Coach James

The Week Ahead

April 7 - April 13

Race Info: 
Registration is now open for Avenue of the Vines 5k or Half Marathon - Sunday May 18
Race fees for the Father's Day Triathlon go up on April 30th

2013 Avenue of the Vines 

Monday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm 

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Saturday

• Triathlon 101 (Running Clinic) 9:00-12:00 Tokay High School 
• Ride with James - 30 to 40 miles following clinic

Sunday

• Speedstar Ride or Clements Loop 11:00am House of Coffee, Lodi

Rewarding Experiences

Surviving the Swim in your first Tri race is a daunting task,  (I have been there)  I was not a gifted athlete when I started doing Tri's.  I was not a Collegiate swimmer, I didn't run on the Cross Country Team. Only thing I had going for me was that I had the knowledge to organize things. And I surrounded myself with the best Coaches I could find
Swimming is a Jigsaw puzzle for most. The only way you can learn is to Break down the elements and then put them together at the end. Today was such a day. And, my athletes were tired after doing drills for almost an hour. But, it was really something to see the improvements that were made in such a short period of time!! I was one proud Hombre when they swam their last 50 this morning
I enjoy teaching so much I often wonder if I would not have grown up on a Dairy and then the Grape Ranch where I would have ended up? Racing Tri's is fun but watching my Athletes cross the Finish Line is exhilarating!!

Coach James

Our Favorite Bike Routes

Tri 101 - Initial Group Ride

Simple ride from Katazakian Park out Lower Sacramento Rd to Woodbridge Rd and back. Appx. 7 miles.

Speedstar Ride

Most Sundays the group meets at the House of Coffee in Lodi at 11:00am for a ride affectionately known as "Speedstar". Some days we ride this at a brisk pace, other days its more social...it really depends on who shows up and how everyone is feeling. This course is mostly flat. Appx. 20.5 miles.

Did somebody say Lockeford Sausage?

Camanche North Shore Ride

We meet at the church at North Shore. The ride always starts off with a trip to the restrooms down at the lake and then back up the hill to our actual starting point. This course is hilly. Appx. 17 miles with the restroom stop.

Del Puerto Canyon

There is no getting lost on this route. This out and back course is basically one long gradual climb through rolling hills until you get to "The Wall". This course is recommended if you want beautiful scenery and a challenge. If you ride (or walk) to the top of "The Wall" the ride is appx. 44 miles.

Pancake Ride

This is one of the longest rides the group does together and it is one of the most enjoyable (unless it is goathead season). We take the back roads through the Delta out to Korth's Pirate Lair where we have...drum roll...PANCAKES! This ride is not to be missed...just bring plenty of tubes and CO2. Appx. 53 miles.

Fleet Feet Tuesday Night Run

One place you will regularly find us is at Fleet Feet Stockton on Tuesday nights at 5:30pm. The Tuesday night runs are always a lot of fun, and there are quite a few benefits of running in a group.

Not only is Fleet Feet a great place to train, but they
are also a team sponsor 

Solo or Social

There is an interesting article in Runner's World titled "Perks of Running Solo or Social". The article covers why a runner would/should run on their own or in a group. Here are the highlights of running in a social group:

• Accountability: A partner can keep you from slipping off pace or cutting a run short.
• Positive peer pressure..."You get caught up in the pace, and you might not recognize how fast you're going."
• Pairing up can  encourage you to branch out, to try new distances or races (ask Nancy and Leah where they heard about LMT)

Fleet Feet is the perfect social setting and you are sure to find someone running and/or walking at your pace. Another perk of running at Fleet Feet is that they have a knowledgeable staff that can get you properly fitted if you find your current running shoes to be a bit lacking or OLD. They also sell "bungee laces"...a triathletes best friend (Coach James will explain that later).

The Routes

This is just to give you an idea of the routes. Don't worry about remembering them...there is always someone to follow.

3 Mile Route

5 Mile Route (more like 4.85 but who's counting)

Hope to see you there!

#fleetfeetstockton

Guess Who Loves Lodi?

Bet you didn't know...but David Hasselhoff has been known to drop by our races. He absolutely LOVES triathletes...especially those training with LMT!!!

Inaugural team photo with the Hoff 

Posing with the ladies

Photo bomb at Vineman

The Hoff is also an inspiration to our coach.  Don't worry about open water swimming... James "Hasselhoff" Cotta will keep you safe :-)

Sensory Overload

I have been thinking about how to write this all day. Just ten years ago I was preparing for my First Tri just as many of you are. The thought of combining three sports into one is mind boggling. Don't worry about Training too much for your first race. I want you to learn the Sport first. You can continue training for your Marathon or Bike race. We will get you through your first Tri !
 If you walk up on the Beach after your first Tri Swim with a smile on your face I have done my Job.  So when you are having a hard time in the Pool for the next few weeks Remember "it's not just about learning to Swim"

Coach James  

PS  Running Clinic in two weeks (12th) Bike Clinic (19th)

The Week Ahead

March 31 - April 6

Monday

McNair High School pool

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School
• Last day for team clothing orders

Tuesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Fleet Feet Run 5:30-6:30pm 

Wednesday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 
• Swim 5:30-7:30pm McNair High School

Thursday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Friday

• Swim 5:00-6:00am Tokay High School 

Saturday

• Triathlon 101 (swim clinic) 9:00-12:00 Tokay High School 
• Ride with James - 30 to 40 miles following swim clinic
• Ice Breaker Triathlon - Folsom Lake

Sunday

• Speedstar Ride 11:00am House of Coffee, Lodi

Triathon 101 - In Case You Missed Saturday

In case you were busy this weekend and missed the Triathlon 101 kick-off meeting, here is a brief recap...

Gloomy weather, but still a great turn out for the first meeting. It was great seeing returning "graduates" as well as plenty of new faces.

Coach James had a toned-down version of his triathlon gear (no race bike or aero helmet this time).

Here are the topics covered in the introductory talk:

• Cost: $125 for 11 weeks (plus a couple of bonus weeks after the graduation race)
• Gear: Swim suit, goggles, bike, running shoes (wet suits optional)
• Practice times: 
• M & W 5:30-7:00pm at McNair High School pool
• M-F 5-6am Tokay High School pool
• Saturdays 9-12 Various locations
• Graduation race
• Father's Day Triathlon - Rancho Seco Park