Last Friday we got the news that one of our own within the triathlon community had been attacked by a shark 14-miles north of San Diego in Solana Beach. The man was a Tri Club San Diego member, and my heart goes out to all those who knew and trained with him.
It's been challenging choosing the words to communicate with the Club on the topic, but, again, Ian Murray rose to the challenge and penned this message last night. I share the sentiments and his words, here.
"Fellow Members,
In the unlikely event that some of you may not have heard... On Friday morning at 6:30 am San Diego Tri Club member Dave Martin met his regular crew for an ocean swim workout in Solana Beach (that's ~20mi north of downtown San Diego).
At 7 am, the 66 year old retired veterinarian was attacked by a shark.
Four friends with whom he was swimming pulled him to shore.
Lifeguards worked on him for a while but he was pronounced dead shortly after the attack.
It seems natural that each of us would have an immediate and visceral reaction to this news. Regardless of how he died, the bottom-line truth is that a member of a tri club, a lover of triathlon, a hearty spirit, an athlete - much like one of us, lost his life far sooner than what would seem necessary. Unfortunately this happens too often and when it's less exotic it goes without a mention. It's troubling to contemplate, but perhaps a car killing a triathlete is so common that it doesn't even make the papers - not to mention the front page of the LA Times.
Clearly there are some who won't even flinch at this news and will be back in the big blue right away (or have gone already). Others might go the other way in dramatic fashion. Regardless of where your response falls one thing is certain; attacks such as these remain extraordinarily rare, especially in areas where seal populations are insignificant, such as most of Los Angeles County. Even in Solana Beach, where seal populations have grown substantially in recent years, this was the first fatal attack in 49 years.
Take a moment to look at the type of person you are: an adventurous endurance multisport athlete. If you we're the type who avoided risks you might find yourself a member of the LA Knitting Club rather than the LA Tri Club. If you want to be safer in your ocean swims then do the basics that protect you from the far more common issues and more logical risks: swim with a buddy so that you can be assisted in a moment of cramping or fatigue, wear a bright colored swim cap so that boats and personal water craft will see you more easily and swim near open and manned life guard towers in case you get caught in a rip current. Balance your risk with logic and don't fret over the things you cannot control.
Our hearts go out to the San Diego Tri Club and to Dave's friends and family for their loss.
May we all continue to train safely and enjoy this sport for years to come.
All the best to you,
Ian Murray"
4.28.2008
Ahhhhhh, Nothing like a man who can clean a bike!!
Meet Brendon David - cyclist, triathlete, coach, traveling bike tuner, and all around handy sort of fella! For a fee, less than what you'd pay in most bike shops, Brendon will come to you, and take care of your wheels. He did a great job on SCOTT, who is now ready to ride at Wildflower and Honu 70.3.
Thanks Brendon!!! For anyone interested in B's services, his contact info is: brendon_David@yahoo.com and 310 999 4642.
Wanna check out something else cool? Visit IKnowGuides.com, Brendon's behind this nifty offering as well:
http://www.iknowguides.com/index/
Meet Brendon David - cyclist, triathlete, coach, traveling bike tuner, and all around handy sort of fella! For a fee, less than what you'd pay in most bike shops, Brendon will come to you, and take care of your wheels. He did a great job on SCOTT, who is now ready to ride at Wildflower and Honu 70.3.
Thanks Brendon!!! For anyone interested in B's services, his contact info is: brendon_David@yahoo.com and 310 999 4642.
Wanna check out something else cool? Visit IKnowGuides.com, Brendon's behind this nifty offering as well:
http://www.iknowguides.com/index/
My green buddy, Ian, forwarded this info to me... If you think it sounds too good to be true, you're wrong. Even better gas mileage than this is in our near future. Read on, and make the jump to a hybrid! From Ian: "Basically it’s this – you pay ~$10,500 and they install a battery pack that allows you to drive 30-40 miles at 100 miles per gallon. It takes 4.5 hours to full recharge, you loose a bit of your trunk space and your spare tire well and you get a 3 year warranty. It’s only good for your car – Prius 2004-2008 (if it were good for mine, I’d be all over it like a cheap suit). Most Los Angelinos drive 40 miles per day on average. If this were true for you then you would commute fully electric all the time, plugging in at home at night and driving for pennies of electricity during the day. The only time you’d even fire up the gas engine would be for a longer trip. Rather than putting say $35 dollars in your tank twice a month (that’s pretty much me) you’d put $35 in your tanks once every 5 months. $840 a year vs. $105 – only 14 years to pay it off at today’s gas prices, but don’t fret when oil hits $180 a barrel we’ll be wishin’ for days when gas was only $4 a gallon." Ian Murray Triathletix.com CoachedRun.com TriathlonTrainingSeries.com
4.24.2008
Beth & Lawrence got Married!
041908. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Under a blue, blue sky on a crisp cool day, Dr. Fong married Beth Kallok in front of about 80 friends and family. It was a beautiful ceremony where Beth vowed to let Lawrence draft behind her. Good stuff.
Beautiful bridesmaids in purple and pink, standing up for our girl!!
Some of our crew, posing pretty in front of the amazing glass church.
Awwwwww. The first dance. If only we could bottle this! Just watching them was a rush.
Coach Jamie, me, Erika, Christina, Jen, Jen, Jeff, Steve and Stella hanging at our table, enjoying a little bubbly and each others company as we bask in the happiness of the newlyweds.
Our neighbors at the "couples table"... Jason and Gladys, back row left, will be tying the knot this Aug. in Belize... and, I'll be there to witness! I can't wait to swim with the sharks!!
041908. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Under a blue, blue sky on a crisp cool day, Dr. Fong married Beth Kallok in front of about 80 friends and family. It was a beautiful ceremony where Beth vowed to let Lawrence draft behind her. Good stuff.
Beautiful bridesmaids in purple and pink, standing up for our girl!!
Some of our crew, posing pretty in front of the amazing glass church.
Awwwwww. The first dance. If only we could bottle this! Just watching them was a rush.
Coach Jamie, me, Erika, Christina, Jen, Jen, Jeff, Steve and Stella hanging at our table, enjoying a little bubbly and each others company as we bask in the happiness of the newlyweds.
Our neighbors at the "couples table"... Jason and Gladys, back row left, will be tying the knot this Aug. in Belize... and, I'll be there to witness! I can't wait to swim with the sharks!! Then, of course, back-row right we have pending parents to be, Marrielle and Luis! Due in late May!! I can't wait to meet the little one!!
When Lawrence went to take the garter off of Beth, she'd body marked her age on her calf (it's a tri thing)... But, Lawrence still had a surprise in store for her, because he sat her down and did a little strip tease for her, taking it down to his LA Tri Club jersey. Very funny!!
Belize bound: me, mom-to-be Marrielle, and Gladys:
Yeah, it's true... girls love weddings... ESPECIALLY of dear friends, surrounded by friends that feel more like family. Congratulations Beth and Lawrence!! Well done!! We love you!
When Lawrence went to take the garter off of Beth, she'd body marked her age on her calf (it's a tri thing)... But, Lawrence still had a surprise in store for her, because he sat her down and did a little strip tease for her, taking it down to his LA Tri Club jersey. Very funny!!
Belize bound: me, mom-to-be Marrielle, and Gladys:
Yeah, it's true... girls love weddings... ESPECIALLY of dear friends, surrounded by friends that feel more like family. Congratulations Beth and Lawrence!! Well done!! We love you!
4.16.2008
LA in a Weekend
041108. Jabus, a buddy from high school days back at Concordia Lutheran in Tomball, TX came into town over the weekend for a visit and tour of LA. He grew up and became a fighter pilot, of all things -- so, he and his partner, Flo, flew one of the jets out.
I've got a standard favorite tour I offer all visitors (with almost no variation, unless my guests make a special request)... Of course, I put the invite out to many local buddies to join us for all the offerings... Friday nite we hit The Groundlings; Saturday we had cocktails at Casa del Mar followed by dinner at Asia de Cuba with Suzy and Jeff (below):
Sunday 8 of us enjoyed tapas and yummy wines at Primitivo in Venice. Pictured below are Jabus, Flo and I:
After Primitivo, we walked down to The Other Room... Here are Jen, Anna and Jeff:
It was awesome reconnecting with Jabus -- I'm guessing it won't be 15 more years before we see each other again...
041108. Jabus, a buddy from high school days back at Concordia Lutheran in Tomball, TX came into town over the weekend for a visit and tour of LA. He grew up and became a fighter pilot, of all things -- so, he and his partner, Flo, flew one of the jets out.
I've got a standard favorite tour I offer all visitors (with almost no variation, unless my guests make a special request)... Of course, I put the invite out to many local buddies to join us for all the offerings... Friday nite we hit The Groundlings; Saturday we had cocktails at Casa del Mar followed by dinner at Asia de Cuba with Suzy and Jeff (below):
Sunday 8 of us enjoyed tapas and yummy wines at Primitivo in Venice. Pictured below are Jabus, Flo and I:
After Primitivo, we walked down to The Other Room... Here are Jen, Anna and Jeff:
It was awesome reconnecting with Jabus -- I'm guessing it won't be 15 more years before we see each other again...
4.05.2008
Family Engagements!
032908. While I was off galavanting around Lake San Antonio, my younger brother Jesse was in Yosemite with his girlfriend, Sarah Yi, to whom he proposed! I knew it was coming, but it's still just the best news. Both Jess and Sarah are on cloud 9.
In a funny twist, while Jess was proposing to Sarah, my step-sister, Carly (my Dad's wife's daughter), got engaged too!! She lives in Denver. I wish I had a pic to post here, but, unfortuantly I don't... but, clearly, there is much LOVE and ROMANCE in my family at the moment!!
032908. While I was off galavanting around Lake San Antonio, my younger brother Jesse was in Yosemite with his girlfriend, Sarah Yi, to whom he proposed! I knew it was coming, but it's still just the best news. Both Jess and Sarah are on cloud 9.
In a funny twist, while Jess was proposing to Sarah, my step-sister, Carly (my Dad's wife's daughter), got engaged too!! She lives in Denver. I wish I had a pic to post here, but, unfortuantly I don't... but, clearly, there is much LOVE and ROMANCE in my family at the moment!!
LA Tri Club Spring Training Camp at Lake San Antonio
aka WILDFLOWER. 032708-033008.
44 clubbers headed 5-hours North last Thursday for a weekend of focusing on training, fitness and recovery. The camp was my brain-child, the idea hatched when I signed up for HONU 70.3 in May, and knowing that the best way for me to get my training in, is to remove typical distractions around home.
As I drove from cabin to cabin to stock them with a few essentials before the clubbers arrived, I was greeted by many deer and squirrels. The area around the lake is beautiful and thriving from all the rain we've had. Everything was green and flowering. It's such a magical place to me.
Miss Stella Tong, here, played CHEF for the weekend. She did an AMAZING job cooking breakfast-lunch and dinner for the whole lot of 44 who came into the staff cabin for meal times. Each meal time was bonding and refueling, talking about the drive up, the latest workout, and our race goals.
The first morning the crew headed out for a swim or a run. Most swam. TriAtheltix coaches, Ian Murray, Jamie Silber & Konrad Riberio all led swims at various levels. The lake was cold, but thankfully, it had warmed up since the reported 51 a few weeks before.
TriAthletix.com (LA Tri Club's official coaching team), also led a Transition Clinic. Everyone came out to play at Transitions for awhile - absorbing tips to shave off a few seconds and minutes.
Saturday morning the entire group gathered before we cycled off for the 56-mile hilly offering. Peter Brantley even did it twice (in the middle of training for Ironman). Everyone was super excited to get out there. I wish this photo were better, but there were too many people and all those bikes.... ; )
Part of the leader pack, stopping for some sag support. Brian Morel, Jamie Silber, Lawrence Fong & Michael Murphy.
A group of LATC TriCHICKS at sag support. My prius, of course, served the group well! Check out how lovely our weather was??!! So beautiful -- perfect for the ride.
Saturday nite, the last night at Camp, we went around and most everyone in the group had a chance to stand up and share something personal about themselves. It was a really nice touch, and we got to know so many fun (and scary, and interesting, and silly), things about each other.
This is Kristen, telling her personal story (sorry, what goes to LATC Camp, stays at LATC Camp)... but, I wanted to include her here to share that she's my little YAS project. Kimberly Fowler of YAS put us together because Kristen's personal goal for this year is to become a Triathlete and complete Wildflower... she's been working out with me and my regular circle, and she's such a joy to be around. I'm so happy she's joined our clan!!
One thing I have yet to add is, after all of the planning and excitement I felt putting the Camp together, I actually got sick as a dog, and was not able to workout myself while there! It's tragic, isn't it??!! But, I guess it's a blessing in a way too, because I was able to take lots of photos, answer countless questions, and really devote myself to the campers, which was extremely gratifying. Additionally, I had a BIG FIRST at Camp: I taught two yoga classes to the campers! It was a milestone for me... and, so I came home with nothing but smiles. I can't wait to plan another.
aka WILDFLOWER. 032708-033008.
44 clubbers headed 5-hours North last Thursday for a weekend of focusing on training, fitness and recovery. The camp was my brain-child, the idea hatched when I signed up for HONU 70.3 in May, and knowing that the best way for me to get my training in, is to remove typical distractions around home.
As I drove from cabin to cabin to stock them with a few essentials before the clubbers arrived, I was greeted by many deer and squirrels. The area around the lake is beautiful and thriving from all the rain we've had. Everything was green and flowering. It's such a magical place to me.
Miss Stella Tong, here, played CHEF for the weekend. She did an AMAZING job cooking breakfast-lunch and dinner for the whole lot of 44 who came into the staff cabin for meal times. Each meal time was bonding and refueling, talking about the drive up, the latest workout, and our race goals.
The first morning the crew headed out for a swim or a run. Most swam. TriAtheltix coaches, Ian Murray, Jamie Silber & Konrad Riberio all led swims at various levels. The lake was cold, but thankfully, it had warmed up since the reported 51 a few weeks before. 
TriAthletix.com (LA Tri Club's official coaching team), also led a Transition Clinic. Everyone came out to play at Transitions for awhile - absorbing tips to shave off a few seconds and minutes.
Saturday morning the entire group gathered before we cycled off for the 56-mile hilly offering. Peter Brantley even did it twice (in the middle of training for Ironman). Everyone was super excited to get out there. I wish this photo were better, but there were too many people and all those bikes.... ; )
Part of the leader pack, stopping for some sag support. Brian Morel, Jamie Silber, Lawrence Fong & Michael Murphy.
A group of LATC TriCHICKS at sag support. My prius, of course, served the group well! Check out how lovely our weather was??!! So beautiful -- perfect for the ride. 
Saturday nite, the last night at Camp, we went around and most everyone in the group had a chance to stand up and share something personal about themselves. It was a really nice touch, and we got to know so many fun (and scary, and interesting, and silly), things about each other. 
This is Kristen, telling her personal story (sorry, what goes to LATC Camp, stays at LATC Camp)... but, I wanted to include her here to share that she's my little YAS project. Kimberly Fowler of YAS put us together because Kristen's personal goal for this year is to become a Triathlete and complete Wildflower... she's been working out with me and my regular circle, and she's such a joy to be around. I'm so happy she's joined our clan!! 
One thing I have yet to add is, after all of the planning and excitement I felt putting the Camp together, I actually got sick as a dog, and was not able to workout myself while there! It's tragic, isn't it??!! But, I guess it's a blessing in a way too, because I was able to take lots of photos, answer countless questions, and really devote myself to the campers, which was extremely gratifying. Additionally, I had a BIG FIRST at Camp: I taught two yoga classes to the campers! It was a milestone for me... and, so I came home with nothing but smiles. I can't wait to plan another. See you at WILDFLOWER.
Niece & Nephew Report - Easter '08
My brother had a big pile o' dirt delivered to their house in DC, so the can make a garden. Finn and Merete had a ball digging for worms and playing in it. This snap is so hilarious. I can't wait to dig it up when they are 16.
Master FINN! How sweet is he? He's taken to playing the harmonica in the shower (water off). Maybe he'll be a musician.
Merete got her name on the gym call for the jumping rope. She was soooo excited. Apparently, if you're good enough (I guess), you get your name on the wall at her school gym, and it's quite an honor. She's also taken up hoola hoop-ing. I've asked her to show me her skills when I see the kids in June.
Here is Merete, with her visiting Kasik Grandparents, Dot & Kurt (Stina's folks, from NH). Everyone in the family dotes on Merete & Finn, especially their Grandparents! (rightfully so!).
My brother had a big pile o' dirt delivered to their house in DC, so the can make a garden. Finn and Merete had a ball digging for worms and playing in it. This snap is so hilarious. I can't wait to dig it up when they are 16.
Master FINN! How sweet is he? He's taken to playing the harmonica in the shower (water off). Maybe he'll be a musician.
Merete got her name on the gym call for the jumping rope. She was soooo excited. Apparently, if you're good enough (I guess), you get your name on the wall at her school gym, and it's quite an honor. She's also taken up hoola hoop-ing. I've asked her to show me her skills when I see the kids in June.
Here is Merete, with her visiting Kasik Grandparents, Dot & Kurt (Stina's folks, from NH). Everyone in the family dotes on Merete & Finn, especially their Grandparents! (rightfully so!). 
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