David Groom
July 31, 2008
Santa Barbara Triathlon Club Profile
Name: David Groom, The Pres, Slimey ( ask me )
Years in Triathlon: 9, my first one was the Santa Barbara Tri, 1999
Employment: David Groom Insurance Agency. I’ve been an insurance broker for 29 years
Family Life: Married to Liz since March 2006 and am helping raise her daughter Emily who is nearly 11. I also have two children from my previous marriage. Amy who is 30 and teaches 5 the grade in Portland and Chris who is 28 and works and lives in Las Vegas.
My Hero: Difficult question. I don’t think I have any true hero’s. I admire lots of people, particularly Willy Stewart, who always manages to stay positive, kicks butt, and also gives back to our sport, while dealing with a disability that makes everything just that much more difficult.
Athletic Background: Played soccer, rugby and cricket in high school, then coached soccer and softball when my kids were growing up. Started running in the mid 90’s as part of the soccer coaching.
Favorite Race and why: Vineman 2006. You know what it’s like when something just ‘comes together’? That’s how I felt that day. Came first in my age group and qualified for the Hawaii Ironman that year.
Worse Race and why: Lots of them, but I have now learned to get something good out of every race. It’s not always about PR’ing, or racing your hardest, particularly as you get older, but if I had to pick one it would be my first running race in 1993, The Resolution Day 10k. I only made it half way and had to quit because I wasn’t ready for the distance. Didn’t race again until the next Summer but came back much more prepared.
This years goals: Stay healthy, have fun and get ready for a bigger year next year. Also continue to work at building the Tri Club into a fun, energetic team that Santa Barbarans are proud to be associated with.
In five years I hope to: Be doing the same things I’m doing now. I want to be a better photographer so that when this journey comes to an end I can still be a part of it and still contribute, but in a different way. I want to be able to capture the excitement of our sport as I watch Lizzie move into her best years.
Something most people do not know about me: As one of my best friends always warns, beware of worlds colliding!!! If you don’t know about Geminis’ then hang with me for a couple of weeks, you’d be on a wild ride. The energy and attention span of a 6 year old, you’d be creating in the kitchen, dancing until your legs hurt, taking pictures, travelling, entertaining, swimming naked in the river, camping in the desert with 45,000 of my closest friends……and you’d be doing it in a different costume every day. Oh! you’d also be vice president of the Tri Club!
Mid week musing
July 30, 2008
Hey Dave
The numbers are dwindling at track…though, the dedicated few keep a comin’
20 x 400 m with 30 sec rest after each 400
First 10 laps at pace between 10k and 5 k pace
Second 10 laps 5k pace and faster…progressively going all out as you get closer to the 20th lap.
And a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ZACH KOMON…33 years yesterday!
Later
Amanda
I want to add a few things that probably need your attention, particularly the applications for the Carpinteria Triathlon. This needs to be given to Kyle if you want to take advantage of the group discount. He’ll be at Nite Moves tonight and possibly the Friday swim and Saturday ride, after that you’re on your own.
Carpinteria Triathlon group discount: We get a 15% group discount if we register 10 or more members, that means the cost is $80.75 for the Oly course and $63.75 for the sprint, entries must be mailed together before August 15th. Kyle has volunteered to be the front man on this, so here’s what you need to do. Go to the Carp web page at www.carpinteriatriathlon.com and download the application, fill it out and write the check. If you know Kyle give at to him before Sunday August 10th, if you don’t know him e-mail him at kvisin@gmail.com. He’ll give you his address or arrange to get the application and check from you before that date. If you’re not a USAT member add $10. Please don’t ask to be included with the discount after August 10th, you’re on your own then.
As we approach the Santa Barbara Triathlon I know there will be some drops and a possible chance for people to get involved even if they hadn’t planned to. From Fred:
A guy I know from Los Aptos, who I race against in my AG at WF, is coming down to race the SB Tri. His wife got a relay team together but their runner bailed on them, so he asked me if I knew anyone that would want to run in a mixed relay team, he said they’re pretty quick. I remember lots of people emailing me before asking about relay team hook-ups, so hopefully you’ll have some info, or can post a request.
Quick runners, let me know.
Also if you are looking for a biker for a relay team, I have pulled out of the full race because of an injury but can still ride a little!! It would be fun to still participate so I don’t need to be on the winning team, just the most fun one!
Talking about Tri’s this weekend is the Goleta Summer Try put on by Paul, check my previous e-mails for details if you are planning on doing it and haven’t signed up yet. That’s Sunday so get on it if you want to participate.
Finally another one from Fred, if you can’t make it to our Friday evening swim, 6.00pm at East Beach then you may be able to make Goleta Beach at noon:
Also, for the next three weeks, there will be a group of us swimming at Goleta Beach at noon, meeting at the life guard tower west of the pier. The Ocean Ducks meet there every week, so we’re just joining in the fun. You can swim as far as you like, the main options being the buoy line out and back, or some people head off towards campus point for a longer swim.
People can contact me if they have any questions about either of these or Fred at fredmaggiore@yahoo.com.
OK watch for Friday Fun Facts, I’ll have a few pictures from Steve’s Tri posted by then and may throw in a couple from Friday night with The Roman Glowlights.
The Pres.
ps Happy Birthday Sandy Roberts…today…way to go ‘Old Guys’
Steves’s Tri – 2008 Results
July 28, 2008
Wait a minute, there were no timing chips, no mats, no USAT gendarmes pointing us to the sin bins, no wrist bands, no body marking, none of the usual trappings of triathlon race management. So what results? Results have been defined, there are many views, as ‘a favorable or concrete outcome or effect’. So it is possible to have non-quantifiyable results and Steves Tri can be viewed as a little lab experiment in alternative triathlon. Since I only did the swim, due to an overworked knee and bikes in many states of alteration, I had the opportunity to participate and also view the action. The swim was preceeded by a very thorough swim clinic, given by Mateo, covering techniques such as water entry and exit, complete with demos by Mateo and critiques of water exit as the athletes completed the swim. Competition was slightly masked by the lack of race pressure and the most appealing aspect , the lack of the ‘race face’, made this an easygoing affair, with competition seemingly less important. Although I was bumped a few times in the swim, I managed to avoid re-living the terror of the IMCDA swim, but triathletes are inherently competitive so this can be expected. Hence, the results of Steve’s Tri can be viewed as a favorable outcome if for no other reason that a group of athletes assembled to honor a fallen comrade and to repeat the triad of athletic activities that bond them all. Thanks Steve. VB
Zach Komon
July 26, 2008
Santa Barbara Triathlon Club Profile
Name: Zach Komon
Years in Triathlon: 0.817 as of today. Carp ‘07 was my first (it was gentle with me)
Employment: Project Manager, Chemical Programs at GRT, Inc. (basically I’m a PhD chem nerd who makes sure stuff gets done)
Family Life: Beautiful, funny and supportive wife, Janice. We have 2 chinchillas (our chinchildren), Mister and The Dread Pirate Roberts
My Hero: I know it’s cliched, but I’d have to say my dad. Or Batman.
Athletic Background: Soccer since I was 6 (retired at 26 after an amazing shutout playing keeper); High School Track – 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, 4×400 relay; Long hiatus where I got fat; Starting running again April 2004 to get back in shape;
Began racing again in November 2006
Favorite Race and why: Running: Santa Cruz Mts (PCTR) 29K trail race (06/2007): Awesome trail, 1st in AG, 2nd overall; Tri: Ventura: Just had a lot of fun and finished about 2 minutes faster than I thought I could.
Worse Race and why: There are a lot of races that are worse than the favorites, just by definition 
; Worst would be Nite Moves 9/5/07. First swimming race, no wetsuit, freezing water, never swam 1K before that. Needless to say it didn’t go well. I ended up side-stroking for most of it and the scissor-kick jacked up my left leg for a good 2 months after that. On top of that, no one was taking numbers when I got out of the water so I didn’t get my swim split and they counted me as a runner-only when I finished so the results show that I did a 50+ minute 5K. I’m not bitter about that at all!
This years goals: Sub 40 10K – done; Sub 60 15K – done; Qualify for Boston – done (OK that was just a general goal, not necessarily for this year),Finish Olympic Tri – done; Finish SB Long course – coming up!; Beat Josh & Brian at Pier to Peak ;
<8hr 9 Trails – November
In five years I hope to: remain mostly uninjured; Be able place in AG for triathlons; Have a 50 miler under my belt; have completed a 1/2 IM and plans for a full
Something most people do not know about me: I have 2 of something most people only have one of . . . . . middle names! (get your mind out of the gutter)
Carpinteria Triathlon
July 23, 2008
As you know Kyle is spearheading the early sign up for the Carpinteria Triathlon. If you are planning on doing it, read this, it’s important:
There have been a number of people that have asked the best way to get me the application waiver and money. Remember you need to fill out the application and sign the waiver. You can find the application and waiver here http://www.carpinteriatriathlon.com/PDFs/CarpTriEntryForm08.pdf . The cost is $80.75 for the Olympic and $63.75 for the sprint. There is no discount for relays. Remember to include $10 if you do not have a USAT membership. I will be mailing them on Monday August 4th so you have about 2 weeks. Make sure you get it to me by that date. Thanks.
The best ways to get all of that are the following.
1. You can drop it off at my work Asylum Research. The Address is: 6310 Hollister Ave. You can call me when your dropping it off (661) 733-1604 or just leave it with the receptionist.
2. I’m normally at track workouts on Tuesday and nite moves on wed. So you could just hand it to me that way.
3. I live at 2310 Anacapa St. SB CA 93105 and you can leave it in the mail box (which is at the door) or mail it to me.
If you have any questions shoot me and email kvisin@gmail.com or call me (661) 733-1604
Thanks Guys,
Kyle
Steve’s Tri and Track
July 23, 2008
Steve’s Tri is Saturday July 26that Goleta Beach. You DO NOT need to sign up, just show up. It’s free, fun and a great chance to practice in a friendly environment without the pressure of race nerves, clocks and timing chips. We’ll start at 7.30am and be in the water for Mateo’s open water swimming clinic at 7.45am, sharp. If you are not doing the clinic be there at 8.00am for a race start of 8.15am. If you are not planning on actually racing but would like to help please e-mail Scott DeVorre and let him know you are available. That would probably be all of you Vineman participants who will be resting that weekend after a fantastic race!!! Scott can be reached at ironscotty@aol.com or scott.devore@dako.com
A short course triathlon (approximately ½ mile, 12 mile, 3 mile)
A no pressure, no cost, everyone welcome, swim/bike/run at your own pace, “training event.”
When? 8:00 AM, Saturday July 26th
Swim Down to the pier and back swim with kayak support.
Bike Ride the bikepath towards
Run Run up into UCSB, run around the lagoon, head around campus point, and then back to
at approximately one mile and two miles.
Volunteers needed Don’t feel like training? Come on out and watch your friends have fun and help out.
Drinks and snacks will be provided for all participants, friends, and volunteers, and lots of free stuff to give away.
So look forward to seeing you all there.
Hey Dave
Last night’s track…
4 x 2000m with 3:30 rest in between
Laps1,2,4 at 10 k pace
Laps 3,5 at 5k pace
Great effort from all who attended!
That’s from Amanda.
Margaret Learmonth
July 23, 2008
Santa Barbara Triathlon Club Profile
Name: Margaret Learmonth
Years in Triathlon: First race in April 2003…this is my 6th year racing.
Employment: Owner, All Buildings West, selling pre-manufactured steel buildings
Family Life: Just married in February to Glyn, two very supportive parents, one older brother and even better sister-in law:)
Athletic Background: NCAA Swimmer at PITT, but realized college was more fun without all the training and transferred to UCLA, but not to swim.
Favorite Race and why: 2 favorites: 1. Ironman CDA which was my 1st Ironman, got to train with Glyn and some great gals in town, and see all the hardwork pay off. 2. Florida Budlight/Publix Summer series because the races were small, the best ocean swims/beach runs, and it was CHEAP…ahhh racing before it got popular.
Worse Race and why: Chicago Triathlon because you have to wait 4+ hours after transition closes to race…Glyn was already drinking cold beer by the time I started!
This years goals: Travel and only train for 1 race, Silverman Half in November
In five years I hope to: Kiddies running around driving us crazy!
Something most people do not know about me: I don’t know, I’m pretty much an open book!
Vineman Report
July 23, 2008
ALL AROUND PR @ VINEMAN 70,.3 FOR SBTC
YES, we got EXCEPTIONALLY lucky on the weather this year. Instead of a grueling sunny 100 degree run, we were treated to fog cover that simply refused to dissipate until sometime after noon. Weather was at best in the low 70’s with fresh crisp air to breathe.
So personally I only have one other 70.3 (Wildflower), but a handful of other tris to compare this one too. And despite its distance (LONG, so far as I am concerned), it is my favorite event. You begin with a most lovely swim in the Russian River (damned, negligible current), where you get to swim under and back a couple of bridges. The water seemed a balmy 75 degrees (which made a lovely warming effect getting in from the cool air), tho they measured the temp at the darkest, deepest spot to call it 70 and give us wet suit legal. This is the town of Guerneville, just northwest of Santa Rosa.
From Guerneville’s swim, you proceed a fabulous point to point bike course, along rolling hills of endless wineries and vineyards, to the town of Windsor, home of T2 and the finish. Lee Carter once told me, the hardest part of Vineman for him was not stopping to taste at all the fabulous wineries along the way. The run is another rolling hill out and back thru vineyards, where there is a beautiful 1 mile turn around thru La Crema Winery. The smell of grapes seemed a far more tempting choice at that point than endurance Gatorade. The course is exceptionally well organized. And a fabulous post race meal (grilled chicken or veggie sandwiches, pasta salad, and fresh fruits).
Now, unless you are Andrew Maxwell (Dad Gary very impressive 5:25 Sunday), this is not a wise race to pick if you are podium-focused. In fact, one of my favorite things about Vineman 70.3 is how indeed humbling it is. (this year I had a PR beyond my wildest dreams, and came in 19th in my age group). The pro finish times ranged 3:49 to 4:48. The age groupers ranged 4:53 to 9:43. Our own awesome John Nelson, age 50-54 age group, kicked butt in 5:15. Unfortunately for him, thet top two guys in his age group were among those with the best overall times of 4:53 (!), but he still came in a healthy13th. Sandy Robers and Doug Black, training partners and first timers to 70.3, aka “I just want to finish and would really like to break 7 hours” finished in a smashing 5:49 and 6:14 respectively. It was also great to see both fabulous and smiling performances by other first timers Elda Rudd and Marie Schnyer. Peter Neilson PR’d by one hour. And Sara-I’m-too-cold-to-ride-Mandes came back in the run to do an amazing 1:34 1/2 marathon. We had a great representation from SB, and I apologize for not getting to know all of us, and hear all of your stories to share.
PS. If you are considering Vineman, I highly recommend making your reservations in December-January, and staying in the town of Guerneville. It is such a treat to get to walk 1 mile over to the race start in the morning. And there are several delicious restaurants within walking distance. Redwoods to hike in, if you are also so inclined. And too many wineries to choose from, including Korbel, just 1.5 miles down the road. Feel free to contact me for lodging and dining recommendations.
Andrea Stouffer