Virginia and I have been in Southern California since Thanksgiving Day spending a long holiday with our daughter, Taite. We did our fair share of sight seeing on Friday, taking in the sights in Corona del Mar, Newport and Laguna.
It was especially fun since Taite has just gotten her real estate license and we could speculate about pricing procedures, perceived value, locations, etc. The real fun though started Saturday morning with the Turkey Trot Tri.
Taite's boyfriend, Jonathan Pauley (a fine young man who we like immensely) is the creator/owner of Renegade Racing and manages and produces races and triathlons all over Southern California. It was just our luck that one of his major races - the Turkey Trot Tri - a race and triathlon - was happening during our visit.
We were willingly drafted as volunteers for both the 5k and 10k races on Saturday and then the triathlon on Sunday. And that my friends is why I was up at 4:30 a.m. and off to the races.
The races kick off at 8:00a.m. but registration opens at 6:00a.m. and, of course, the "volunteers" had to be there by 5:00a.m. to help get things set up and ready. We traveled about 30 miles north to Bonelli Regional Park, taking coffee and breakfast snacks, bundled to the nines.
I was immediately designated as the race "greeter" - answering questions and helping folks with the registration process. Later I moved out onto the course to make sure the runners were taking the right turns.
There is a ton of prep work that goes into producing a race and learning about it from behind the scenes was fascinating. I have a whole new appreciation for the sport and the folks who make it possible.
The races were fun but the triathlon was amazing. The athletes, women and men, ranged in age from late teens to septuagenarians in all shapes and sizes. First up was the 1/2 mile swim in 60 degree water. Most swimmers wore wet suits but there were those hardy souls who took the plunge in Speedos.
Once out of the water, it was up a hill to the transition area and the bikes. According to USAT (United States Triathlon Association) rules, athletes must have their helmets buckled before leaving the chute but may not mount their bikes until after they leave the chute. Ear phones, for any device, are forbidden and can result in a 4 minute penalty.
After a 14 mile bike ride, the athletes transitioned one more time for the 4.5 mile run. The top athletes do the three part trial in a little over an hour, for others it can take longer, much longer. Watching the sense of pride and accomplishment on the face of each participant was absolutely worth my 4:30a.m. wake up call. Hats off to everyone!
We're heading back to Virginia tomorrow but we'll leave California with great memories and a new found skill - greeter and race course monitor!
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