New swim safety policy at Ironman Lake Tahoe




IM Utah, 2002. One swimmer drowned.

The World Triathlon Corporation is concerned about safety issues with some of their swim venues. Therefore, they came up with the “SwimSmart” initiative that will be rolled out in North America.

Latest ride report on the IM Lake Tahoe bike course

The course is in real good condition right now. The snow is long gone, the sand and gravel has been swept off the shoulders, and there is no glass or debris to worry about.

I started the loop course from Truckee where I live. There is a mild half mile climb up Donner Pass Road out of Truckee. The climb flattens at the freeway crossing, taking you through two round-abouts. You then travel downhill back under the freeway and across the bridge on Hwy. 267 over the Truckee River.

Click to enlarge.

Reflections on past Boston Marathons

Boston has always been a fun town to visit. It has unmatched historical points of interest as well as great restaurants and scenic places to run. My favorite time to visit Boston is in the spring when the leaves and flowers are just beginning to open. The snow has melted and the days are beginning to warm.

Spring is when runners get serious about their training for the Boston Marathon. The Marathon takes place on a special Monday every year. The third Monday in April is Patriots’ Day, a holiday for commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1975. These were early battles of the American Revolutionary War.

I have made the pilgrimage to Boston several times to join fellow athletes on the starting line of the Boston Marathon. The training runs along the Charles River, Race Expo, and pre-race pasta feed enhances the excitement for race-day. I am always amazed with how friendly and helpful Bostonian’s and visiting runners are. Everyone wants you to have a good run. The whole city is like family.

Early Kings Beach Photo

The beaches at Kings Beach are probably prettier now than they were 70 years ago.
The times have changed but the fun hasn't.



Circa 1940. (click to enlarge) What the heck is a triathlon?

Ironman Lottery and Legacy closes March 1

The March 1 deadline for the lottery and Legacy program is approaching. The Ironman Lottery, which began in 1983, is a way for non-qualifying athletes to gain entry into the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. This method never worked for me, but I know a number of athletes that have gotten in with the lottery.

The pier in Kona.

A new lottery option is called the Ironman Legacy Program. This system is a lottery for “loyal Ironman athletes”. To be eligible for the Legacy Program you must meet several criteria, such as having completed at least 12 full-distance Ironman Brand races.

There will also be five names drawn for the 2013 World Championship from the total applicants applying in the Physically Challenged categories.

The 2013 Ironman World Championship will be October 12. This will be the 34^th year of the event.

Ironman Lake Tahoe run course recognized by trail group

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy organization selected the Truckee River Bike Trail as their “Trail of the Month”. The IM run course is a double out and back on the Truckee River Bike Trail between Squaw Valley and Tahoe City.

Rails-to-Trails selected the trail for the “spectacular scenery” and because it follows the route of a tourist train that operated in the 1900’s. The tracks wound along the banks of the beautiful Truckee River. The railroad ceased operation in 1943, eventually making way for the Truckee River Bike Trail.

Tahoe Triathlon Training Camp this summer

Colleen Conners-Pace of Tahoe Peak Endurance is putting on a high altitude training camp (August 9-11) designed specifically for Ironman Lake Tahoe athletes. Colleen describes the camp as a "dress rehearsal" for the Ironman.

Camp participants will rehearse and practice their race day strategy, become familiar with the course, and learn how to deal with the altitude (6000-7000 feet).