Goodbye Sentinel, hello Santa Cruz Triathlon

Where does the time go? It seems like racing season was just beginning and here we are, days away from the Santa Cruz racing season closer, the Santa Cruz Triathlon, formerly The Sentinel. This Sunday marks the 27th annual running on this fantastic Olympic distance event. Participants enjoy fantastic views as they swim around the Santa Cruz Wharf, ride out to Davenport, and run along West Cliff.

Zoomzer has raced this event numerous times and always has a great time. Well, not always, there was this one time too much alcohol was involved at a bachelorette party the evening before... but we won't go there!

This year's event welcomes 1,200 racers to town and promises some serious competition. Even if you're not racing, come out and witness the speed! While you're at it, stop by the Zoomzer booth and say hello. We'll be at the expo on Saturday and the finish line on Sunday. And if you review three races before the triathlon this Sunday, show us your reviews and we'll give you a free Zoomzer t-shirt!

Don't forget to review the Santa Cruz Triathlon when you're done!

Impressive times at the RCP Tiburon Mile

The South Pacific or Oceania - whatever you want to call it - dominated the scene at the RCP Tiburon Mile on Sunday September 13. New Zealand's Kane Radford and Australia's Melissa Gorman both toook home top honors at the 1.2 mile,750 swimmer, open water event.

Radford earned his keep, defeating two-time Tiburon Mile champion Vladimir Dyatchin, Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli, and defending RCP champion Trent Grimsey, scoring a $10,000 winner-take-all first prize.

The women's race throned Gorman a clear winner, as she finished ahead of Eva Fabian of Greenwood Swim Club and Chloe Sutton of the Mission Viejo Nadadores.

Overall men's results: 1. Kane Radford, New Zealand, 22:13 2. Trent Grimsey, Australia, 22:18 3. Vladimir Dyatchin, Russia, 22:50 4. Ous Mellouli, Tunisia, 23:47 5. Andrew Beato, Australia, 23:58 6. John Koehler Jr., USA, 24:20 7. Thiago Pereira, Brazil, 24:23 8. Brendan Capell, Australia, 24:42 9. Zach Hansford, Australia, 24:44 10. Ben Hinshaw, USA 25:17

Overall women's results: 1. Melissa Gorman, Australia, 24:06 2. Eva Fabian, USA, 24:08 3. Chloe Sutton, USA, 24:09 4. Britta Kamrau, Germany, 24:24 5. Ekaterina Seliverstova, Russia, 24:41 6. Luane Rowe, Australia, 24:53 7. Stacey Hansford, Australia, 25:51 8. Taylor Nanfria, USA 25:58 9. Caitlin Leverenz, USA 26:00 10. Lauren Matevish, USA, 26:02

If you raced, leave a review on Zoomzer.com

Dirt Inspires Women's Trail Half Marathon runs into Aptos

This Sunday marks the first annual running of the Dirt Inspires Women's Trail Half Marathon in Aptos, California's Nisene Marks State Park. The race is the brainchild of accomplished adventure racer and triathlete, Terri Schneider. If you're a woman and consider yourself to be one of the more eco-friendly among us, this race was designed with you in mind!

If you've not visited Nisene Marks before, you are in for a real treat. Zoomzer is one lucky pup because we live at the park entrance and get to run, bike, hop and skip - yes, we have hopped and skipped there before - every single day! We enjoy this park and the beach at Seacliff State Park so much, that after moving to the area we canceled our gym memberships and solely recreate here. It is that awesome! There's this one section after you cross the steel bridge and go past a locked gate (about 3 miles from the main parking lot) that reminds me of some crazy forest scene from the old Ewok movies. It is a 500 yard straight away on the fire road, below gorgeous towering redwoods. No matter the time of day it is always dark on this one stretch. I am always waiting for Star Wars music to start blasting from the sky and for an Ewok to pop out from behind a tree. This is also the section where, if Quiddich was a real game, I'd play it in the tree tops with Harry Potter. I may have revealed too much of my nerdiness there!

Back to Terri's race... if you've not signed up, I believe there are still a few spots left. Zoomzer can guarantee that you will have a fantastic race and the 13.1 miles will fly by because you'll be consumed by the gorgeous scenery. And after you've raced, stop by the Zoomzer booth to say hello and to review the race. Or... you can review it when you get home. http://www.zoomzer.com/races/view/4596

Happy Zoomzering!

Santa Cruz Sprint Triathlon ups the ante this year

This weekend, August 9th, welcomes back the ever popular Santa Cruz Sprint Triathlon. If you were hoping to race, boo on you, it sold out weeks ago. If you are a friendly soul and just love giving your time to local events, I know they are on the hunt for volunteers, so shoot them an email if you can help. I hear they are handing our cool shirts and homemade cookies. Zoomzer is in! Look for us on the bike course.

This year looks to be an especially exciting race as the Santa Cruz Sprint Triathlon is hosting the USAT Southwest sprint distance, youth, and junior categories regional championships. The competition promises to be intense! The race has also been selected by the USAT Endurance Mobile Tour for 2009 which means two days of expo, music, video, and product samplings by national triathlon sponsors.

If you were lucky enough to get a spot in the race, or are a past competitor, stop by Zoomzer to leave your review.

http://zoomzer.com/races/view/4664

Barbs Half Ironman, Vineman Aquabike, and Full Vineman welcome the cool weather

In years past, the weekend of the Full Vineman, Vineman Aquabike, and Barb's Half Ironman can be insanely hot. We're talking 100 degrees as you trot along the half and full marathon course at 3pm in the afternoon. It is brutal! This weekend all us racers are lucky because the high is supposed to be 80 degrees in Windsor, how awesome is that? Call Al Gore!

As many of you know, the Vineman course is one of Zoomzer's favorites. Swimming in the Russian River, biking through Sonoma County winereies, and running the country roads just can't be beat... assuming the mercury stays down. We also love this event because it is held on a Saturday, not a Sunday like most half and full ironmans, which allows you a full day to recover before returning to work. Gotta love that!

If you're in Windsor/Santa Rosa tomorrow, August 1, 2009, stop by the transition and finsih venue at Windsor High School. It's a moving and inspiration expereince to watch people finish an Ironman, we always get a kick out of it. See you tomorrow!

Hundreds of Mermaids swam, biked, and ran to victory!

Yesterday, Sunday June 7, 2009, was race day for the Mermaid Fremont Triathlon, Duathlon, and Mini-Mermaid Run. Zoomzer not only attended, but participated in the fun, completing the 400 m swim, 10 mile bike, and 2.5 mile run in the Friends and Family division. If you are a woman and have not tried a Mermaid event or if you're a guy, have not attended one, you are missing out on a top notch, truly excellent athletic spectacle.

Zoomzer has been close friends with the race organizers and has had the priviledge to watch this organization develop from a small event to a huge, professionally run, all-around impressive triathlon race. Yesterday my jaw dropped to see how successfully they have progressed and how smoothly their events run. One of the best run events I have ever, ever participated in.

If you'd like to learn more about their events please see their site. And if you race yesterday at Fremont leave a review on Zoomzer. Your input is so valuable to other racers, just like you!

Successful Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Run

Yesterday Team Zoomzer raced the little known Morgan Hill Mushroom 5K and 10K. Jason did the 10K and rocked it, while I did the 5K and hmmm, didn't rock it. For a small, local race it was surprisingly well run and an all around fun event. Check out our reviews of the event on Zoomzer.com.

Post race we dined at the always delicious breakfast dive Betsy's in Morgan Hill. Any place that operates out of a bowling alley has to be somewhat cool. I'll even give them a shout out and post Betsy's Yelp.com review. Now if Yelp would only give me some love... ha!

Former triathlete pro Steve Larsen passes away

Zoomzer was so sad to hear the heartbreaking news that 39-year old former professional mountain biker, triathlete, and cyclist Steve Larsen died on Tuesday May 19, 2009. Steve was well known for his amazing racing career and his devotion to his wife and five children.

According to news reports, Steve collapsed in the middle of a track workout in Bend, Oregon. His brother Mike told VeloNews that an autopsy yesterday ruled out a heart attack or blood clot and determined that the cause of his brother's death was likely viral or tied to allergies.

Another life cut tragically short. Such a shame. RIP Steve, you will be terribly missed.

A shout out for Penni and Finishline Productions

Zoomzer cannot go on with its day today without mentioning yet another great event this weekend in Northern California. Local athlete turned fantastic race director, Penni Bengtson, and her production company Finishline Productions are hosting the Third Annual Marine Discovery Run tomorrow, Sunday May 17, 2009, right here in Santa Cruz, California.

Choose from the 5K, 10K or 1K kids event - no, big kids, that last distance is not for you! It is a gorgeous run in West Santa Cruz that starts and ends at the Long Marine Lab. Racers are treated to fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, a view that makes any run pass quickly! I believe there is still time to sign up. P/S it is nice and affordable and supports a great cause, the Marine Research and Conservation Program at UC Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Sciences. The race site says, "Your contributions will help support the expansion and construction of a state of the art facility totally dedicated to the study and support of the marine animals and their environment. This center will provide an invaluable resource for addressing larger conservation issues of wild marine animals by directly translating cutting edge research into the preservation of marine ecosystems. Working together as a community we can all aid in the conservation of our oceans and the unique marine animals the live below the waves. The entry fees you pay for this event goes directly to helping house and feed the animals already on site at the center, and to support future research."

So help a marine mammal in need, get a good workout, and support this great local race company. And as always, when you are done please post a review on Zoomzer.

Ohhhh UVAS!

I must admit, I am so jealous of all the athletes racing in the Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon tomorrow, May 17th. Zoomzer is attending the event but I know it is going to be really painful watching all the folks racing by on their shiny bikes and sprinting across the finish line. I want to do it! Why aren't you, you ask? Well, as all you athletes know, you have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to paying for races. $100 may not seem like much, but when you add that to the additional 5-10 races a year you are paying easily over a $1000 to run, bike, and swim around. Now, if I were a professional I could race for free... yeah, that's not gonna happen, although I will admit I was asked to try out for Team Alcis, but they never called me back. Haha, go back to the line that reads "that's not gonna happen."

Anyways... even though we aren't racing tomorrow we will be along the triathlon course. For a sprint it is a really excellent distance, not your usually 400m swim, 11 mile bike and 5km run. This is a legit race with a distance between a small sprint and a full Olympic distance. Even better will be the serious pro star wattage! According to the USA Productions website, such hotties, ahem, I mean athletes, as Chris McCormack, defending champ Brian Lavelle, Chris Lieto, and several other world and local pros, will be racing.

To make a great day even better, the weather is supposed to be superbly fantastic and hot this Sunday. Don't forget your sunscreen... and racers don't forget your SPF Body Glide - I love that stuff. And when you are done please review your performance on Zoomzer http://zoomzer.com/races/view/3834

Northern California centuries are here again!

The temperature is rising, the days are nice and long, and cyclists are racking up the miles. What better way to celebrate Spring and the coming start of Summer than with a lovely 100 miler or metric century in Northern California? Bay Area cyclists have two great rides to choose from this Sunday May 17th, the 4th Annual Foothill Century in Sunnyvale and Strawberry Fields Forever in Watsonville. Here's some background about both rides.

The Foothill Century (100K, 50K, and 10K distances), sponsored by the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School is rather unique in that it is "The Only Kosher Ride in the West!" They will be serving all kosher food at the rest stops - how cool! If you don't know what Kosher means then you either aren't Jewish or you haven't been paying attention to anything your whole life. Per Wikipedia -Kosher foods are those that conform to the rules of Jewish religion. Reasons for food being non-kosher include the presence of ingredients derived from non-kosher animals or from kosher animals that were not properly slaughtered, a mixture of meat and milk, wine or grape juice produced by only Rabbi, the use of produce from Israel that has not been tithed, or even the use of cooking utensils and machinery which had previously been used for non-kosher food. Now you know! So if you want to get a great workout this Sunday, want support a good group of kids, and eat some tasty Kosher treats, I think you've found your event. Go sign up, there are still open spots. When you're done please let Zoomzer know what you thought of the event. http://zoomzer.com/races/view/4671

The other ride this Sunday is one of my favorites, Strawberry Field's Forever. Why do I love this race so much? I love it for numerous reasons, namely the start is less than 10 miles from Zoomzer headquarters, they serve insane amounts of delicious food along the course, and the views are beautiful. (Granted, I am sure the afore mentioend Foothill Century is just as grand, but I've never had the opportunity to attend!) The Strawberry Field ride also holds a dear spot in my heart because it was part of the inspiration for starting Zoomzer. At the half way lunch stop the race director was passing around a yellow legal pad asking for the rider's feedback. Zoomzer knew there had to be a better way, not only to gather racer feedback but also to share that feedback with other riders. Inspiration... thank you Strawberry Fields! If you'd like to see some past reviews on this race or want to leave your own, check out the Zoomzer race page at http://zoomzer.com/races/view/115

Have a great ride and wear those helmets!

-Zoomzer

Now

Recapping The Relay and Wildflower

This past weekend Zoomzer was a busy bee, buzzing up and down the Central California Coast cheering on friends at both Wildflower triathlon and The Relay - a run from Calistoga to Santa Cruz. Contrary to what the weatherman said, it did not rain at Wildflower. Instead, it was extremely hot and Team Zoomzer had to spring for a new pair of running shorts because wearing the one pair of jeans we brought was unbearable. As usual, Wildflower was packed and there were the typical post-race cheers and jeers about how Tri California runs, or as some would say, doesn't run, its races. There were some not so happy reviewers this year!

Sunday Zoomzer left the sun of Lake Nacimiento and headed north to the cold, rainy Relay finish line in Davenport, just a few miles outside of Santa Cruz. At 5pm there were still dozens of groups crossing the finish line. The race concept is rather simple, get a team of 12 people - co-ed or not - start in Calistoga and take turns running anywhere from four to ten mile legs, three times each until you get to Santa Cruz. Most teams start on Saturday around 10 in the morning and finish in the afternoon on Sunday. All the teams looked really tired, except Team Google, which allegedly gets the royal corporate treatment, unlike all the other poor racers who have to fend for themselves. One thing we were really surprised to hear is that you pay a registration fee but you get absolutely nothing for it. There are aid stations but you have to pay for your own food, there are no course marshals, and no support - other than what you supply yourselves. Interesting.

If you raced either Wildflower or The Relay, please go to Zoomzer and leave a review.
Wildflower - http://zoomzer.com/search?search=&location=Lake+Nacimiento%2C+CA&month=&x=0&y=0
The Relay http://zoomzer.com/races/view/4656

This weekend Team Zoomzer will be in San Francisco and Marin promoting the site, so keep an eye out for the signs... we'll be looking for all of you.

Grab your road bike and tent - Wildflower is here!

For Team Zoomzer, Wildflower Triathlon marks the beginning of triathlon season. For some, particularly the Team in Training crowd, this is their A race, but for many more it is just the first of a jam packed racing season. There are lots and lots of people dressed in TNT purple.

Wildflower is a must for any triathlete within driving distance of Central California. Yes, it is rather pricey, the camping is extremely overpriced, the location is in the middle of no where, and you are stuck at the venue between the hours of 8am and 4pm each day - but I think almost every triathlete would agree that you have to do it at least once. What made this event fun was not Wildflower per se, but the people we went with. Our triathlon team, Santa Cruz Traithlon Association, had a huge tent camp with about 50 people. We all cheered for each other, drank it up after our races, and cheered for the Cal Poly naked runners Saturday evening.

I can't say that I would have ever signed up for this race, for the afore mentioned reasons, but we were originally doing the Treasure Island Triathlon in San Francisco in November 2007 (run by the same organization at Wildflower) and five days before the race a super tanker crashed into the Bay Bridge spilling oil into the Bay. This made swimming conditions unsafe and the triathlon was canceled, then last minute changed into a bike/run event. We weren't interested in going since the smell of oil was overpowering, so Tri California offered us half our entry fee towards another of their races. We picked Wildflower. Otherwise, I don't think I would have paid $100 for the mountain bike sprint triathlon and another $100 plus for the camping site.

Whatever, sometimes having fun costs money! If you had a great time (or a not so great time) at Wildflower in the past or in 2009, please leave your review of either the mountain bike sprint, olympic distance tri, or half ironman tri. http://zoomzer.com/search?search=wildflower&location=Lake+Nacimiento%2C+CA&month=&x=0&y=0

Grab your sunscreen, sleeping bag, and tent - go to the bank, take out some hundreds - and have a great weekend!

Human Race races again in Marin

On May 9th more than 4,000 runners and walkers will meet for the always enjoyable Marin Human Race in San Rafael, California. Per their website, this race is the largest collaborative fundraiser in Marin County and has raised millions of dollars since 1983. The course is a mostly flat American Track and Field certified looping 5K. There are over a dozen local bands playing along the course and there are four free kids' races: 50-yard, 100-yard, 200-meter and 400-meters. Yes, you read that correctly... free races for your kiddos! All children finishers receive a ribbon. How cool!

My family and I used to do this race in the 1990's when we lived in Marin. If I remember correctly, it used to be run in Greenbrae/Larkspur Landing and you'd run along the bike path. Start and finish were in the ferry parking lot. I am almost certain that this is the same race that got moved to a new venue. After the race they always had great music, a pancake breakfast, and lots of fun booths/displays to browse.

Running in the Human Race is a great way to give back to the Marin community. The race is able to pass about 90% of all donations raised to the community and last year returned over $350,000 for the benefit of 115 nonprofits and schools. That's even cooler than the free kids' races.

If you are looking for something to do on Saturday May 9 head out to the Marin Human Race to either run, walk, donate, or volunteer. You'll be so glad that you did! And after you do the race please stop by Zoomzer and leave a review of the event and let others know about what a great time you had! http://zoomzer.com/races/view/122

Happy racing and fundraising!

It's time to Gallop with the Gauchos in Santa Barbara

This weekend marks the second annual running of the Gauchos Gallop 5K and 10K at the UC Santa Barbara campus lagoon. That's right, a lagoon. Thank goodness it is not a triathlon, they might make you swim in it. I sat next to that lagoon once, completely hungover, attending a UCSB graduation in the boiling heat. Tough times. Ok, back to the point...

Here's the blurb from their site - Race alongside the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean and past many UCSB landmarks. Bring your pooch for the pre-race Dioji Dog Dash and then drop them off at the Dioji Doggie Lounge. Celebrate your finish in style at the Finish Line Festival, with music, vendor booths, Woodstocks pizza, an awards ceremony and raffle for great prizes. A doggie race! Oh I am so in... if Zoomzer lived in Santa Barbara. Do you even know how happy our pooch Boomer would be to be included in the race? He'd probably pass out from excitement!

If you are in the area and are looking for something fun to do this weekend, definitely check out these two great races and all the other cool events http://www.gauchogallop.com/ and when you are done don't forget to review the races at Zoomzer.com!

Gaucho Gallop 10K review page http://zoomzer.com/races/view/536
Gaucho Gallop 5K review page http://zoomzer.com/races/view/537

Happy Galloping!

Come on out for the 2nd Annual Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes this Friday and Saturday!

Where is Nisswa, Minnesota? In all honesty I am not sure, I've only been to Minnesota once for a whirlwind business trip to Minneapolis - which, if I may say, is one heck of a cool city! Check it out sometime and don't forget your running shoes. Nothing starts your day better than a cool morning run alongside the Mississippi River! Ok, enough about Minneapolis, today we are talking about Nisswa, located about 145 miles north of Minneapolis. Nisswa is home to the second annual Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes this Friday April 24 and Saturday April 25. Zoomzer won't be at the race - we'll be at Big Sur - but we thought we should offer three reasons why all you Minnesotians or whatever you call yourselves, should check out this cool race!

1 - It is so afforadable!! Any marathon that costs $50 for late resistration is a deal. That alone should be a reason to show up Saturday morning!
2 - You run on the Paul Bunyan Trail - that just sounds rustic and cool. Keep an eye out for Babe the Blue Ox!
3 - It looks to be a flat and fast course. According to the race website total elevation gain is something like 8 meters. There are going to be some PRs this weekend.

After you've raced please stop by Zoomzer and leave us your feedback. We'd really love to hear what you thought of the event! http://zoomzer.com/races/view/1847

Big Sur Marathon this weekend

It has probably been said one too many times, but I think it is safe to say that Zoomzer.com has officially been launched. By "officially" I mean we spammed the 1000+ people in our email list and asked them to check it out. Response so far has been fantastic, except for one small personal debacle. Otherwise, all is grand in Zoomzer land and this weekend we are off to promote the site and cheer on our friends at the world famous Big Sur International Marathon in, you guessed it, Big Sur, California. Only two people have reviewed this race so join the fun and add your comments http://zoomzer.com/races/view/99 It is a great opportunity to brag about your performance and to let the race directors know what you thought about the race.

Big Sur is a race beyond my ability at this point in time. Come on, I have some legit excuses that I refuse to mention here. Although the Zoomzer team has raced a couple of Ironmans, there is something particularly daunting about this race. My mom and uncle have competed in it a few times and said the gravitational pull on some of the tight corners make for one heck of a tough run. Yes, the views are second to none but they both said this race kicks your booty. On the race homepage there is a quote that absolutely resonates with Zoomzer- Finishing a marathon is a life-changing experience…finishing Big Sur will enrich your soul - anything that enriches my soul, sign me up. Oh wait, I didn't train and I think it is sold out. Next year?

Keep an eye out for the "Review THIS Race - Zoomzer.com" signs being held up along the course. Don't just look at the view, look at us! We'll be there at the end cheering for all you amazing finishers. Please let Team Zoomzer know if you see anyone competing in the marathon wearing a pair of Sketchers tennis shoes. We have a bet going that someone - there has to be someone - will run in a pair. Take a picture and let us know!

Happy Zooming all you Racers! Good luck and let's see a PR at Big Sur. And Polly you can go Sub-4, you rock!

Happy Rainy Monday Evening Everyone!

Today was a monumental day for the Zoomzer family! The site is almost ready - yes, we say that a lot - the first beta launch has been sent out to a few family members and the bugs are coming in.

Later this week when we get time we'll start blogging more about local racing events. As Winter is wrapping up the roads are once again filled with cyclists preparing for Spring's races. The pool is packed again and the muddy trails are full of smiling runners. Many of our friends are getting ready for April's Big Sur Marathon. Zoomzer will be there cheering on all the runners and getting in some promo time. Speaking of Big Sur, stop by www.zoomzer.com to leave a review of the race. I don't think any one has left a review yet. Be the first!

Another popular race is just around the corner - the Wildflower race series. First weekend in May all us crazy triathletes will be down at Lake Nacimiento braving the crazy Cal Poly kids, the hills and wind, and the stupidity of sleeping in a tent before a half Ironman race. Idiotic really. Again, stop by www.zoomzer.com to leave your review of either the Wildflower Mountain Bike Sprint, the Olympic triathlon, or the half ironman. Sorry, someone has already left a review or two, but you can be the third.

Happy training everyone. Stay safe, wear your helmets, watch out for crazy drivers. We can't wait to see you all at the races!

More work than we expected

I'd be curious to know the average time of day that most people blog. I am going to make a guess and say that 90% of blogging happens after 10pm and before 2am. I think it's threefold - first, it is usually the only time of day that is slow enough to have time to blog; second, blogging is a great way to stall going to bed; and three, this time of night is often folk's most creative hour. Know the lamest part? I've done two blog posts in almost three months and I am acting like I am some regular blogger. That is officially lame. I am lame.

So another Zoomzer update. We are getting so close, I can't believe it. Site went live today and we are working though all the bugs. We're hoping to do a beta launch within a week. Just gotta get the ad networks up and running. Oh yeah that, plus work full time on our other jobs, train/exercise (what the hell is that, I don't do that anymore - i can't believe I've actually trained for Ironmans, I don't even walk 5 minutes a day now), commute, study for GMAT, apply to grad school, get second thoughts about applying to grad school. Do I follow my dreams and apply to Oxford, Cambridge or INSEAD? Or do I play it safe and save my hard earned money, which pays all those damn mortgages, and go to San Jose State or Santa Clara? Or do I blow the whole wad and apply for the two year program at Stanford. Why am I such an education brand elitist? Why am I rambling about grad school on our athletic review website blog? See post above about what time it is.

So, I am going to try and do this more frequently. Yeah right.