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For refreshment after triathlon, get in the swim

By JESSICA FISH
Published May 10, 2006

For many area multisport competitors, last week's training centered around St. Anthony's Triathlon recovery and rest. Club rides were noticeably more relaxed, and pools from Dunedin to Sarasota were packed with swimmers looking to refresh their legs.

"We always see so many of our St. Pete Mad Dogs trying to ramp up their swimming as all these Ironman events get closer,'' said SUN Masters swim team coach Joe Biondi.

"Pools tend to get the most crowded right before St. Anthony's Triathlon, with everybody wanting to swim their best out there,'' Biondi said. "But, triathletes are a smart bunch, and they know that there's a way to use your swimming workouts to recover from major events. I've been getting calls from competitors who did well last week, and now they are wanting to shine at Ford Ironman 70.3, in just a few weeks. Swimming can help them do that.''

Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida is May 21 at Walt Disney World Resort. Race distances are the half Ironman distance - swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1. The start will be at Bay Lake near Fort Wilderness Campground. Many locals are staying at the Fort Wilderness Lodge, or in cabins at Fort Wilderness.

"Volunteers have already contacted us about working on the race again this year,'' Ford Ironman 70.3 race director Tom Ziebart said. ''I think that the future of the Ironman 70.3 brand is strong, and I'm really glad to be involved in something as groundbreaking as this new series.''

The field is closed but volunteers can still sign up for race weekend. Check www.floridahalfironman.com for information.

GIVING BACK TO THE SPORTS: Coaching, officiating, and volunteering are all ways for triathletes and bicycle racers to give back to their sports, whether they are retired or not.

Two-time Olympian Hunter Kemper (2000, 2004) recently volunteered at the Meek & Mighty Mini-Triathlon in St. Petersburg, the day before he placed second overall at St. Anthony's Triathlon.

"Volunteering at triathlons, especially at the kids' events is so enjoyable, and it's all about giving back to our sport,'' Kemper said. "That's how I got started in triathlons, where I grew up near Clermont. I started out years ago, with Ironkids and the Meek & Mighty - those kinds of triathlons that are all over Florida. I love the looks on the kids' faces. They may not know right then, that I was in the Olympics, but when they announced it, they like it a lot. They are in awe that Olympic triathletes would come out and cheer them on.''

IRONMAN BRAZIL: Ironman Brazil is May 28 in Florianopolis City, Brazil. It's a full Ironman distance - swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 13.1 miles.

Americans in the field include Floridians Seth Coblentz of Orlando, Claudia Junqueira of St. Petersburg, John Macedoof Clearwater and Harvey Zollerof Miami.

Live podcast and race results may be found at www.ironmanbrazil.com.

MAD BEACH TRIATHLON: The Mad Dog Madeira Beach Triathlon is June 17-18 at Archibald Park, 150th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard.

On June 17, there will be kids (ages 7-10 and 11-14), and adults mini-sprint races, beginning at 8 a.m. At 7 a.m. Sunday is the main event with distances of swim 0.5 mile, bike 15 miles, and run 3.1 miles. The post-race party starts at 8:30 a.m. and awards are at 11.

Last year's winners were Marty Gaal of Orlando in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 32 seconds and Palm Harbor's Sharon Beltrandelrio, 1:16:08.

Also among the top triathletes in last year's field: Dave Rowland, 44, Redington Beach; Bob Wagoner, 33, Seminole; Michael Cheezem, 52, St. Petersburg; Larry Yost, 76, Treasure Island; Charles Lasley, 84, Belleair; Kailand Cosgrove, 14, Tarpon Springs; Erin Kowal, 31, North Redington Beach; Laure Blum, 40, Pinellas Park; Lisa Plescia, 46, St. Petersburg; Karen Alexeev, 53, Gulfport; Carole Torreano, 57, Clearwater; Florence Delaney, 61, Palm Harbor; Sharon Miller, 71, St. Petersburg; and Jackie Yost, 78, Treasure Island.

Yost, a retired physical education teacher from North Carolina, has won every event she has entered this year.

Check www.madbeachtriathlon.com.

[Last modified May 10, 2006, 07:29:57]