Thursday's aquathlon looked doomed when early in the week the weather 
forecasters were predicting a strong summer storm beginning Thursday and lasting through the weekend. After living in southern California for 99% of my life you get used to the forecast being wrong, but my optimism was fading when it had rained over night and the forecast Thursday morning was still calling for rain and up to 20 mph winds.
Fortunately the forecasters were completely off base and Thursday turned out to be a beautiful day in and out of the water. There was a light breeze, air temperature was in the low 70's while the ocean temp was a wetsuit swim perfect 63-65 degrees with about 40' visibility. I went for a pre swim and could see the bottom all the way to where the shelf drops off. It was magical with the light rays filtering through the ocean!!
Now with summer winding down and school 
back in session, the beaches have been turned back over to the locals. During the summer we usually struggle to find a place to put the gear because the beaches are so crowded. It's nice to have our beaches, freeways and parking spaces back!!!
Registration got under way and with about 110 athletes we started the event a little earlier than normal due to the change in sundown times. Our membership director Michelle Panik, seen here with her pal Louie from his view point, did the course talk and we were off for the walk down to the Marine room for the start. There were a couple athletes that missed the start, so here is fair warning that we will be starting about 6:10 for the last event in October on the 11th.
As usual the start went off without a problem and coming third overall out of the water was club member and top age group racer, Laura Kephart who eventually went on to a second place finish behind Amanda Felder. Rounding out the top three women was Robin Grandl. Here is the womens podium proudly displaying the rice krispie medals. Remember, they may only be rice krispie treats, but you can say your trophy case contains at least one trophy shared with Kate Major!! Congrats!!
The men's field had some faces familiar with podium finishes. Jim Vance led the way followed by up and coming XTERRA`racer, following in the footsteps of his coach, James Walsh and San Diego's own longtime stud, active wear designer and wetsuit innovator Emilio DeSoto. Thanks guys for the great race and best of success at Kona Jim. I know, I know, you're only going for the experience this time :-)
As the transition, is this not the best transition area in the world!!, changed from remote setting to back to the athletes village the pizza and pasta Italian buffet began. Our special tonight with the cooling weather, was New England Style Clam Chowder and again, 
Elizabeth Daubner killed it with homemade cheesecake and chocolate cupcakes!! In the Aquathlon tradition, it was a great night at the world's best free race venue topped off with outstanding friendship. Thanks to everyone from the volunteers to the athletes who make these events spectacular!! See you in October for the last event of 2007.
I will be adding more video clips. Have to get to work and pay the bills.
Diane Black and Dave B. out warming up
Here are the first swimmer finishing and getting ready for the beach run.
Here Stacy Peterson has made the turn and is heading back to the pier for her second lap.
James Walsh, the second place mens finisher is seen here running down Amanda Felder who won for the womens. Time to work on that swim James!!
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