Jason May and Melanie Webber, two local triathletes, have excelled in competition and both started out in the pool, the Culver City Plunge. One has reached the elite level and the other is a novice swimmer, but they both enjoy the sport and the time they spend swimming laps at Culver City’s pool.
Triathlon season is approaching. Both are gearing up again.
Ms. Webber has competed in nine triathlons, but has no swimming background. She describes herself as a “complete amateur” in the water, but says that since she joined the adult swim club Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ) in 2008, her technique has improved.
“Being at The Plunge is an integral part of my training,” she said. “In fact, it’s the only way I’ve ever trained.”
Mr. May, a firefighter and a beach lifeguard of 22 years, has competed in three Ironman triathlons. This race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112- mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run, the longest of the triathlon competitions.
Mr. May, who lives and works in Redondo Beach, has held the fastest swim split in each of his races. This is an accomplishment he attributes in part to time at the Plunge and specifically with SCAQ Swim Club.
“I think coached, organized workouts have gotten me there,” he said. “I would absolutely recommend it to anyone training for a triathlon. It has great coaching, flexible practice times, and open water swimming practice.”
Ms. Webber attends the SCAQ workouts or lap swims even when she is not prepping for a race. She said any triathlete would find the club “invaluable” because of the discipline and the chance to learn from a variety of coaches.
Ms. Webber just began training for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in September. It is not too late to join her.
The triathletes encourage prospective participants to come to The Plunge and get your laps in. There are no shortcuts to accomplish what you want. And to maximize your time and help you hit your goal, you are welcome to attend a free, coached workout to find out what it takes to get started, or to reach a higher level. SCAQ@SWIM.net
Ms. Artley may be contacted at news@swim.net
