SCTA weekend workouts
With many members working Monday-Friday day jobs, the weekend is the only time to complete longer training sessions or brick workouts. We become weekend warriors and it is often more beneficial, supportive and obviously fun, to enjoy these sessions with other members.
The club features many organized group workouts, and sometimes coached workouts, which are all FREE to members, unless otherwise specified. Places are sometimes limited and times/place/distance changes frequently. If you are a member, please check the weekly E-Blast for up-to-date information, or check the club's calendar.
Swim
Open water swim workouts are organized in summer as either informal meets, or as part of a coached, water craft supported clinic. Open water swim workouts are located at Rio Del Mar beach, by the Cement Ship, or Cowell's Beach, by the Santa Cruz Wharf. All levels of experience are welcome, although members swim at their own risk. Wetsuits are recommended.
Check the workout calendar for upcoming club swim information, or check the club's weekly E-blast.
Bike
Club group rides are organized purely as an opportunity to be social with other club members, train with members of like experience and goals, learn from each other, and increase safety. The rides are organized for all experience levels, usually on Saturday mornings, and other days such as holidays or long weekends. Route and distance change weekly, taking advantage of the infinite road combinations Santa Cruz and its surrounds offer. Group rides usually meet at a bakery, depart from a bakery, and return to a bakery, for post-ride snacks and social with other club members.
These rides are not coached, supported by sag, or even formally led. Routeslips are provided at the beginning of the ride, or available for download from the website, or weekly E-Blast. As such, rides can be ridden individually or as a group, or as a combination of both. Riders often do not remain as a peloton throughout the entire route, rather, breaking up into small, same speed groups. The rides are organized for three levels of experience and hence assumed mileage needs:
- A ride - 50+ miles
- B ride - 30+ miles
- C ride - 20+ miles
Riders must be equipped with spare tubes and accessories, and absolutely wear a helmet.
Rain policy: Since riding in the wet is such a valued judgment, as a general rule, if it is raining at 7:30am, ride will not go. Otherwise, try us out. No ride cancellation emails or phone calls will be made to members. You can always email rides@sctriathlon.com but a timely response is not guaranteed.
Check the workout calendar for upcoming club ride information, or check the club's weekly E-blast.
Run
Club group runs are a highly informal meet of members who simply wish to get some miles in with good company. Club runs meet at different places around Santa Cruz, for various distances and time goals. All runners are welcome, regardless of experience, pace or speed. This is not a coached, hosted or led run. Before a start of the run members mention what they wish to do and team up with another member who has like goals. As such distance and pace is purely at your decision.
In addition, Rod Heskett, the club run coach, hosts coaching sessions at Soquel High (401 Old San Jose Rd, 95073) on Monday evenings. Two group starts: 5:30pm or 6pm. Members can drop in and experience first workout with no charge. Rod coaches to all levels and is very good at talking individually with new-comers and "prescribing" a workout based on their needs. These workouts are $5-$10 per week, punch card available, or pay via the Internet at http://www.selfquestconsult.com/id32.html
Check the workout calendar for upcoming club run information, or check the club's weekly E-blast.
Bike and Run Route Archive
Aptos: Valencia/Cox loop 10 miles (PDF)
Aptos to Corralitos Countryside 28 miles (PDF)
Clinics
Various clinics are run by coaches or experienced club members dealing with a single discipline or a complete training camp. Clinics vary in length as a few hours, half-day, full-day, multi-day, or even a full program. Clinics are also informal, and can simply be a gathering at a particular race site, for course familiarity prior an upcoming race, hosted by a more experienced club member.
Check the workout calendar for upcoming clinic information, or check the club's weekly E-blast.