Setting a New PR at Strawberry Fields Triathlon

Regardless of your status as a beginner triathlete, competitive age grouper or elite racer, you’ll want to set a personal record (PR) at some point in your triathlon race experience.  If you live on the West Coast or are willing to travel to a breath taking race location, Strawberry Fields Triathlon is the place to set your new PR.

One of the constants of triathlon race courses in California is that there will almost always be a few rollers or intense climbs on the bike and/or run course.  Strawberry Fields Triathlon is the exception to that rule.  If you can’t PR in their olympic or sprint distances or in the duathlon at this race, then the wheels on your bike are most likely triangular or square.

Here’s what you can expect from the course at Strawberry Fields:

Swim

Like most swim portions of triathlons on the West Coast, the course has an unpredictable first leg.  Though the weather and surf predictions are fairly accurate, nobody ever really knows how big or small the waves will be at this beach in Oxnard.

T1

You’ll have a short sand run that will connect you with a smooth side walk.  After about 150 meters, you’ll hit the T1 entrance and the softest grass you’ve ever felt.  Your feet will be delighted.  See photo above.

Bike

This is where you’ll really begin to get that PR in motion.  You’ll have about 100 meters of smooth asphalt to get your feet strapped in before you cross the cobblestones and join the main section of the bike course across the street.  This course is flatter than a pancake.  No joke.  Having said that, you may experience some cross winds when riding down Gonzales Rd.- leave the full rear disc wheel at home.  Don’t forget that that you’ll have 2 full loops if you are racing the olympic distance course.  TIP:  Don’t overdo it on the bike (trust me, you’ll be very tempted).  Save your legs for the run portion.

T2

The best thing about T2 is that you have the same 100 meters of smooth asphalt to unstrap your feet before the mount/dismount line.  Additionally, you’ll have to run on pavement for only 10-15 steps maximum.  Sweet!  Once you’ve got your bike gear put away, you’ll begin your run on the strand (paved beach path) that you crossed just before you entered the transition area in T1.

Run

Just like the bike portion, the run course is flatter than flat and a “loop”.  It’s like a table top.  You’ll begin the run portion on the paved beach path on the beach side of the transition area.  After making your way around the back side of the Embassy Suites Hotel, you’ll be running through a quaint, sleepy beach neighborhood.  If you are running the sprint course, you’ll want to begin gradually turning on the speed after the turnaround point.

Overall, this race lends itself to some amazing times for people.  Between the PR possibilities and the breath taking backdrop of this park and beach, Strawberry Fields is a race you’ll want to strongly consider if you live in the LA and Central Coast areas if you want to see how fast you can go on a lightning fast course.