Cris Dobrosielski

Losing my dad suddenly to heart disease when he was 47 and I was 9, was the first major life experience that lead me towards better understanding and practice of health and fitness. Soon after his death, I was lucky enough 2 be groomed and mentored by 100 lifeguards, 3 in particular, that introduced me to the joy, healing, n satisfying experience abundant and opulent fitness can provide. At 50 I was diagnosed with a life-threatening cardiac issue, which has only encouraged me to double down.

Having competed in collegiate running, semi-pro triathlon, and now over 40 years of lifeguard racing, I continue to work on both the foundation of my fitness through strength training, mobility, and stability and performance aspects of my fitness through swimming, paddling, and kayaking. The time I spend training on the water guiding n encouraging my young friends/students continues to be more satisfying than winning gold and silver at international competitions, which I’ve done.

If I won the 20 K 1st I’d save enough of it to pay the taxes, 2ndly, I would buy more aquatic equipment so that I could continue, to help (free of charge) young lifeguards from San Diego n The CA State Parks Team, who come to me for guidance and performance training. As the head performance coach for hundreds of guards, having sufficient paddle boards, and surf skis for my students to use and learn on is essential. I have paid out-of-pocket all of the boards and skis that my students use.