Background: Chindlund, 29, ran track and cross country at San Dieguito High, describing himself as a “middle of the pack” runner. He was a semipro racquetball player in his early 20s, juggling distance running and racquetball. His coaches in each sport said he needed to pick one sport or the other. He chose distance running and last month dipped into multisport for the first time, racing in the Imperial Beach Duathlon. Chindlund won his age group, finishing the 1-mile run, 15-kilometer bike and 5K run in 50 minutes, 16 seconds. Chindlund won his age group by a decisive 7 minutes, 2 second

Jobs thing: Chindlund lives in Encinitas. He teaches English as a Second Language in the San Marcos Unified School District. He's the boys and girls head track and cross country coach at San Marcos High. He also works at an athletic apparel store.

PRs file: Chindlund's personal bests on the roads: 5K (16 minutes, 30 seconds); 10K (34:50); half marathon (1 hour, 18 minutes, 32 seconds); marathon (3:07).

Treadmill fan: Chindlund runs at least one workout a week on a treadmill, setting the elevation at 1.5-2 percent.

Quotable: Chindlund, on why he likes treadmill running: “It just gives you a pace and turns into a mental workout, too. I never listen to music to make the time go by. I get used to (mentally) sitting in that uncomfortable place and focusing on my breathing.” His longest treadmill workout: 18 miles.

Favorite workout: If he had the day to himself, Chindlund's idea of a favorite workout would comprise three workouts spread across the day. First, a 5-mile morning run at a 7-minute to 7:30 pace. In the middle of the day he'd take a one-hour cruise on his bike at about 20 mph. He'd finish the day with a 10-mile run at just under 60 minutes.

Add, favorite Chindlund on why that would be his favorite workout: “I can do those workouts and it gets me through the day. It keeps my mind clear.”

– DON NORCROSS