August 2004
STARS ON THE RUN: Sept. 19 will mark the 18th Nautica Malibu Triathlon, and Hollywood has already begun gearing up for the big day - with a little bit of help that is. What, you didn't think celebrities looked that good on their own, did you? One person these famous folks are turning to is trainer/spinning instructor Riley McAlpine, who can be seen every week sitting on a spin bike, big smile and all, at the popular Revolution Fitness in Santa Monica.
McAlpine has been the secret behind the fitness success for various celebrities over the last six years, but her work is coming to light with her own Team Riley competing in the triathlon. Among the 60 people wearing her name last year were William H. Macy and his wife Felicity Huffman, "The O.C.'s" Tate Donovan, model/actress Maxine Bahns and "CSI: Miami's" Emily Procter. This year's Team Riley/Fleet Feet Sports will boast 100-plus competitors, including "Survivor Africa" sweetheart Kim Powers and "Medical Investigation's" Kelli Williams. (See www.teamrileyracing.com.)
The competition - which includes a half-mile swim, 18-mile bike ride and four-mile run, will be big - and well-known. Past participants include Jennifer Garner, Will Ferrell, David Duchovny, "JAG" star David James Elliott, and "Two and a Half Men's" Jon Cryer.
However, Riley says her team is up to the challenge. Having learned to work around hectic filming schedules, Riley admits, "We've started training at the track and getting on bikes, but actors have the ability to mimic and retain information, so they end up learning much faster. It definitely makes my job a lot easier," she says with a laugh. Besides, "My club is about not taking life as seriously as we do."
And it's all for a good cause: The Nautica race benefits the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.