Cedar Beach Triathlon - Triathlon

The swim is in the Long Island Sound, which looked more like the Atlantic Ocean. The conditions were so rough the marine crew could not get the buoys out and anchored, so the swim was modified to a long point-to-point.

I made it a point to get out quick, with the front of the group, since the swim was shortened. Last year the swim was modified as well due to rough conditions.

Swallow a little less water if possible. Waves were huge. I've really been inconsistent with my swimming since IMMT so I was happy with this time.

50 yard run to Transition. Competitive Events does a nice job and they had a lot of carpeting, which was great because mine and everyone else's feet were frozen. Took the extra few seconds to put socks on. Bumbled a little bit with getting suit off.

Bumble less.

This is a short but challenging course. For the majority of the ride you're either climbing or on a screaming downhill. There are few busy intersections and the Law Enforcement did a superb job blocking traffic.

On the steepest climb in the first few miles, my friend Dan (riding in the Sunrise Tri bike support vehicle) was screaming at me, "This is nothing compared to Duplessis!! You got this Buddy!!" The motivation was much appreciated :-)

These are on the roads I train most of the year so I know them well and it's a great, fun course.

My cycling fitness is decent so I was 1:24 faster than last year on this same bike course, but still 1:03 off my time from 2009.

First place overall for T2 time! Rode in with feet on the pedals. Shot in and racked my back on the end. Threw on my running flats with speed laces. Threw off helmet. And bolted. Watching all those ITU races paid off.

Notta.

I felt decent coming off the bike. It's a 5k so I pushed right out of the gate. Although I was pushing and the mind was willing to suffer, the legs only turned over so fast. The course enters beach brush on a concrete path that twists and turns and within every 10 yards your line of site is obstructed, so it's easy to lose sight of runners in front of you.

About a mile in a runner passed me in my AG. He was moving at a decent clip so I just tried to keep him in sight, but with the maze like course, I lost him. Still I pushed. On the back half it's open road and I was able to sight him again but he was far ahead.

Second loop my legs were turning over faster, and I saw my buddy Bobby Moore who I did IMMT with. After seeing and passing him, another athlete from my AG went cruising passed me. I knew if I had a shot at an AG podium I couldn't let him go. I buried myself and kept him within 20 yards. Coming out of the brush maze and onto the open road, I grunted and sprinted passing a bunch of other AG's and runners starting their first lap. I caught a glimpse of the athlete but, he too, was pushing and i didn't have the fitness to catch him. All the heart and desire can't trump fitness over the long haul.

I finished strong though with a sub 7 pace. The announcer in the shoot let everyone know I was a multi-Ironman finisher. The race organizers really did a great, great job - especially considering the windy conditions.

1:06 faster than last year; :56 seconds slower than my best time in 2009. I'll take it.

As usual, I'm way above a weight where I can compete. The AG'ers who finished ahead of me were all easily 15lbs+ lighter than me. It's not rocket science: Consistently train, and race light. Regardless I was satisfied as I had a decent run and gave it 100% and negative split every mile.

Saw my friend Dan, Bobby Moore, spent 30 minutes cheering on other runners.

The race organization doesn't allow anyone into transition until the last cyclist comes in. THAT IS A CLASSY RULE. Bravo Competitive Events. Bravo.


Inconsistent training and above ideal race weight.


Cedar Beach Triathlon is one of my favorite local, sprint, end-of-season Triathlons. And for all those reasons - it's just the right size, great location and there is just no better way to close out your Tri season.

The event is extremely well run from top to bottom. I can't recommend this event enough.