Superfrog Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

For the first time in a triathlon the swim ended up being the toughest part for me. The surf wasn't as high or rough as I had seen the day before, but it was still pretty decent. It's not often that my races have been running starts into the surf, but I had done a couple and wasn't too worried. Gun went off and I ran through the surf, diving through waves as necessary, somehow keeping a straight line to the first buoy. The surf didn't throw me around like I thought it would, but I did swallow a bit of salt water, which I gagged up about 4 times, thankfuly I didn't full on puke. Hit the first buot with maybe 2 others ahead of me and right on the shoulder of one other swimmer. We were dead even heading along the beach to the next buoy and I kept asking if he thought he could hold on, I don't think he did. Made the turn into shore and did my best to body surf into the beach when I hit waves. Got out and ran down the beach to the start point to begin my second loop. I wasn't as aggressive hitting the surf this time but it didn't seem to be any sort of downfall and the surf didn't seem as bad as it had 13 minutes ago. I rounded the first buoy again but this time I went a little off course and was further out to sea than I had wanted. Once I regained sight of the buoy I swam straight for it, rounded it and into shore. Ran up the beach and into T1.

Not too much. The time is "eh" but for a beach start with a run and some good surf I'll take it.

I had an awful time getting my wetsuit off. That's all I'm going to say about that. Lots of cursing and I felt like I was in there for 5 minutes.

The obvious. Get my wetsuit off quicker.

If it weren't for the headwinds this wold have been a HIM PR bike split for me. I was 4th out of the water in the 1st wave, which meant I was the 4th person out on the bike course. It was nice to be out there alone just pushing myself. Starting out I felt good, pushed it through all 4 loops and felt good at the end. Had to pee twice but I wasn't about to stop, so twice while I was catching a tailwind, I stood up and let it flow. Came into T2 in 7th place.

Not too much, maybe put out just a little bit more?

A bit better but it could have been faster.

Nothing much.

This is where I suprised myself the most. Not once did I feel any pain. Not once did I have to slow up or walk. Not once did I complain. In fact, this was the best half-mary run I have ever had, and that includes training. The sand starting out kinda sucked but once I got down closer to the hard pack I was fine. Sure there were a couple of missteps. But again I was one of the first on the run course. I only remember getting passed a couple of times. Once by the female leader and others by relay members or military division racers. I just kinda made a song out of my breathing pattern. On the second loop I decided to kick it into gear a little and pushed the pace a bit faster and I never felt like I was going too hard or ready to blow up. The last 3 miles I started in with some Navy SEAL cadence calls and that just set the pace for my leg turnover and breath control. I actually had a good final kick left and hammered through the finish.

Not a damn thing.

2 beers at the beer tent post race, a short nap, a huge burger from Carls Jr, then about 6 or so Guinness and the company of a beautiful young lady named Justine, who I regret having to leave behind, but will hopefully see again soon.

I couldn't believe how non-sore I was post-race or even the next day. That could mean one of two things. 1) I just had a good day. 2) I didn't put out hard enough. If you know me then you know that the answer is 1. I ALWAYS put out, hard, the whole time. It seems like training at altitude works wonders and the combination of Guinness and a pretty girl makes recovery instantaneous.


Nothng, everything about this race went just as I had wanted it, except maybe T1.


I loved every second of this whole experience. Not just the race, but also being in San Diego and Coronado. I can't wait to get here for BUD/s (and hopefully a little someone will still be around).