100 Triathlons
Go to the early blogs to read how I got into triathlons. Click on any picture to enlarge it. "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood...who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly." Theodore Roosevelt 1910


Saturday, July 21, 2018

# 157 Port Orange Tri-Y Triathlon

Triathlon #157 today: Port Orange Triathlon just south of Daytona on the Halifax River. You know it's going to be a great race when you see dolphins on the swim course before the start!

Sprint tri with a twist; 4 mile run instead of the usual 3. Brought the AM Esprit that arrived from the UK two weeks ago. In water start, swimming into the sunrise. Really enjoyed the swim. Bike leg begins with a nice climb over the intracoastal bridge. Then 5 miles south and returning on A1A back over the bridge again. For the run, we head west on the causeway then turn south and run along the river for 3+ miles. In my age group, I was fastest on the swim but got caught on the bike to start my run in second place. Eventual winner John Anderson can run a bit faster than me so I finished about 2 minutes behind him but a minute ahead of third place.

The Esprit was a touch slower than the SST I raced on last year so it may need a bit more sorting. Really needs new gearing as it's set up for steep climbing. I was topped out in the 50 x 9 ratio a lot. Photographers got some nice photos. Had a great day!


Dolphins!

Getting ready

Moulton AM Esprit

Dawn over the course


Swim start

Turnaround buoy

Down the bridge

Right turn ahead

Left turn

Toward the finish

On the run

Finished!


Kevin Ferrick, John Anderson and me

A bit of bling!

Sunday, July 15, 2018

# 156 Clermont Sprint Triathlon in July

This Saturday was the second sprint tri at Clermont this year.  James Mayer was there again so I had a big challenge to overcome.  Lots of friends there so I really enjoyed it.  Had an ingrown toenail that worried me for days before but was not an issue in the race.
Water temp was 84' f so no chill when you started.  Very good swim and felt strong throughout.  My bike was a bit hard in the beginning since it takes me 5-6 mile to warm up.  Hit the hills at mile 7 and peaked at 39.2 mph on the way down.  I flew up the next hill passing lots of people.  I finally peeked at the computer of the way down the long hill and I was blasting along at 35-37 mph for a mile!  Felt great heading out on the run and after passing one guy on the bike, I passed two more on the run, finishing in 4th place (out of 11) with James taking the win.  Kerry Girona won Female overall and Kelly Burwash Collins got third Female at age 50!  Great time watching friends finish too.
Me, James Mayer, and Ricardo Mira Flecha

Moulton is ready!

Bill Black (who won Clydesdales) with Ricardo

Waiting for the start.

Off on the run!

Tamara Kongdon and Kerry Girona

The running crew including Erica Mel in the middle and Heather Schulz on the right (Heather won the 5k Female overall (at 40).

Me with Rob Marens and Amy Fedock

Enrique Mercado with me and Ricardo

With Kenyon Congdon in his booth.

Finish Times