100Triathlons: # 170 Riverfront Triathlon in Cocoa, FL

Triathlon # 170 is done; last one for 2019! I hadn't planned on it but after the tropical storm washout of the Great Floridian Triathlon three weeks ago, I found the Riverfront Tri in Cocoa, Florida. I did the Olympic distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) rather than the Sprint as I hadn't done any longer races this year.

Temp at the start was 72'f with a good breeze blowing from the west. Water temp in the salty Indian River was 77.3' which was quite pleasant. A dolphin cruised through the swim area just before the start. My swim was great though I was surprised when my hand touched the bottom; there was a sandbar on part of the course!

The 24 mile bike course was two out-and-back loops going north along the river and I expected it to be straight and flat. I found a twisty road with lots of rolling hills as it climbed the bluffs along the river. Plus the outward loops had a stiff headwind as the wind shifted around.

The run loops were also along the river but the south road was flat and the wind kept the heat down. I did have a hamstring cramp running at mile 1.5 that stopped me dead because I started too fast. It worked out quickly though and I picked up the pace to finish with a 2:56:28, good enough for first in my age group. Friend Matt Mahoney won his age group also. Wonderful venue for the race in the city park along the river too; lots of restaurants right there. A great close to a great 2019!