by What a super race at the First Annual Triathlon at Pacific Grove!!!
Amateurs went off a little after 7 am. There was a peculiar religious
invocation, or something like that, seemed a bit odd, but not entirely
uncalled for..."Thanking God for getting all these people together
in a beautiful setting..." Then, the National Anthem was sung-
first time I'd ever heard the National Anthem sung before a triathlon-
standing on the shores of the Pacific, I didn't know if I should peel
off my swim cap or not, instead I placed hand over heart and gazed out
at the mighty pacific, waxing patriotic.
The swim was an open water swim at its best- 58 (F) degree ocean water,
thick kelp and picturesque reefs. It was a two loop swim (1/2 mile
loops) where you had to exit the water jog around a stone monument and
then complete the second loop. An adventurous swim to be sure.
The bike was criterium style- 4X 6 mile loops, for the most part flat
and fast. There was an incessant head wind going out and a few subtle
grades/hills, but paved beautifully w/ the rocky and roaring coast in
view the whole time.
The run took you out to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. 3X 2 mile
loops. Running again along the cool, fog enshrouded coast,
under the cypres and through Steinbeck's honkey-tonk Cannery row.
The fans and aid stations couldn't have been more supportive and
friendly. I tried to thank as many of them as I could.
The post race was fabulous- great food, music, and setting. The sun
broke through around 11 am, about the same time that the elite field
went off.
The winning time in the amateur race unofficially:
Greg Trent 2:08
Winning Pro/Elites:
Male: Marc Lees- a 23 yr. old Australian in 1:56.37
Female: San Jose's own, Lauren Alexander in 2:10.
Also local standouts included Greg Thompson finishing 5th in the elite
pro wave and Scott Smith finishing around 10th place.
This was a first class event put on by Tri-California. What a
spectacular venue for a triathlon.