I participated in the St. Anthony’s Triathlon as an Olympic distance event in 2019 and again in 2022 as a Sprint triathlon, each with unique challenges. Regardless of frequency or familiarity with the course, this triathlon presents new conditions that can vary each year.
Transitioning from the cooler New York climate to the intense heat in Florida was a significant challenge in 2019. The 2022 event posed difficulties, primarily due to the extreme heat and a knee injury.
This year was no different. In addition to still recovering from brain surgery and taking gel shots for my knee, I knew the sprint race would be a challenge. What I didn’t expect was the crazy weather conditions.
Strong winds with up to 30 mph gusts and choppy water conditions led the race director to shorten the Olympic swim to an international distance. The sprint’s swim stayed the same at 750 meters.
This decision, made for safety, disappointed some athletes since the event doubled as the Florida State Championship race. However, I respected and admired the director’s decision to prioritize safety.
The Weekend
I decided to participate in this triathlon for my birthday. I felt prepared for a sprint distance after diligent training. My son’s agreement to accompany me made me so happy.
We flew to Tampa on Friday, April 26th, rented a car, and began our adventure, starting with a visit to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.
The museum had evolved since my last visit in 2019, offering immersive experiences with oculus rift glasses and augmented reality on specific paintings. It was awesome and I look forward to discussing in future Hofstra classes.
Staying at the Vinoy, conveniently located opposite the race site, provided both luxury and practicality, reminiscent of the grandeur of a Fairmont Hotel.
Saturday
The day before the race involved assembling my bike, ensuring it was race-ready, and attending packet pickup, which went surprisingly smoothly despite the number of participants.
I tested the waters to make a decision on which wetsuit to wear. (Last minute, I decided to bring the long pant TYR wetsuit along with my shorty BlueSeventy wetsuit.)
Following that, my son and I relaxed by the Vinoy pool, went in the hot tub, then, had a pleasant dinner downtown.
Sunday – Race Day
On the morning of the St. Anthony’s Triathlon, I arrived at the transition area early to set up. Given the water temperature was 70 degrees Fahrenheit, I opted for my long pant TYR wetsuit.
My knee had been bothering me since I got my third gel shot. The doc told me that it would take two weeks before the effects of the shot would kick in. So, I decided to wear the GoSleeve compression sleeve on my knee during the entire triathlon, including the swim. This sleeve had built-in K-tape, which proved helpful for the run.
It was cold in the morning. I was shaking. One of the other athletes laughed at me when I told him I lived in New York. “You should be used to it,” he said.
The beach had so many athletes from across the country. It made me smile to be part of such an amazing event.
It was great to see Dan Flanzig of Flanzig and Flanzig-New York Bike Lawyers at the swim start. I chatted with him for a bit before heading into the water for our wave start. It was a time trial start, which worked out so much better than the typical mass starts.
The Swim
The swim was turbulent, yet I seem to thrive in such conditions, finding my element amidst the rough water. However, the constant physical contact with other swimmers, particularly those employing the breaststroke with its expansive movements, detracted from the experience.
Despite this, I matched pace with a fellow triathlete, stroke for stroke, making the swim not only challenging but also competitive.
Navigating the crowd, especially at the turn buoy where many opted to stand or walk rather than swim, was perplexing. Yet, overcoming these obstacles was part of the race’s unique challenge.
T1
Emerging from the water after 16 minutes, which could have been faster if not for the dense pack. The transition began with a lengthy run to the next stage. The absence of sneakers at the swim exit, a oversight I regret, resulted in scraped feet from the barefoot trek on the sidewalk.
Once I was in transition, I made a quick change into my cycling gear and was ready for the bike portion.
The Bike
On the bike, caution was my guiding principle, influenced by a previous accident at the Key West Triathlon in December. This caution led to a slower pace and a momentary halt during a sharp turn, but it also ensured an incident-free ride. I enjoyed the sites. We passed by Tropicana Field, the Dali Museum, downtown St. Petersburg, and we also had a beautiful view of the marina as we entered into transition.
I was impressed with the police and the volunteers. They kept all the roads closed making for a memorable and enjoyable ride. Although I was cautious in between the intersections, I felt safe during the entire ride.
Unfortunately, I was so afraid that I would fall and bang my head. After the recent surgery, that’s all I needed. So, I slowed down around the turns and focused on the road.
I did have an issue with some of the athletes on the course. I found that there were a few pairs of triathletes cycling together as if on a leisure ride. Taking up the whole lane was difficult to get around them.
However, I was feeling good on the course and it was amazing to see my son out there. He cheered and it made me feel so good.
My average pace of 16.3 miles per hour reflected a cautious but steady approach.
T2
After navigating the bumpy bricks that lined the road near the Vinoy Hotel, the transition to the run was swift, involving a change into my running gear.
The Run
The GoSleeve compression product was incredible. I anticipated that my knee would be a mess during the run. Quite the contrary. The GoSleeve felt good and my knee did not hurt me. I was shocked because I wore it from the swim through the run and it really made a huge difference.
During the run, I decided to adopt a 1-minute run/30-second walk strategy. This worked well and I maintained strength and resilience throughout.
Each water stop provided a much-needed respite from the heat. I poured water on my head and soaked my PlayTri visor. I also dumped water on my back and chest. I didn’t care. I needed to cool down and it helped.
I wore my Vimazi Z70’s which are meant for 10 – 13 minute mile pacing. They worked! I ran a 12:30 minute mile and I was thrilled.
And that’s another race down…
Finishing the race in 1 hour and 50 minutes marked a personal record and a triumphant return for me, surpassing my 2022 time by four minutes.
Participating in the St. Anthony Triathlon truly marked a remarkable comeback for me. It reinvigorated my confidence and solidified my passion for triathlon, serving as a pivotal moment that underscored just how much this sport means to me.
I am grateful for the organizers of the St. Anthony’s Triathlon. Between the organization, the course, the police, volunteers and the athletes, it was a memorable race and I look forward to coming back in years to come.