The 10th Anniversary Los Angeles Triathlon started its race with the Professional group as early as 7AM in Venice Beach. I was there to witness the pros go at it straight into the treacherous waves without much struggles though the current did push them off course slightly. The spectators and newbie triathletes were a bit shaken witnessing the powerful current dragging the pro triathletes to the left side of the first red buoy. The race director quickly noticed the condition of the current and gave instructions to all following groups to run 100 yards further down the beach and start swimming so that by the time they reach the first buoy, they would be on the right side of the first buoy and safely swimming counter clockwise of the buoy.
A crucial technique I should have learned to tackle the devastating waves was the “dolphin kick.” Not only does this save you energy compared to using the freestyle approach, you gain more distance helping the swimmer pass the waves. But this year’s water was really rough throughout the entire course as the sea was not calm due to the wind.
The muscle-burning intensive-cardiovascular endurance sports day finally arrived and I was thrilled all morning long along with the other 2,500 participants this year. To summarize my first experience with the LA Triathlon is “killer waves!” The treacherous current was incredibly strong this year compared to the past two LA triathlons according to several LA veterans (was it because of the tsunami?). I got pounded waves after waves forcing me to run back to the shore and run 100 yards to the right as the powerful currents were grappling swimmers to the west side passing the buoys within seconds. After seven unsuccessful attempts to get over the thunderous waves, I was asked to give my timing chip to one of the officials as all the last age group finished the ocean swimming. So how was the water condition this morning?
Gale force winds of 30 to 35 mph today caused problems for boaters off Dockweiler Beach and in other parts of the Santa Monica Bay, authorities said.
Ten boats were rescued by lifeguards from the Los Angeles County Fire Department for issues ranging from capsizing to becoming separated from their docks and starting to float out to sea, said Inspector Frederic Stowers.
Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/10/busy-day-for-la-county-lifeguards-results-in-rescues-of-triathlon-athletes-boats.html
I have to admit that I was under prepared with the first triathlon especially with the ocean swim. And after seven tries, I knew I did not store enough carbohydrates during dinner and a bowl of oatmeal with a bar of Power Crunch was not sufficient for the intensive swim. Should have went to that swim clinic Triathlon Lab had the past week at the Venice Beach. apparently I missed valuable tips and techniques on how to approach and overcome the initial waves. Valuable lesson learned. hundreds of visitors visit my blog and if anyone is interested and/or on the border line of trying out for your first triathlon, read on as I will share my personal experiences and knowledge I gathered to this day.
Here are some of the topics that will be blogged throughout the week.
To end the blog entry with a happy note, I finished the 10th anniversary LA Triathlon and earned the medal. My time though will not be registered as the swimming portion was not completed. I think I will get back to pool training throughout winter and train harder and smarter to finish next year’s Olympics triathlon. I learned a valuable lesson today and I shall conquer the ocean swimming with full energy and ease.
