Big Kahuna Half Ironman Triathlon 2008

by Martin Spierings
(Santa Cruz, CA, U.S.A.)

On the bike at the Big Kahuna Triathlon

Put together a half Ironman I was happy with given my level of training. Started in the second wave start. The buoys were few and far between so was glad to have some local knowledge to guide me around the Santa Cruz Wharf.

I think I was second in my age group out of the water and paced myself well on the bike. Drank probably 3 bottles of sports drink and washed down half a Powerbar at 15 and 35 miles. Perhaps a little too hydrated as there was a couple moments of freewheeling during the 56 miles to take care of business! Beautiful course along Hwy 1 overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

I started pretty cautiously on the run and got through the difficult, hot inland part on the Wilder bike path before really starting to push the last 4 miles once I got back near the coast. Took 2 Espresso GU gels, one at 3 and one at 7 miles. Along with the supplied energy drink at the aid stations they seemed to get me to the end and not far off a negative split for the run.

I was able to walk around after the event and not spend an hour coughing in the fetal position which is frequently how I've ended up after a long distance tri. So that was nice. 20th Overall.

Martin
Martin Triathlon Coaching Blog