By Palmer Waechter
2018 marks my tenth year in the sport of triathlon. My first triathlon was the PhinMan Triathlon hosted by the City of Gulf Shores Swim Team. I was ok with the 50 yard swim, 1.8 mile bike and .4 mile run. But I freaked out before the race. I was terrified and became emotional at the body marking station. My Mom had told me to never play with permanent markers and I feared the race numbers would permanently be tattooed on my arm.
Now 10 years later it is great to be back in beautiful Gulf Shores, AL for the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon.
By the looks of the pristine beach one could never tell Tropical Storm Gordon passed through earlier in this week.
Now 10 years later it is great to be back in beautiful Gulf Shores, AL for the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon.
By the looks of the pristine beach one could never tell Tropical Storm Gordon passed through earlier in this week.
After lining up for the time trial swim start, Ms. Therese Bynum Team Magic event organizer announced that we should not be too concerned about sharks. She introduced us to Chuck Anderson who she said is the only person to be bitten by a shark in Alabama coastal waters. Coach Anderson gave us an encouraging shark bit arm wave, then returned to his spot in line.
The Gulf was calm and there was not a current. After a quick 300 yard swim we emerged from the water and ran to transition. The new, spread out transition area flowed perfectly. As we mounted the bike there was an appreciated tailwind that pushed us along to the turn around. On the way back the headwind was not welcomed. PowerAde, water and encouragement were provided when we exited T2. The shadows of the condominiums gave us nice shade on the run course. Spectators lined the finish chute, water and cold towels awaited us at the finish line.
The Gulf was calm and there was not a current. After a quick 300 yard swim we emerged from the water and ran to transition. The new, spread out transition area flowed perfectly. As we mounted the bike there was an appreciated tailwind that pushed us along to the turn around. On the way back the headwind was not welcomed. PowerAde, water and encouragement were provided when we exited T2. The shadows of the condominiums gave us nice shade on the run course. Spectators lined the finish chute, water and cold towels awaited us at the finish line.
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Team Magic races are always very organized and the awards are especially entertaining with trivia and contests. Sister CHAIN Triathlon Team Members Christine Bosau and Candice Taylor both raced the Intermediate distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 6 mile run). Sue George and I did the 300 yard swim, 12.4 mile bike and 2 mile run Sprint race. We all managed a podium finish! Amy Stanfield cheered us on throughout the race.
Coach Brook and Coach David from the Gulf Shores Swim Team still put on PhinMan Triathlons twice a year, every Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is the group of Gulf Shores Swim Team youth triathletes and coaches who competed in the Alabama Coastal Triathlon.
Many thanks to Team Magic, all the great volunteers and the City of Gulf Shores. Also, thank you to our wonderful Sponsors including Pro Cycle & Tri, Bienville Orthopedic Specialists, Tropical Café - Pensacola, Mindi Straw Custom Embroidery, Run-N –Tri and Santa Rosa Island Triathlon.
Look for our Sister CHAIN ladies October 6 at the Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, our final team race of the 2018 season. There is still time to sign up for this race and they are offering a discount (use discount code SAVE15) to athletes that competed at Alabama Coastal!!
Look for our Sister CHAIN ladies October 6 at the Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, our final team race of the 2018 season. There is still time to sign up for this race and they are offering a discount (use discount code SAVE15) to athletes that competed at Alabama Coastal!!
If you have children, be sure to check out the Sea Turtle Triathlon the following day. It is a fabulous race- super safe, closed course, lots of volunteers with really cute t-shirts and medals!