›Big Kahuna Half Ironman (Santa Cruz, CA)
Race date: September 10, 2006
By: Frank Cobarrubia
I did this race last year and it was my first ½ IM ever. It is a great venue, well supported and an opportunity to evaluate my progress from last year. I had been trying to cajole Tom Hickman into racing this but he continued to vacillate for months. I was glad to hear at the last minute he was going but a bit nervous after he shaved 20+ lbs since I last saw him and was looking lean and mean. Damn! Historically Tom is a better swimmer but after his swimming sabbatical I thought I might have a chance. He’s also a stronger biker but I usually run a wee faster so overall it’s an even match.
The swim is out and around the Santa Cruz pier right in front of the boardwalk with a beach start. The water was about 53 degrees and quickly numbs your face. Last year I did the swim in 35 minutes but with the help of Mark Burnett’s Wednesday’s ass whooping sessions I thought I had a chance at sub 30. The 40-year-old group either has a bunch of great swimmers or I am just lame because after 5 minutes I look up and there is a sea of silver caps (my group) in front of me. Oh well, keep on paddling. On the last leg I saddle up to someone who looks surprisingly like Tom Hickman. With every breath I see him and think, “I think its Tom, I think it’s Tom, etc”. Anyhow, the next thing I know is Tom is gone. He pulls in at 30 and I pull in at 31 minutes (15th & 20th respectively out of 72 in our age group)--a solid swim for both of us.
From the race pictures taken directly after T1 Tom is very determined and already in his aero bars. I have my elbows locked and look like I am trying to catch my breath. The course is beautiful and is an out and back along the coast. I know I have a small bladder but I had to pee 3 times!! My chain fell off my big ring twice---Damn Hutches “your bike is race ready Frank”—and my water bottle launched while going over the monster RR tracks. Unlike Tom I went back to retrieve my $7 water bottle. $7 is $7! A total of 6 stops on the bike—Oi!
Fast forward to the run. Tom is WAY ahead of me and bopping on his iPod. No way to catch him so I just sit back, concentrate on my form and enjoy the beautiful course.
I only took 8 minutes off my total time from last year but considering the pit stops I did alright.
I buy the beers for Tom and his bro. Vanessa and I headed off to Spain the next day. A great way to start a vacation.
If anyone is looking ahead to next year I would encourage them to consider this race.
I plan on a rematch with Mr. Hickman.
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