Chuck Callahan

Thanks for everything this season. I really enjoyed your races this year. It was my first time racing at Moss Park and found it very enjoyable. I believe that triathlons are a life experience, having your ups and downs, and finding ways to overcome the challenges. My season started with the half IronMan California in March, so it actually started over the winter season. I've done a few longer triathlons, but find I find I'm more competitive at sprint distances. I battled through some knee issues running, but was determined to get to California for this race. I took my wife and 3 kids and made a vacation out of it. Highlights of this race were: early stages of hypothermia due to 50 degree water with only a sleeveless wetsuit, no hood or booties. I thought I would die in that water. After a horrid swim, I came out of the water to 47 degree air temperature and it was raining. Believe me I wondered what I was doing out there. Not long after I got on my bike, I flatted. I was still literally freezing from the swim. I could not change my tire because I was shaking so much. Thirty minutes later I finally got everything back together and was set to get back on the road. Going through challenges like this will test you like you've never been tested before. But this is where this race actually began for me. I knew my goal time was shot, and that I had no chance to place, so I looked around and told myself you came out to California for this race, so why not enjoy it? At that point I started enjoying myself by checking out my surroundings and the scenery. It was gorgeous. I finished the bike and my bum knee didn't even bother me that much for the run. A great race and great place to have it. I wish it could have been warmer. Back to Orlando, my sprint season would begin. My goal was to place in three races for the season. I was fortunate and blessed by placing in six races this year. I firmly believe that the key to good racing and a good year is to stay healthy. Injuries can destroy a season and everything you put into it. Having a great attitude also helps. When people do their first triathlon, they really get supercharged. This is the kind of feeling I would like to have going into every race. First year triathletes should do nothing but enjoy their race and their first season. If this sport takes you into another season, this is when they should start working on their strengths and weaknesses, and transitions. And last, triathletes should study and know the rules of triathlon and abide by them. They should also familiarize themselves with the course before the actual race. I did the Deland tri this year and went 18 miles on a 12 mile bike. Any way, thanks again for everything, I look forward to next year.

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