SoCal Triathlon Team ROI

Diving into dark, 57 degree waters, grinding up the 12% San Mateo Hill and rounding the marker to start the second lap of a hot Oceanside 70.3 run course are all solo efforts. But two days later I am still marveling at the massive team effort generated by the SoCal Triathlon Team on Saturday.

The return on investment of this Orange County based team would make Buffet blush. The team was everywhere. Helping with race day logistics, pumping tires with air, zipping up wetsuits, yelling words of encouragement from the swim chute, “Atkinson! Remember, don’t swim too long in the same spot!”. There was a SoCal Sherpa loaded down with morning clothes bags that were tied up too late and a pro tip on where to find the secret porta potties with no lines. Best of all was all the talk, laughter and pats on the back to release race day nerves.

You could tell it was going to be a good race right from the start. The number of Team PRs was fantastic with bonuses galore. Gritty, first time efforts, multiple World Championship qualifiers and first place for the women’s relay team. All surely owe a big assist to the crew at the SoCal team tent that was a beacon in the darkest part of the race, pushing us onwards towards our goals. It was impossible not to be touched by the huge gang who stood by their posts right to the end to build a cheering, waving, archway of support for a teammate driving toward the finish line to make her triathlon goal a reality.

The photos the team took throughout the day hinted at so many fantastic stories and captured a wide range of emotions but joy most of all. Thanks to my big brother who introduced me to Team SoCal which has truly changed my life. And thank you SoCal Triathlon Team, let’s do it again.

~ Chris