South Florida Triathlon Series Underway!

The first event in the 2005 About Family Fitness South Florida Triathlon Series took place today under slightly chilly conditions at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. The lower 60’s air temperatures had some triathletes shivering as they stripped off their outer layers in preparation for the swim. The moderate 72 degree water temperature made the swim wetsuit legal, but few took advantage of the opportunity.

The action heated up quickly though as Jose Bolivar (34, Hollywood) led out of the ¼ mile swim with a time of 5:40. Many riders competed for the lead on the 10 mile bike course, but the best time of 24:50 was had by Gavin Nicholls (24, Wilton Manors). Once the course hit the final 2.5 mile run leg, nobody could stop 5-time Duathlon Series Champion Kevin Grogan (30, Clermont) from taking the overall victory with a time of 46:07. Kevin also finished with the best run split of 14:03. Second place overall went to Leonardo Gonzalez (35, Pompano Beach) with a time of 47:57, while Reinaldo Oliveira (26, Fort Lauderdale) rounded out the top 3.

On the women's side, Jenny Garcia (35, Plantation) took the overall victory with a time of 54:06. She was aided to victory by her female best run split of 15:48. Michelle Schraer (34, Fort Lauderdale) finished 2nd Female Overall in a time of 54:38 aided by her female best swim split of 6:15. Kimberly Grogan (26, Clermont), wife of Male Champion Kevin Grogan, finished 3rd Female Overall with a time of 54:53 just 8 weeks after delivering a bouncing baby boy! The best female bike split time of 27:32 was put in by defending series champion Cheryl Vega (41, Hollywood) who was hampered on the run by an ankle injury but still managed the second best overall time of females over 40.