Dear CFL Tri Club Family,
What a week it has been! I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates, celebrate our achievements, and keep you informed about this week’s training schedule.
Ironman South Africa 2025: A Race to Remember
There’s something magical about the start of an Ironman South Africa delivered an experience like no other. The day began with fierce winds sweeping across the water. This set the stage for what would be a challenging yet unforgettable race. As the gun went off at 6:45 AM, the rolling start was anticipated. However, it quickly turned into a mass start. It was a chaotic yet electrifying beginning.
The swim was a two-loop course. The water was a brisk 63°F and choppy. It was unpredictable, with whipped currents tossing us back and forth. The first loop was tough, but manageable, as adrenaline carried me through. As I rounded the buoy to start the second loop, a single thought hit me like a wave. “Holy shit, I have to do this all over again.”
It was a humbling moment, but also a reminder of the grit required to conquer this race. Without my glasses or contacts, navigating the swim became even more daunting. The energy of the moment kept me moving forward, stroke by stroke. Emerging from the water, the sand stairs to transition felt like a victory in itself.
The bike course greeted us with a punishing climb into the wind for the first 7 miles. My small chain became my best friend—every pedal stroke a testament to grit. Then came a 13-mile downhill stretch, but don’t be fooled—it was into the wind, so coasting wasn’t an option. The course demanded focus and effort, even on the descents. With three laps to complete, the tailwind back into town was a welcome reprieve, though short-lived. The bike segment was as much about mental endurance as it was physical.
And then came the run—a 4-mile loop repeated over and over. But here’s where Ironman South Africa truly stood apart. Out of the 36 Ironmans I’ve completed, including the prestigious Kona, this race had something special. The spectators and volunteers were nothing short of extraordinary. Every corner of the course was alive with energy, encouragement, and passion. There were no dead spots—no moments where you felt alone. The crowd carried you, lifted you, and reminded you why you were out there.
Crossing the finish line was the culmination of not just a race, but an experience. Every volunteer was attentive, every moment felt significant. The organizers, the spectators, and the community came together to create something unforgettable.
Yes, Ironman South Africa is a tough race. The wind, the climbs, the relentless swim—it will test you. But it’s also a race that leaves an imprint on your soul. It’s a race that reminds you why you do this. You push your limits. You connect with a community. You leave a piece of yourself on that course.
If you’re looking for a race that challenges you and celebrates you at the same time, South Africa is calling. Will you answer?
A huge congratulations to Michael Melton for his outstanding performance. Michael, your dedication and hard work have truly been the icing on the cake.
Additionally, let’s celebrate Mauricio, who claimed first placeat Clash Endurance in Miami! Mauricio, your hard work has paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of your achievement.
Let’s give a big round of applause to Jan McDonald. She secured third place in the elite division at her Spartan Race. Jan, your grit and determination are an inspiration to us all!
Special Recipe: Protein Pancakes
To fuel your training and recovery, here’s my favorite breakfast recipe – Protein Pancakes:
- Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of protein powder (flavor of your choice)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Optional: blueberries, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey for topping
- Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour the batter.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Weekly Training Schedule
This week’s workouts have been posted on the E-Peak App. Please review the training schedule and plan accordingly. Here’s a quick overview:
| Day | Workout |
|---|---|
| Monday | Swim workout posted |
| Tuesday | Bike session posted |
| Wednesday | Track session at Howard Middle School, led by Coach Torres at 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | Virtual bike session only Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86805621340 |
| Friday | Swim workout posted |
| Saturday | TBA |
| Sunday | TBA |
Central Florida Tri Club decided to join Epeak, the all-in-one community platform designed for outdoor sports. Why Epeak?With Epeak, you can:✅ Track club races and events
✅ Organize and plan your training sessions
✅ Easily communicate with other members
Download the app:
📱 iPhone
📱 Android
How to join Central Florida Tri Club on Epeak?
1️⃣ Create your account on the app
2️⃣ Enter the code E61F9 to access our club
3️⃣ Join the groups that interest you
As soon as you sign up, you’ll receive a welcome email with a tutorial video to guide you through the app. 📌 More info: www.epeak.co 💬 Have a question? Contact us or use the in-app support. See you soon on Epeak! 📲
Important Updates
- I’ll be traveling to Dallas, Texas this Thursday morning to coach one of my athletes and will return on Sunday.
- There will be no WITS sessions this week, but the workouts will still be posted on the E-Peak App.
April Challenge: Are You Up for It?
Starting April 1st, we’re kicking off a 30-day challenge:
- 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups every day for 30 days!
- Track your progress on the E-Peak App and on WhatsApp and share your journey online. Don’t forget to tag us and let us know you’re getting it done. Let’s push each other to stay consistent and disciplined!
Thank you all for your continued dedication to the sport and to our community. Let’s keep pushing forward, celebrating each other’s victories, and striving for greatness!
Best regards,
Hector L Torres
USA Triathlon Coach Lv 3
Head Coach, Tri Peak Athlete / CFL Tri Club
321-443-0073
P.S. Don’t forget to check out this week’s workouts on the E-Peak App and let me know if you have any questions!
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