Racer~D

Swim was regular outing for shark bite victim
The great white may have mistaken the triathlete for a seal or sea lion

People play in the water near a sign warning of danger at Cardiff State Beach in Encinitas, Calif. Friday, April 25, 2008. A shark believed to be a great white killed a 66-year-old swimmer Friday as the man trained with a group of triathletes in nearby Solana Beach, Calif. , authorities and witnesses said. Beaches in nearby coastal cities have been recommending that swimmers and surfers stay out of the water.
6:13 p.m. ET, 4/25/08

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. - It was a perfect spring morning for an ocean swim. With the sun shining in a clear blue sky, Dave Martin and his triathlon training group swam past the surfers at Tide Beach on their regular Friday course through cool glassy waters about 150 yards out.

Somewhere below, a shark — presumed to be a great white — was lurking, possibly on the hurt for a seal or sea lion. It struck around 7 a.m., charging at Martin from below and lifting him vertically out of the water, both legs in its jaws, its serrated teeth slicing deep, fatal gashes.

While down in San Diego for my Sisters wedding I thought about getting some open water training in and I went to the local Tri club websites to see if I could find some group open water swims. I found a local SD Tri club that swam early Friday/Saturday morning and contemplated bringing my wetsuit down with me, but it was too bulky and I really didn't have time. I feel sad for the lose of a fellow triathlete and blessed because I could have been out there.

I pray for the broken hearted.