David Wild found inspiration everywhere at the 3rd annual Hilo Triathlon, where a pace-setting rabbit helped at the start and a wise owl provided words of encouragement near the end.
David Wild found inspiration everywhere at the 3rd annual Hilo Triathlon, where a pace-setting rabbit helped at the start and a wise owl provided words of encouragement near the end.
Born in San Diego, Wild lived in Berkley and Oakland, Calif., for eight years and moved to the Big Island two years ago to become a Konawaena math teacher.
For two years, Wild has been running in Luis De La Torre’s shadow. The 29-year-old has finished behind De La Torre in four races, including last year’s Hilo Triathlon.
Both attended the inaugural Hilo Triathlon in 2014 and watched as spectators. And from afar, Wild emulated De La Torre, even his bicycle pedaling technique. In a sense, the teacher became a student.
On Sunday, Wild graduated and beat De La Torre in a thriller for the modified Hilo Triathlon, a mile run, 40-kilometer bike, and 10k run, at James Kealoha Beach Park, 1:44:07 to 1:44:50. (The Olympic-distance 1.5k swim was canceled due to rough conditions.)
Rani Henderson was ninth and won the women’s title in 1:58:18, ahead of retired pro triathlete Bree Wee, who was 10th in 1:59:16.
“Ever since I moved here two years ago, I’ve been chasing him,” Wild said. “I’ve looked up to him, and I’ve learned from him by just watching his strategy and skills. He’s been that guy in the distance.”
Wild is an advisor to the Konawaena triathlon club. It’s a good role for him because he can teach what he knows. And his advice covers not only technical stuff, like training, but also mindset.
“We have some humble kids, and they don’t want to beat their coaches,” he said. “But it’s OK.”
Wild can relate because he was sort of in the same boat regarding his respect for De La Torre, who’s a seasoned 48-year-old veteran with close to 500 events.
But after last year’s Hilo Triathlon runner-up finish, Wild kept competing and his confidence grew with each crossing of another finish line.
Last August, he did the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Austria. He finished another half-Ironman in his old hometown of San Diego in April.
In between, at the Honolulu Marathon in December, Wild placed 37th in 2:54:55, a 6:41mile pace. He was the top finisher from the Big Island. Even better, Wild met his goal.
“I wanted to see if I could break three hours,” he said. “I probably won’t do another marathon until I do a full Ironman.”
Wild credited one of his fellow competitors for setting a good pace for the first run, even though it was a bit too fast. But it got his motor going for the bike portion, where De La Torre dominates.
“I locked on him like a homing missile,” Wild said. “But he made it hard.”
De La Torre led, and Wild trailed. Then they reversed roles. It was a weird feeling for the Konawaena teacher, not used to leading.
“I realized he was on my tail, like how I was,” Wild said. “He kept me in his sights. I was in first off the bike, but he beat me out of the transition. But I caught right up to him. Like they say in cross country, you have to stick to them like glue.”
A mile away from victory, Wild built a sizable lead. Then he got words of wisdom from Wee when they crossed paths.
“When Luis was behind me, that was a confidence booster. I had not led him before,” Wild said. “Bree Wee is a friend and mentor, and she said, ‘Don’t be scared. Be brave.’ That stuck in my head and became my mantra.
“Luis told me congratulations and that he was happy for me. I’m so stoked. I can’t believe that I did it.”
His first Hilo Triathlon victory over a tough rival came with a bonus. Wild found the best source of inspiration: in himself.
When Wild next meets with the Konawaena triathlon club, he can offer advice from the heart.
“I’ll tell them don’t be scared and be brave. Don’t doubt yourself,” Wild said.