KONA Swim Bike Run Has Everything You Need To Train For The Ironman

By Amy Gutierrez

For many, getting into the world of competing in triathlons can be a little intimidating. But, have you ever stopped to think that all triathletes once were novices who decided to better their overall health and compete without ever having participated in a race before? Everyone starts somewhere! On any given day in KONA Swim Bike Run, an amazing store full of bikes, cleats, nutritional items, helmets and more right here on S.R. 56, people new to the sport walk among seasoned triathletes. 

The store, located in an unnamed plaza about a mile east of I-75, offers all of the equipment you need to get started, and just as important, the experienced staff offers invaluable advice and tips. KONA’s  inventory of triathlon and road bikes is top-notch, as well, including brands such as Quintana Roo, Felt Racing, Bianchi and Litespeed. Other brands providing bikes and/or bicycle parts are Zipp, Profile Design and Scott. There also are running, bicycling and swimming clothes and gear by TYR, Garneau and Pearl Izumi, as well as nutrition products by Nuun, Powerbar and Skratch Labs. 

Partners Bruce McCarthy and Robert and Denyce Robinson purchased the assets of the KONA Multisport store originally located on County Line Rd. in New Tampa (next to LA Fitness) in January of this year and changed the name to KONA Swim Bike Run. Because they recognized the activity and growth along the S.R. 56 corridor in Wesley Chapel, they decided to relocate and open their new store (in March 2014) a mile or so to the north.  

“KONA Swim Bike Run is very different from your normal bike shop,” Bruce explains. “We are one of the few stores that focuses solely on triathletes. We have the bikes, swimming and running gear for anyone looking to participate in a triathlon.” 

The name KONA comes from Kailua-Kona on the big island of Hawaii, which is home to the Ironman World Championship, the epitome of the triathlon world — the competition many triathletes dream of one day competing in — so the store is aptly named. 

All three partners are very active cyclists and triathletes. In fact, Bruce, Robert and Denyce all are currently training for an Ironman 70.3 in the fall of 2015. An Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half-Ironman, is one of a series of long distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corp. (WTC). The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run. Each distance of the swim, bike and run segments is half the distance of that segment in an Ironman triathlon, which people often post on their vehicles as a 140.6 (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and full 26.6-mile marathon). Bruce, Robert and Denyce love participating in the local triathlons that Tampa Bay offers, including those in Ft. DeSoto and Crystal River.

It’s safe to say that it takes a fair amount of training and all of the right equipment to be successful in a 70.3, or even a sprint triathlon (which can have anywhere from a half- to a full-mile swim, 15-50-mile bike leg and 5k-10-mile run), so the partners are well-versed with assisting their customers with everything from correct bike sizing to nutrition and training schedules. They can be found hosting regular ride/run workouts at Flatwoods Park in New Tampa and open-water swims at Sand Key in Clearwater. 

Bruce, originally from Atlanta, GA, began racing road bikes and competing in triathlons in 1989, while working as a lifeguard at a YMCA in Atlanta. He relocated to Tampa Palms in 2008 to work as a sales rep for a bicycle distributor. Bruce raced mountain bikes through the 1990s and says he got back into triathlons in 2004, and has been competing ever since. He and his wife Donna have twin 18-year-old daughters named Erin and Hailey. 

Denyce and Rob began cycling and participating in triathlons several years ago, after a challenge from their son Ryan, while watching the Tour de France. Prior to that, they both were active in martial arts, including Krav Maga (the defense system taught to members of the Israeli military). Denyce originally is from Hollywood, FL, while Rob moved around a bit as part of a military family, but they have been Land O’Lakes residents for the past 10 years.  

“They’re all super nice people,” says Mary, a Wesley Chapel resident and KONA customer. “Rob, Denyse (and the rest of the staff) were all so helpful and kind. I felt like I was among family even though we had just met. They are honest, patient and never, ever pushy!”

One KONA customer named Frank also knows the benefits of utilizing the shop’s staff and services.

“I started competing in triathlons in January of this year and I knew absolutely nothing about the sport,” Frank says. “At least, not until I met Bruce at KONA. Bruce has been part of my introduction into the sport and has been there for me every step of the way. Being new to the sport, I’ve had hundreds of questions and Bruce has willingly answered all of them. The pricing that KONA offers is fair, the service is excellent and their willingness to help a ‘newby’ like me has been priceless! All of my triathlon needs will always be filled at Kona!!”

In addition to their well-informed partners, there are three employees at KONA, who all happen to be students at USF and who also are very active in the triathlon community. The staff at the shop is proud to say that, together, they have more than 15 years of professional mechanical experience and all are Shimano-certified, so whether your bike is getting a full-service repair or just a simple tune-up, it’s always in very capable hands.

Whether you’re participating in your first sprint distance triathlon or competing in an Ironman distance race, KONA Swim Bike Run has you covered. The in-store, full-service repair shop can handle everything from a full overhaul of a customer’s bike to a last minute “tweak” just before a big ride or race. 

KONA Swim Bike Run is located at 27217 S.R. 56 and is open seven days per week (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m –7 p.m., 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday).  The store can be reached at 907-3355. For more information, email Info@KONASBR, visit KONASBR.com or “Like” their Facebook.com page — Facebook.com/KONASwimBikeRun.