Dylan Delacruz joined FRWSD with his partner, Dave Drake in 2014 when they established a summer home in the Banker’s Hill area. They had been members of the Phoenix chapter and were familiar with Front Runners in different cities. We soon learned that both Dylan and Dave are accomplished competitors in road races and triathlons around the US. Dylan recently placed 3rd at the Lubbock Ironman 70.3 and took the time to share his passion for sports, training, and ice cream.
How did your sports career begin?
I started playing baseball and basketball at an early age having been influenced by my older brother. Basketball was my favorite by far, but baseball was my ticket into college since I excelled as all conference, all state, and an All American. I went to Central Connecticut State, which is a small Div 1 school and played there. During the summers you go to different leagues throughout the country and it was during my Arizona summer league that I met Dave. Dave was a big runner and did a few triathlons and so we would run together as a way of spending time. I was one of the slower kids on the baseball team so running was always hard. I was 19 when I did my first half marathon with a time of 2:28:35.
You’ve progressed significantly since then! How did you get interested in triathlons?
With Dave having competed in triathlons before, he suggested I try biking to change my perspective. This is now one my favorite things in the world. It gives me a sense of freedom, to explore, to go at any pace and to get lost. Being a ‘bigger’ runner, it was never something I was good at, but now I had something to offset it with. In San Diego, there are plenty of triathlons to choose and after Dave and I did the Solana Beach Tri, I placed 200th out of 800: I was hooked! Now, I really enjoy the diversity of doing three sports and love seeing my progression, especially with my running.
You recently placed 3rd in your division at Ironman Lubbock 70.3. That’s an amazing achievement. How many Ironman Triathlons have you participated in? What’s the most memorable one? And can you speak to the intense training you go through?
I’ve probably done 5 to 10 a year over the past 8-9 years. The most memorable were probably either Couer D Alene 70.3 or Whistler 70.3 for a number of reasons. Not because of how the race went but more just the people and places you travel. Both venues are ones we’ve even been back to without a race because they are gorgeous. We traveled with groups of friends and shared houses which made it so much fun! Lubbock was fun as I was in 3rd place overall coming off the bike. I got a good taste of racing but didn’t have the running legs to back it up and faded to 11th overall.
I average 15-22 hours of training a week during racing season. Usually at least 50% is biking, 30% swimming, and 20% running. Biking is pretty easy on the body and also takes up the biggest percentage of a triathlon. You also hit a lot of your running muscles also which helps. Swimming is second as it takes the least toll on the body. Usually, every swim has some sort of high intensity as it’s the only one you can get away with since it is so easy on the body. With swimming, I started off middle of the pack during races. Not the fastest but not the slowest. I didn’t take any swim lessons or join a team but growing up near the ocean in CT helped, I guess! My best swim time is probably 4:54 for 500 yards. Running is the hardest on the body out of the three. It’s usually when injuries are likely to occur. Volume is around 25-35 miles a week. What I’ve learned is that I run far less now and am faster than when I was doing around 70 miles a week when I hit my marathon PR. When I was mostly self-coached, I dealt with injury, burnout, and focus. Getting a coach is easily the best investment you can make to make sure you don’t get injured and identify areas of opportunity. I’ve had the same coach now for almost two years – he’s a current professional and finished 10th at the world championships so I’ve definitely learned a ton and improved a lot. Before that I had a running coach and that’s when I hit my marathon PR. I’d like to see how far I can take this as a hobby. Just keep improving a little each year!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being able to participate in such an elite arena?
I wouldn’t call it an elite arena at all! I think that’s actually the coolest part about triathlon or running is that everyone is doing the same race on the same course. What I love about these sports is you relate to everyone. When I did the Chicago marathon a few years back, Mo Farah and Galen Rupp were 6-7 feet away from me at the start line. They were talking and giving high fives to everyone. These are guys at the top of the level that we get to “run” with and enjoy the course together. There really is not any other sport where you get to be on the same field and compete amongst the elite. You can’t go join an NBA game, MLB, Soccer, Football, etc. I think that’s where the whole community bond is though. Most “elites” you meet are some of the most down to earth people and you would never know they were such great athletes!
What are the other hobbies that you have when you are not training or competing?
I’d really like to host Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Seriously though, I love my job! I work in medical sales on the laboratory side of things. I wouldn’t exactly say blood, urine, and oral swabs are my passion 🙂 but the doctors and people you meet are the best. I really love to eat and I love to cook. I love our dogs Axel and Lolita. I love spending time with Dave. I love exploring new places. I love taking pictures. I love laughing and going to comedy clubs or listening to comedians. I love working on my bikes. I love running shoes. I love the mountains, and I love spending time with the FRWSD family.
We understand that you are an ice cream afficionado. What are the best places for ice cream, aside from your homemade concoctions?
Ohh that is a tough one! I definitely go in waves. For San Diego, I’ll throw out a few…. Mr. Trustee off Goldfinch, JoJo’s Creamery in Encinitas is really good (and you get cookies with it). There was a Korean Shaved ice place in Kearny Mesa that took like a block of frozen cream or milk, then they would shave it into snow cone form and top it with fresh fruit, cheesecake, boba, etc. Not to mention it was always the best presentation. If you want to go up north quite a bit than Revival Ice Cream in Monterey is amazing. If visiting in Santa Barbara, you can never go wrong with McConnell’s (which you can buy at the grocery store, but we all know it’s better in person). I’ve experimented quite a bit trying to make a less caloric, less sugar, less fat ice cream. All of them have LESS flavor also…hopefully I can nail down something that works – been making a lot of frozen yogurt which has worked well. Ingredients being just some yogurt, few tablespoons of half and half, a tablespoon of sugar, and some lemon zest. Maybe mix some blueberries in.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. You inspire us with your passion and energy. We wish you luck in taking the podium soon!
I have to say that FRWSD is one of the best groups I’ve been a part of. Dave and I have met some of our best friends and some of the most genuine people you could ever know. If you are in the San Diego area, come for a run or walk and you will leave with a friend.
Dave and Dylan split their time between San Diego and Phoenix when they are not competing in events around the country and traveling to cool places! When in America’s Finest City, you’ll see them running, biking or swimming, and sometimes walking their dogs in Balboa Park. We thank them for their generous spirit in always volunteering with us and being part of the FRWSD family.