The old motto: You don’t stop moving because you get old. You get old because you stop moving, certainly fits the way of life for Malibu resident Frank Perna. At 78 years of age, Perna is the oldest participant in the upcoming Nautica Malibu Triathlon.
The triathlon, which will take place at Zuma Beach on Sept. 17 and 18, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This will be Perna’s 8th time competing in the grueling race on Sunday, which consists of a half-mile ocean swim, an 18-mile out and back bike ride and then a four-mile run.
As an active senior, Perna spends many hours per week training for the event that is practically in his backyard. You may find him swimming at the Malibu High School pool, where he sometimes trains, or running along Zuma Beach and even Pacific Coast Highway to fit in a long run. It’s a convenient location for training and he says he’s always liked the many people he meets in Malibu who are also athletic.
Perna says he’s always been a fit and active guy, but started to train for his first Malibu Triathlon while already in his senior years with the encouragement of his family, some of whom even competed with him beginning in 2003. That’s when his daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren joined him in the competition. He said that although he has always been active, he started focusing more on training in the last 15 years because he’s had more free time now that’s he’s semi-retired from the software industry.
Having already competed in seven previous triathlons, six marathons and two SUPathons (standup paddling boarding,) The Malibu Times asked Perna if he’s won his age group before.
“I’m not serious about it. It’s fun and I get a kick out of the crowd and the enthusiasm,” Perna said nonchalantly — although he has won in his age category (75-79) at least three times previously in the triathlon.
He explained that people often cheer him on when they see his age written on his leg during the competition, saying, “It’s a lot of fun.”
When queried as to why he competes in the triathlon, Perna answered like many mountain climbers do, saying, “because it’s there.” However, when also asked which leg of the event is his favorite he emphatically replied, “Finishing. Period. Get it over with.” Perna declined to give an estimated finishing time indicating that he is just enjoying participating right now.
Due to Perna’s rigorous training schedule and years of activity playing tennis, skiing, snowboarding and SUP, Perna had a setback this year that may have sidelined many others his age and even younger. He told The Malibu Times he had a full knee replacement just about two months ago. Calling the procedure “unbelievably painful,” Perna did not take too much time recovering. He was back training not long after the surgery surprising his doctor.
“When the doctor heard I was training, he said, ‘That’s great.’ He’s pretty impressed that I’m doing a triathlon.” Perna said, adding, “I’m not the fastest when I’m racing, but I feel I’m in good shape.”
As for pre-race rituals like a pasta or carbo-load dinner the night before the event that many marathoners and triathletes have, Perna said that while he enjoys pasta a lot, as an experienced triathlete, he’s not convinced it helps him better his performance.
“Do your normal thing,” he suggested. “I have a good protein shake in the morning.”
The morning of the race, Sunday, Sept. 18, Perna’s family will be on the sidelines to cheer him on, including his wife of 56 years and some of his three children and six grandchildren.
About 5,000 other participants will be joining Perna for the triathlon this year. The Malibu event is one of the biggest in the country. Funds raised during the races benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Research Program, a program committed to finding a cure and preventative solutions to childhood cancers. Proceeds will also support the Basic and Transitional Cancer Research Program of the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Last year the triathlon raised over $1.31 million dollars in support of the cancer research programs.
