There’s something about the transition area of a triathlon — swim to bike leg, bike to run leg — that is rejuvenating. Competitors feed off the shared chaos, a frenetic synergy that both re-energizes and reaffirms the commitment to continue to the finish line.

It’s that dynamic that first attracted Kirk Fritz to the sport. A surfer and age-group swimmer growing up in Southern California, the University of Hawaii graduate transitioned to paddleboard races during his time as a lifeguard in District 1 (Ala Moana to Waikiki).

But making the leap to the more extreme sport? Again, it was all about that shared experience.

"I was working at Compadres in the 1990s and the other bartenders and I would swap stories," Fritz said. "I had my surf stories, they’d talk about their triathlon workouts. We put together a relay team for the Bud Light (triathlon) series and I was the swimmer.

"I had no intention of doing a triathlon. But I went over to the Big Island to support a good friend who was racing in the Ironman. When you sit on the sidelines and watch that … you can’t help but wonder about the possibilities of pushing yourself to be there, too."

Some 20 years and numerous international races later, the transitioning continues for Fritz. It won’t be the waters off the Kailua-Kona pier Saturday; it will be less-crowded start at Puaena Beach for the BIKEFACTORY Haleiwa Triathlon.

The 42-year-old isn’t focused on bettering his second-place finish of last year, one where he was 45 seconds behind Benjamin Williams. It’s more about the spiritualness of competition.

"When I go out now, it’s a totally different perspective," the Ko Olina Beach & Sports Club director said. "Of course, I’m competitive, I love to race. But now I see that competitor as a brother or a sister. It’s more about the camaraderie."

Fritz lives the "multi" part of multitasking as well as multisport. He and wife Rachel, also a competitive triathlete, have four children ranging from age 8 to 7 months.

Besides his job at Ko Olina, he also is involved in the Cross-Road Ohana ministry, an open-air church-without-walls on the grounds of the resort. He is a personal trainer, is helping form a masters swim club in the area; and began the Spirit of Excellence, a faith-based youth program that focuses on "honoring God through sports and fitness activities," Fritz said.

"It’s amazing, his ability to keep so many plates spinning while still finding time to train and maintain his status of one of the top triathletes in the state," Haleiwa Triathlon organizer Chris Gardner said. "His commitment to his family is beyond reproach and this dedication fuels his other passions, such as his community service and support of friends."

Fritz would like to expand the activities at Ko Olina to continue embracing what the area has to offer. That would include outrigger canoe paddling and hosting competitions.

"I am so blessed to work here," he said. "You see how tranquil it is, the spirituality of the area.

"’Ko Olina’ means ‘place of joy.’ And it is every day."