Photos: More From Coronado’s SuperFrog Tri

Media and fans surrounded Armstrong as he prepared his transition area before the race start. Photo: Aaron Hersh

Armstrong once again registered a strong swim through the choppy water despite saying afterward, "I thought I was going to drown, seriously." Photo: Aaron Hersh

He exited with Bryan Rhodes, a pro triathlete doing a relay, and eventual second-place finisher Leon Griffin. Photo: Aaron Hersh

Armstrong sat patiently behind Griffin for practically the entire ride, letting the Australian do the work and set the pace. Photo: Aaron Hersh

The four-loop course was mostly pancake flat, with a few small inclines which Armstrong and other racers used to get a break from the aero position. Photo: Jené Shaw

Armstrong rode a 2:02:48 (27.3 mph average) for the fastest bike split of the day. He said he averaged 331 watts for the entire ride. Photo: Jené Shaw

A 50-second T2 proves Armstrong has worked on his transitions—earlier this year, he was seen sitting down to put his shoes on in transitions. Photo: Jené Shaw

Leon Griffin biked ahead of Armstrong for the entire ride and exited T2 right before him. Photo: Jené Shaw

The run started with two miles of deep, soft sand. Armstrong caught Griffin on this section and kept his lead until the end. Photo: Jené Shaw

Andrew Christian of Temecula, Calif., did the entire run holding an American flag. Photo: Jené Shaw

Local rookie pro Beth Walsh came off a second-place finish at Ironman Wisconsin a few weeks ago to take the women's win. Photo: Jené Shaw

Local rookie pro Beth Walsh came off a second-place finish at Ironman Wisconsin a few weeks ago to take the women's win. Photo: Jené Shaw

Beating the course record formerly held by Chris McDonald, Armstrong crossed the line in (chip time) 3:49:45, about four minutes ahead of Griffin. Photo: Jené Shaw

Armstrong thanks race founder Phillip "Moki" Martin, a retired Navy SEAL. Photo: Jené Shaw

Native Australian Griffin is a former duathlon world champion. He has been training in Boulder, Colo., this year but will head back to his homeland to race in a few weeks. Photo: Jené Shaw

This competitor managed to "joggle" his way through deep sand and all the way into the finish line. Photo: Jené Shaw

Armstrong was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic supports at the finish. Despite being recently banned by USADA, the crowd supported him fully. Photo: Aaron Hersh