Dare To Tri Maple Grove Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

It took me a minute to find a rhythm when I turned into the wind/chop but once I did it was pretty smooth sailing, although looking at my time I think I slowed down a little more than I thought. I was just unsure about how the wind was going to affect me. I also lost a little time after the final turn. Headed into the beach was directly into the sun so you could not see a thing. Just had to head into the sun and hope for the best. Ended up 5th out the water and even passed a couple of people from the elite wave ahead of me. Only got passed by one guy from the wave behind and it was right at the beach.

Overall I was pretty happy here. I overestimated the affects of the wind a little and slowed more than I should have but I knew it was going to be a long morning. I also won't be forgetting body glide next time. I am still dealing with the chafing around my arms.

I was a little wobbly so I took my time and got my head straight for the bike.

I knew I was underprepared for this leg but I knew if I made it back to transition within 2 hours total time I would have a shot at my sub 3 hour goal. Unfortunately the wind was not going to help me with that today. The first 10 miles or so were either into the wind or dealing with crosswinds so I was struggling to stay close to 18mph goal and straight into the wind I was only holding about 15mph. Fortunatley everyone seemed to be struggling which helped me feel a little better. My spirits improved when we finally turned and had the wind at our backs. Suddenly I was able to hold 25mph on the flats and 30+ on a slight decline which was a cool feeling. Anyway, long story short I came into transition with 1:58 showing on my watch so I knew it would be close (I was pretty tired) but at least I had given myself a shot.

Need more bike time plan and simple. I am weak here and I always end up pushing hard and then I waste my legs for the run.

It was a pretty fun run course that was shared with the sprinters so there were plenty of people around. A lot of people in their front yards and a few with garden hoses which was ver nice as it was getting warm by late morning. My first lap was decent, it was tough but I was holding about 9 minute miles. The second lap was painful. I had just used up too much in the first 2.5 hours and it took everything I had to keep running but I knew if I started walking that I was done. I finally entered the park and with about 1/4 mile left my watch read 2:55, I couldn't believe it but I was going to make it.

Better bike fitness is critical along with more run training.

Hydrated and had a snack while talking to friends and family who had come out to watch. Loaded up and headed home.


The last couple of months have been really hard for me to stay up on my training so I was not as prepared for this race as I wanted to be.


I am thrilled that I made my goal of under 3 hours. I really thought this race was well run and you would not have guessed that it was a first time race. The volunteers were great and the RD did a great job of working with law enforcement to direct traffic at intersections on the course. I am glad that this race is very close to home for me because I will definitely look at doing it again.