LeMars Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Out of the pool having extended my lead over John (last year's winner).

Need to get tri shoes that I can pre-clip in. My old road bike shoes with ratcheting strap are costing me finishing places due to slow transition. Gave back a bunch of time to John.

I had a hard time clipping in, at one point my left foot slipped out and I slammed my left foot into the ground. Luckily, I didn't crash, and finally got going. Knowing John was right behind, I was pushing hard. Maybe too hard, being only 6 days out from the Hy-Vee. At the turn around, my right calf cramped and I had to ease back. Shortly after, John passed me and I tried desperately to keep up. By the end, he was a good 10 seconds ahead (a total of 50 seconds or so given my 40 second head start).

Not bad, made up some time here. Was on John's heels on the way out of transition.

Passed John right away, and worked on picking off runners from there. By mile one, I could no longer hear John's footsteps, so I thought I had a chance. At the finish, I turned to see John only 25 seconds behind, so I knew he had me. For some time, we thought we were first and second, separated only by 14 seconds. A little while later another racer who had turned in a phenomenal bike leg crossed the line with a time 48 seconds faster than me.

Watched the race results come in live, and talked with a great group of racers. Nice guys all around. Later, I realized that the only 34 y/o men in the race placed first through third. Go 34 year-olds!

Enjoyed the post-race meal, and grabbed my prizes. A nice YMCA beach towel, and Blue Bunny ice cream scoop, $10 Hy-Vee gift card, and 3rd place medal. Back home to enjoy the rest of the weekend with my family at my mom's house.


Transitions, and the need to continue hard training.

Can't complain about a podium finish and a several minute PR though!


Well-done as usual. Love this race in my old hometown.