Okoboji Triathlon - Triathlon

Strong swim. It was really bumpy at the start. I was drafting well and sighting very well. Before the turnaround I noticed a handful of people in front of me. About half way back I looked to the beach and I only saw 6 or so people in front of me. I decided to kick it in the last 200 yards to see how many I could pass.

Ended up 4th out of the water. Felt really good getting to the swim exit.

Maybe push a little harder sooner. I felt very strong the entire swim and was really happy with the result.

There was a long run up to the T1 entrance that was included in the swim time. I had a great T1 but my suit did get stuck on my heels again. Not a big deal but probably added 15 seconds to my time. Suit off, helmet on and i was on my way. got out of T1 fast. On my bike and my feet went in really easily. took off and got a few strong rotations in before I tightened up the velcro on my shoes.

Trim my suit up just a little more on the legs maybe so that it can get off my heels easier.

This bike was fun. Hard but fun!! It's the same course as the last two years. We head out of Arnolds Park and head south on 71. Our first major turn is a 90 degree turn to the West which gradually turns north. It is alot of up hill work on the west side of the lake. I had my eyes on one rider about 500 yards in front of me. The overall winner came up next to me on the bike at about mile 8. I hung on to him as long as I could. He caught the guy in front of me and about a mile or so later, i caught him too. Once we turned East and into the neighborhood it was a series of back and forth efforts between me and him. Another biker caught us and the three of us pushed each other very hard. At about 1 mile left, I had a sudden burst of energy and completely blew out the other two guys. Got out of my shoes well, rode on top of them very well and dismounted.

Not much. Maybe hang on to that 19 year old that won the event a little longer. I was very happy with my bike segment.

As I was getting ready to rack my bike I stumbled and ended up dropping my bike. It wasn't a big deal but it did cost me a few seconds. I was as quick as I could be considering I still like to run with socks on. The two guys I dropped at the end of the bike ended up getting out of T2 before me.

Better control as I get off my bike. My rack spot was really close to the entrance of T2 and I was slightly out of control. Probably should work on this somehow but I was smoking fast on the bike. LOL.

The run was one of my better performances for this distance averaging 7:00 per mile. There are a lot of little roller hills during this run that did affect my abilities. I did not think that there were enough water stations but I dealt with it.

I got out of T1 and started to build up speed. It's a run up a gradual hill out of T1 and when I reached the top of the hill I felt like it was time to push. It's a fun run because you see the bikers coming in as you are running on the sidewalk.

I did catch one runner but then he ended up passing me with about 1.5 miles to go. One guy passed me as well that was behind me after the bike. My last mile felt good. I was strong with long strides and good arm movement. I turned the last turn to the finish line and the streets were lined with people. This is one of the best finishes in the Midwest. The Okoboji tri is run at the same time as the 1/2 marathon, Marathon, and 10K and all athletes finish at the same spot. It's almost a party atmosphere.

I should have pushed harder on the run. I never had the "just walk for a minute" thoughts and should have pushed harder. Would I have gotten a higher position in the end?? Not sure, but I may have caught the guy that got 4th.

Push harder sooner.

Crossed the finish line. I saw Stacey and the boys and stacey got a great picture of me smiling at them. Stretched and waited for Chad to finish the Tri and Kelly to finish the Half Mary. Ate a banana, drank a couple of bottles of water and gatorade and was ready to roll. I could have jogged home from the race as my legs still felt great.


Not much. Maybe I was just being a wuss on the run and should have kicked it harder .


I gave Okoboji a 5 because the finish is one of the best in the area. I love the crowd and the announcer. I would like to see age groups every 5 years (then I would have won my age group :-)...... There are some challenging parts of the bike with traffic and the congestion of runners and bikers is difficult.

Still love the race and we stayed for two more days to enjoy Boji!!!