Priest Lake Triathlon - Sprint Mountain Bike Course - Triathlon

Ugh, this was a terrible swim. Never got it together. Felt out of breath and panicky the whole time.

More warmup

Took my wetsuit off at the beach thinking it wouldn't stick as badly. Maybe it didn't, but it was still nice and stuck, plus it was all sandy since I didn't wait till I got to the grass. Walked up the LOOOOOOONG carpeted path to the bikes, got situated and headed off.

Wetsuit off in grass or even at T1.

Wow, hardest ride I think I've ever done! Also the most beautiful. Not sure how they did it, but I think about 50 minutes of my ride was climbing with only 10 or so descending, yet we ended up at the same place... must have bent the laws of physics. I don't mountain bike much and don't have any skillz, so the descents were a little hairy for me, and the climbs just went on and on... It was worth it for the views, though! At the first big climb several people had gotten off to walk their bikes - one guy was jogging with his - faster than I was riding! The last little bit was on single track - absolutely beautiful with soft ground and big trees with the sunlight coming through. I had no idea where we were and was very surprised to pop out right at transition!.

More climbing, more practice on trails, but really, nothing on this day.

Easy transition - shoes/helmet off, shoes/hat on.

Nothing.

Was pretty tired after the bike - did I mention that was the hardest ride I've ever done? But once I got over the transition and got my run legs back (such as they are) I was able to mostly just chug along till the end. Foot hurt like mad starting out but evened out pretty quickly.

More hills, more training, but nothing on this day.

Drank water, walked around, chatted with friends. Forgot to stretch...again.


Lack of training and extra weight. But life is all about choices and balance, so I did as well as possible for this day.


Very fun race, can't wait to do it again! Also the hardest ride I think I've ever done, and the most beautiful. The ride is not too technical - mostly wide forest roads, but lots of up and a few downhills.

The lunch that you buy does NOT include a drink, so bring some cash to buy water, soda or beer at lunch.

Definitely try this one, but be prepared for HILLS!