It was a last minute decision to enter the Lakeside Sprint Triathlon held in Decatur, IL. My older brother Gavin talked me into it, having raced last year. It’s a great opportunity to compete against pros around the Midwest. Although the elite wave was small, there was certainly no lack of talent.

This is my first triathlon which was called as a non-wetsuit legal race. Of course, I happened to leave my speed suit at home. Oh well, had to swim in just a suit which I prefer anyhow. The elite wave was combined male and female. I chose to start between Gavin and Andy Starkywicz which was not a very wise decision because as the gun went off they sandwiched me blocking me out in an effort to take the lead. Thanks guys :) I felt strong swimming out to the first turn buoy, Jenny Garrison and I swam side by side. At the 800 meter mark my goggles started to fog, I couldn’t see a thing and began swimming way off course. As the lifeguards waved me back on track I stopped to clear my goggles, they were still fogged but I managed to make it into the swim exit. Coming out of the water 3rd I had a lot of time to make up.

 .75 Mile Swim 19.14

Starting the bike I had 40 seconds to make up to Lauren Jensen and Jenny Garrison. They are both strong bikers though so I had my work cut out for me. I hammered as much as possible with the strength I had after coming off a high volume training week. Unfortunately I just didn’t have the power that day to catch either racer ahead of me. They both increased their lead on me by a few minutes throughout the bike.

19 Mile Bike: 50:11

Heading out on the run I was a little discouraged to be in 3rd place so tried to see what kind of time I could make up on the leaders. On my way out I saw Gavin and Bean racing to the finish for 3rd place men. As I hit the turn around Jenny and Lauren were both pretty far ahead but I was staying with them and even making up some time. As we came into the last mile I could see Lauren just ahead of me. She started looking back, at this point I knew she had to be getting tired, so I pulled everything I had left to catch her. I’ve been in a similar situation with Lauren last year at the Danskin triathlon. I was leading the race into the run and she passed me in the finish shoot to win the race. This was my opportunity to pay her back the favor. And yes as I went by I simply hurdled over her since I am about 2 feet taller.

4.5 Mile Run: 28:08

Top 3 overall female, and no they’re not my children

Bean and I at the finish line

Gavin and I with our big checks

3rd overall male

2nd overall female