The 2021 Graniteman Big Lake Triathlon, celebrating its 12 year anniversary and my 3rd opportunity to race here, had a dicey start with lighting and lotso’ rain throughout. A big shout out to the RD, the staff, and all of the amazing volunteers for pulling off a really good event; a sincere thank you.

On the way into town I stopped for a quick pee and a wee bit more coffee (avoiding the port-o-potty drama) and on my way out the rain came up with the lady working, who said “I sure hope it continues to rain”. I thought about this on the final minutes of my drive as MN and a lot of the country is suffering from extreme drought. I agreed, yes we definitely need the rain…’but on race day’…a thought that would come back throughout the day as I was actually grateful for the moisture which helped keep me cool throughout the day and for all those working this event in the rain out there… I do not do well in the heat, I melt like butter in the sun…

Swim – 1500M

Swim start ended up being delayed by less than a half hour, amazingly, since prior to the race briefing many athletes thought this might not even happen today. They sent the boats and lifeguards out at 7:30 to put out the guide and turn buoys, and as wave 1 was being counted down at 8:00, more lightning was sighted. 18 minutes later wave 1 was off (yes typically it is 30-minutes after a visible lighting strike, but after a consultation with those making the decision it was deemed safe to start). I started 6 minutes later in the last of three waves which made up the Olympic distance starters (us old people start last). There were another six or so waves of sprint athletes which started 15 minutes after wave three.

I went without the neoprene, the water temp was warm, and honestly I prefer swimming without it (even if it does make me slightly faster due to its buoyancy). The 1500M swim ended up being 1350M according my Garmin, but considering the conditions, it was understandable. I felt really good in the water and I got a good 750 yard warm-up in before the race started. (really important for me to have a good warm up to avoid the initial adrenaline rush I get at the start).

I was happy with my swim split; I am not in the best swim shape, or at least not where I think I could be. Isn’t this always the case though, we are never really satisfied…I could do a complete separate post on all the negative self-talk we all experience (and I might just do that…). I sighted well, didn’t get run over, or pulled on, and felt really relaxed and was ready for a little bike ride as I exited the water.

T1

In general, my transitions are not good right now; talk about getting lost in transition (we’ll leave that for T2). Today was unique since I had everything inside my Blue Seventy tri-bag which I had inside a garbage bag, under an umbrella…I was in the bottom third of all athletes with both my transitions, definitely an area for improvement.

Bike – 40K

The bike course was long (2-loop out and back), actually 28.5 miles (~46K), was really fast, smooth, extremely well staffed, and was definitely a highlight of the day. These were some of the best maintained roads I have ridden on in quite a while, and considering I have been doing many rides in Cleveland’s Metropark system (which is absolutely amazing) is saying a lot. The Sheriff’s crew and all the volunteers made this ride safe, and I tried to thank everyone I came into contact with out there on the course. The weather was miserable for the staff, volunteers, and spectators, so I was even more grateful for everything they did for all of us out there racing.

The Tuesday night brick workouts with the Cleveland Triathlon Club have helped improve my endurance and speed. This club has been a blessing and a great experience, and I have enjoyed being involved and meeting some really neat people. Thanks for taking this stray in…

I was really happy with my bike split. I worked hard and was just below threshold for the duration. My bottom was definitely ready to get off Black Beauty, my trusted Felt B2  thoroughbred. She was so dirty from all the road-spray and needs some well-deserved pampering.

T2

I literally got lost and could not find the run out; big lesson learned here, make sure you check out the transition area map before the race. My bike was near bike in/out, but I never really checked out where run out was…my bad. It was kind of funny standing there not knowing which way to go…the transition area was long, probably at least 100 yards, and with all the bikes and racks I did not see the flag. If you’re worried, I did eventually find my way out.

Run – 10K

Run distance was spot on. The run followed along the west shoreline of Big  Lake and the north shore of Lake Mitchell and the adjacent neighborhood on a out and back course. I thanked every volunteer and encouraged every runner I passed or that passed me. I ran relaxed at just below threshold and felt that I left nothing out on the course. When I finished I felt good, accomplished, and grateful that my body lets me do this stuff. There are so many in this world who do not have this luxury. I tri for me but I also tri for them…

The after

A selfie with Graniteman Triathlon’s giant blow up doll, which was also the swim exit. (Black Beauty is pictured below)

As I was packing up my gear after the race, there was a family of four, Mom, Dad, and their two youngins’ in tow near me. Mom raced, and Dad was her support crew and in charge of the kiddos. The girl (maybe 4-6 years old) said, “I love you Mommy”, which melted my heart. I hoped Mom knew just how amazing an example she was setting for her youngsters.

I also had the honor of cheering in the final athlete! The back of her high-vis yellow tri suit was emboldened with “never give up” and was the icing on another amazing adventure.