On Saturday, August 21, 2021, the inaugural Tri CLE Rock Roll Run took place on the shores of Lake Erie in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, I still consider Cleveland my hometown even though I have been living in Cottage Grove, MN, a SE suburb of St. Paul, for nearly 27 years now. The event was orchestrated about as well as an event of this undertaking could have possibly been. Huge kudos to RD Mark Brandt, his crew, and everyone who was involved in the planning and execution of Tri CLE Rock Roll Run 2021! I was inspired on many levels today, from the Kids That Tri program, to the great volunteers, to the number of first timers that participated, and by my tri club CTC for their participation and support of this event and this community. I think I grew a little taller today sporting my CTC temporary tattoo and racing in my town!
The Swim – 1500 M
The venue for this 21 turn protected swim was stunning; surrounded by the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Cleveland Brown’s home stadium. Billy Morris played the national anthem on electric guitar and the acoustics of the harbor made for a goose bump generating rendition.
They sent us off in groups of three as we jumped feet first off the floating platform (I got to use my lifeguard skills, last used about 40 years ago) and I went off with the first group in my wave. I was able to sight well, and even though the first waves had already started their second lap, I was able to avoid most of the traffic; only got grabbed and kicked once (I do not like to be touched by anything while swimming). There were six ladders at the exit, which was harder than I thought it would be to get back up on the dock before making my way to T1.
T1 – Swim to Bike
This was my first triathlon where T1 and T2 were not co-located. Bikes were dropped the day before and the logistical challenges were handled incredibly well by the RD and his team. In the morning we parked and started our day at T2 (I arrived at 4:30 AM, so it was dark). We set up T2 before loading on to school buses which transported us over to T1 for our final setup for the little swim, bike, and run to come.
I had a malfunction (human error) with my Garmin after exiting the water; however, my T1 time (and T2), in general are not good. I don’t feel like I’m lolligaging around, but they definitely need work.
Bike – 40K
One of the most interesting bike courses I have been on. 95%+ of the bike was on the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and having 2-3 lanes each direction gave us unlimited choice of line as we traversed back and fourth on this multi-loop course. The overpasses were no joke, Garmin says 1450 ft of climbing and Strava says my effort was ‘Massive’, and it definitely felt that way. I did not leave much out there on the course and was proud of my effort.
T2 – Bike to Run
My location within T1 and T2 was about perfect, close to entrance of both. My issue in T2 was that I forgot my belt and had to go back after traversing the length of the area. Time spent in transition is important, and unfortunately this is an area that has been neglected in my training.
Run – 10K
The run took place within Edgewater Park and had a variety of surfaces with plenty of challenge. This course is definitely not flat and not a place where I would plan to set a 10K PR; however, I loved it. There was lots of support, a live band, spectator friendly, with incredible views of the Cleveland skyline. With the out and back design you had the opportunity to see everyone a few times and cheer and encourage each other. I was passed for position by an athlete in my category. She went by me with about 1-1/2 miles to go, and all I could mount in response was ‘you got this’! She went by me like the turtle and the hare…well done!
Post Race
A friend came to my rescue as I waited to get a printout of my results; the lights had started to go out, and she grabbed me an electrolyte drink, a banana, and some more water. I started feeling better as we chatted about the event (she was volunteering on the bike course) as Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip blasted 80’s rock!
I’m hopeful that this event will grow and become an annual destination for me for many years to come. It always feels good to come home; thank you Cleveland!
