Wildflower Triathlon Race Report
- bradleyhaag
- May 26, 2015
- 2 min read
Background
Well once again I jumped into a triathlon without training for one. I had been training hard yes, just not for triathlon. In fact, although I intended on “maintaining” some triathlon fitness through this season, I simply got too distracted my building bikes, swinging kettlebells, and doing obstacle races. Since the leadman triathlon last year, I had been on my triathlon bike for a total of 6 rides (all of which were under 60min) and swam a total of 3 times (all of which were on a vacation in the Bahamas). I had been running but solely on trails at an easy pace.
All these excuses aside when I was invited by Central Oregon Community College (where I’m a part time student) to race the “woodstock of triathlon” known as The Wildflower Triathlon, I couldn’t turn it down. Additionally I was intrigued to race in the collegiate division of the race.
The Race
1500m Swim: Unlike the local sprints and olympics I do, I knew I wouldn’t be in the lead pack with these collegiate swimmers. I still started the front but was quickly passed and settled in somewhere in the middle of the pack. I exited the water feeling surprisingly good with my swim.
2 mile run: Because the water was incredibility low in the lake, we literally had to run out of the lake up a super steep boat ramp where we took off wetsuit, put on running shoes, and ran a additional 2 miles to T1. This run was mostly uphill and for lack of better term, sucked.
40k Bike: After the mile run to transition, I had a good transition to bike leg which of course started on a steep 1 mile-ish up hill. The rest of the bike was rolling hills and uneventful. I passed a few people, a few people passed me, but mostly I was pedaling in my own world thinking how uncomfortable my triathlon bike was seems I haven't been on it in awhile.
4 mile run: To keep this race a true olympic distance triathlon they shorten the 2nd run to only 4 miles (taking off the 2 miles from the first run). Just like the first 2 miles these 4 miles sucked. 1 of these 4 miles was entirely up a steep hill. The run finished on a huge downhill stretch which after now 2 runs and bike, was pretty hard on the knees. I finshed the run at my slowest pace ever in the 45 triathlons I’ve done.
Overall thoughts
I went into this race just wanting to finish and have a good time. I guess you could say I accomplished that. I do wish however I would have trained for this race. This experience sparked some serious motivation to race it next year.
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