2023 Race Summary
My primary goals for 2023 were to recover from the injury that I suffered during the Big Lake Sprint Triathlon in August 2022 and to return to triathlon racing. I began my season by focusing on strength building, particularly in my right leg and then on the single components of the triathlon with most of my triathlon racing being conducted later in the Summer. Based on my recovery and my doctor’s instructions, I was able to first return to cycling, then swimming, and finally running. Therefore, my training efforts were focused on those activities in that order. Despite my sever injury, I would define my 2023 season as extremely successful. This was reflected in 4 podium finishes (3rd, 1st, 1st, and 3rd) out of 4 Triathlons, a PB in the Sprint Triathlon, and qualifying for the 2024 USA Triathlon Sprint Distance National Championships.
Cycling & Running Events
Tour de Pepin, Lake City, MN: June 3 (50-mile distance) – This was the first standalone cycling event in which I have ever participated. I was pleased with my overall cycling condition at this point and although this was not a race, I was also pleased with the pace I maintained during the event.
I completed several low-key running events (mostly 5Ks): Run for the Roses 5K, Hastings, MN, May 6, Run Nona 5K, Lake Nona, Florida, May 20, 4 on the 4th, Ely, MN, July 4 and several local 5K Park Runs, Cottage Grove, MN.
I viewed these races as primarily training runs focusing on improvement. Although my times continued to improve, it was very apparent that my running was most impacted by my injury, and it would be my primary focus.
Turtleman Sprint Triathlon
Turtleman Sprint Triathlon, Shoreview, MN: July 9, 2023 (.5-mile swim, 12.5-mile bike and 3.1-mile run) – Placed 3rd in 55-59 AG. I will admit that I was nervous about this race considering it was my first triathlon since my injury. However, I managed a strong swim, a PR pace on the bike and an acceptable run. Additionally, I cut approximately 6 minutes from my 2021 race time coupled with a podium finish, I could have been more pleased!
2023 MN Senior Games
2023 MN Senior Games, St. Cloud, MN: 3-6 August. This was a non-qualifying year for the National Senior Games. I competed in both Track and Swimming Events. – Placed 3rd in 60-64 AG – 1500 Meter Run, 2nd in the 50, 200 Breaststroke, 50, and 100 Freestyle.
Green Lake Sprint Triathlon
Green Lake Sprint Triathlon, Spicer, MN: August 13, 2023 (.25-mile swim, 14-mile bike and 3-mile run) – Placed 1st in 60-64 AG. This was my first triathlon in a new age group (60-64). Again, I had a strong swim followed by another PR pace on the bike and then a slightly faster run. My best performance in a Sprint Triathlon to date!
Wildlife Loop Sprint Triathlon
Wildlife Loop Sprint Triathlon (South Dakota State Championships), Custer Park, South Dakota: September 9, 2023 (.25-mile swim, 10-mile bike and 3.1-mile run) – Placed 1st in 60-64 AG. I originally planned to conduct my first Olympic distance triathlon during this event. I later decided that it was not the time to try a new event. This proved to be a wise decision, based on the unseasonably cold water, high altitude, and the extremely hilly bike, and run courses. I originally considered this my A race of the season as it provided me with an opportunity to qualify for the National Age Group Championships. I was able to qualify despite not having one of my best performances.
Game On! Riverfront Triathlon
Game On! Riverfront Triathlon, Cocoa, FL: November 5, 2023 (.25-mile swim 13-mile bike and 3.1-mile run) – Placed 3rd in 60-64 AG. This race was not part of my original 2023 race plan, but since we were planning to be in Florida during the period, I thought it would be a good late season race opportunity. Not my best performance, my bike was off, which I believe was largely due to a narrow, uneven, curvy, and winding route which I was unfamiliar with and not expecting. However, I did manage to have a solid swim and run which resulted in my reaching the podium.
