2024 Race summary
My primary focus for the 2024 season was on preparing for the 2024 USA Triathlon National Championships in September at Atlantic City, NJ. I started my race season early with my first triathlon in April.
Additionally, I focused on preparing for the 2024 MN Senior Games, St. Cloud, MN, 15-18 August to qualify for the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, IA in swimming and track (1500 M). I was able to qualify for the sprint triathlon early at Ron Jon Cocoa Beach Triathlon held in April.
As in the previous year, running improvement remained one of my top training priorities. I continued to incorporate track running into my training as well participating in some USATF MN Indoor Track Meets this winter. I also continued to participate in the local 5K Park Runs and other road races ranging from 5K-10 miles as well as Master Swimming Events.
I was able to compete and complete in 4 out of the 5 triathlons I had planned for the season. I believe my best performance was during the Ron Jon Cocoa Beach Triathlon. I placed in the top 25% of a very competitive field and I was able accomplish two of my 2024 Goals: break 1:20 for Sprint Triathlon and qualify for 2025 National Senior Games. I also felt I had a solid performance at the USA Triathlon National Sprint Championships, Atlantic City, NJ. Which I would consider the highlight of my racing season. Unfortunately, my last two major events of the season scheduled for October in Florida, the Rowdy Gaines Invitational Master Swim Meet and the Great Floridian Sprint Triathlon were cancelled due to Hurricane Milton.
Rochester Masters Invite Swim Meet, Rochester, MN: Mar 17, 2024(50 Freestyle, 50 and 200 Breaststroke) – Placed 2nd in 60-64 AG in both 50 Free and 50 Breaststroke and 1st in the 200 Breaststroke with a personal best time (PB.
Ron Jon Cocoa Beach Sprint Triathlon, Cocoa Beach, FL: April 14, 2024. (.25-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike and a 3.1-mile run). This was a B race for me and the start of my 2024 Triathlon Season. A down and back swim course with an extremely fast flat bike and running courses. Although, I placed 7th in a large and competitive 60-64 AG. I did achieve a PR in the Sprint Triathlon with strong performances in the bike and run. Additionally, I was able accomplish two of my 2024 Goals: break 1:20 for Sprint Triathlon and qualify for 2025 National Senior Games.
Lake Minneola Sunset Sprint Triathlon, Clermont, FL: April 20. (.25-mile swim, 8.4-miles bike and a 3.1-mile run) – Placed 1st in 60-64 AG. This was a C race due to my short recovery period between this race and the Ron Jon Triathlon. The swim was not wet suit legal. The bike and run were mostly flat with a few significant hills. It was extremely hot with temperatures in the mid-90s. The heat coupled with a short recovery time between triathlons had a significant impact on my run performance. Despite a top finish, this was not one of my best performances to date. I would not normally plan two triathlons back-to-back, but it was early in my season, both were sprint distance, and I was in FL anyways so, I seized the opportunity.
MN Masters SCY State Swim Meet, University of St Thomas, MN: April 27-28, 2024 (50 and 200 Breaststroke) – Placed 2nd and 1st in 60-64 AG.
Turtleman Sprint Triathlon, Shoreview, MN: July 20, 2024 (.5-mile swim, 12.5-mile bike and 3.1-mile run) – Placed 5th in a competitive 60-64 AG. This was a B race and provided a gauge for me prior to Nationals in September. Overall, a good race but not a great one. My swim and run were solid, and I was particularly pleased with my transition times. I missed one of my turns during the bike portion and added a half mile to my race, but I still managed to cut 2 minutes and 22 seconds from my 2023 race time.
2024 MN Senior Games, St. Cloud, MN: 16-18 August. This was a qualifying year for the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, IA. I competed and qualified in 5 events in both Track and Swimming. I placed 1st in 60-64 AG – 1500 Meter Run and the 50 Breaststroke, 2d in the 200 Breaststroke, 200 and 50 Freestyle. My swim times were ok with a PB in the 200 Breast, but the biggest surprise was a 30 second time cut in the 1500 Meter Run from last year with a 1st place finish. NSGA rules don’t allow an athlete to compete in more than two individual sports. Therefore, I will only compete in swimming and the triathlon at the 2026 NSGs July 24 – August 4. Next year’s The 2025 MN State Senior Games will be held in Mankato, MN on August 7-10.
USA Triathlon National Championships, Atlantic City, NJ – Sprint: September 15, 2024. (750 meters swim, 12.4 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run) – Placed 62 out of 91 in the 60-64 AG This was my 2024 A race. Although I didn’t place high, I felt I had a good race and a positive experience. I had a strong swim and run; however, my bike was slower than average. This was somewhat due to strong winds. The swim was in an ocean inlet and pretty much out and back against a bit of current going out then fast coming back. The bike was mostly on the New Jersey Expressway. Wide lanes and smooth surface with a few hills located mostly on the on and off ramps. The run was largely on the Board Walk and finished near the Tropicana Hotel.
