August Race Update: A Month of Triumphs and Lessons

The team has been busy this past month, putting in solid performances across various races. From 5Ks to IRONMANs, each member pushed their limits and brought home some impressive results. Here’s a quick recap of the action:

Jim’s Black Squirrel Sprint Triathlon Success

Earlier this month, Jim took on the Black Squirrel Sprint Triathlon as part of his preparation for his upcoming A-race, IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina. Treating this event as a C-training race, Jim focused on building his run confidence in the heat by adopting a relaxed approach during the swim and bike segments to conserve energy for a strong finish. This strategy proved effective as he recorded one of his best runs off the bike, improving his overall time from 1:45:17 in 2023 to an impressive 1:30:40 this year. Despite feeling like he was running through molasses, Jim not only secured 3rd place in his age group out of 8 competitors but also climbed 10% higher in the overall rankings compared to last year. This performance highlights Jim’s progress and strategic racing as he gears up for his main event later this season.

Mary Claire Kramer Shines at Chicago Triathlon

Mary Claire Kramer competed in the Chicago Triathlon, not just as a training race, but with a specific goal: breaking the 3-hour barrier for the standard distance. This race was part of her preparation for the IRONMAN 70.3 New York, and she absolutely smashed her goal, finishing in 2:58:32. Mary Claire also dominated the swim, placing 32nd overall out of 2,488 racers and securing first place among 637 women. Her performance is a testament to her hard work and dedication as she continues to hone her strengths while addressing her weaknesses. We’re excited to see how Mary Claire’s training will translate to her upcoming half-IRONMAN later this fall.

Chris Gorgoroso’s Tactical Race at Luray Triathlon

Chris Gorgoroso participated in the Luray Triathlon as a fun C-race with his cousin, enjoying some family time while staying sharp for his upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina. Despite starting too far up in the swim corral and getting caught in a fast-paced, aggressive swim that pushed him out of his comfort zone, Chris managed to refocus and settle into the race. This was a significant achievement, as many athletes in this situation might struggle to regain control, potentially leading to overexertion or even a panic attack, resulting in a DNF. Chris’s ability to pull back, adjust on the fly, and ultimately enjoy the race highlights his experience and racing savvy.

David Tucker’s Grit at the Orc Stomp 5K

David Tucker took on the Orc Stomp 5K at Gen Con, facing the hottest and most humid conditions he’s ever raced in. “David noted it was the first time his glasses had fogged up during a race,” but he pushed through despite the tough weather. While he didn’t beat his 5K time from a recent test run in the heat of New Orleans, David’s performance serves as a powerful reminder that race results are not just about raw times. The course, conditions, and fellow competitors all play a significant role in the outcome, and sometimes it’s more important to focus on placement and personal effort rather than just the clock. David acknowledged this in his race report, stating that while it wasn’t the time he wanted, it was the time he earned from an effort he was proud of.

Arianna’s Victory at Ludington Sprint Triathlon

Arianna competed in the Ludington Sprint Triathlon, a C-Training race, with a focus on building run confidence off the bike. The race unexpectedly turned into a duathlon, taking away her strongest discipline—the swim—and placing her “weakest” leg, the run, front and center. Despite this, Arianna excelled, winning the overall female category and even setting the overall female sprint bike course record (per Strava) while maintaining a “relaxed” effort. Her preparation for the upcoming IRONMAN World Championship in Nice is clearly paying off.

Alec Patterson’s Win at Ludington Olympic Triathlon

Racing alongside Arianna, Alec Patterson took on the Ludington Olympic Triathlon, which also became a duathlon. Alec pushed hard from the gun, securing 2nd place in the first run and moving into 1st through the bike leg, where he set a course PR with a time of 59:44. Alec never looked back, taking the overall win for the day with a stellar performance.

Lyle Crispin’s Triumph at IRONMAN Tallinn

We close out the month with our newest IRONMAN, Lyle Crispin, who conquered the IRONMAN Tallinn course in Estonia. This was Lyle’s first full-distance IRONMAN, and he chose to go big by taking on an international event. From the choppy waters of the Baltic Sea to the scenic yet challenging bike and run courses, Lyle executed a near-perfect race, showing flawless pacing and strategy across all disciplines. I was absolutely proud of him and his journey, and I thank Lyle for letting me coach him through this challenging adventure. It was an honor to be at the finish line to celebrate his accomplishment and watch him ring the bell. Lyle, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

This month has been full of incredible achievements and valuable lessons. As we head into the fall season, the team is more motivated than ever to keep pushing boundaries and striving for greatness. Stay tuned for more updates, and congratulations to all our athletes for their hard work and dedication!