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Will the Layton Boys Be There?

Saturday, 25 July 2026 00:10

2026 Graniteman Big Lake Preview - The 16th edition of this race's Sprint competition, and 11th running of it's Olympic event will happen next Saturday at Lakeside Park in Big Lake. Approximately 400 athletes are expected to participate.

A glance at the current list of entrants suggests that, in the Sprint, we might see a similar result to last weekend's Lake Rebecca Triathlon, where the first Minnesotans to finish were Andrea Myers  and Jeron Hall. Myers won the women's title at LRT and was victorious here in '25,  whereas Hall was a close second (+10-seconds) last weekend to visiting out-of-stater, Robert Atchison. 

Last year's Sprint runner-up Brenner Hohenstein is returning and gunning for another podium finish.

As always, heated AG battles can be expected.

In the Olympic competition, Bryan Tinajero, 2024 Graniteman Clearwater winner, and Steven Voss, last year's Olympic runner-up here, appear to be the guys to beat.

But wait. Let's not discount the possibility the Big Lake's own Kade Layton, last year's BLO champ, entering the race. That would make him the automatic favorite. In case you didn't know, Layton shocked America's amateur tri world with a resounding victory at Ironman 70.3 Omaha. His 4:04:30 (4:38 MOV!) is the fastest 70.3 time by a Minnesotan in more than a decade.

And let's not forget that Kade has a talented brother, Owen, who won the BL Sprint back in 2022, when he was only sixteen. Maybe he's ready to move up in distance?

And what if Preston Youngdahl were to show up? He does that. He's a three-time Minnesota Triathlete of the Year and three-time winner here, and he own's the men's course record.

What about the Olympic women? We see 2025 Most Improved nominee Amy Preusser as the clear favorite. Will a late registrant or two challenge her? We're anxious to find out.

You can still get in, perhaps using it a a prelude to Nationals in Milwaukee the following weekend. Whatever your reason for racing, we hope to see you ay Lakeside Park next Saturday.  RACE WEBSITE

"...Looking Forward to Coming Back."

Friday, 24 July 2026 00:10

By Cami Eckhoff

Race report ~ Timberman Triathlon

This was my first time racing at Timberman, and I’ll definitely be back, hopefully with my family so we can enjoy the incredible resort, too!

It had been a few years since I raced an Olympic-distance triathlon, and this distance is uncomfortably hard for me, so why not sign up for that!?!

The swim was stunning~ Sugar Lake was so beautiful and also calm, which is always nice to see on race morning! I started out at a controlled effort and settled into a steady pace for the entire mile. I came out with the second-fastest swim, behind Heather Lendway, who went on to take the overall win! 

My main goal for the day was to hit my target power over the 25-mile bike, even though the course ended up being hillier than I expected. I knew that effort might cost me a little on the run, but I worked really hard and finally nailed race power! 

The run was tough and getting toasty. I came up short of my goal time, but managed to keep my splits fairly consistent over all 6 miles. In the end, a finish line is always fun to sprint to, which landed me second place overall! Most importantly, I’m so grateful for the chance to race and challenge myself. 

The only downside was another terrible post-race migraine. I would really like to figure out what’s causing those.

Thanks to everyone who made this event such a great experience. I’m already looking forward to coming back! RESULTS

Record Turnout & Exciting Action...

Wednesday, 22 July 2026 00:10

2026 Lake Rebecca Tri Coverage - The threat of heat, humidity and smoke undoubtedly kept some of the 320ish registrants at home, but the 272 athletes who finished the race were greeted by clear skies, breathable air and moderate temps.

The Sprint race was exciting and we must admit that we were pulling for Jeron Hall to win it. He's a young guy (age 20) whose 3rd place finish at Buffalo Olympic under extreme conditions impressed us. The question was: Was he ready to challenge the veteran likes of Brett Lovaas and last year's winner Anthony Hirschman.

The answer to that question was yes.

A wave two starter, Hall had little trouble moving into the lead after the swim. From there he threw down solid splits on the bike and run. When he crossed the finish line ahead of the Sprint field, what remained to be seen was if he could hold off the later starters.

Did he? Not quite.

Jeron needed three minutes to pass before he knew that he couldn't be beaten by a 3rd waver, i.e. M-30-39. One minute and thirty-seven ticks later, fellow 2nd waver Ryan Preusser finished. Jeron remained in the lead, but unfortunately for him, only 1:09 later, Robert Atchison, 35, of Miwaukee crossed the finish line and claimed a 10-second lead over Jeron. With waves four and five, which featured Hirschman, 46, and Lovaas, 51, yet to produce a finisher, the wait continued.

When the dust cleared at the front of the men's race, Lovaas would knock Preusser, who had a great race, off the podium, but Ryan would hold off Hirschman, albeit by a scant seven seconds.

We researched Atchison's racing history, and it appears that his win (and quick time!) was a breakout performance. Very cool!

Past Lake Rebecca champs Andrea Myers, an eight-time Master of th Year nominee, and 2025 Junior of the Year nominee Adeline Althaus-Kotila, would face off for the third time at the LRT. Adeline won last year, and Andrea won in 2024, doing so in a time that stands as the women's course record.

But it was not destined to be a battle between the 16-year-old Althaus-Kotila and the newly-minted 50-year-old Myers. Adeline would come close to matching her winning time last year, but it could only yield a bronze medal finish. For Myers to win the race, she needed to overtake Colleen Baker, 35, who won Tinman Sprint in the 2026 Minnesota Tri Season Opener, and placed 8th at Buffalo Sprint against a very strong field. 

Baker was the first woman to cross the line, her 1:17:43 the second fastest women's time in the brief history of this race. Now she had to play the waiting game. To win her second race of the 2026 season, the fastest athlete from Wave 4 (40-49) needed to finish in less than three minutes. That did not happen. Would a Wave 5 athlete finish within the next three minutes?

Yes. Only 2:30 passed before Myers crossed the line, giving her the win and a half-minute margin victory. Exciting stuff! 

Four Age Group records were rewritten last Sunday, courtesy of Hirschman (M40-49), Lovaas (M50-59), Myers (W50-59) and Kevin Grafft (M60-69).

Seventy of the 272 athletes participated in the Super Sprint (125y - 5.7 - 1.3). Leading the way for the men was Alex Herzog (38:06). Ellen Valdes (40:24) won the women's race.

RESULTS - https://www.mtecresults.com/race/leaderboard/21008/2026_Lake_Rebecca_Triathlon-Sprint_-_Individual

Fun Times in Shoreview...

Monday, 20 July 2026 00:10

2026 Turtleman Coverage - While T-Man's Sprint race unfolded pretty much as you thought it would, the Olympic was a different story. The men's overall podium were guys who were cracking the Top 3 for the first time in their respective tri careers. And the women's winner was a visitor from California, who managed to outrace our pre-race pick--Kelly Van Dyke--by 33-seconds.

We love when this stuff happens.

So, the men's Olympic race was won by Dylan Coutermash of Faribault,  who raced here, albeit rather anonymously, in 2023, finishing 44th in the Sprint. The silver medal spot was earned by Aiden Doughman, who nipped bronze medalist Nathaniel Phillips by one second.

Winning the women's race was West Coaster Devin Nuckles, a long course veteran, who narrowly beat Trinona Sprint winner Kelly Van Dyke. Anna Cook too the third place award.

Three-time Minnesota Triathlete of the Year Preston Youngdahl, who has competed sparingly since 2024, took the Top Step in the Sprint in Race Record time (1:01:09). Unsurprisingly, his closed challenger was two-time Minnesota Junior of the Year Corbin Deichman (1:04:32), who came into the race undefeated in two starts. Fellow Junior Trevor Bauer, who was making his 4th racing appearance on MInnesota soil this season, took 3rd. 

As predictable as the men's Sprint winner was Erin Rock, who has two wins and four podiums in her last five in-state starts, on the women's side. Two minutes and thirty-two seconds back was runner-up Rebekkah Deslauriers. Deirdre Hassett claimed the podium's bronze medal step.

MTN congratulates race management and participants on the success of this year's events, which were well-attended (350+), almost 30% of whom were newbies.

A Great Race Report!

Saturday, 18 July 2026 00:10

By Jessica DeShaw

Ironman Coeur D'Alene was an amazing race!  I finally wrote a race report for the first time!  It's long.  It's true.  I don't want to ever forget it! 

Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2021 Race report: 

This was the most challenging race I’ve ever done! 

Sunday morning I woke up with a sense of empowerment that I hadn’t felt before!  I knew the support I would have on and off the course and I felt overwhelmingly confident! Ok, maybe there was a little trepidation, but the temp was supposed to get to 100+!  Ironman CDA is #4 for me, but will be my 3rd finish!

(For future reference, Sam Elliott is the name of my bike!  He’s a sexy ass Quintana Roo QR5!  If you know who Sam Elliot is and his role in Road House, or any role; you’ll understand!)

I was able to get a good sleep the night before!  Up and moving by 2:50am grabbing my 2 bottles of Infinit nutrition from the freezer, put the 2nd in my bike special needs bag. Verifying that my extra tube and CO2 were still in there too! Trying to eat my granola bar in between running my mental checklist repeatedly!  Texting back and forth with Mark and Mike, to make sure our senses of humor were still in check! Mike, thanks to you, I will never look at a marshmallow the same again!  EVER!  Lol

Making sure I had IB in my run special needs bag.  I knew it was going to be needed, but not for the reason it usually is!

Adam drove me to the start.  We dropped off my special needs bags with the wonderful volunteers CDA always supplies and walked over to the bike entrance. Sam had a nice nap there the night before and I knew we’d have a good ride! Due to that nasty C word,  only athletes were able to go into transition. I proceeded to outfit #samelliott with the frozen Infinit nutrition that would get me through the first loop of the bike and place several sleeves of Cliff bars in my storage tube on the frame.  Loaded my water bottle and filled up my aero bottle. I laid out my towel and set out my Saucony Endorphin Shift running shoes, laid my socks over them.  Took out my bike shoes and placed my helmet next to them, upside down with my sunglasses.  I threw my wetsuit over the bike rack.  Sunscreen, chapstick, and snacks also joined my supplies.  Mike eventually showed up a few minutes after I had all my items laid out. When MIke was finished laying his items out, we aired up our tires to approx 90 psi. (not 100 psi today!  It was too hot!)  It’s amazing the instant best friends you can make when you own the bike pump and the ones supplied are zip tied to the surrounding fence!  Lol  One of the many things I love of the tri community!  

Mike and I took the pics we needed to, and then proceeded to try and find Mark and Adam who were supposed to be by ‘the big tree’ but you know how it is with kids, they never stay in the same spot!  Haha.  Mike and I finally located them.  They pointed out where Kym and Jeremy were.  We headed over to them to wish them good luck!

We walked back over to #Samelliott and White Lightening and decided to start squeezing into our wetsuits.  Out came the trislide, suit juice, and glide to move freely for the 2.4 mile swim that lay ahead.  If you’d like a good laugh, watch someone try to put a wetsuit on sometime.  I’ve got moves that will make you laugh for days!  Ok, maybe not days, but for a few moments at least!  It was close to 5am by this time and the pros would be starting soon.

Swim 2.4 miles:

MIke and I knew the group we wanted to be seeded in, but I wanted a quick dip before we found our place in the masses. Suddenly  we heard the gun start of the pros and listened to the cheers of them entering the water. The water was amazing!  By amazing I mean as soon as you accepted the small chill as it seeped into your wetsuit at the zipper or whatever small holes from your fingernails that may have happened during the badly choreographed dance of getting into it!  Lake Coeur d’Alene is such a beautiful lake!  You can see the bottom for quite a ways out! I felt comfortable so we made our ways to the hour 20 swim group.  The age groupers started getting into the water at 530am.  There were a few thousand of us, so it wasn’t just a free for all. It takes time!  Mark and Adam found us in the sea of black triathletes and gave us another thumbs up!  Reminding us this was F.U.N and we paid to do this!  I closed my eyes and said a prayer for safety for Mike, myself, the other athletes and spectators.  

Finally!  We made it to the sandy beach!  I was almost dry from the previous quick dip, so I jumped back in the lake and got to know my soon to be best friend, Lake CDA.  It was approx 6:20 when Mike and I entered the water.  I’m a bit of a slow starter in the water.  I need to get my face in it.  Gather my bearings, and I was on my way!  The buoys lined up for the ½ mile swim to the first turn.  I made it past the first buoy. Then the second.  I was a bit conservative on my stroke.  Smooth and steady! Humming Jesus loves me repeatedly to myself to stay calm.  With each stroke I was closer to that big RED corner of the first turn.  The water, as I remembered from 2017, was choppier on the backside due to the boat traffic of spectators for the race.  I came out of a stroke and took in some water!  It took a few moments to clear it out of my throat and get moving again!  Making the second turn to head back to shore was a great feeling!  The sun was shining right in your face, making the buoys hard to spot, but it was beautiful!  Just keep swimming!  

Eventually you hear the voice of Mike Reilly calling out names of those crossing the timing mat for their second loop and you know you’re almost halfway done with the swim!  

I can see the bottom!  I can feel the bottom!  It’s time to get out and make my way over the timing mat and get back in to start loop 2!  This time it feels different! I feel more relaxed.  More confident!  

By the time I hit the second turn on loop 2 I realized I had been doggin it a bit and my arms were still feeling good!  I pushed harder and passed many swimmers on the last stretch. You don’t need your arms much after the swim, so why not!  I made it out of water to hear Mark and Adam cheering for me at the swim exit!  I made my way to T1.  I found a bench along the way by the aromatic porta potties and slipped my wetsuit off rather quickly! I continued on to #SamElliott.  Sam had been waiting for this all morning!  I got to Sam, only to see White Lightning, still racked!  I had beat Mike of out of the water!  Yes, I was very proud of myself and I may have to rub it in for a bit!  Hehe!

Bike 112 miles:

I threw my helmet on, grabbed my sunglasses, and filled my back tri pockets with the opened CLiff bars that would be my additional nutrition on the bike.  Walking Sam to the bike mount line gives you time to think!  ‘You’ve got this!’  ‘Pace yourself!’  What a great feeling to clip in and take off!  It felt great to be on #Samelliott.  I knew this course!  I’d been on it several times since 2017, and we drove it the day before.  Mike caught up with me as we climbed Higginspoint; about 6 miles out.  We chatted for a bit.  We made it to the first turn around and I made a tiny, stupid, mistake! Mike heard me exclaim ‘oh shit’ and turned around in time to see me go head over handlebars.  My storage box broke off, but Mike and the volunteer medic found nothing wrong with me and no damage to my sexy Sam!  I had a nice gouge in my shin. It looked like an umbilical cord dangling, some road rash that I wasn’t ready to look at yet, and maybe a little embarrassment, but otherwise, good to go!  I grabbed some more water and was on my way.  Mike stayed with me for a bit and I told him to get moving!  He smiled and said he’d see me later. I enjoyed the downhill and waited for town to come back into view.  The volunteers were great! Cheering so enthusiastically all through town!

Now we were headed out of town and onto the long climbs I was not going to let beat me!  It was hot, the breeze was hot!  The first long climb on 95 rose up in front of us!  I shifted to my granny gear and climbed slow and steady!  It was actually kinda fun!  Other bikers made jokes and then we noticed two bikers on the other side of the road, climbing with very little effort!  Those bastards were out for a Sunday stroll on their Ebikes!  I'm sorry to admit, but I may have said a not nice word under my breath to them! Don’t worry, they couldn’t hear me and they didn’t deserve it, but how dare they tease all us Ironman athletes with their fancy ebikes!  Lol

No ice was to be found at any of the aid stations on the first loop of the bike course!  I took advantage of the downhills by getting out of my saddle and tucking in to all but fly downhill!  It was glorious!  I was able to see MIke a few miles before the turnaround, we exchanged encouraging words and I continued to the turnaround.  So far I was happy with my time. I do have to say I could tell the spill at the turn around made my shoulder out of whack because it was tougher every 10 miles to grab nutrition from my back pocket! Did I also mention, it was HOT?

We proceeded with the ride up and down the lovely hills again back towards town.  The no passing zone was a bit frustrating as I was unfortunately detained behind a less confident rider who rode her brakes then entire 2 miles to the bottom! I quickly passed her and enjoyed the last few miles back to town!  I made my way past the transition area to round 2. I was able to hear Mark and Adam cheering and I waved!  I made my way to the turn around again. This time I stayed upright!  I grabbed my bike special needs bag and grabbed my 2nd bottle of Inifinit, and took some more IB. Due to mishap at this spot the first time, I was happy I had those tiny pills!  I was taking in at least one bottle of water at each aid station, drinking Infinit every 5 miles, and adding Shot blocks every 10. As I got to the base of our first big climb on the second loop I remembered 2017.  It was exactly there when the heat hit me!  I was telling myself, DNF is NOT an option! Based on 2017, I knew the 2nd loop would be hotter.  The standing traffic that we would ride by only heated up areas on 95.  Thank goodness they finally had ice at the aid stations on round 2! Based on 2017, I knew the 2nd loop would be hotter, and it! Was! Hot!  My feet felt as though on fire!  I came to the first aid station and came to a physical stop. I filled my top and my shorts with ice!  My ladies were perky and my ass was cooling down!  I felt refreshed, but knew it was going to be a bit more difficult this round!  About mile 75 I got my first cramp of the day!  I had to get off the bike and walk!  It was the first of 11 times I would have to quickly dismount. I may have said a few choice words to myself each time it would happen.  They alternated between my right inner thigh and my left lower calf muscle.  Each aid station, I had a volunteer load up my top with ice and then my backside with ice!  There were lots of laughs!  It’s amazing the lack of modesty you acquire when doing Ironman!  If it’s goin to make your race more comfortable, you do itl!  Each time I had to walk I became more determined! Each time I saw an athlete sitting on the side of the road, I got more determined!  With each step I could feel the blisters forming. Each time I saw someone getting picked up by race support, I was more determined!  My shoulder ached and it was more difficult to reach behind me each time for Cliff blocks, but by this time I was gagging on them! 

At mile 110, I stopped for more water and there was an athlete named Amanda. She was looking extremely defeated.  She had started to shed a few tears as the volunteers were trying to find salt for her. I pulled up alongside her and I pointed out our mileage on my Garmin.  ‘We’ve made it this far!  You can do this Amanda!’  She responded with broken words, ‘I’m not giving up, but I’m going to ride this hill until I have to walk!’  She didn’t walk! I was with her until the top of that hill! 

Coming down the exit to Northwest blvd was a fabulous feeling! I made it to the dismount area and removed my left shoe promptly as the blisters were a bit uncomfortable!  Mark was at the dismount and noticed the left shoe in my hand. I told him the situation. He smiled and told me ‘You got this!  I walked Sam back to his resting place in transition!  He’d done great! 

Run 26.2 miles

I sat down to change my shoes and examine the blisters I acquired during my 11 cramping events.  I grabbed the bandaids and applied. I took some more IB, grabbed my Base salt, and on my way  I grabbed ice and water at the aid station and exited T2 where I got to see Adam, Dalton, Blake and Brennen! They shouted some encouraging words, I waved and was on my way!  I made it about 100 yards and realized I forgot my race bib! Don’t ask me how, I don’t know, but I was a bit frustrated with myself!  I went back, got it and was on my way! 

I felt pretty good as I began walking.  The crowd was amazing!  The small children that hollered ‘I believe in you! You’re doing awesome!’ were priceless! I made sure to ‘power up’ at all the pokemon signs held by spectators. I tried to run as much as possible!  ALL the downhills!  

There were so many angels along that way that had sprinklers going for the runners.  I took advantage of each and every one!  I made it about 1 mile into the run and finally took my first pee break of the day!  That may not be a good thing!

I kept up a brisk walk whenever I needed to walk. I met an amazing gentleman on the return of loop 1 who was doing Madison in September. (His name is Schuster!  We’ll make sure to cheer him on!) He had completed Ironman Texas not too long ago and this was #2 of the season.  I didn’t get to see Mike on the run until my second loop.  He was doing awesome!  He was wired!  We gave each other a high five and he kept marching on!  So did I.

Water and Ice. Salt. Gatorade. I finally tried some grapes on loop 2.  Those were not easy to swallow.  Nothing sounded good, but I kept downing fluids and Base salt about every 5 miles.  Iw would see Mark each loop and he would tell me encouraging messages from friends tracking Mike and me.  

I kept looking at my watch trying to make sure that I had my time frame right to make sure I didn’t have to worry about any cutoffs!  

When I got to the 3rd loop I felt better.  No! I felt more confident about finishing, but I knew I still had to get to the last turn around before the last cutoff. The sun went down as I turned onto the last stretch out past the lake.  The aid stations weren’t as lively as they once were, but they were still cheering us on.  I’m not gonna lie, every time I was on the lakeside I wanted to jump in the lake and be done, but that wasn’t going to get me a medal!

I chatted with runners off and on and I tried to keep up a slow jog. I made it to the turn around and was rewarded with a glow stick for my last 4 miles.  I slowly made my way back. My back was seizing up with each step. My shoulder hurt!  My feet hurt!  I imagined Mike Reilly once again calling out my name.  I wanted that so badly!  The closer each mile marker told us we were there would be cheers from runners in the dark.  It made me smile!  Then we hit mile 24, oh thank God!  Then mile 25, tears started to well up!  I could hear Mike Reilly announcing each runner as they approached the finish line.  I made it to the edge of Mcuen Park and tried to run, but that was a bad idea!  I got a severe cramp and decided walking was alright for the next 200 yards.  The voices and music were getting louder.  I could feel my heart beating faster and faster.  My eyes were flooded with tears of joy!  I turned right onto Sherman and my heart jumped for joy!  The noises. The crowd! The cheers!  My friend James gave me a hight five as I ran past him. It was wonderful to have a familiar face so close to the finish line.  I made it to the carpet.  The lights were beautiful!  Wam!  I got another cramp!  I made my way down the carpet.  I heard Mike Reilly exclaim ‘Jessica DeShaw, you are an Ironman!’  I couldn’t help but smile, but as soon as I was past the cameras I could no longer stand. I couldn’t walk! Some wonderful volunteers caught me. Found me a chair, and grabbed some ice cold towels.  Under my arms, on my groin, on my head, on my shoulders. I sat for what seemed like forever!  I started to shiver uncontrollably.  They suggested a warm towel, but hell no! I had just spent the entire day in the sun.  I finally was able to get up with their help and was escorted over the finisher picture area.  It’s amazing the strength you have for things!  Adam, Mike and Mark, along with the kids helped me to the cool grass.  I laid down and tried to relax. I couldn’t stop shivering. Mark got a towel to cover me, but they eventually called a medic. I was taken to the Medical tent because I hadn’t peed more than once all day long.  I hadn’t eaten more than a dozen grapes and 2 pretzel sticks all day.  The awesome medic, Sarah Baker, was so awesome. They wrapped me up in silver sheets and gave me some zofran to keep me from puking, which was happening ALOT in the med tent! 

The medic finally decided it was alright for me to get moving. I left the med tent elated!  Exhausted!  But most of all; an Ironman!

I did it!  I became an Ironman again today!