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Stuff About Nicole, Brian, Heiney & Heather.......

Sunday, 24 January 2016 00:10

MINNESOTA RUNNER OF THE YEAR - MTN got an email from Judy Rykken a few days ago. Do you know her? She's a 77-year-old triathlete with a perpetual smile and an effervescent personality. She's awesome. Here is a portion of her note:

Good evening!

     I wasn’t sure if you knew that Nicole Cueno (YWCA Women's Tri Director - Photo) was named Minnesota Runner of the Year 2015. She is only the third person in the history of the award to have won the overall title as well as the 35-39 age group. Just google Minnesota R of the Y 2015 to get stats and more information. Awards will be presented at Braemar Golf Course on February 6 at 5 p.m. Again you can find all the info by checking Google. Because Nicole is a superb triathlete as well as incredible runner, I thought you could mention this achievement in MN Tri.

Thanks for listening – see you next summer!

Judy Rykken

Thanks, Judy! And congratulations Nicole!   ....

BYE BYE BRI & HEINEY - If you haven't heard, a pair of Team Minnesota athletes will be relocating. 2013 Rookie of the Year Nicole Heininger is moving "out West," Arizona, maybe, and 2012 Rookie of the Year Runner-up Brian Sames is headed for Chicago. The MTN Guys will miss them both and are sure that they will emerge as true stars in their regions. We wish them well.

FYI - Heiney is starting a blog that will allow us to keep track of her adventures. She does plan to race in Minnesota a time or two next season. Her mom would die if she didn't.

Photo R -  Brian & Nicole at Kona.

SOPHOMORE SEASON KICKOFF - Second year pro Heather Lendway will kick off her 2016 racing season on January 31 at Panama 70.3. The field will be strong--WOMEN'S FIELD --but we believe that HL can match or better the 5th place performance turned in there by fellow MInnesota pro Ruth Brennan Morrey in 2014. The race will feature a $100,000 pro purse. We do not know the breakdown.

KING BOREAS US WINTER TRI CHAMPS - This race will feature a great field, including some of our region's top summer triathletes. MTN will preview the event tomorrow. We hope to see you at Lake Phalen in St. Paul on January 31. RACE WEBSITE