Race Coverage

"I Couldn't Think Of Anything More Awful",,,,

Wednesday, 03 September 2025 00:10

By Marcia Steffen

I'm 60 years old. I hate to run, even though I ran track in High School. I was a sprinter, not a long-distance runner. I haven't swum since I was a kid. I am confident on the bike; however, I ride for recreational purposes only. What was I thinking when I agreed to do a triathlon? 

When McKinzie Wiedrich, owner of Coal Country Community Fitness in Hazen, ND, asked me to accompany her to the BisMan Triathlon, I couldn't think of anything more  awful. But I agreed that if I could do the swim, I would sign up. When Brandon Lee, my nephew and the ring bearer at my wedding, heard that I was going to participate in a Triathlon, he told his mom and me, "Marcia will be $20K in before she knows it."  

I told Brandon, "Nope, this is a one-and-done". We didn't get to swim in that race due to concerns  of blue-green algae in the water, and we ended up doing a duathlon, run-bike-run.

Remember, I hate to run, and when the race was finished, I told everyone that I didn't love it. And I meant it. .. 

And that is how I arrived at the Young Life Triathlon. A one-and-done turned into a two-and-done. I wanted to swim since I had spent months training for the swim portion of the race. When I heard that Brandon Lee was racing in the Young Life Triathlon, I was nervous that I might disappoint him. 

What was I, a 60-year-old first timer doing at a race with someone of his caliber? When I got to the race, I looked around and knew I was out of my league just looking at all the tri-bikes alongside my Trek gravel bike. 

And, there were runners there. Real runners. I was worried that people would judge meand think that I shouldn't be there. 

I was very anxious and thinking I was going to chicken out, and instead, join the crowd cheering everyone along. 

The swim went better than I thought, and the bike was a nice ride around Detroit Lakes. I passed many racers with that gravel bike. 

When I got to the run, I panicked and almost quit. And then I felt an arm around my shoulder, and I knew it was Brandon, interrupting his race to stop and walk a bit with me and offer praise and encouragement. This act of kindness shows exactly what he and the Tri community are. It is supportive, encouraging, and nonjudgmental.  

So, for anyone who wants to try a triathlon and thinks they are too old, too out of shape, don't have the right

bike, or fears they will come in last, remember, you are already ahead of those who are still sitting on the couch, contemplating signing up. Don't take it too seriously; have fun and make some friends along the way! 

Oh, and by the way, I'm looking for a good used tri bike!

Wait, does this mean it's not a two-and-done?

 Marcia Steffen

1st time Triathlete

Hazen, ND