Race Coverage

"Well Hot Damn!"

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 00:10

By Tiffany Kari Cizmas

Xterra Off Road Triathlon Nationals (Alabama) complete! A hot, hot, hot one indeed! I’m still trying to cool and rid myself of a headache (ice cream please).

The swim went decent. It consisted of two laps with an Aussie Exit which means you do a lap, run out of the water, and jump back in for another. Not my best swim at all but not too terrible for my first open water 1500 of the year (I hope…).

As soon as I got on the bike I was tired. I forgot how much swimming prior sucks the energy (practice probably would help). The heat and humidity were rough so that played in. My legs become jelly-like within a few miles so did some damage control for the next few and eased up.

The second half of the ride was a hoot. We got to hit some fun rock features, fast sweeping descents both rocky and smooth, and some decent drops. My low back was killing me for most of the second half but beyond that (and the heat) it was a lot of fun.

The run started off as a slog. 90 degrees and pavement will do that to you (I can’t believe it was 90!!!). Luckily it was a trail run so soon we hit the trails and got some shade. I stayed relaxed for the first 2 miles and then started to pick it up. Actually felt decent the second half but was certainly dreaming of the finish line! ...

I wasn’t sure what to expect or how I may stack up. Ended up 4th overall for females, 15th with the pro woman mixed in, and 1st in my age group.

Because this was off road Nationals I learned after that means I’m the age group National Champ for the year. That was fun to hear. I’ll take it! Keep racing friends! There’s always age group competition to keep the fire. Lite thee ole fire!

No crashes, no cramps, oh and scored a cool jersey as age group champ so certainly a good day (and very hot). ’m so endlessly grateful my body lets me do this stuff. And even more grateful for my supportive husband who truly enjoys watching me race.

BTW Xterra puts on some fabulous races. This race was extremely organized, professional, and the people (staff & volunteers) were some of the nicest ever! I highly recommend them!

* Well Hot Damn, I just learned I qualified to race in the pro field. Not sure if I will be but it was  a goal at one point.