Race Coverage
Danis Fischer & Vsetecka Rock Rural Iowa......
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Monday, 17 August 2015 00:10
18th Annual Pigman Half - David Thompson came into yesterday's event hoping to record the 100th victory of his multisport career. The win would also be his 18th at the 70.3 distance and his 10th at this event.
Rookie pro Dani Fischer, an honorary Minnesotan now residing in Indianapolis, came into the race hoping to take a big bite out of Malaika Homo's 2006 course record 4:35:35.
DKT came close (4:04:23) to achieving his goals. Leading after the swim and bike, he was overtaken in the run by fellow pro Blake Becker (4:03:43) of Madison, Wisconsin. In the end, 40 seconds separated these athletes, who led the way against what was arguably the most talented men's field in Big Pig history.
Kentucky pro Mike Hermanson rounded out the men's podium (4:06:14).
FYI, the top position on the amateur podium was taken Toughman Minnesota champ Eric Engel (4:13:36), who placed 5th overall. The next two spots were earned by White Bear Lake's Kris Spoth (4:16:30) and Missourian Kevin Denny (4:18:18). Once again, the fastest master was Medina's Kevin O'Connor (4:22:14)....
Racing Headlines...
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Sunday, 16 August 2015 14:35
8th Annual YWCA WOMEN'S TRIATHLON - Heather Lendway and Christina Roberts claimed the pro and amateur titles this morning at Lake Nokomis. 935 women finished this annual celebration of fitness and empowerment. Words and pics coming soon. RESULTS
8th Annual LAKE MARION TRIATHLON - Brian Gorman and Olivia Bagnall lived up to their pre-race favored status in this elongated International distance event. Andy Wiberg prevailed for the 3rd time in the sprint, also elongated this year due to road construction. Bette Rowley won for the 2nd straight year. Approximately 300 athletes participated. RESULTS ...
5-Peat for Cooley...
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Saturday, 15 August 2015 06:10
12th Young Life Triathlon - For new Minnesotan Sean Cooley, his victory this hot, windy morning in Detroit Lakes was his 5th straight. Conditions didn't support fast times, nevertheless, Dr. C managed to win the Olympic race by a plump margin.
Our records indicate that this was Sean's 12th victory on Minnesota soil. His co-winner, also one who has come out on top here on several occasions, was Bismarck, North Dakota's lovely Marnie Walth.
The companion sprint race was won for the second consecutive year by Kelly Heltemes. We think her last name is pronounced "Hell-Teh-Miss," but we could be wrong. Herdlets of cute, pooping deer often hang out in her back yard, especially in the winter (FB photo)....
Rockin' With His "Tri Mates"...
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Friday, 14 August 2015 00:10
By Brad Mitchell
USAT NATIONALS SPRINT REPORT!
Water was much colder than last year! I lined up on the pier with the other 112 dudes in my age group wave (the nasty 40-44 boys, largest wave at nationals) and 109 of them jumped in with their wetsuits and did the usual power swimming/posturing (us 3 idiots without wetsuits did various arm flapping, push ups and chicken dance maneuvers--thank you Patrick Parish and Dani Fischer...) and felt quite pleased with ourselves. The countdown began, and we were told to get in.
Kevin O'Connor, who got 2nd in age group and 18th overall, (he is a legend, and yes, I am a fan boy!) happened to be two swimmers away and gave me a supportive wave. I wished at that moment I could bet a months wages that he would be top 3.
So, off we went and it felt good... as soon as I could feel my arms. Apart from some bloke doing backstroke and slapping me, it was a good swim, 69/113 out of water smile emoticon Had a really fast run to...
Performance Highlights...
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Monday, 10 August 2015 07:10
Great Photo - Diane Hankee and Suzie Fox at Sprint Nationals.
Here are the Minnesotans who earned medals and cracked the overall Top 100 at Nationals, the most competitive amateur triathlons in the world:
OLYMPIC NATIONALS -
- Tony Schiller - 1st 55-59 (1st/ 126 finishers) (Tony's 12th National Champion title - His margin of victory was 5:34!)
- Lisa Lendway - 2nd 30-34 (2nd / 150 finishers) - Lisa placed 19th overall
- Matthew Payne - 2nd 35-39 (2nd / 167 finishers) - Matt placed 12th overall.
- Kevin O'Connor - 2nd 40-44 (2nd / 180 finishers)
- Neil King - 2nd 65-69 (2nd / 47 finishers)
- Gaby Bunten - 2nd 20-24 (2nd / 61 finishers)
- Cheryl Zitur - 3rd 50-54 (3rd / 120 finishers) ...
Beautiful Moments...
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Monday, 10 August 2015 06:10
Beautiful Photo - Lisa Lendway with her daughter Hadley. Or is it Adeline?
By Norm Deplume
AGE GROUP NATIONALS - I got excited when I first saw last Saturday's Wave Start List. The 30-34 men would launch in the first wave and the 30-34 women would go next. Because the wave intervals were wide and the fact that the 60+ men were slated for wave #3, I knew that some of our most decorated Minnesota triathletes would enjoy the luxury of being among the first to cross the finish line. We were anxious to see how BENNETT ISABELLA, 32, would fare, as well as LISA LENDWAY, 34, and JESS ROSSING, 30, and several others.
As predicted, former US Athlete of the Year Adam Webber led the 30-34 men out of the lagoon and carried his lead all the way to the finish line, for which he received a champion's welcome. Though he would ultimately place 5th overall, he was, as they say in the golf world, the leader in the clubhouse for almost 80 minutes.
The cheering din had not subsided when the BENNETT ISABELLA sped triumphantly to the finish line. He was the 5th man across. His time was 1:59:43. I couldn't have been happier.
Or could I? ...
