Race Previews

A Superior Experience, Man!

Tuesday, 20 August 2013 03:10

We have had a peek at this year's entrants entrants list and are anxious to see how things shake out on Sunday. We think that overall and most AG records are destined to tumble. Two-time Minnesota Most Improved nominee, Sean Cooley hopes to defend his SM title, but it won't be easy. He'll need huge swim and bike splits to keep super-sophomore Brian Sames (pronounced "Salm-ess") in his rearview mirror. In his half debut at Chisago, Sames was able to beat the charismatic North Dakota Horndog (Cooley), thanks largely to his best-in-show 1:15 run split. In that great event, Sames, who was too shy to enter the Elite Wave, flew under the radar. His final 4:16:07 stunned the entire amateur field, even amateur champ / possible 2013 US Athlete of the Year nominee, Matt Payne, whose final time was only six seconds faster than Brian's.

Will Cooley repeat, or is his mano-a-mano with Sames too close to call? Or will Brian end up two-for-two against Sean? We need to remember that Cooley's PR at this distance is 4:14, which he posted on a course that would be recognized by most as being more challenging than Chisago's. Also, his muscles also know what it feels like to win in Duluth. A victory by Sames on Sunday would probably make him the frontrunner for this year's Most Improved award and lock up a spot on Team Minnesota.

Cooley Vs. Sames will be epic!

As for the women, we expect a substantial lowering of the course record. Interestingly, we think that the winner will be a girl who is a tri rookie whose 70.3 debut at Liberty yielded a 4:57. Her name is Nicole Heininger. She's 24 and resides in White Bear Lake, the town, not the body of water. And she is a special athlete. Her performances since Liberty suggest that she is ready to crack the 4:50 barrier, which we believe will be sufficient to win on Sunday. Check out her resume. Keep in mind that this is her first year in the sport:

NICOLE HEININGER - 2013 Results

- 1st @ Waseca 1/3 IM - Course Record

- 1st @ Lakefront Days

- 2nd @ Lake Waconia Best of the US Qualifier

- 2nd @ Cinco Du Mayo Long Course Duathlon

- 3rd @ Heart of the Lakes /Minnesota State Triathlon Championship

- 6th @ Liberty Half - 4:57:13

Can you still get in? To find out, visit the event's WEBSITE.

Photo - Nicole Heinger (R) with her good friend, Jen. Love Jen's headwear!