Race Previews

The "Fun Size" Equalizer...

Thursday, 21 August 2014 00:10

LIFE TIME TRI - MAPLE GROVE - According to Gaby Bunten's Facebook page, Kris Spoth (pronounced "Spoath") is like the best boyfriend ever.

We'll take her word for it because we've met him and he seems to be a great guy. Besides, we really like the shirt he's wearing in the photo (L).

And what are those long things sticking out of their tropical drinkie-poohs? Back scratchers?

We digress.

Kris is a two-time winner of the Maple Grove Triathlon's Collegiate competition. On one of those occasions (2012), he won the race outright. His 2:03:07 is the fastest amateur time at MGO.

Gaby (pronounced "Gabby") is also a past collegiate champ here.

Because the Maple Grove Olympic Triathlon is the third and final event in Life Time's Minnesota Series, we thought it would be totally cool to employ a Life Time-esque "Equalizer" to determine if the boyfriend outraced the girlfriend ...

or vice versa. Instead of comparing their times from past editions of this event, which would favor the more experienced boyfriendian half of the relationship, we are basing our Equalizer on Kris' and Gaby's PRs, both of which were set at Nationals a few weeks ago.

Spoth's Olympic best is 1:58:34; Bunten's is 2:14:00. Therefore, Kris would have to beat Gaby by 15:27 in order to win the Equalizer prize--three "Fun Size" Snickers--which will be generously provided by MTN.

We're not making this up!

In the event that the winner is not into Snickers, or is going through a "My body is a temple and I don't eat crap" phase, the miniature candy bars will be given to the winner's designated recipient, probably a chubby friend or family member.

By the way, Spoth, who was the amateur winner at Trinona (Minnesota Series Opener) and 4th Elite Amateur at Life Time Tri - Minneapolis (Minnesota Series Race #2), is our pick to win the 5th annual Maple Grove Triathlon on Saturday.

As for Gaby, who is being strongly considered for a Most Improved nomination, we see her rocking a Top 5 finish at Weaver Lake Park this weekend, perhaps even landing a podium spot. Based on the list of entrants we saw, we consider Diane Hankee to be the prohibitive favorite, with stout competition provided by Christina Roberts, a runner-up here in 2012, Bunten, Lisa Lendway, who is getting faster every week,and possible Master of the Year nominee Cheryl Zitur, who is racing like a banshee this year.

More than 1500 racers are expected for this weekend's races (Olympic and Sprint). It's gonna be an awesome event.