Race Previews

Becky's Return!

Monday, 14 May 2018 23:20

OAKDALE DUATHLON PREVIEW - There's much about the Oakdale Du that excites us. We love it's venue, which appears to have been designed with run-bike-run in mind. And the race has always been exciting and super competitive.

Next, we checked the event website, and learned this:

New this year, we have added a barbecue following the race. Join us for turkey dogs and burgers and catch up with all your racing friends who were holed up for this long and cold winter while enjoying the DJ efforts of Kyle Fulton. We have also given you the option to opt out of the medal and shirt and save some cash. Those opting for the shirts and medals will receive a long sleeve technical shirt and a finisher medal. Everyone is eligible for age group awards.

Exciting stuff, right? ...

Also, this year's OD, its 17th edition, will feature the return to action of one of our state's best multisporters ever. We're talking about BECKY YOUNGBERG, now 43, who stopped tri-ing and du-ing in 2011. 

Those who have been around for a long time, remember her, and would agree that she was one of our state's future Hall of Famers. (Yes, MTN wants to create a Minnesota Multisport Hall Of Fame.) Her resume, dating back to the late 90s, is incredible.
Here's some stats:

- Winner of 36 tris and dus between 2000 and 2011, though she only raced twice in 2005 and missed the 2006, 2009 and 2010 seasons.
- 2004 Minnesota Triathlete of the Year (Perennial nominee)
- 11 wins in 2004
- Major regional wins include: Heart of the Lakes, Brewhouse, Timberman, Lake Waconia, Lake Minnetonka, Turtleman, Racine 70.3, Pigman Half, Buffalo.

According to our records, Becky has never done the Oakdale Du.

How will she do next Saturday? Will she be competitive, perhaps even claim a podium spot? We don't know, and we really don't care about that. We're just glad she's back, and we hope that she has fun and gets the love for the lifestyle back.

Life everyone else who will do this race, she will be celebrating the blessings we enjoy as Minnesota multisporters. She'll make new friends and give serious thought to having a second turkey hot dog. RACE WEBSITE