Thanks, as usual, to Tom Wilkas (RD) and the inspiring memory of challenged athlete Pat Griskus for another excellent Oly this past Saturday!
For a nearly-metro NY event, this one can’t be beat. The water is fresh and clean, the bike ride is beautiful farm country and the run is the least boring 10k you can find. It is a challenging course because of the hills, but I don’t think you can find a better one.
Likewise with the race admin and volunteers…It is just enough to get the job done well and that is all anyone wants because the race speaks for itself. The athletes are always good up at the front and enjoying themselves at the back. Great vibe all around, this is what the sport should be all about.
He completed the prestigious Hawaii Ironman Triathlon (140.6 miles total) in October 1985 and 1986. He was the first amputee to do the Ironman, and at that time, the only one to have accomplished this twice. In October 1987, he was in Hawaii training for Ironman, when he was struck and killed by a truck. The sprint triathlon was renamed in memory of Pat Griskus. Now in its sixteenth year, there are over 500 triathletes, and many volunteers and sponsors involved. The race has earned a fine reputation as a quality event and has raised over $130,000 for charity.
That was my first Olympic distance race (and second race ever) two years ago, and I have been dying to get back ever since, but unfortunately, I’ve had something interfere this year and last. It is a great course. The bike is punishing but scenic, well-marked, and well-paved. The run is tough, but shaded almost the whole way, which is nice. The whole atmosphere at the race is really outstanding. It is a small field (which is good and bad… the small field is nice, but I’m always a bit sad more people don’t fill it up since it is so great). I’m hoping to see some more races in that area (perhaps a 1/2IM???) put on by Tom, who is a great guy who I saw at a race earlier this season courtesy of my Peaceful Tribe shirt and who remembered me from two years ago!
I think the (few) swim course markings were fine. The water was calm and no fog, so sighting wasn’t a problem. It actually did simplify things to only have to know that each buoy was a turning mark. I never know which buoy I am at when they are multiple ones, so it did simplify things to not have to look at the next buoy and also to look for the one after that (to see if there was one).
However, in less than ideal conditions, more buoys/course markings would probably be advisable.
That’s pretty much what my guys were thinking. Simple is good.
Our equipment guy is investing in new buoys, those big triangular deals, I like it when those are at the major corners of a swim course. know of any good places to buy those?
Pat did not consider himself challenged. He challenged life. Although he lost is leg in a motorcycle accident he ran the Western States 100 miler, ran up the Empire State Building and the Mount Washington Run Up.
We were friends and I gave him swim lessons periodically.
Rappstar, I didnt know that was your second race ever, but that would explain why i had never heard of you before that.
I had never heard of Alex Sherwood either, but he ripped it for the win last Saturday. He help organize SOS in New Paltz NY. Pretty sure it wasn’t his second race ever! dude is fast…
I just checked the results - I can see why you had “heard of him” after then - 4th place overall (in his second race ever) ain’t too shabby!
Speaking of results - Mike Nahom does a solid swim, fast bike, then runs a sub 34:00 10k offa the bike, and comes in second. Wow. Fast dudes indeed.
Looks like a fun event. I dig that the Sprint is on a Wed nite, so there’s a good chance I can do it. It’ll be a nice tuneup for me before my Oly the following weekend. Hope to see some ST’ers there.
I think CT is unique with the mid week evening races. I’m heading over to a small race tonight, Lake Waramaug Tri here in New Preston. There’s a Friday night race at Bantam Lake early Aug, and 3 training series races that go on Tues/Wed/Thurs nights throughout the summer.