“At Age 70, I Had 19 Days To My First Triathlon” – Pat Johnson’s Story

Terry L. VanderWert on June 24, 2018

Sally-Edwards-book-signing

The Villages, Florida – Can you prepare for your first sprint triathlon in less than 30 days, even at age 70?

According to Pat Johnson, you can. She did it and is now an advocate for seniors to compete in triathlon.

Pat’s story was first published on June 24, 2018. Recently, I contacted her for an update on her triathlon journey. Now approaching age 77, Pat remains active in triathlon and is still enthusiastic about it as a way for seniors to stay fit.

This post, updated on February 8, 2021, combines the story of Pat’s first triathlon and her experiences with the sport over the past two-and-a-half years.

Pat Johnson’s First Triathlon at Age 70

Pat Johnson’s triathlon story begins with a conversation she had a few years ago with her then 35-year-old niece, Barb. Barb told her Aunt Pat about her goal to complete an Ironman triathlon before age 40. Excited by the idea of doing a triathlon, Pat committed to complete a shorter, sprint triathlon by age 70.

Fast forward a couple of years and Barb had completed the Ironman triathlon well before age 40. Meanwhile, the deadline for Pat to complete her first sprint triathlon was quickly approaching.

“19 Days To Get Ready for My First Sprint Triathlon”

Pat did not even know where she could do a triathlon.

“I knew I was going to have to practice swimming in order to complete the triathlon. So, I contacted a guy who also lives in The Villages and was part of the masters swimming program called VAST (Villages Aquatic Swim Team).”

Her swimmer friend told her about triathlons regularly held in Clermont, Florida. She said, “I found out that the next triathlon was in 19 days.”

Undaunted by the short time until the race, Pat registered for it, her first sprint triathlon.

The next morning, while waiting between pickle ball games, Pat casually mentioned to another person that she had signed up for a triathlon in Clermont.

Much to Pat’s surprise, the lady replied “Oh, no. That’s the worst place to do a triathlon. There are hills.”   

Pat, a Wisconsin native, admitted, “Until then, I did not even realize that there were hills in Florida.”

This fellow pickle ball player took Pat under her wing and helped her prepare for her first triathlon. She even provided swim goggles and clips for her bike pedals.

Nineteen days after registering for the Central Florida Triathlon Series Race 3, Pat completed her first sprint triathlon, fulfilling the agreement she had made with her niece.

Ironically, the person who helped Pat, Donna Maguire, had been thinking of giving up triathlon. Instead, she started The Villages Triathlon Club. Since then, Donna has completed many triathlons, including at least one Ironman.

Catching the Triathlon Bug At Age 70

Pat had planned to do only one triathlon. However, like so many of us, she caught ‘the bug’. As of this update, she has completed 21 triathlons. And she’s not finished.

Pat Johnson prepared for her first sprint triathlon at age 70 in less than 30 days. Since then, she has created a collection of finisher medals. Included is one from Pat's first sprint triathlon.
Pat Johnson has earned a fine collection of triathlon medals.

Racing with Sally Edwards

Most who have completed a few triathlons have been asked to name their favorite.

For Pat, the ‘Girlz on Fire’ triathlon in Clermont, Florida has been her most memorable. This race was particularly special in that she could not only meet, but compete alongside, Sally Edwards, a triathlon icon.

At the conclusion of the race, Pat posed with Sally while Sally signed her book “Triathlons for Women” which Pat had purchased earlier and brought with her to the race.

Sally Edwards book signing. Pat first started her triathlon journey at age 70.
Sally Edwards with Pat Johnson signing Pat’s copy of ‘Triathlon for Women’.

Racing in the ‘Girlz on Fire’ Triathlon with Sally Edwards was one of the highlights of my triathlon career. 

Pat Johnson

Speaking of the ‘Girlz on Fire’ triathlon, Pat said, “There were only two people in my age group. As she often does, Sally purposely stayed back so that she could cross the finish line with the last finisher as a show of support. She is really a sweetheart. When you meet her, you feel like you have been friends forever.”

Age-group-triathlon-award-ceremony
Pat Johnson (first place) and Sally Edwards (second place) at the awards ceremony of the Girlz on Fire Triathlon in Clermont, Florida.

Some Triathlons Are Challenging Even With Experience

Pat, who is approaching age 77, will soon enter her eighth year in the sport. She has no plan to stop “Tri-ing”.

Over the past two years, Pat has volunteered at an Extreme Triathlon each year. She has also completed two triathlons.

The first race she completed was at the Daytona Speedway. According to Pat, this triathlon was “amazing”.

“Running on the speedway track was a wonderful experience.”

In contrast, Pat refers to her last triathlon, one in Crystal River, Florida, as her worst.

“During the swim portion, I was near a swimmer who kept cutting me off each time I tried to pass them. I am sure it was unintentional, but that didn’t make it any less frustrating.

“The bike portion was even worse. The rear brake rubbed on the wheel throughout the course. I couldn’t get my bike to go any faster than 14 miles per hour. I had picked up my bike from the shop too close to the race to give it a test ride.

“By the time I got to the run, I was really down. Since I walk instead of run, I think I was the only one still on the course. I felt humiliated. While I was continuing the last leg, other racers were already leaving, since there was no awards ceremony because of COVID.”

A Personalized Approach to Training

Pat has developed her own training approach, one that works well for her. Since she has problems with her back, she runs very little. Instead, she trains in race walking, which she uses during the run leg of the triathlon.

Pat describes her approach to her run leg as “race walking with a tiny bit of running. I get excited near the finish, so I save just enough juice to run across the finish line.”

In any week, Pat will go on at least one 10 to 12 mile bike ride along with a few shorter rides. She also takes advantage of the wonderful lap pools in The Villages with two to three swims per week.

Pat developed her open water swimming by connecting with another local triathlete, Lorri, who lives on Lake Weir. Lorri has a daughter who is an accomplished swimmer. Lorri’s daughter provided “a couple of great big yellow ducks” used to practice sighting, a skill important to staying on course in an open water swim.

Advice for Seniors Thinking of a First Sprint Triathlon at Age 70

Pat is an outspoken advocate for seniors to stay fit. 

“If you have the slightest inclination to do a triathlon, go for it.  Meet people who are involved in triathlon and ask them for advice. You will find them eager to help you on the journey.”

Pat is living proof of the ‘no excuses’ lifestyle. If you were going to use the excuse of not having enough time to prepare for a triathlon, perhaps you need to think again. Pat had less than 19 days to get ready for her first triathlon.

Even if you cannot complete the three legs of a triathlon, there are plenty of races that include a relay option. In these, each team member performs one leg, the one with which they are most comfortable, capable, and prepared.

Applying Faith in Triathlon

Triathlon has given Pat Johnson an opportunity to stay fit and meet new friends. It has also provided her opportunity to put her faith in Jesus Christ into action.

Pat’s Christian faith goes with her on the racecourse. She starts each competition with a personal prayer for God’s guidance during the triathlon.

“One of my favorite promises from the Bible is Philippians 4:6-7.” This verse says:

‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.’

Triathlon for women and cross following first triathlon at age 70
Pat Johnson proudly wears a cross symbolizing her Christian faith with one of her triathlon finisher medals.

After the particularly difficult Crystal River Triathlon mentioned above, Pat stopped to reflect.

“As I said, this was my worst experience with a triathlon. What I learned from it was that I hadn’t relied on the most powerful source available to me. My LORD!

“I was so wrapped up in self pity that I didn’t use the power that we all have when we have Jesus as our advocate.

“Philippians 4:13 says ‘I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me’.

“Hopefully next time I will keep my focus where it should be.”

Do You Want To Do Your First Triathlon at Age 50? 60? 70? 80+?

Would you like to complete your first triathlon as a senior triathlete? What help can we provide?

Tell us in the Comments section below. You will find plenty of support from this wonderful community.

Disclaimer: Please note that SeniorTriathletes.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  This is an affiliate advertising program that provides a way for sites to earn advertising fees.  They do this by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.  As an affiliate, I will receive a small commission for any purchases of this product that you make through Amazon if you use the links in this post.

How A Wisconsin Triathlon Benefits Kids In The Caribbean

Terry L. VanderWert on June 13, 2018

Eau-Claire-Triathlon-finish-line

Eau Claire, Wisconsin; June 3, 2018 – Mayo Clinic Health System Eau Claire Triathlon; Halfmoon Park.

The Eau Claire Triathlon, our Wisconsin race in the ‘Triathlon Across the USA’ journey, is a great example of how triathlons often double as fundraisers for important causes locally and across the world.

This race is one chapter in a 50-state journey—now told in full in Triathlon Adventures Across America .

Planning the Wisconsin Triathlon

Our schedule for June was up in the air, as we say. Since we liked to stay near our Minnesota home on weekends during the summer months, we really did not want to travel far for a June triathlon. On the other hand, I needed to keep pressing toward the 50-state goal.

Both the timing for the Eau Claire Triathlon (first weekend in June) and its proximity to our home (two-hour drive) made it attractive. Upon learning about the triathlon’s priority for supporting local and international causes, we made the commitment.

Travel to the Eau Claire Triathlon

Eau Claire, Wisconsin was an easy two-hour drive east of our home in Minnesota. It will no doubt be the race in the ‘Triathlon Across the USA’ quest closest to our home yet outside our home state.

We left our house at about 2pm on Saturday. This allowed us time to check-in to our hotel before picking up the race packet, grabbing a couple of kid’s meals (yes, for us) at Culvers, and attending the Saturday evening worship service at Peace Lutheran, one of the race sponsors.

We made it back to the hotel just before the skies opened and rain poured down. It was still raining when we turned in for the night.

Fundraising Through Triathlon

The Eau Claire Triathlon is a fundraiser for two causes dear to the hearts of the organizers, the Friends of the Orphans and the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.

For over 40 years, Friends of the Orphans has provided safe and loving homes for children in Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, over 3,500 children lived in the homes supported by the organization.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic provides medical services for those living in western Wisconsin without health insurance.

9th Annual Eau Claire Triathlon

Race morning was cloudy and a little under 60°F with a light wind. Fortunately, the rain had passed and would not appear any time during the rest of our stay in Eau Claire.

Distances for the individual legs of this USAT-sanctioned sprint triathlon were:

  • Swim: 0.31 mile (500 m)
  • Bike: 17 mile (27 km)
  • Run: 3.1 mile (5 km)

Racers competed individually, in age groups or as Clydesdale and Athena, or in relay teams. 

The race was well organized. More than 100 volunteers were stationed at various locations along the race course.

Another unique feature of this event was that on the day before the adult triathlon, organizers held a kid’s triathlon for children ages 7-14. Young people competed individually or as teams with two different distances for those aged 7-10 and aged 11-14. Details of the kid’s triathlon are here.

Swim

The first of the 153 racers to enter the water for the open water swim were two men, each pulling an inflatable raft connected to a cord wrapped around their waist. Each raft carried a physically disabled child who would be with them through each of the legs of the race. I know this because I passed both on the bike leg. Later, during the run, each of them passed me.

The two men started five minutes before the first group (“wave” in triathlon-speak) of male age groupers aged 40 and under. The other waves started at two-minute intervals, with the last wave including relay team members.

With the air temperature at 60°F and the water temperature only slightly warmer, I was happy to wear a wetsuit. Most of those who lined up for the swim without a wetsuit wished they had worn one. At least, that’s what the looks on their faces told me.

Halfmoon-Lake
The open water swim occurred in Halfmoon Lake. The first turn in the counterclockwise swim occurred at a red buoy located near the center of the picture on race day.

Bike

The 17-mile bike course took us on rolling hills through residential streets out into the country west of Eau Claire, past fields, beautiful patches of wildflowers, and farms. The condition of the roads was mostly good, absent of potholes and cracks that characterize many northern roads at this time of year.

There was just enough wind to know its direction from the effect it had on the bike. The good thing was that the wind provided a tailwind during the last portion of the course.

Eau-Claire-Triathlon-bike-course
The bike course covered a mix of city streets and country roads, past wildflowers and livestock. Pictured are the Sherman Elementary School (lower left), Claremont Road west of Eau Claire (upper left), Union Town Hall (upper right), and the Claremont Road tunnel heading back to the transition area (lower right).

Run

The run began on a paved trail leading from the transition area to a bridge crossing Halfmoon Lake and leading into Carson Park. Other than the hill leading into and out of the park, the course was quite flat.

Shortly after entering the park, I heard a clanging sound, like that of glass bottles clanking into each other. My first thought, odd as it seemed for a Sunday morning, was that someone was emptying recycling containers.

I eventually found the actual source of this noise when I came upon a horseshoe court. There were at least ten games of horseshoes being played simultaneously. I later read that “Carson Park features 18 horseshoe courts with a seating capacity of 100”.

A little further down the road, I saw something in the distance lying in the middle of the road. At first, I thought it was the remains of an animal that a car had struck. A little further and this object came into view. It was a huge, snapping turtle lazily munching on a bunch of leaves. It seemed truly unfazed by the many runners passing it.

The run continued through the park, past the statues of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, and past the Chippewa Valley Museum. We eventually exited the park, crossed back over the bridge, and got onto the path leading to the finish line. 

The final jog to the finish line was the only portion of the run course not on a paved trail. These last two hundred yards covered a narrow dirt trail, a grassy patch, and a short section of a coarse gravel covered path.

After Crossing the Finish Line at the Wisconsin Triathlon

refreshments-after-Eau-Claire-Triathlon
Race organizers provided a post race meal of grilled burgers with various condiments, root beer, and chips.

After crossing the finish line, I bent over to remove the Velcro-strap holding the timing chip around my left ankle. As I stood up, a young volunteer handed me a bottle of ice cold water.

While downing the water, Joy and I headed over to the refreshment tent. Here we exchanged our meal and drink tickets for a grilled burger, some grilled onions, potato chips, and two ice cold root beers. My mouth waters even while writing this string of words.

With the refreshments consumed and the transition area open for removing the items left during the run, we packed up. 

Following a quick shower at the hotel, we headed home with the Wisconsin triathlon completed.

Race Firsts from the Wisconsin Triathlon

  • First triathlon after retiring from full-time employment.
  • First bike course involving a pedestrian tunnel.
  • First race with a turtle in the middle of the run course
Triathlon Adventures Across America book cover

What Could Your Journey Be?

“It made me think, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be fun to try to do this too?’”

Explore the journey across all 50 states

Triathlon as a Fundraiser?

Is there a triathlon that doubles as a fundraiser which you like to support? Please tell us about it in the Comments below.

Comments: We’d love to hear about your experience. Join the conversation below. All comments are reviewed before they appear.

Reply notifications: Click the bell icon above Post Comment to be notified when someone replies to your comment.

Follow the discussion: Click Subscribe above the comment box and enter your email address to receive notifications whenever a new comment is added—even if you don’t leave a comment. After subscribing, check your email and click Confirm to activate notifications.

Triathlon Across the USA: State #20 – Alaska

Terry L. VanderWert on June 5, 2018

Mount-McKinley-with-Psalm-104-8

Chugiak, Alaska, June 1, 2014 – Eagle River Triathlon

About 30 minutes north of the Anchorage Airport along Glenn Highway is Chugiak High School, ground zero for our Alaska triathlon, the Eagle River Sprint Triathlon. 

While race day was rainy, the following week provided spectacular views of Mt. McKinley, a surprise visit to North Pole, and close-ups of glaciers, birds, and whales in Resurrection Bay.

This race is one chapter in a 50-state journey—now told in full in Triathlon Adventures Across America .

A Family Connection for the Alaska Triathlon

During the summer of 2012, shortly after embarking on our Triathlon Across the USA adventure, Joy and I attended a wedding of her cousin Linda’s son.  During one of the reception speeches, we learned that he and his new bride would be living in Anchorage, Alaska.  He was enlisted in the US Air Force and they would be stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for four years.

When we heard this, Joy and I looked at each other and in near unison mouthed the word ‘Alaska’.  Later that evening, we shared our idea about visiting Alaska during their tour with the newlyweds.  They agreed, probably sure that we would never follow through.

Little did they realize that we started almost immediately laying plans for the Alaska triathlon.

Fast forward two years and this young family had grown to include another member, their son.  On the Saturday before the triathlon, we were able to take the young family to lunch at Glacier Brewhouse in downtown Anchorage.

family-picture-at-Glacier-Brewhouse
The Eagle River Triathlon gave us opportunity to visit Joy’s cousin’s son, daughter-in-law, and 6-month old grandson in Anchorage.

Preparing for the Alaska Triathlon

We arrived in Anchorage a couple of days early in order to tour the city and to test out the bike that I rented for this race.   During these two days, we sampled the local cuisine (lots of seafood) of various restaurants, including Seward’s Folly Bar & Grill, Gwennies, Glacier Brewhouse, and Bridge.

We were soon reminded of the long periods of sunlight in Alaska during this time of year.  Throughout our stay, we occasionally woke at night to peek outside and realize that it was never darker than a Minnesota dusk.   Thank goodness for thick room darkening curtains.

The day before the race, we picked up the race packet at Chugiak High School.  We also picked up the Scott rental bike at Chain Reactions Cycles.  In between we met the couple whose wedding we had attended two years earlier.

Bridge-Restaurant-Anchorage-Alaska
Locals recommended that we sample the seafood at the Bridge restaurant. A good choice.

Eagle River Triathlon

I don’t think of Alaska as a hot spot for triathlon.  So, I was surprised to learn that the Eagle River Triathlon has been held every year except one (2003) since 1993, making 2014 the 21st running of the triathlon.

Headquarters for the Eagle River Triathlon was Chugiak High School.  The school is located about 25 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage just off Glenn Highway, also known as AK-1 (Alaska Highway 1).

Distances for the individual legs of this USAT-sanctioned sprint triathlon were:

  • Swim: 0.3 mile (500 m)
  • Bike: 12.4 mile (20 km)
  • Run: 3.1 mile (5 km)

Unique Transition Area

Somehow I missed the information on the Eagle River Triathlon’s Facebook page that race organizers did not provide racks for holding bicycles in the transition area.   Other racers brought their own means of supporting their bikes. Some of these were purchased while others were clearly homemade.

Since there was plenty of space in transition, I stood my road bike upside down.  (This would not have worked with my Trek SpeedConcept tri-bike.) 

As you can see in the picture below, other racers still gave me more space, probably fearing that my bike would tip over.

triathlon-transition-area-without-bike-racks
Racers of the Eagle River Sprint Triathlon were asked to provide their own bike stands, such as that used by the person whose bike was setup next to mine. I missed the information so was forced to improvise.

Swim

The swim leg occurred in the Chugiak High School Swimming pool.  The 500-meter swim consisted of 10 laps (20 lengths) of the 25-meter long pool, all within the same lane.  Swimmers started according to bib number with about 100 swimmers completing the swim each hour.  The result was that the entire field of triathletes was spread out over nearly four hours.

Bike

On race morning, the temperature was just under 50ºF (10ºC).  By the time I had completed the swim and headed out onto the bike course, a light drizzle had begun to fall.  The combined temperature and rain made the ride chilly, bordering on just plain cold.

The course left the transition area in the Chugiak High School parking lot, turned north following Birchwood Lane to the first turnaround.  From here, we returned on the same route past the transition area to a second turnaround about two and one-half miles past the school.  From the second turnaround, we rode back to transition.

I had used a rented bicycle in a previous triathlon, the Hilton Head Sprint Triathlon.  However, the bike rented for the Alaska triathlon did not fit me nearly as well.  The time to complete this leg of the triathlon showed it.

The lesson? Next time I rent a bike, I will pay closer attention to the fit.

Run

The run course followed a single loop, out-and-back course.  The course followed a paved trail that left the transition area, passed under Glenn Highway, and then turned left to follow another paved trail that paralleled the highway.  Upon reaching the halfway mark, we turned around and returned to the red inflatable Finish Line (shown behind me in the picture below).

triathlon-run
Heading out of transition for the run at the Eagle River Triathlon. There was no worry about becoming overheated on this day.

A Small World Story from the Alaska Triathlon

While chatting with other triathletes before the race, Joy and I struck up a conversation with a young lady and her parents.  We learned that while she and her husband were living in Fairbanks, her parents were from Hutchinson, Minnesota, a rural community about 1-1/2 hours drive west of our home, also in Minnesota. That was interesting.

However, as we continued talking with the young lady, we learned that she had not only grown up in Hutchinson but that she had also swam in high school with our daughter-in-law.  Now that made the world seem just a little smaller.

Here we were more than 3,000 miles from home. We not only met, but raced in a triathlon with, a person who had swam with our daughter-in-law. 

Besides, this young lady represented Minnesota well. She was the first overall female finisher for the Eagle River Triathlon.

Results

Finishing third in the Male 60-64 age group earned me a ceramic plague.  You can see it listed third in “5 Unique Triathlon Medals; They are No Longer Just Metal”.

Exploring Alaska

Joy and I took the next week to put on a bunch of miles in the rental car, first driving to Fairbanks.  Enroute, we spent one night in Talkeetna from where we took an air tour of Mt. McKinley and surrounding mountains and glaciers, and one night at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge.

Mount-McKinley-and-Resurrection-Bay
After the triathlon, we traveled to Fairbanks staying in Talkeetna and at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge along the way (upper two pictures). It was then on to Seward and Resurrection Bay (lower picture). The tail of a whale is visible near the center of the lower picture.

After a quick tour of Fairbanks and North Pole, we returned back to Anchorage and onto Seward for two days.  On one of these days, we joined Kenai Fjord Tours Aichik of Resurrection Bay for whale watching and glacier viewing.

Race Firsts

  • There were no common bike racks in the transition area, a triathlon-first for me.
  • First race in which I was #1 in both T1 and T2 time for my age group.
  • First race in which the swim start was spread over several hours.
Triathlon Adventures Across America book cover

A Story That Resonates

“A must-read for every athlete and retiring business executive committed to living healthy.”

Discover the complete story

Have You Done a Triathlon in Alaska?

Have you done a triathlon in Alaska? If so, let us here about it in the Comments below.

Comments: We’d love to hear about your experience. Join the conversation below. All comments are reviewed before they appear.

Reply notifications: Click the bell icon above Post Comment to be notified when someone replies to your comment.

Follow the discussion: Click Subscribe above the comment box and enter your email address to receive notifications whenever a new comment is added—even if you don’t leave a comment. After subscribing, check your email and click Confirm to activate notifications.

Triathlon Across the USA: State #35 – Iowa

Terry L. VanderWert on May 28, 2018

Waverly Iowa Chamber of Commerce

Waverly, Iowa; May 5, 2018 – Wartburg College; TriByKnight Sprint Triathlon.

It had been 27 years since we last spent time with our friends, Paul and Susan. In the summer of 1991, Paul, Susan, and their three children had traveled from their home in Algona, Iowa, to join our family in Minnesota. During that visit, our two families served as volunteers for the International Special Olympics being held in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. As part of the event, we met Kirstie Alley, Fred Savage, and Olympic gymnasts, Nadia Comăneci and Bart Conner.

With our kids now grown, Joy and Susan had been trying to find a way for the four of us to get together. An opportunity emerged in early March when we learned about the TriByKnight triathlon in Waverly, Iowa.

A check of schedules showed we were available. Our first weekend in May was going to involve triathlon and friends.

This race is one chapter in a 50-state journey—now told in full in Triathlon Adventures Across America .

Snow in late April?

My training for the Iowa triathlon had all been indoors – pool, stationary bike, and treadmill – thanks to the extended 2017-18 winter. To top it off, twenty-two inches of snow fell at our Minnesota home exactly three weeks before the TriByKnight sprint triathlon.

snow-in-April
Three weeks before the triathlon in Waverly, Iowa, we received 22 inches of snow at our Minneapolis area home. The snow delayed outdoor training, especially biking.

While the weather warmed and the snow quickly disappeared, it was difficult to get outside for training. The first opportunity for an outdoor bike ride was less than one week before the race.

I approached the race with some questions about how ready I would be.

Visiting Waverly for the Iowa Triathlon

We left home around 1:30pm on Friday, May 4th for the 3-hour drive to Waverly. By the time we arrived, we could proceed directly to pick up the race packet at Thompson Shoes, one sponsor of the triathlon.

With this important task complete and our stomachs rumbling, we walked next door to the East Bremer Diner to sample the local cuisine. After an exceptional prime rib dinner, complete with the signature East Bremer Diner salad dressings, we headed out for a drive along the bike course for the next day’s triathlon.

scenes from downtown Waverly
Packet pickup was at Thompson Shoes (left), across the street from the Waverly Chamber of Commerce (upper right) and next door to the East Bremer Diner (lower right).

Joy and I like to checkout the course before the race. Our goal is to identify road conditions for the bike leg. In particular, we look for potholes and cracks in the road that could pose trouble, if not avoided.

After driving the bike course, we checked into our hotel. Before calling it a night, I finished preparing for the next morning by:

  • applying the race number to the bike and race number belt,
  • preparing drinks for before and during the race, and
  • inflating the bike tires.

7th Annual TriByKnight Sprint Triathlon

The TriByKnight sprint triathlon was held on the Wartburg College campus, home to the Wartburg Knights. The triathlon was also managed by the college.

Wartburg Knights footfall field scoreboard for the Iowa triathlon
Wartburg Knights scoreboard on race day. The City of Waverly was among the many sponsors of the TriByKnight triathlon.

Distances for the individual legs of this USAT-sanctioned sprint triathlon were:

  • Swim: 300 yard (274 m)
  • Bike: 15 mile (24 km)
  • Run: 3.1 mile (5 km)

We could not have asked for a more perfect day. Clear skies. Light breeze. Mild temperature. While on the ride, I looked down at my bike computer, which showed the temperature to be 77°F (25°C).

Swim

The Schuldt Natatorium, location for the swim leg, includes a six-lane, 25 yard long pool. Before the race, swimmers lined up according to their estimated swim time.  

Following the singing of the national anthem, race staff sent the first triathlete into the pool to begin his race. The rest of the nearly 200 racers started at approximately 5-second intervals.

We swam down and back in each lane (except for the last lane) to make up the 300 yards. After swimming back in each lane, we ducked under the lane divider and repeated the down and back excursion in the next lane.

After completing the ‘down’ portion of the sixth lane, we turned and swam approximately halfway to the starting end, then turned about 45 degrees to the left, and swam across an area of the pool designated for water sports (e.g. volleyball, water polo). We exited the pool, walking up several steps.

From here, we left the building, heading toward the fitness center and pool parking lot, which on this day was the transition area for the triathlon.

Bike

The bike course was a 15 mile loop on paved roads in the rural area north of Waverly. The ride involved a continuous series of rolling hills. While the hills were not extreme, they were still challenging, considering that I had ridden outside for the first time this year less than a week earlier.

During the first two miles, the combination of cars, trucks, bikes, and hills created a slow down for some bikers. While I did not slow down because of a car or truck, several of the bikes in front of me were required to slow. This brought back memories of the Texas triathlon.

Near the halfway mark of the bike course, we passed through the small town of Bremer (see picture below). About a mile outside of Bremer, we passed by a farm with three antique threshing machines sitting in a grassy field. While there was no sign of the owner trying to sell them, I did note that he had a plot of land for sale.

scenes from the TriByKnight bike course
The bike course took us on rolling hills north of Waverly, through the very small town of Bremer, and past some retired threshing machines.

A few miles later, with the longest hill of the course behind us, we were back on Waverly streets. This last section of the bike leg included a wooden pedestrian bridge that crossed the Cedar River. In a few more blocks, we were at the dismount line and back into the transition area.

Run

The 5k run leg was three loops of a course on streets within the Wartburg campus and about a half lap on the asphalt track of Walston-Hoover Stadium. 

During the final loop, the course led runners to the finish line on the track at the 50-yard line of the football field.

finish line of TriByKnight triathlon
The finish line of the TriByKnight sprint triathlon was near the 50-yard line of the Walston-Hoover Stadium on the campus of Wartburg College.

Taking the Long Way Home

As often as we can, we combine travel to a triathlon with visits to family and friends. More often than not, we choose the location of the triathlon so that we can accomplish both goals.

This time was no different. Following the triathlon, we traveled north and west to Clear Lake, Iowa. Following a quick lunch, we headed on to Algona, Iowa, to visit friends, Paul and Susan.

While we had passed through Clear Lake many times on past trips between Minneapolis and Des Moines, Iowa, Clear Lake had a special significance this time.

About six months earlier, Joy’s book club had read “Stars Over Clear Lake” by Loretta Ellsworth. This historical fiction novel describes events around the World War II German POW Camp in Algona, Iowa.

At the end of the book, Joy had learned of a museum memorializing the Camp and the area residents who had served in the war effort. So, while in Algona, we jumped on the opportunity to visit the museum.

A Stop in Algona

The docent of the POW Camp museum, Glenn, added to the various displays by sharing some heartwarming stories from interviews of area residents. Glenn had conducted some of the interviews himself.

At least one of these stories is told in “Common Valor”, a book to which Paul and Susan’s daughter Leah was a contributor and that we now own.

Following the museum visit, Paul and Susan showed us Algona, of which they are rightfully proud. We finished the day with a great home-cooked dinner and a late night of catching up. After attending church with Paul and Susan the next morning, we headed toward home.

Since US Highway 169 passes through Algona and within a few miles of our home, we returned along this route. Along the way, we stopped briefly in Blue Earth, Minnesota, to visit with Sherryl and Penny, Joy’s sister and niece.

Race Firsts

  • First time racing in the 65-69 Age Group
  • First race with a portion of the bike course on a wooden pedestrian bridge over Cedar River.
  • Passing through a second town (Bremer, Iowa) on the bike course was another first.
Triathlon Adventures Across America book cover

A Story That Resonates

“A must-read for every athlete and retiring business executive committed to living healthy.”

Discover the complete story

Have You Done a Triathlon in Iowa?

This was not the first time I had done a triathlon where the swim was in a college pool. How about you? Have you done a triathlon on a college campus? How about a triathlon anywhere in Iowa?

Please tell us your experiences in the Comments below.

Comments: We’d love to hear about your experience. Join the conversation below. All comments are reviewed before they appear.

Reply notifications: Click the bell icon above Post Comment to be notified when someone replies to your comment.

Follow the discussion: Click Subscribe above the comment box and enter your email address to receive notifications whenever a new comment is added—even if you don’t leave a comment. After subscribing, check your email and click Confirm to activate notifications.