Galena Triathlon Sprint Distance Swim: 660 Yds Bike: 18.5 Miles Run: 4.3 miles Mid week the weather was looking horrible for this race. Cold, Rain and Winds. The RD must have been getting several inquiries about refunds and what not because the website conspicuously posted in bold the No Refund No Rain Check Policy. The front came thru sooner than expected. The forecast was chilly and windy but now we would have sun! 800 participants showed up. (There is a Du-Athlon with this that drew another 600 people) Water temp was 63 deg. Winds were 18 mph out of the North….Mostly head winds for the bike. Race starts at 9:00am on the button…..It’s never been late in my 5 years here. Swim waves go off every three minutes like clock work. My wave was at 9:42. I use this time to get some warm up in the water. 63 deg is cold….it took my breath away when I first submerged myself but you do get accustomed to it. Average swim for me. I did get behind two guys zig zagging that I never was able to get by. I need to work on my surge. Probably added 2 mins or more. When I rounded the last buoy the sun was directly in my eyes on my breathing stroke. Blinding me and making it impossible to site. I need to work on by-lateral breathing. The Bike is hilly. Big climbs, big downhills, 90 deg corners….very technical and very fun! Except for the 18 mph head winds and cross winds. Never once at your back ! The Run was also very scenic. A new course with some very nice hills. I do well on hills so these are welcomed. I don’t like them.....but I do pass many people on hills and this is a race. A final climb of 200 yds at 11% incline……Damn! What a *&%$& that was! The important stuff: Final 2:01:49 225 / 800 *Swim 14:38 468 / 800 T1 3:19 231 / 800 Bike 1:07:25 214 / 800 T2 2:44 383 / 800 Run 33:42 197 / 800 Age group stats not posted yet. Links to race photos: Bike http://www.midwestactionphotos.com/mp_client/pictures.asp?action=viewphotos&size=fullsize&pagenum=760&id=4711845&eventid=56961 Run: (what is she pointing at?) http://www.midwestactionphotos.com/mp_client/pictures.asp?action=viewphotos&size=fullsize&pagenum=465&id=4714271&eventid=56964 Swim http://www.midwestactionphotos.com/mp_client/pictures.asp?action=viewphotos&size=fullsize&pagenum=710&id=4715722&eventid=56966

63 degree water? I got chills just thinking about it. I was glad to see you wore a wetsuit, at least. I take it the swim part is in an open body of water? And your bike is so very, very slim. Must be so light. I don't know whether this is a good time for you or not, but it looks pretty impressive to me. Great job! Nice photos, too.

You are tough to take on an event like this one. I hope you do well in the placement. You sure work hard enough to deserve it. Well done SLO. Spareribs

Excellent race and race report! Great pictures as well! Thanks for sharing.

Way to go SLO_HAND! and I'll swoon (quietly---I think I know why that lady is pointing) Seriously, good work and impressive. I am learning all about transition times and phase training from my Tri friend. Your fitness levels are insane and admirable to be sure. How many more are you planning to race in the next months?

Age Group Results just posted. M 4044 38 / 113........If I could have taken a few minutes off......which had my biking been on par......I would have easily placed in the teens.

wow!! nice job Steve!! i just reread your profile too -- you could combine being a triathlete AND a french runway model!! I'm doing my 1st sprint tri this weekend -- you're report is inspiring!!

Wow.....Good Luck ! Careful, Tris are like Crack cocaine......very addicting! I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts on your 1st Tri.