Boulder Peak Olympic Triathlon, July 11, 2021

 The Boulder Peak Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike on July 11th is one of the countries longest and most well-known triathlons.  Racers are tackling the infamous “Olde Stage” Hill, boasting an average 15% grade on their way to the finish line!  This race has earned it’s spot on more than a couple notable “Best Triathlons in America” lists.  In 2017, the Boulder Peak was listed as one of the top 15 most amazing triathlons in the United States by The Culture Trip!

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I decided that this year was going to be the year that I see how good I can get at triathlons.  I am registered for 5 triathlons.  I have been spending so much time open water swimming since this is the thing about the triathlon that scares me the most.

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I love swimming but swimming in open water is so different.  You deal with waves, dark water, and people kicking and hitting you in the water.  I went to Boulder a few days before my triathlon and did a 1.2 mile swim race.  I panicked for the first half mile but relaxed after that.  I came in 1st in my age group.

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We were supposed to camp in Boulder but Connor got invited to a Birthday sleepover and Camilla wanted to compete in swimming prelims.  So, I decided to take the trip out to Boulder in the morning of the triathlon by myself.

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I was the most comfortable in the water that I have ever been.  My friends convinced me to wear my wetsuit even when the water temp was 76 degrees.  I bought some oil that allowed me to get my wetsuit off quickly.  The wetsuit makes me swim faster as long as it doesn’t take too much time to get it off and get on the bike.

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Everyone is scared in the water at the start.  It makes me feel more comfortable that I am not alone.

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The bike is always my slowest event.  For triathletes, they usually are bicyclists first.  I am a runner and a swimmer.  I have learned to road cycle over the years but I am not sure that I will ever be as fast as those Boulder cyclists.  But, I have a lot of fun.  I am a good climber.  I go fast uphill but I usually get passed on the flat road and downhill. Thankfully, there was a big climb on this course and I charged up “Olde Stage” hill.

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Of course running is my favorite.  I think I passed like 20 people on the run.  I love this part of the triathlon.

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I came in 11th in my age group so I definitely have some work to do, but I am at least in the top half of the field.  This was a huge triathlon with 419 competitors.

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Next up is Steamboat Lake Triathlon.  I am so excited!

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