Not Through Yet!

We like this post from last year... it's been updated for 2017, but the message is the same!


School is in session, football season is here, and you may be on the fence about racing again or throwing in the towel. After all, it's basically September, you might say… time to shut it down.

To that we say... "really??" Are you really ready to “tear down” your swim/bike/run fitness and hunker down for the winter?? Come on! The weather's great and you’re in race shape...  plus, if you're sitting on 2 local races for the year, one more qualifies you for our final rankings and potential swag!

Here's a famous pre-game speech with a classic "slow clap" to get you in the mood.

It’s a long offseason until our first local race, RaceTri's Icebreaker, rolls around. Sure, you'll set some monster goals for next year, but why not get another taste of the finish line??

There are 4 great local options to choose from over the next couple weeks:

Kokopelli - SEP 9th (Sprint/Olympic)

If you live down south, Kokopelli is a perfect option. Also worth the trip if you're planning on St. George 70.3 next May and want to get more experience on these hallowed grounds. 
Here's the link to learn more: Kokopelli

BRINEMAN - SEP 16th (Spr/Oly/Half)

Brineman is a TriUtah race in its 2nd year. Speaking from experience, this is truly a great venue. The swim takes place in a high quality, man-made water skiing lake. You ride out and back on the Antelope Island causeway... flat/fast and part of last year's Tour of Utah course. If you're doing the Half you'll also get some hills on the island itself. The run is flat, fast, and almost entirely on trails.

Here's the link to learn more: Brineman


CAMP YUBA - SEP 16th (Spr/Oly)

Where's Yuba? If you've never done this one you might not know. Maybe you've passed the exit on I-15 and thought to yourself "oh yeah, I think there's a race there." As you can see by the map, it's actually not too far out of the way.

RaceTri's Camp Yuba has a chill, low-key vibe, and camping at the state park the night before a la Spudman is a great option. You can also hit up a hotel in nearby Scipio.

The water's nice, you have very little traffic to deal with on the bike, and the run is a great mix of roads and rugged trails.

Here's the link to learn more: Yuba

Bear Lake Brawl - SEP 9th (Spr/Oly) 
with Half & FULL SEP 16th)


Last but not least, if you're up north (or one of our Idaho readers), the Bear Lake Brawl has your name on it. The water and whole area around Bear Lake is gorgeous... nuff said!

Here's the link to learn more: Bear Lake Brawl


Regardless of which one you choose, we hope to see you out there this weekend... go get it!

Locals at Ironman Coeur d'Alene - RESULTS

Congrats!

USAT Nationals Race Report - Connor Weaver

Despite being from Colorado, you may remember the name Connor Weaver as it relates to Utah triathlon. Case in point, in 2014 a then teenage Weaver ran down the likes of Nate Dressel, Wes Johnson and B.J. Christenson to win the Echo Olympic by 13 seconds. After returning from a 2-year LDS mission to Chile this January, Weaver returned to Echo in July, winning handily over a field that included St. George 70.3, Oceanside 70.3 and Canada 70.3 overall AG champion Andrew Hall. 

Two weeks ago, Weaver took on USAT Nationals in Omaha before the formal commencement of his BYU cross country season. Being fortunate to be in the first wave myself, I was able to cheer him on as he weaved (pun intended) through the masses from the very LAST wave to start.

Connor went on to cross the line in 1:57, the National Champion for M2024 and 2nd out of the entire field. However, when the results were later posted we noticed the dreaded letters "DQ" next to his name... what happened?? We were dying to know, and reached out to get the scoop from the 2020 Olympic hopeful himself.

Here is his report!

USAT Age Group Nationals was my main focus going into this tri season and I was really determined and excited to try and win not only my age group, but the race overall. I got home from my mission in January and I honestly had no intention of getting back into the sport of triathlon because of my obligations as a student-athlete at BYU where I run cross-country and track. Unfortunately, I went a little too hard too quick when I got back from my mission and suffered a stress fracture in my fibula in early March. The injury forced me to cross train, so I got back on my bike and into the pool to try and maintain (and build) my fitness after my mission. After swimming 2000 yards in the pool, I called my Dad and said that I missed triathlon.

the Top 10 at this year's Echo (Olympic)

I finished my semester at BYU and still didn't really commit to triathlon until mid June. I started training with Balanced Art Multipart (BAM) and had my sights set on being a National Champion and getting my pro license. Since I started training in June I didn't have a lot of time to bring everything together perfectly, but I worked hard and started improving a lot faster than I had anticipated. The summer demanded a lot of sacrifices where I was working till late in the night as a server and waking up at 5:30 in the morning so I could get my swim, bike, and run in. My friends and family thought I was crazy because my life was basically consumed with training, working, eating, and sleeping. The only reason I share this is because I can sympathize for all the triathletes who make sacrifices so that they can compete at the highest level possible come race day.

As far as how Nationals went, it obviously didn't end how I had hoped and I was devastated to say the least. I had a solid swim, and I was pretty hesitant on the bike to go hard because the race was so congested that it was hard not be behind someone and I knew that the race officials were super attentive to everyone for drafting. I didn't push unless I absolutely knew that I was going to drop and pass everyone in my way. Like I said, the race was more congested than downtown LA during rush hour and that caused me to be in the left passing lane for apparently "too long."

I was penalized 2 minutes for being in the passing lane for 40 seconds. I didn't draft, I didn't cut the course, I just spent too much time passing people in the passing lane. My run was pretty strong and I finished the race super pumped and ecstatic to have taken 2nd overall to a pro triathlete who was there to renew his pro license and I was obviously happy to have won my age group! The officials then penalized me 4 more minutes for not wearing my race belt on the run. I honestly didn't see the belt in transition (must've been covered by a skin suit or something at the time) and that's why I neglected to wear the thing. Besides, you'd think that my race number on both my arms, both my legs, and my race chip and my tri suit with my name printed on the front was enough to identify me during the race! After 6 minutes of penalty time added to my overall time... it completely took me out of everything. I was 25th overall and 4th or 5th in my age group.

The big mistake I made in this whole race was the way I reacted to the situation. I completely lost my temper with the race officials and that's what caused me to get disqualified. In all honesty, I didn't even care about the disqualification at that point. I felt that I was robbed of everything that I had worked for. After investing a lot of time, money, and effort into performing well at Nationals... it's rather heart breaking to have an official tell you that you basically cheated, and that you cheated 6 minutes worth during an Olympic distance triathlon.

I'll leave it at this. The definition of cheating is "to act dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage, especially in a game or competition." Rules are rules, I didn't wear my race bib and apparently I was in the passing lane for too long... but do these infringements really justify a 6 minute penalty in an Olympic distance race? Especially in an amateur event where we're all paying to be there and compete?

Sadly there's not another race to redeem myself this season as I'm heading into my cross-country and track seasons. Plus, it's hard for me to invest more money to travel and compete after putting so much into Nationals.

As disanimating as this whole thing has been, I do plan on continuing my training as best as I can and improving my run! The big goal and dream is to go to the Olympics in 2020 for triathlon. I feel like I'm capable of it, and I'm willing to put in the sacrifices to give it my all going into these next few years before Tokyo.

Locals at Ironman Coeur d'Alene

Sadly, it's been announced that this is the last year for Ironman CDA. Here's the list of locals who will be saying goodbye in style this weekend.

Good luck all!

Utah Age Group Rankings 2017 - MEN ROUND 2

It’s time for Round 2 of the Utah Tri Buzz 2017 age group rankings!

The same things we said in the women's rankings apply to the men. We stand & applaud everyone on the list. Regardless of individual rank, these are all people who have gotten out to race and who support the local scene.

Think about it, how many people stayed in bed while you were out testing your limits?? 

How many others are active, yet too chicken to ever toe a start line??

Kudos to everyone in the rankings... you're strong in both body & mind!

Lastly, keep in mind this is for FUN... please don't take the rankings too seriously.

The methodology is simple:

* To be eligible for Round 2 Rankings, must have raced at least 2 of these 14 events on the local calendar (23 total races counting Sprint/Olympic options):

• Icebreaker (Apr 8)
• Ironman St. George 70.3 (May 6)
• Salem Spring (May 13)
• Sand Hollow - Sprint/Olympic (May 20)
• East Canyon - S/O (Jun 10)
• Rock Cliff - S/O (Jun 17)
• Daybreak - S/O (Jun 24)
• DinoTri - S/O (Jun 24)
• Echo - S/O (Jul 8)
• Toughman Utah Half (Jul 15)
• San Rafael - S/O (Jul 15)
• Topaz - S (Jul 15)
• Jordanelle - S/O (Aug 12)
• Black Ridge - S/O (Aug 12)

Round 1 (thru June): 2 race minimum

Round 2 (mid Aug): 2 race minimum

Round 3 (end of season): 3 race minimum (average of your top 3 races)

* The final rankings will be the basis for several “Most Improved” and other awards, not just awards for AG winners/podiums.

* Like last year, we take the AVERAGE of everyone’s top 3 races for the final rankings… this provides some incentive to get out and race often, as you can only help yourself by racing more. For example, if you have an off day, or even a dreaded DNF, that result will shake out of your top 3 average if you race 4+ times.

* We use your Overall % to calculate the rankings (which is shown in all the individual race “Results Breakdowns” we post). This is simply how you placed vs. the field - if you placed 60th out of 100 at a race, that’s 60%. If you placed 80th out of 200 at another, that’s 40%. In this case those two then average to 50%.

Your 50% average would then be stacked up to the rest of your age group for the rankings.

Last races up!

Sep 9:    Kokopelli (S & O) - St. George
               Bear Lake Brawl (S & O)
              
Sep 16:  Camp Yuba (S & O)
               Brineman (S, O, H) - Syracuse
               Bear Lake Brawl (Half & Full)

Oct 28:   Southern Utah Triathlon - St. George

So if you've participated in 2 qualifying races so far, it only takes ONE of these late-season events to qualify for the FINAL, "WALL OF FAME" rankings and become eligible for awards & swag (most improved awards, AG awards, etc). If you've raced 3+ times, racing again can only help you, as your "worst" results will shake out of your Top 3 average.

Get out and race!

Related Posts

SWAG ANNOUNCEMENT 2017

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 2

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 1

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 2

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 1

Utah Age Group Rankings 2017 - WOMEN ROUND 2

It’s time for Round 2 of the Utah Tri Buzz 2017 age group rankings!

We stand & applaud everyone on the list. Regardless of individual rank, these are all people who have gotten out to race and who support the local scene.

Think about it, how many people stayed in bed while you were out testing your limits?? 

How many others are active, yet too chicken to ever toe a start line??

Kudos to everyone in the rankings... you're strong in both body & mind!

Lastly, keep in mind this is for FUN... please don't take the rankings too seriously.

The methodology is simple:

* To be eligible for Round 2 Rankings, must have raced at least 2 of these 14 events on the local calendar (23 total races counting Sprint/Olympic options):

• Icebreaker (Apr 8)
• Ironman St. George 70.3 (May 6)
• Salem Spring (May 13)
• Sand Hollow - Sprint/Olympic (May 20)
• East Canyon - S/O (Jun 10)
• Rock Cliff - S/O (Jun 17)
• Daybreak - S/O (Jun 24)
• DinoTri - S/O (Jun 24)
• Echo - S/O (Jul 8)
• Toughman Utah Half (Jul 15)
• San Rafael - S/O (Jul 15)
• Topaz - S (Jul 15)
• Jordanelle - S/O (Aug 12)
• Black Ridge - S/O (Aug 12)

Round 1 (thru June): 2 race minimum

Round 2 (mid Aug): 2 race minimum

Round 3 (end of season): 3 race minimum (average of your top 3 races)

* The final rankings will be the basis for several “Most Improved” and other awards, not just awards for AG winners/podiums.

* Like last year, we take the AVERAGE of everyone’s top 3 races for the final rankings… this provides some incentive to get out and race often, as you can only help yourself by racing more. For example, if you have an off day, or even a dreaded DNF, that result will shake out of your top 3 average if you race 4+ times.

* We use your Overall % to calculate the rankings (which is shown in all the individual race “Results Breakdowns” we post). This is simply how you placed vs. the field - if you placed 60th out of 100 at a race, that’s 60%. If you placed 80th out of 200 at another, that’s 40%. In this case those two then average to 50%.

Your 50% average would then be stacked up to the rest of your age group for the rankings.

Last races up!

Sep 9:    Kokopelli (S & O) - St. George
               Bear Lake Brawl (S & O)
              
Sep 16:  Camp Yuba (S & O)
               Brineman (S, O, H) - Syracuse
               Bear Lake Brawl (Half & Full)

Oct 28:   Southern Utah Triathlon - St. George  ... TBD if will count for 2017 or 2018

So if you've participated in 2 qualifying races so far, it only takes ONE of these late-season events to qualify for the FINAL, "WALL OF FAME" rankings and become eligible for awards & swag (most improved awards, AG awards, etc). If you've raced 3+ times, racing again can only help you, as your "worst" results will shake out of your Top 3 average.

Get out and race!

Related Posts

SWAG ANNOUNCEMENT 2017

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 2

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 1

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 2

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 1

Results Breakdown: Jordanelle 2017

Congrats to all who got out to race Jordanelle!

This post has more detail behind the results breakdown methodology if you're interested.

Along with other Utah races, we'll use these results towards SWAG ANNOUNCEMENT 2017. Remember we take the average of your 3 best local races (overall %) for "Most Improved Triathlete" awards, rankings, etc, so plan your season accordingly!

FYI - the Utah Tri Buzz rankings are now being updated and will be posted soon.

The next few qualifying races on the Utah calendar are:

Sep 9:    Kokopelli (S & O) - St. George
               Bear Lake Brawl (S & O)
              
Sep 16:  Camp Yuba (S & O)
               Brineman (S, O, H) - Syracuse
               Bear Lake Brawl (Half & Full)



Jordanelle Olympic

note - Mr. Hawley is M3539

Jordanelle Sprint

Results Breakdown: Black Ridge 2017

Congrats to all who got out to race Black Ridge!

This post has more detail behind the results breakdown methodology if you're interested.

Along with other Utah races, we'll use these results towards SWAG ANNOUNCEMENT 2017. Remember we take the average of your 3 best local races (overall %) for "Most Improved Triathlete" awards, rankings, etc, so plan your season accordingly!


The next few qualifying races on the Utah calendar are:

Sep 9:    Kokopelli (S & O) - St. George
               Bear Lake Brawl (S & O)
              
Sep 16:  Camp Yuba (S & O)
               Brineman (S, O, H) - Syracuse
               Bear Lake Brawl (Half & Full)



Black Ridge Olympic

Black Ridge Sprint

Locals at USAT Nationals - RESULTS

USAT Nationals took place this weekend in Omaha, NE. Here's a look at local results from Saturday's Olympic distance race, sorted by age group.

Stay tuned for Jordanelle & Black Ridge results breakdowns, as well as Round 2 of the Utah Tri Buzz rankings coming soon!

Black Ridge Start List

Below is a preliminary look at the Black Ridge start list. Of course you can't put a lot of stock in the self-projected times, but hey, it's kinda fun to sort it that way.

If you're new to the race, here's a detailed course preview from last year to get you ready.

Still another day or so if you want to join the party... register here!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the wo/man who points out how the strong wo/man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the wo/man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends her/himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if s/he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her/his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Jordanelle Start List

Jordanelle is essentially sold out, but we're told TriUtah is expanding the transition area by up to 25 spots.

So... if you feel like joining the party at this Utah triathlon classic this Saturday, go grab a spot before it's too late!

Preliminary Start List

“It is not the critic who counts; not the wo/man who points out how the strong wo/man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the wo/man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends her/himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if s/he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her/his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt