Stacked!!

After posting the Toughman Utah Half preview, it was brought to our attention just how stacked last year's race really was... at second glance it's true, a lot of fast names (and times) in the top 50 there. 

People more in the know than me personally pointed out there was a great mix of SLTC and BAM represented... would've been a close cross country meet!

You can click the pic to see it better.

What's the BRINEMAN?!?

If you didn't already hear, the newest race on the Utah schedule is the Brineman triathlon. It was announced last week that the Brineman will play host to TriUtah's state championships on SEP 10th, and will feature sprint, olympic, and half iron distances.

Check it out!



PS - We've updated the calendar page of this site with the Brineman and every other local race we're aware of. Hopefully it's a good reference, but let us know if we've missed any.

Results Breakdown: DinoTri 2016

Clearing the June race slate so we can post an Echo breakdown soon!

Assisted by a couple of number crunching fellow triathletes, we'll be breaking down 2016 results race by race. The idea is to show everyone's percentile for each discipline, which is simply your swim rank, bike rank, etc. divided by the # of total participants. That way you can better compare your performance from one race to the next. Lower # the better.

As always you can click on any of the snapshots below to make them a little bigger.

DinoTri results didn't make splits very accessible, so here's just overall. In other news, Ethan Fisher ended up racing in the men's division after all!

                                          OLYMPIC

SPRINT

Toughman Utah Half: Race Preview

The Toughman Utah Half is fast approaching, taking place July 16th. If you're on the fence, sign up already!

As was done with Echo, we reached out to a few cagey veterans to get their 2 cents on this course. Personally I'm excited to toe the line... haven't done this one in a few years. After doing some research on the matter, it turns out Utah Lake is not the natural artesian source of Fiji bottled water. That said, I think it gets a bad rap... it's mainly just shallow. The swim course seems to change every year in order to maximize depth. However, some states deal with sharks, jellyfish, gators, and poisonous critters during the swim. Come on, Utah!

The bike course is a nice counter to the roller coaster that is SG 70.3. You can tuck in and let it rip. Ditto for the run course, I love those trails.









Here's what others had to say:


METTE HARRISON

My best piece of advice is that it's never all lost in a race this distance. I've had a bike flat, had a crash (twice) early in the bike after realizing I stupidly hadn't mounted my back wheel properly after getting it out of the car that morning, have gotten out of the swim far later than I expected, have taken the wrong turn on the run course, and have been seriously dehydrated on the run. There's time to turn it around if you don't panic. I fixed my bike flat in 8 minutes, got my wheel on properly, and walked for a mile while drinking as much as I could. Just keep going. Do your best to fix the problem and try not to beat yourself up about it!

XAVIER LUCIO

Toughman is a fast flat race and PR times are attainable. 

-The water level tends to be low in the bay which makes the swim challenging. However, keeping a tight swim stroke helps to refrain from scraping the bottom of the lake. Also, try to stay in the center of the swim courses as the edges get more shallow. As always, the long stretch makes for dangerous collisions, so spot more often to avoid an accident. After turning the last buoy, let it rip to the finish.
- Course is flat but don't let this fool you. There is some elevation once you get closer to the lake. Keep it evenly paced so you're not too tired to keep up your pace for the small hills. Upon the turn around, let the PR times begin. Specialty bags are not needed as you can easily keep the nutrition you need with you on your bike.
- This is the fun part. 2 loops with lots of shade. Lots of support and aide stations. Pacing is the key to success!

MELINDA OLDROYD

It's a great first timer half iron. Fast/flat. If they let you wear water shoes do it: sometimes the lake can have sharp rocks on the bottom. Awesome volunteers! Bring some shade for the run (sunglasses/hat) Beautiful views of the valley. Get there early to set up transition. Pre race speech is the bomb!! Be prepared to make new friends!

RORY DUCKWORTH

Swim: if you can touch the ground and it's altering you stroke, stand up and walk. It's not cheating it's smart. Bike: caution on the corners, some can have debris... Stay in aero the whole ride unless you are coming out or into a corner... Depending on your experience, elite should maintain 85-90% FTP, intermediate 80-85% and beginners 70-75%... Slow down at the aid stations to ensure you get liquid and pack all solids on the bike... Run: first loop stay endurance/low tempo pace second lap tempo and increase pace each mile with the last 3 fastest... Stay wet, it can get hot... Pack your own salt... Enjoy and have fun, say hello to other athletes and good job it never hurts and makes you feel better.

MANDY OSCARSON

A flat course can be deceiving. Don't be overconfident... with hills, yeah you've got the uphills, but you can also relax on the down. With a flat course, it's constant peddling. Other than that, stay hydrated! It'll probably be hot!

Toughman Utah Half Results: 2015

Curls For Girls: Interview with Rory Duckworth

Rory Duckworth is a local beast known to both inflict and endure pain at any race he enters. In addition to being one of our state's fastest triathletes, as many of you know he's also the visionary founder of the Salt Lake Triathlon Club. Among other things, here he relives the true glory days of high school football and breaks down what he currently has in common with "The Mailman," Karl Malone.

Thanks for the time, Rory, and best of luck to you and the entire SLTC this season!

What’s your athletic background and how did you get into triathlon? What was your first race and what were your typical results as a newcomer to the sport?

Growing up I played the typical Utah sports: football, soccer, basketball, and track (100m & 200m). I was best at soccer but most of my good friends played football. I decided in high school to only play one sport and focus on football. I really only played so I could get the ladies. That's how I ended up with my hot wife, Courtney Duckworth! After stopping sports and getting married, I put on some weight. Triathlon was an appealing way for me to regain fitness and lose pounds. 70lbs to be exact. My first race was the Telos Turkey Tri in Orem... I finished 33rd out of 36 in my age group. I borrowed a mountain bike and walked it up a small hill. I was so excited afterwards that I didn't get last!!! So excited that I signed up for one the next weekend in St. George at the rec center and finished about the same. Yet, I was hooked and the rest was history.

I feel like people with a football background turned triathlete are often strong cyclists, maybe in part due to squats/time in the weight room? Have you been a beast on the bike from the get go or did it only come with a lot of hard work?

No bro.... I did curls for the girls!!! Leg squats were for the guys that wanted to play college ball. I go hard on the bike because I know if I don't hurry they might run out of aid at the aid stations. My motivation is FOOD! But in all seriousness, I learned how to train with power and yes, worked my butt off.

 Just watch GEICO commercials. Support Rory if you actually need something (btw the plug is our idea to help a triathlete brother out, not his).

What was the breakthrough race for you where you realized “I can be pretty good at this sport,” and what are the top 3 results you’re most proud of?

Every race is a breakthrough... I learn something every time. I never think I am good at this sport. I just continue so I don't get fat! I don't have a top 3 because I truly love every race where I am out with other athletes suffering so we can go home sore, bragging to our friends that we paid to suffer...

What’s the history of SLTC, and what have been the most rewarding aspects of getting it going?

We started the SLTC in my little Farmers insurance office with the goal of helping others to become healthier/better athletes, improve the local triathlon community, and just have fun. I felt the Salt Lake area was missing a tri club and wanted something like the SUTC had down in Southern Utah.

Who’s on your SLTC podium (can expand beyond 3 if you want) for Most Improved Players over the past 1-2 years? Same question for best team players/fun teammates to be around.

With over 500+ paying members this question would be way too hard to answer. The SLTC has some pretty amazing people, not just with speed or talent, but just really good motivating individuals. We really love to win podiums and see the improvement in everyone but it's way more than that. It's a very social group that athletes can count on in times of need. From single mothers losing weight and staying motivated to first time Ironman finishers. This club has it all. That's what I love!

Healthy competition is part of what makes triathlon fun (if no one else showed up for a race, it would be pretty lame!). On that note, several people have told us there’s a bit of a “friendly rivalry” between SLTC and BAM. We think that is great for the local scene. Do you concur?

I think having ANY support group will help the triathlon scene, whether it be from our club or others in the state. We are fortunate enough to live in a state where triathlon is very prevalent. I've talked to countless people who have moved here from out of state, where the triathlon community is lacking. I love where we live and love the community! I don't focus on "competition" and try each day to make the SLTC better and give back to our members and the Utah Tri community as a whole. I care about every member of the SLTC and the Utah tri community; I wish them the very best and hope they can represent our state and country wherever they race regardless of club affiliation.

at times the race bib can double
as an excellent "loin cloth"

Is Kona a big goal and a motivator for you? Can you give us a quick summary of past Ironmans and the number of spots away you were from qualifying?

Kona-- heck yes!!! Who wouldn't want a reason to fly to Hawaii!!!

1) St. George 2011 38th place who knows how far?

2) St. George 2012 (Super windy) 13th probably 6-8 spots

3) Arizona 2012 19th (12-15 spots)

4) Lake Tahoe 2013 (9th 5 spots)

5) Texas 2014 9th (4-5 spots)

6) Unofficial Tahoe (Cancelled for smoke) 1st place overall out of about 15 of us that raced anyways. (No Kona spots)

7) CDA 2015 11th (5 spots)

8) Lake Tahoe 2015 6th (1 spot) :(

9) Canada July 24, 2016 ???

Kona is my equivalent of Karl Malone not getting his championship... lol

What’s your take on the triathlon scene in our state? It seems like participation is down overall, although in other ways it seems very strong.

I can only tell you from our club stand point... we have only grown each year and it only seems to be getting better!

Links:

Salt Lake Triathlon Club

SLTC Facebook page

Related Posts:

Skye's the Limit! Interview with Skye Moench

Local Legend: Interview with B.J. Christenson

Rio Bound! Interview with Chris Hammer

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 50+

We decided it would be fun to take the results breakdown to another level...

Here's a look at our not perfect, but hopefully interesting age group rankings part-way through the season.

The methodology is pretty simple:

* Utah races only, updated through Rock Cliff & East Canyon

* To be eligible, must have raced at least 2 of the races listed below:

• Icebreaker  (RaceTri)
• Ironman St. George 70.3
• Ghost Town  (TriUtah)
• Salem Spring  (RaceTri)
• Sand Hollow S/O   (BBSC)
• Daybreak S/O  (USTriSports)
• Rock Cliff S/O  (RaceTri)
• East Canyon S/O  (TriUtah)

* Keep racing! Will update as we go thru the season... more people will become "eligible" with more races

* Ranking is an average of your Overall %... so as a simple example if you placed 60th out of 100 in one race, 500th out of 1,000 in another, and 40th out of 100 in another, you average out to 50% for the three

So, under that criteria, here are men's 50+ divisions. As always, you can click on the picture below to make it a little bigger.

If you're friends with someone on the list, please spread the word so they can bask in their much-deserved glory!

Related Posts:

Utah Age Group Rankings: Local Pros & Rising Stars

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Ages 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Part II

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 40-49 & Clydesdale

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 40-49 & Clydesdale

We decided it would be fun to take the results breakdown to another level...

Here's a look at our not perfect, but hopefully interesting age group rankings part-way through the season.

The methodology is pretty simple:

* Utah races only, updated through Rock Cliff & East Canyon

* To be eligible, must have raced at least 2 of the races listed below:

• Icebreaker  (RaceTri)
• Ironman St. George 70.3
• Ghost Town  (TriUtah)
• Salem Spring  (RaceTri)
• Sand Hollow S/O   (BBSC)
• Daybreak S/O  (USTriSports)
• Rock Cliff S/O  (RaceTri)
• East Canyon S/O  (TriUtah)

* Will update as we go thru the season... more people will become "eligible" with more races

* Ranking is an average of your Overall %... so as a simple example if you placed 60th out of 100 in one race, 500th out of 1,000 in another, and 40th out of 100 in another, you average out to 50% for the three

So, under that criteria, here are men's 40-49 & Clydesdale divisions. As always, you can click on the picture below to make it a little bigger.

If you're friends with someone on the list, please spread the word so they can bask in their much-deserved glory!

Related Posts:

Utah Age Group Rankings: Local Pros & Rising Stars

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Ages 25-39

Utah Age Group Rankings: Wonder Women Part II

Utah Age Group Rankings: Men 25-39