Race Coverage

Snake Swimming, True Hills & Fun With Friends...

Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:10

By Katie Deregnier

Oro Valley tri: Intermediate distance 

What a fun experience at the Oro Valley triathlon! The best part was having 3 other Minnesotans and training partners there! It is so uplifting to cheer one another on throughout the race and I am so grateful for the community triathlon in Minnesota has brought me! 

 One unique part of this event is that the swim is in a 50 meter pool. The intermediate distance did a snake swim up and down each lane. The pool was to my advantage, being that my first sport was swimming.  Flip turns and wall push-offs sure do beat open water! I finished the swim just behind pro triathlete, Lara Gruden. 

The bike was a bit chilly at about 55 degrees but I'm not complaining coming from Minnesota! The 3 loop course was beautiful and felt incredible just to be outside going up and down true hills! ...

 The run was a bit challenging for me, as I am not quite in the shape I want to be yet. 3 short loops on the run felt longer than usual, but the 1st race is all about shaking off the dust and getting ready for the year. I am so excited to see what this season will bring! 

 Overall I am happy with the results and had so much fun with my friends! Kristen (Hawkins) and I just met last year at the Maple Grove Triathlon and have been training together since! I met Tracy and Paul at Lake Marion a few years back and have been lucky enough to learn from them over the years as well.

Nothing beats our Minnesota triathlon community.  RESULTS

ED. Katie placed 2nd / 1st amateur in the women's competition. Kristen's race report will post this weekend.