Lora Erickson First Overall Female
Magic Man Triathlon – Idaho
June 18, 2011 –Sprint Distance
I was a little nervous to compete again after losing so much fitness from time-off after a car accident fractured my bone in my left forearm.But with the go ahead from the doctor I jumped in and decided to compete in the Magic Man Triathlon in Idaho.This was an inaugural event which always leaves me to question how organized it will be.Not only was I pleased with how well organized it was, but I felt like it was a perfect event for the beginner as well as the elite athlete.It is always a bonus to be able to camp with my family at a race.I simply love to have family support and it was a thrill to help my sister-in-law compete in her first openwater triathlon.The weather was a bit overcast on race day which is perfect (not too hot and not too cold).The point to point swim was still a struggle for me with my healing arm/shoulder and foggy goggles but the water was calm and well marked with a ton of volunteers.They even had wetsuit strippers for us when we came out of the water. As I slipped in and out of transition I found the hardened dirt not too bad and well kept and marked.I was able to make up the time lost from the swim on the bike, getting into a comfortable groove right away.The route was flat and I was thrilled to cheer for my competitors as we passed each other – I love out and back routes for this reason.The run was an out-in-back route as well.Overall the time was not super fast for me but I was able to achieve a first place age division win and overall first place female finish.They awarded all participants with a finish medal and they even gave me the finish tape/banner when I crossed the line in first place. That is always a thrill.
The event was complete with a pre-race meeting and meal included the evening before.They had a great sound system with music and sponsor booths as well as a portable port-a-potty on a truck (too funny – ya never know when you have to go) and a bike support vehicle on the route in case anyone had trouble.You can tell the race director also has a love for the sport and made it an athlete friendly event along with incredible volunteer support (they had signs and cheered the entire time).Although the venue/campsite didn’t have showers, which would have been nice, it did have RV hookups, electricity, restrooms, firepits, grills, drinking water and covered picnic tables.The event was close to Burley so you could run and grab something at the store if needed. Overall a very fun family triathlon experience.
