SOTM Last Local Race of the Year

SOTM triathlon Race report from Regina Schneider
 
7-stage triathlon, trial run, road bike, chilly lake swim
Run/bike/run/swim/run/bike/run
 
SOTM was my first tri experience that had more than 2 transitions. This one had six and one of them was in a different location. It was a little intimidating logistically but I was looking forward to the challenge and the trail running (my favorite). This event did not disappoint as far as the trail running since I heard from past participants that the trails were great. They were a little on the technical side with roots and rocks, windy single-track, narrow man-made water crossings, short steep climbs and descents but all very do-able. XTERRA Jersey Devil that took place in April is also in the same park but there were so many fun trails there that we barely ran the same trails twice.
 
The weather was great. Transition was a buzz as participating BCTC members set up close to one another and were talking about setup and how they would handle each transition and how much FUNN it would be (Jen). After my run/bike/run transition was set up and swim/run transition bag was packed and dropped at the picnic table where it would magically show up at the lake and ready for me when I got there, we were off on our survival adventure.
 
I found that passing through transition so many times, having the swim-lake close by, and seeing many club members throughout the event fun and encouraging.  Nervous as I was about the swim after hearing some horror/DNF stories from last year’s event, it was rejuvenating. It does pay to learn from others and the club has taught me much this year! I found practicing putting a wet suit on after running very helpful.
 
The event was well run, and race director Ross was very accommodating by switching me from the du to the tri after I asked. SOTM is definitely on my list of events to do again next year.  Oh and if you are a beer drinker, they had 2 kegs of very tasty beer at the finish line!  Not sure if that will happen every year, but it was one of the many highlights this year (for me anyway).