The Vikingman in Burley, Idaho was a beautiful change from the heat of Las Vegas this summer. Swimming in the Snake River was surprisingly warmer than expected, it was a sunny day with light breezes. The event was well coordinated and supported even though there were so many different races going on at the same time, aquabike, half-marathon, half-tri, olympic tri and duathlon. The courses were flat and fast which was also a nice change from the rolling hills and climbs around Lake Mead where most of the races in Las Vegas are held. If the drive wasn't so long I would definitely plan on making the Vikingman an annual event, but we will see about next year.
Climbing out of the river, what a relief!
Jelly legs, need to run, don't feel like running.
Ok I guess I will run, on to T1.
Another thing I liked about this race was that there was only one transition area and it was on grass. The people were also very friendly, I heard lots of "good job", "have a nice ride" and "doing awesome" from the other racers. The bike course left T1 and turned right out to some flat country roads, a head wind picked up slightly causing a little discomfort heading East but made turning West so much more enjoyable. Two laps completed the Olympic distance 29 mike bike.
Dismounting the bike and running to T2.
Racking the bike, feeling good. It is always fun to hear Jonas shouting "go daddy".
Swapping bike shoes for running shoes, someday I might figure out how to transition faster here but it feels so good to sit for a few seconds.
Stopping for a second to realize I have to run 6.2 miles.
Guess I better start running.
The run left T2 and went over the bridge, around the airport, over the railroad tracks along a dirt road through a cow pasture (thanks cows for everything you left behind) and back. It was good to see the finish line, and my family waiting for me.
Staring at the finish line
Home stretch
Yes there was food at the end, another good reason to come all the way back.
