Athlete Race Recap: Spoker Ride, Fort Ritchie Triathlon, & Gillie Girl Triathlon

Spoker Ride

On Saturday, Yvonne Brown hit up the Spoker Ride in Sackets Harbor, NY.  Originally signed up for the 50-miler, she decided last-minute to switch to the 30-miler.  She  had some complicating factors in the week leading up to this race, and we decided that it wasn’t worth pushing for the 50-miler when this was not her goal race.  There was more risk in play than reward to be earned.

This is a really important thing to discuss, especially among endurance athletes.  Endurance athletes by their very nature are strong and driven.  They don’t like the idea of “giving up.”  And yes, that’s in quotes because modifying your plan when necessary is NOT giving up.  It is being wise and keeping your long-range goals in perspective.

I am very proud of Von for not letting her ego get in the way.  Her wise choice on Saturday kept her on track for her other goals that she has on the docket this season.  To cap it off, she ended up having a great ride for those 30 miles!

As an added bonus, Von’s Full Circle Endurance Bestie Tiffany Barrett came along to cheer her on (and got her own long run done while Von was riding!).

Way to go, Von!

Fort Ritchie Triathlon

On Sunday, Carolyn Classen and Neil Beck raced at the Fort Ritchie Sprint Triathlon in Cascade, MD.

These two great friends had a wonderful day out on the course.  They had so many of their local triathlon friends racing with them, which created a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Carolyn finished as the third overall woman in the race.  This is amazing considering she had pretty strict orders from her coach not to go all-out in this race; she has her A-Race coming up this Saturday at the USA Triathlon Age-Group National Championship and we wanted to be sure that she wouldn’t be too fatigued for her A-Race.

Neil finished second in his age group, surprising even himself!

Way to go, Carolyn and Neil!

Gillie Girl Triathlon

On Sunday, Reanna Wenham raced at the Gillie Girl Triathlon in Camillus, NY.

Reanna’s last experience at this race was less-than-positive; she had a flat tire on the bike course, which was her first-ever flat.  Despite this adverse experience, she gave Gillie Girl another try this year.

Well, history repeated itself and Reanna got a flat on the bike course - in almost the exact same location that she did last time.  Despite this setback, she managed to get a PR for the race by over 10 minutes!

Way to go, Reanna!