By Mindi Straw
Lot’s of people consider themselves connoisseurs of fine wine, craft beers, expensive cars or fancy cigars. But over the past 10 years of doing triathlon I have found myself becoming a connoisseur of triathlons. I no longer yearn to do any and all triathlon events but I find myself picking races that have a particular uniqueness to them.
This past weekend our team race was the Crawfishman Triathlon in Bush, Louisiana – this race comes with qualities that fit my bill for being unique and a must-do event.
First off, a cool venue. Located just north of Mandeville, LA the race site is a pristine estate that sits on a Grand Estate Lake – which is one family’s personal property. A tree house, toys and tents are sprawled throughout the property giving you that family feel. No other race would you get this at-home feeling.
Another cool feature – the race history, this race was first established in 1983. It has a 33 year history in Louisiana has featured some extremely competitive athletes and has a few noteworthy recognitions in Louisiana for its quality production. To this day, under leadership of Michael Wattigny it continues to be a top notch event. The little things like thorough communication from race staff, well set transition, custom signage and finish line, spot on results, unique medals and awards, fabulous after party food more food, flowing beer and lots of camaraderie amongst triathletes score big points with me.
So my race. 2019 is a year of short distance racing as I am having a hard time figuring out when to fit in training and working out so short distance racing seems only logical. I am personally struggling with the "hitting 50" and not feeling as competitive as in past years – I am trying to embrace it, be it tough, but just happy to be a part of a team that I can get excited about my team mates fabulous accomplishments.
This past weekend our team race was the Crawfishman Triathlon in Bush, Louisiana – this race comes with qualities that fit my bill for being unique and a must-do event.
First off, a cool venue. Located just north of Mandeville, LA the race site is a pristine estate that sits on a Grand Estate Lake – which is one family’s personal property. A tree house, toys and tents are sprawled throughout the property giving you that family feel. No other race would you get this at-home feeling.
Another cool feature – the race history, this race was first established in 1983. It has a 33 year history in Louisiana has featured some extremely competitive athletes and has a few noteworthy recognitions in Louisiana for its quality production. To this day, under leadership of Michael Wattigny it continues to be a top notch event. The little things like thorough communication from race staff, well set transition, custom signage and finish line, spot on results, unique medals and awards, fabulous after party food more food, flowing beer and lots of camaraderie amongst triathletes score big points with me.
So my race. 2019 is a year of short distance racing as I am having a hard time figuring out when to fit in training and working out so short distance racing seems only logical. I am personally struggling with the "hitting 50" and not feeling as competitive as in past years – I am trying to embrace it, be it tough, but just happy to be a part of a team that I can get excited about my team mates fabulous accomplishments.
The Grand Estate lake is the site of the 1000 yd swim course – 78.2 degrees meaning a non-wetsuit legal event. The lake is pancake flat lake, no current or waves and a bit murky. I loved my new ROKA sleeved swim skin - fits perfect and feels streamline. And it appears all of our team like ROKA too! Although you start the swim in a bit of a mud pit you end the swim on a pile of beach sand that brings you into T1. I was happy with my 20 minute swim.
I have decided that I am far from graceful on mount and dismount. I have never attempted the flying dismount and feeling this is not a time in my career to start such a trick. The bike is a great 18 mile course, out and back – some rolling hills but overall a fast course. It isn’t a closed course but it feels like it is. Came into T2 with 21 mph average pace.
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Now the run – it seems like I am struggling with speed. I spend the first mile feeling like I have a rubberband around my ankles preventing me from picking up the pace or going faster. So when they shortened the run to 2 miles (due to incoming weather) I was so ecstatic I yelled – “so awesome” as I am sure for the runners who make bank on the run this was far from awesome. At the turn around I felt much better and picked up the pace some. Finished the 2 miles with a 8:16 min/mile pace which this season is good for me.
I was happy with my top 10 placement (1st AG 50-54). Of course the best part was the after party. Celebrating with team mates and friends. We celebrated my husband’s "birthday race" with rest of the team and athletes. The icing on the cake (literally) was our Sister Chain Triathlon Team won the Overall Female Tri Team at the event!
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Thank you to all that made the Crawfishman Triahtlon AWESOME! I will continue to spread the word of how cool this event is and how we as triathletes need to support the local events. Especially the ones that give 110% to make a quality production.
Congrats to my team mates that had great races, Jayme 2nd Overall, Candice Female Masters, Christine Female Grandmasters and Ashlee 1st AG 35-39. Thank you to Amy and Cicely for coming out to cheer and take pictures. Thank you to our sponsors Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, Santa Rosa Island Triathlon and Mindi Straw Custom Embroidery - we wouldn't be here without your support.
Congrats to my team mates that had great races, Jayme 2nd Overall, Candice Female Masters, Christine Female Grandmasters and Ashlee 1st AG 35-39. Thank you to Amy and Cicely for coming out to cheer and take pictures. Thank you to our sponsors Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, Santa Rosa Island Triathlon and Mindi Straw Custom Embroidery - we wouldn't be here without your support.