By Becca Wein
I was excited to race this past weekend in Bush, Louisiana! It is always fun to compete alongside my Sister Chain teammates. I had heard good things about Crawfishman Triathlon and its history, and one of the guys on the men’s team was even sporting his Crawfishman t-shirt from when he competed in 1987!!
For one thing, the swim takes place in a lake, and that means one important thing to me- I don’t have to worry about sharks. I’m not going to lie- alligators did cross my mind as we passed an Alligator Airboat Tour sign just a few miles from the race course. We pulled up to the course just as they were announcing water temp- 84.1. Definitely not wetsuit legal which was fine with me! The race location is really pretty- the lake was calm and a nice temp for swimming our 1000 yard swim.
For one thing, the swim takes place in a lake, and that means one important thing to me- I don’t have to worry about sharks. I’m not going to lie- alligators did cross my mind as we passed an Alligator Airboat Tour sign just a few miles from the race course. We pulled up to the course just as they were announcing water temp- 84.1. Definitely not wetsuit legal which was fine with me! The race location is really pretty- the lake was calm and a nice temp for swimming our 1000 yard swim.
A perfect swim venue! After a rolling start, we settled into a smooth swim. I liked that I never felt like I was surrounded by a tremendous amount of people and I could settle in to a nice steady rhythm. (Even if my time doesn’t reflect that) ;)
Now on to the bike! The 18 mile course had rolling hills pretty much throughout with a few turns. It was nicely marked, and the only real vehicle traffic I encountered was at the turnaround point. The volunteers were quick to stop the vehicles and give bikes right of way. Being an out and back course, it was cool to be able to see team members along the way and cheer each other on.
Now on to the run. Race directors noted multiple times in describing the course that it was hilly. AND they weren’t kidding. Another out and back course, the run was challenging as temps had started to climb. Although it was hilly, there were extended portions in the shade, and I always mentally tell myself if there is an uphill, there is also a downhill!!! So I made the most of the downhills and actually enjoyed the run course. It is downhill to the finish which is awesome, and we had our teammates Mary and Mindi cheering us all the way in.
Now on to the bike! The 18 mile course had rolling hills pretty much throughout with a few turns. It was nicely marked, and the only real vehicle traffic I encountered was at the turnaround point. The volunteers were quick to stop the vehicles and give bikes right of way. Being an out and back course, it was cool to be able to see team members along the way and cheer each other on.
Now on to the run. Race directors noted multiple times in describing the course that it was hilly. AND they weren’t kidding. Another out and back course, the run was challenging as temps had started to climb. Although it was hilly, there were extended portions in the shade, and I always mentally tell myself if there is an uphill, there is also a downhill!!! So I made the most of the downhills and actually enjoyed the run course. It is downhill to the finish which is awesome, and we had our teammates Mary and Mindi cheering us all the way in.
!st PLACE FEMALE TEAM
We had entered the team competition, and we ended up winning which was so fun!! Teammate Katya won female overall and Cicely was 3rdoverall! (So cool!) Candice won her age group, I placed first in my age group and Amy took 3rd. Mindi also completed the swim and bike portion of the course. Overall, it was a fantastic day for our team!
 Not ONE! But TWO very cool medals! |  Fun times with my team mates! |
I also thought the awards were really awesome!
Mary and I spent the night close to the race site - check out our pre-race accommodations!
Mary and I spent the night close to the race site - check out our pre-race accommodations!
I would definitely recommend the Crawfishman Triathlon and I look forward to compete in it again next year! Thank you to the race staff and volunteers for putting on a top-notch event.
Thank you to our sponsors for making the 2018 race season possible!
ProCycle & Triathlon
Santa Rosa Island Triathlon
Bienville Orthopaedic Specialsts
Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Pensacola
Mindi Straw Custom Embroidery
Run-N- Tri Company
Thank you to our sponsors for making the 2018 race season possible!
ProCycle & Triathlon
Santa Rosa Island Triathlon
Bienville Orthopaedic Specialsts
Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Pensacola
Mindi Straw Custom Embroidery
Run-N- Tri Company