Another year back in Chattanooga, I knew I wanted to come back after the swim leg of the triathlon was cancelled in 2025, and I really enjoyed the course and the city.
My mom and I arrived on Friday afternoon after a beautiful drive through the Appalachian mountains and a short stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We stayed very close to the start/finish which was convenient since it was her first time attending an event like this. I stayed there the year before with Wes and it an absolutely prime location. Saturday after bike check in and info session I drove the bike course and did some sight seeing. We went up Lookout Mountain on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (Steepest part is 75% gradient!) and had a short walk around Point Park. After multiple visits to Mellow Mushroom for carbs, race morning came pretty quick.
The 2026 race didn’t quite go as well as 2025, but as I do more of these races, I recognize that the boring/uneventful ones simply imply I just did some very solid training and planning. I finished 3rd place in the 45-49 age group, 69th Overall (which includes Pro’s) and was hoping for one, or on a great day, two spots higher on the podium. The bike leg was one of the primary culprits as almost immediately after getting on the bike my legs were tired and I didn’t have was going to be needed to race at the front. The run went according to plan as well but also didn’t feel particularly competitive. Like the swim and bike, fairly boring 🙂 In the end I was happy to cross the finish line and proud of fitting in life, training, kids, family, work and volleyball for the past few months to pull it all together. Next up is a mixed training for Leadville in August and Nice in September! LFG!
Sightseeing
Race Day!
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