Local Sprint/Olympic Distance Races

Had an athlete recently ask me about the options for local events. Thought it was a good question and worth posting the reply here as well -

The "local" races are -
Topeka Tinman - mid June (used to be my favorite local event but in the past years it hasn't been run as well as it once was)
Shawnee Mission Tri - early July (biggest local event, pretty well run, challenging looped bike course, always lots of fun)
Midwest Mayhem - mid July (KLM has their challenges with running quality events but some people really like it, challenging course that I like)
OctoMax (part of UltraMax 50) - 500 yard swim – 18 mile bike – 3 mile run August 9th out at Hillsdale Lake near Paola, KS (this is a new event run as a partnership between Sherpa Sports - the RD of Kansas 70.3 and UltraMax Events - who do the TriZou Tri and other quality events for years. I know both those guys and am 100% confident that it will be a great event) I am planning on doing the longer UltraMax 50 on the same day.
Jackson County Tri - late August - same swim beach and transition area as the KC Triathlon - different bike course that some people do not like. Well attended, long running event.
Redman Tri - Oklahoma City, mid Sept. A bunch of options are available here - Full Iron Distance, Half Iron Distance and an Olympic distance event. Well run, athlete-oriented. My understanding is quite a group from KC is going to be going down there. Could be a great finish to your season.
US Open Tri - Dallas, mid October. If you really want to cap off the season with a "bang" this would be another great option. Very high quality event!

KC Triathlon and other stuff

Wow what a time the last week has been! Finally getting an opportunity to sit down and update recent developments in the world of Midwest Triathlon Coaching. Being on the race committee for the KC Tri was a great experience that I was happy to be part of while at the same time happy to be finished with.

Putting on a race is a HECK of a lot of work!!!!

We had a solid group of knowledgeable, committed and hard working people all contributing to the success of this event by doing a lot of what they did best - Sheryl designed, Sandy sold, Mark organized, Ben and Joel worked tirelessly etc etc etc. I had the opportunity to design and then take care of the bike and run courses and I was very happy with the way they turned out. Highlights included scrapping road kill into the ditch in the poring rain at 4:30a and "stealing" my wife's car from the VIP parking lot to race water coolers up to the run aid stations as they were about to run out of water... I have always thought I appreciated the effort Race Directors put into hosting good events but in case I was forgetting, this experience has reminded me how much work goes into putting on a quality event.

As proud as I am of the event we put on I am even more proud of the results of all 25 MTC athletes that participated! From Kelly D who was the overall winner of the Women's Olympic event to Alan W who won an AG award at his first ever triathlon, seven MTC athletes were up on the stage picking up plaques - very impressive performances all around. I was busy taking down the bike racks when the awards were being handed out but I had to keep stopping and rushing over to the stage every time I heard another name being called - felt like a proud father watching his kids succeed.

I was also happy to see so many athletes wearing the new MTC visors and shirts. I love "stuff we all get" (SWAG) so I like giving it out and seeing people using it. (For my part my wife has told me I'm not to wear more than one thing with an MTC logo on it at a time, something about looking like a dork?) Did get a nice compliment from a friend about how much the business has grown - its cool to see the progress / impact my little company is having.

This week is a lighter schedule then next weekend will be another big event in the local triathlon scene - the Kansas 70.3. 22 MTC athletes will be toeing the line and although I won't be racing I will probably be more excited and nervous about watching them than if I was.