Lake Wilderness Olympic Triathlon 2025 – Race Report

Date: June 7, 2025
Race: Olympic Distance – Lake Wilderness Triathlon
Chip Time: 3:59:21

Placings

Overall: 221 / 251
Gender (M): 149 / 164
Division (M45–49): 16 / 17

Results Snapshot

Segment	Time	Pace
Swim	40:24	2:28 / 100 yds
T1	3:24	—
Bike	2:04:10	13.43 mph
T2	2:08	—
Run	1:08:16	11:25 / mile
Total	3:59:21	—

Race Pictures

Race Prep

Lake Wilderness Triathlon was the first triathlon event of the 2025 season. This event was special as I had been training with Allison since January to get better with the discipline. Allison had provided me with a reflection sheet that helped me think through the goals of the race and how to approach scenarios ahead of time.

My biggest goal for this race was to be fully present, and looking back I had a great race in terms of being mindful and enjoying every moment.

I packed all the items the day before, racked up the bike, got gear ready, and checked my nutrition. On Friday afternoon, Kalesh came home and both of us drove over to Lake Wilderness to pick up the race packets.

Race Day

I woke up around 4:00 am, got out of home early at 5:00, and reached the venue by 5:25 am. Reaching early helped me rack up the bike, use the restroom, and catch up with friends (Kavita, Shehzad, Sammy Ramkakad, Chris Hatfield, Santiago, and others) as part of pre-race.

Got dressed with wetsuit and lined up around 6:45 am. Allison joined me at the start line and clicked pictures. Having her on the course to cheer me at the beginning and at transitions made a big difference.

At 7 am, the countdown started and the horn went off. The volunteers let participants into the lake in small batches, which made the start very organized. I had taken a dip in the water as part of warm-up, so once I got in I felt super relaxed and comfortable.

Swim (40:24 – 2:28 / 100 yds pace)

Started swimming confidently to the first buoy. Having seen the buoy placements the day before helped with orientation.

There was some jostling, but I kept steady, crossed buoys 2 and 3, and held technique. Even though participants were passing me along the way, I still felt I was swimming well.

Held a mental note to continue working on technique. Out of the water in 40:24 at 2:28/100 yds pace — by my standards, a good improvement.

T1 (3:24)

Got to transition, had to take off glasses, but still managed to get on the bike in under 3:30. That was an improvement over previous races.

The Blue70 Fusion wetsuit was easy to remove, which made a big difference. The new pace of swim removal also helped me adapt quickly moving into the bike leg.

Bike (2:04:10 – 13.43 mph)

Got on the bike with an average mindset. Made a mental note to finish this portion in under 2 hours at a pace of 14 mph, but I was off target.

The course was full of rolling hills. After the first 5 miles I cramped through and slowed down. Many participants were passing me on the hills. Although I rode a good pace on flats, the hills beat me. Realized that hills are my biggest area of opportunity.

The first 12 miles were tough and hilly, taking me more than 1 hour.

Picked up pace in the last 16 miles and finished in about 1 hour 4 minutes — a good improvement. Met a fellow rider around mile 14, and we kept overtaking each other until mile 28. At that point she overtook me on a steep hill, and I never saw her again after that. Made a mental note to work on hill practice with Allison.

T2 (2:08)

Fumbled a bit trying to locate my spot. Need to make a mental note to mark it better in future races. Got into running shoes and started the final leg.

Run (1:08:16 – 11:25 / mile)

The first 10 minutes were uncomfortable, with some pain, but it faded away.

I tried to start quickly but realized my energy levels were low, so I slowed down and kept it under 11 min/mile pace. Focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

Finished the last stretch in under 14 minutes, which was slower than I had hoped. Looking back, the bike leg had sapped my energy, and I fell behind my run target.

Still, I finished strong, relished the race, and celebrated the positive experience overall.

Reflections

Even though I finished near the bottom of my age group, I had a great day. The race gave me joy and a sense of all-round energy. Took pictures with Allison and drove back home satisfied.

Strengths

Swim: big improvement — 2:28/100 yds pace.
T1: smooth and quick, much better than past races.
Early arrival: reduced stress, calm transitions.
Positive mindset carried me through.

Areas to Improve

Swim: continue working on technique.
Bike: hill climbing is the biggest area of opportunity; aim for closer to 14 mph average.
T2: mark spot better for quicker location.
Run: start steady, then build — energy management critical.

Final Reflection

Lake Wilderness 2025 was my first triathlon of the season, and it set the tone for everything that followed. It reminded me that racing is not only about the clock but also about showing up with presence, enjoying the moment, and learning where to grow.

Even though the result placed me near the bottom of my division, the improvements were real, the lessons clear, and the satisfaction full. This was a positive start, and a reminder that consistent effort with the right mindset and planning makes success a predictable outcome.

Nomadic Thoughts