Written by Jan Dudley

Many thanks for your encouragement heading into the Buffalo Creek (short course) Xterra Triathlon this past Sat. I've held a personal goal for many years to do an off-road tri, and finally the stars aligned to enter this one. My jitters calmed a bit In the days before it, largely due to the encouragement of so many fellow recreational athletes & friends. The weather was perfect, warm & sunny, and the lake warmed to 58º for the event. My husband, Jim, accompanied me for a relaxing camp evening the night before, and picture-snapping at the transitions.

Only a handful of women over 50 have completed either the full Xterra or the short course in the years I checked, and this year the short course had 2 in 50-54, 2 in 55-59, and the Xterra course had 2 in 55-59. The woman who won my age group (Patricia King, of Parker) had a great race, finishing 31st of 64 in 1:55:44. I trailed her significantly at 2:24:31 for 55th of 64 - not the last finisher! It would be more satisfying to be more competitive, but I am happy with completion at any rate.

In reflection, I think the elevation had a significant affect. I could not get my breath in the swim or the final bike climbs. It didn't help that the wetsuit I rented was a size too small (all they had left) - warm, but choking. I never relaxed to swim or found a rhythm due to shortness of breath. I'm determined to have a better open water swim event and learn to deal with the crowds someday! Fortunately, no blood or mechanicals on the bike leg, and the run had some difficult ups and tricky downs, but a great campground road finish.

Other regional finishers who may be familiar names included John Sturtevant (74) of Salida, the only short course male finisher in age group 60-98. Karen Thorpe, Salida, won her age group (35-39) in the Xterra. Two regional father-son entries were CSU-P's George Dallam (Xterra, 5th in age group) & son George (9), who won the Jr. age 9-10. Also from Salida was Paul Ammatelli (Xterra, mid-pack) and his sons, Joseph (8) and Marco (10). Canon City's Kiley Bolton finished the Xterra in the mid-pack of male 30-34. Full event results can be found here.

It was a fun atmosphere, and I really appreciate all the home-town support.
Thank you! -Jan