It’s been a few weeks and this post is overdue, but I still haven’t forgotten how fantastic it was to see so many Swimcrest swimmers take to the water the Greenfield Triathlon.

This race has a special place in my heart as I’ve raced it many times, the last of which was at least a decade ago. I was pleased to see that it hasn’t changed much in all the time.

What I always liked about it, as an athlete, was the locals feel. Announcers call out the names of almost every athlete as they pass through on their bike loops, and often, know them personally, cheering them on like old friends. It’s a race that just feels good.

This year, it was fun to see so many Swimcrest folks take part, and while I felt somewhat nostalgic and had a moment of “Why aren’t I racing?” regret, that quickly passed as soon as the swimmers hit the water.

A few of the highlights?

First – ROCK STAR Eli Nachtman, in his FIRST RACE EVER, took 12th overall in the International distance race, and placed 1st overall in the men’s 25-29 age category. Wowza!!

Noah Stone looked strong out of the water and in his first International distance race, took 2nd overall in the 40-44 age group.

Owen Zaret had a great race too, 3rd overall the in the Clydesdale division for the International race.

Sprinters had a great day too, with strong finishes by Brian Haley and Serah Rose Roth.

And my favorite teen open water swimmer, the amazing Kyle Mayer, rocked as part of a team in the Sprint distance race. Ready for the swim, Kyle didn’t even know that he would be doing the run portion of the race until two days before!

That swim is tough for folks even in wetsuits, and despite that swimming “naked”, as open water folks like to say, Kyle made his way through the cold and warmed up enough to excel in his longest run to date.

Kyle, and all, you never fail to leave me amazed and inspired!

Thanks for a great day as a spectator!