Steelman Triathlon - Quakertown, Pennsylvania - Triathlon

"Tough Run, Great Swin"

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I just did the 2022 Steelman Olympic Triathlon. It was my second Triathlon - my first was a sprint in 2021 - and first Olympic distance.

The race was very well organized and there are no complaints with how the race was planned and run. The swim was well organized with More... individual starts 10 seconds apart. Transition was well organized and there were plenty of volunteers.

It was my first ever open swim and I had trained well. The water was a perfect 82 degrees. The buoys were well laid out and there were plenty of aid boats. Unfortunately around the turnaround strong winds blew in, causing significant waves that definitely made things a little more challenging. Overall though it was my favorite portion of the race.

Leaving transition on the bike requires an immediate hill climb to reach the main course. It's understandable, but definitely not easy. The course itself is closed to traffic which is great if you have little experience. But for someone who trains regularly on streets with cars it's irrelevant. The course has long rolling hills, none of which are too challenging. My only concerns are that the course is actually pretty boring, and Olympic distance athletes have to do two laps. I would have preferred one longer lap with more scenery to enjoy.

The run was brutal. By the time I reached transition it was a little before 10:00am and the temperature was nearing 86 degrees and the humidity was extremely high. Right out of transition the course goes up a hill and continues to climb for most of the first 1.5 miles. Looping back is somewhat downhill, but like the bike course, Olympic distance runners have to do two laps of the same course. There was definitely enough water stations, but even so, myself and probably 90% of the people I encountered on the course had to walk a portion. It was just too hot and humid combined with too many hills.

Overall I enjoyed the race. Even having to walk 2/3rds of the run I beat my target time, proving to myself that the swim and bike courses are definitely fast. Walking away I've decided to choose my next Olympic tri during cooler weather. I have never swam with a wetsuit, so this creates a new challenge for me, but I think it offsets the challenges of competing in August when the weather can be hot and unforgiving. I'm also planning to find a course where the bike is more scenic and the run is flatter.