Jay Marschall and Kayleen Uibel won the second annual Vikingman Triathlon, in Heyburn/Burley, Idaho held on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Participants of the long course event dealt with heavy winds, making for an especially tough day. See below for top finishers. Click HERE for complete results.

Top Male Finishers

Jay Marschall 4:49:34
Zane Morris 4:54:11
Michael Olsen 4:59:34

Top Female Finishers

Kayleen Uibel 5:18:59
Jeanette Schellenberg 5:36:13
Aimee Larking 5:46:11

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Some of you may have seen my post on the local forums about the first annual Vikingman. So, you may know that I thought the event went off well, especially considering it was a first time event. I’ll be back in 08. Below is a brief race report, which will also give you a feel of the course.

Pre Race.

The night before I noticed that my rear seat bottle holder was loose. Upon further inspection it was revealed that a bolt was busted. I was a bit shocked and distressed. What was I going to do? It was getting late and I didn’t want to waste energy trying to make it work. So, I studied the layout of the bike aid stations. There were four, and I know I can get through 56 miles with three bottles. This could work out.

I decided to keep a bottle of Ensure on the bike (700 calories) and finish it off by the first aid station. Then, the plan was to get a bottle of Heed at every aid station and a water for a quick swig/wash-down.

Race Morning

Fireman John and I dropped off our gear super early in the morning (5 am-ish). Plenty of time to kill from here on out. The race has two transitions, which is a bit frightening. The bikes are racked far from the main event area, so there is no checking, and re-checking, and re-checking (times 10) before the gun goes off. You’re just hoping that you didn’t forget anything.

Things were organized and I jumped onto the appropriate bus, which took us to the swim start. I jumped into the water about 15 minutes early. Water wasn’t to bad, considering the air was pretty chilly. There was a a bunch of the blue turf (fake plastic grass) laid out so racers didn’t get all muddy. This was very good!!! Anywho, a lane line kept swimmers from crossing the start line early. If you’ve done the Spudman, you know of the strong current pulling you downstream. You could feel it pull you here, too. The VikingMan swim begins where the Spudman swim ends, but across the river.

The horn sounds and we’re off. Things spread out quickly and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was the last guy in my wave. I’d see an occasional swim cap here and there, and everyone started to bunch up as we made our way to the swim exit. Regarding the swim exit–it didn’t come quick enough. I expected to get out of the in around 20 minutes. In 06 I exited the Spudman swim in 17 minutes, so 20 minutes seemed reasonable. 33 minutes later, I free myself of the water. Blah!

Quick transition and off on the bike. The first half of the bike was hauling. I knocked down the Ensure and followed by hydration plan to a “T.” It went so well that I’m considering the one bottle method for IMF in November. I loved the simplicity of this route.

Back to the course. Very fast and the wind seemed fair. I thought I’d be just as fast the second half. Mile 28 or so rolls around…fast decent, slow climb out and we’re off on the return trip. Wind felt more sketchy heading back but not a big headwind or anything. Definitely slowed me down a bit. On top of this was the gradual climbing. Just slightly above false flat and eventually took you up to a roller. This was the case, over and over for the second 28 miles. My speed dropped considerably.

Bike ends–quick transition and I’m off for the run.

My heart rate was pretty high and I took it easy to get into a flow. Man, was it hot at 11am. We ran around fields surrounding the airport. There were patches of water all over the area. It’s always nice to be by water! Legs felt good and hung with the lead woman for a bit, until her steady pace was too much.

The second half of the run was super tough. Legs were beat but I refused to walk, although my 2:14 run split looks liked I walked. They need more run aid stations. Maybe plant some trees to shade the runners!

So, I happily finish my journey, we pack up and head home.

Love the event. They have something special on their hands and hope they stick with it.

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