Category Archives: Frank Dunn triathlon

Peaked or Peaking and Last Race Before Ironman

  By Crystal Clarke | August 11, 2017 - 12:45 pm | , , , , , ,
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sloth-cycling-team-t-shirts

Emotions have been running high for me lately. Such is the way of the last weeks before Ironman (combined with other life and woman things). I know that this happens, but it is still difficult. This past week has been my “peak” week. However, I believe my body is done with the long training sessions. My last bike ride (last Saturday) was 150km and it took all I had to keep going. Not that I really had a choice. I knew that my partner would not come and pick me up no matter how much I pleaded. Even if I … Keep reading →

Race Report: Frank Dunn Triathlon 2016

  By Crystal Clarke | August 18, 2016 - 5:30 pm | , ,
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Another year of the Frank Dunn Triathlon! This was my 11th year of completion. I had absolutely NO IDEA how it was going to go. I figured it wouldn’t be pretty, which is basically how it turned out. Something I haven’t done in many many years is race without my GPS watch. I forgot it at home so was left with just my regular ol’ wristwatch with the ability to time me at least. It was strange and I think affected me a bit. Pre-Race: A beautiful morning! Seriously, it was absolutely perfect. It was the best lake conditions I’ve ever … Keep reading →

Race Report: Frank Dunn Triathlon 2015

  By Crystal Clarke | September 14, 2015 - 9:40 pm | , , , ,
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FDTri-0575

It only took a month to finish, but here’s the race report for Frank Dunn! Pre-Race: It felt like any normal race for me. I got up, did my morning routine: coffee, toast, and a banana, sipping water through the morning. Got down to the transition area early as people were just starting to get there. I got my transition area somewhat set up and went to look for Blair, my training buddy. I decided to do a short bike ride up the gradual hill that starts off the bike. It was good to find that rhythm going up and … Keep reading →

The No-Goal Triathlete

  By Crystal Clarke | August 5, 2015 - 4:13 pm | , , , ,
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In 4 days I’ll be participating in my first triathlon in almost a year. This will be the 10th time I’ve been in this event. My best time was in 2006 with 3:52; my worst time was 2014 with 4:59 (yes, training DOES make a difference!). Not surprisingly, the bike time makes a huge difference (see the table below). This year’s race, though, will be in a team which is a first for me. I’m excited not to run! It’s always been my Achilles heal (pun intended), but I do love the run. So many people excited about finishing. It … Keep reading →

A single step

  By Crystal Clarke | July 7, 2015 - 6:50 am | , , , ,
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A Single Step

A mere 4 weeks after I broke my foot I hobbled around the block. I am still wearing my boot cast, but I only used one crutch kind of like a cane as I made my way around the block. I’m not a big fan of cliches and whatnot, but I couldn’t help but think that this was one of those “single steps.” It’s the most I’ve “walked” in a month. It was exhausting. None of this sounds good for the race I’m signed up for in 6 weeks. However, I found a runner to finish up the race with me! This … Keep reading →

Long Training Day Review

  By Crystal Clarke | August 12, 2014 - 12:05 pm | , , , , , ,
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Prior to the race a local photographer, Bob Holtsman, promised me he would make me look good when he took my photo on the course. Sure enough, he did!

The night before the Frank Dunn Triathlon my sweetie asked me why I kept calling it a “training day.” I explained that it’s because it wasn’t a race. It wasn’t a race with myself or anyone else. My expectations were so low I literally just wanted to get it done. Since I haven’t done any races in three years it felt like I was starting all over. In the spirit of starting over, this was my first long brick workout. Here’s how it went. Pre-training day: There was some stress a couple of days before and I had been having … Keep reading →

Race #2 of 2014

  By Crystal Clarke | August 6, 2014 - 12:56 pm | , , , , , , , ,
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O'Malley and I this morning after our run-walk. Caillou is somewhere in the background.

In only 3 days I will be participating in my second triathlon this year. My training buddy and I were looking back at my history of the race, which is very varied. It will be interesting to see how Sunday plays out. This race has followed me throughout my triathlon life and I have loved every second. My times vary from sub-4-hours to sub-5. This year I’m being realistic and looking closer to the 4 and a half to 5-hour mark. That is, if my knees will stop freaking hurting! This morning’s run/walk was pretty painful. I have GOT to … Keep reading →

There’s a First Time for Everything

  By Crystal Clarke | August 11, 2008 - 12:48 pm | , ,
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After my coach and I met last week, I was fully ready for my race yesterday. The day before the race was great: I went for a swim and discovered the lake was not as cold as I thought it would be and that I felt great. I went for a short bike ride with my partner in crime and did some running fartleks with my puppy right after. My pre-race routine felt great. I also had a nap, read my book, and hung out with my family. It was a great day. Sunday morning started early at 5am with … Keep reading →

Frank Dunn Triathlon preview

  By Crystal Clarke | August 5, 2008 - 10:00 am | , ,
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 This weekend is my final race of the season: Waskesiu’s Frank Dunn Triathlon. This is my longest-running triathlon with this being my sixth year in a row to complete this race. I was a little uncertain after my half IM experience as to whether I was going to do this race or if I would pull out or if I would just stop after the bike. However, I have been running a bit lately and with my knee feeling as close to 100% as it has in months, I’m going to go for it. This morning I was looking at … Keep reading →