Wrapping up the past month of team races!
Written by Jim Levesque, Owner and Head Coach at Grit Endurance. Learn more about Jim’s background here!
What a whirlwind the last month has been for Grit Endurance! We had over 60 athletes compete in 4 team races over 3 weekends, plus numerous other team members racing in other events across the globe! It was challenging, thrilling and exhilarating to see it all happen. Here is my extra, extra short recap of each event!
Chicago Triathlon – August 25th
We had over 30 team members compete in the world’s largest triathlon in distances ranging across the Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Triple Challenge (all 3 combined)! The water was almost perfect for the swim, the bike was windy, and the run was oppressively hot, but the team hung in there and every single GE athlete successfully finished! We wrapped up the day by supporting the professional Supertri race, which was amazing to spectate and included the men’s and women’s Olympic gold medalists!
70.3 Wisconsin – September 7th
We had 4 team members race this event in Madison. The air temp was in the 40s at the start, but the water was pristine. Upon completing the swim, the athletes headed out on a chilly and hilly bike South of the city. Once on the run, the temps were perfect, and the athletes hit the 2-loop course and went by our team tent 4 different times for that additional pick me up! At the end, they had to run up a massive hill to get to the finish line to celebrate in front of the state capitol. All our GE athletes raced amazingly and successfully finished!
Ironman Wisconsin – September 8th
We had 5 team members tackle the full Ironman in Madison this year. The air temp was once again in the 40s at the start, with a bit more wind on the 2.4-mile swim, but it was still good conditions overall. Once the swim was done, the athletes ran up the helix into the transition area to deafening cheers of the spectators lining the route! The athletes then went out on the 112-mile bike course, which is absolutely stacked with hills and technical sections. The cheer crew saw them go by near mile 50 and 90 to give the athletes a needed boost! After finishing the bike, the athletes handled the marathon with class. It wasn’t easy, and it never is, but they all persevered to make it to that iconic finish line! Completing an Ironman is an amazing physical and mental accomplishment, and it is always special to be there at the finish to see the emotions of each athlete!
70.3 Michigan – September 15th
We had 23 team members participate in this beautiful race in Northwest Michigan! The weather and water temperatures were about picture perfect on race morning, which led to a great swim for everyone! The bike course was flat and stunning, with amazing scenery throughout. After finishing the bike, the athletes got to do a multiple loop course with a ton of crowd support, passing by the team tent 5 different times before heading to the finish! The support from the crowds truly helped the runners push through to the end, and every single GE athlete crossed the finish line. And last but not least, Grit Endurance was the 5th place tri club!
Congrats to everyone who raced and all the other GE athletes who raced elsewhere or are yet to tackle their biggest events of the season! I already can’t wait to see what next year has in store for the team!