Final Part in a Series
My Race Day at Oliver Triathlon: an unforgettable experience
Wow, that’s all I have to say. Oliver Triathlon Race Day was an unforgettable experience! What a great event it was and such a well-organized competition. Before I get into my day, let’s take a quick trip down pre-race day!
The Day Before Oliver Triathlon Race Day
The day before the Oliver Triathlon, we got our race packages, which consisted of two number tattoos, a bike sticker, a helmet sticker, a race bib, and a t-shirt. After checking where my bike would go, we headed back to camp.
On the way, I was met with my first surprise of the day—my grandma, Tanya, and Wendy pulled in. It was a warm welcome to have them come and cheer me on at Oliver Triathlon Race Day. After dinner, I found out my dad had organized team shirts with funny photos of my mom and me on them. This way, I could easily identify my support crew on race day. It really goes to show how special you can make an event by sharing it with a great support team.
This way I could identify my support crew easier. It really goes to show how special you can make an event by sharing in the day with a great support team.
Race Day Morning: Getting Ready for Oliver Triathlon
Race day kicked off at 4:30 AM with a wake-up bark from my dog, Ruby, who was being taunted by squirrels. I got up and headed to my parents’ trailer to start my morning. First up was getting my race numbers on. My mom insisted I get my dad to help because “he’s so good at it.” In his early-morning zombie state, he forgot to take the plastic off, and mine didn’t stick. Thanks, Dad! 🤣
We ended up writing the numbers on my leg and using the second tattoo for my arm. Already a funny start to my day.
After getting dressed and eating breakfast, we headed to put our bikes and gear in the Oliver Triathlon transition area and get our timing chip. My row was third to the back, coincidentally beside a big purple tent that was easy to spot. I had been having issues with one of my gears for a while, but luckily, they had someone to fix bikes, so we quickly got him to fix my faulty gear before racking my bike.
The Swim: Diving Into Oliver Triathlon Race Day
Walking back, it hit me—this is it, Oliver Triathlon Race Day. Everything I trained and worked for was happening now! I felt ready—not anxious or nervous, just ready. I got my hair braided (thanks, Tanya), put on my wetsuit, and headed off to the start line.
As we lined up for the swim with my in race support team – my Mom, Aly & her brother Mitch- it was all about staying positive. There were laughs, lots of photos and few deep breathes. Once our heat was ready, I stood at the front of the line, waited for the countdown and I was off.
The swim actually went great. I kept thinking to myself, “This is just for you, not anyone else.” I took my time and did my own swim. Seeing lots of swimmers doing different strokes made me feel better. The Oliver Triathlon swim course was a large circle, and as I turned the last orange buoy and headed to shore, it felt like it took ages! I came out of the water in 18 minutes, instead of the 25-30 minutes I expected, only 3 minutes behind my mom. I still remember the surprised look on my dads face as I ran past him. Everyone joked it was because I was trying not to drown. Which is 100% true.
The Bike: Conquering the Course at Oliver Triathlon
Out of the water, I headed for the Oliver Triathlon transition area. For anyone who hasn’t done Oliver Tri before, you run across the street to the school. It’s a longer transition, but they did a great job of making sure the rocks were off the road. As I ran into transition, I saw my mom leaving with her bike. I yelled a quick, “RUN FASTER, KATRINA!” before finding my own bike.
I was then surprised by a Go Madyson! I look around and found our friend Keri standing at the transition cheering me on. Such a great surprise!
Since this was a wetsuit swim, I sat down trying to rip off my suit as fast as I could. I stopped halfway to put my helmet on so I wouldn’t forget it. I threw my socks on my wet feet, tied my shoes and braced myself for a cold ride. I unhooked my bike and ran to the mount line. My dad cheering me on from outside the gate.
Starting the bike, I knew I had to face the Oliver Triathlon hill we practiced a few days before. I thought, “Just do it at your own pace.” As I slowly climbed, dozens of people passed me. I felt a bit down but reminded myself to train harder for the hill next year.
Another racer passed and said “You’re doing so well, almost to the top, this is the only hill then it’s straight stretches!” Her words of encouragement were exactly what I needed!
At the top, I felt relief. The hardest part was over. I just had to make it to the turn around, then I was a downhill descent and a nice long straight stretch. I was roughly 2-3km behind my mom the entire time. Seeing her on the bike course was so encouraging we both yelled hi at each other and kept on our way. The crowd’s screams of encouragement were overwhelming. Seeing my family and friends with their signs and cowbells gave me another burst of energy. When I felt tired and started to slow down my dads words of encouragement rang in my head “don’t dawdle” making me speed up again.
Then, disaster struck. My bike chain flew off—not once, but twice! After a few cuss words, I fixed it, only for it to come off again. This time I took it slower, making sure it was properly on.
The rest of the rid was uneventful, and I not so gracefully got off my bike at dismount area, dropping it in the process. The crowd and I agreed we’d never speak of this again 
.
I ran into transition, hung up my bike, took of my helmet and away I went. The Oliver Triathlon run course was the easiest part. The adrenaline of everyone cheering my on carried me much faster than I should have been. I saw my dad at the first turn and he politely reminded me to slow down.
As I made my way onto the course I saw Aly first, she was on her way back already, we high fived, gave each other words of encouragement and went on with the race. Then, I saw my mom. I told her I’d see her at the finish line in about 15 minutes. We laughed, and I continued on. The turn around volunteer was fantastic, encouraging everyone. I tried to do the same, letting others know the turn around was soon and they were looking strong.
The Run: Pushing Through to the Oliver Triathlon Finish Line
As I neared the Oliver Triathlon Race Day finish line, I heard my parents’ friends, Sheena and Rob, cheering me on. I ran faster and saw my entire cheering squad, they stood out amongst the crowd wearing the shirts with the goofy picture of me and my mom. I heard my name announced as I ran threw the finish line, I turned around and realized William and Alice had ran down the shoot and chased me across the finish line. I gave them the biggest hug, collected our medals, and left the finish area full of emotions.
Reflecting on My Oliver Triathlon Race Day Experience
The day had its highs and lows, full of excitement and nerves. Oliver Triathlon Race Day was a great event for a newbie like me, and I’d definitely recommend it to others starting out. I’ve already suggested it to a few friends in hopes they’ll join me next year.
People keep asking me if I’ll do more triathalons. Honestly, I’m not sure. There’s a lot to consider, especially the training. If you’ve been following along, you know I did a lot of work. I didn’t share every session, but I managed 3-4 training sessions a week. Being a full time mom, it was a big commitment that I was happy to take on. Of course, sacrifices were made to make it happen.
After my race, I started tracking my times and couldn’t help but think about what I could have done differently to improve. I focused more on my swim and run, sacrificing some bike time. It showed in my times—a solid 18-minute swim and a 37-minute run. Now, I’m eager to train harder and beat those marks next year.
Despite everything, I would absolutely do the Oliver Triathlon again. I know the course, had a blast, and cherished every moment of this journey.
As an extra special bonus, while cheering our friend Heather (who came second in her age group for the sprint distance), my dad called to say my mom placed THIRD in her age group! None of us expected it, but it was well-deserved. Congratulations, Mom! You’re a natural on the course, and I’m so proud of you!
To everyone who followed my Journey to Oliver Triathlon Race Day, thank you! It’s been great sharing my experience, and I hope I have inspired someone to fulfill a goal, big or small.
Special thanks to my boss, Teresa, for allowing me blog my journey and for creating a great training schedule, to my parents for being my training partners and encouraging me through it all and watching my kids, and my friends those who proof read my blog before it went live, listened to me talk about my training and were just all around amazing. Thank you all for everything.
