Seven Wanderers continued to display their fine athletic prowess by competing in two triathlons over the past few weeks. The first was the Anthracite Triathlon on July 20th in Jim Thorpe, PA consisting of a 1.5k swim, 40k bike & 10k run.

With several grueling hills on the bike and run, this tri was not for the faint of heart (or body). Refusing intimidation, Heather Wesner and Scott McCracken both selected this event as their first tri and performed amazingly!

Chris Verry & Polly Jansen were also on board for the challenge. Results showed the Wanderers ahead of the curve once again.

Chris finished 3rd in his age group with a time of 2:45:35. Scott came in 4th in his age group with a time of 2:50:34. On the women’s side, Polly placed 1st in her age group with a time of 2:47:56. Heather was 2nd in her age group with a time of 2:56:14. Wanderers appreciated the boosts of support from each other out on the course. Special thanks to John who was there to encourage Heather on her debut tri and the other Wanderers as they plodded through the intense event. Heather & Scott, after this your next tri will be guaranteed easy!!

On August 3rd, Wanderers Noah Shusterman, Matt Mauren, Chris Verry, Polly Jansen, and Noah Anstraus participated in the Patriot Triathlon in Bath, PA. Noah Anstraus completed the Sprint race, consisting of a 650 meter swim, 15 mile bike and 3 mile run. He finished an impressive 9th in his age group with a time of 1:33:49. Noah Shusterman, Matt, Chris & Polly took on the “Half Lite 50” distance, consisting of a 1300 meter swim, 41 mile bike and 7.6 mile run. The race began a bit messy with all 100+ participants starting the swim at the same time. Chris tried to take Polly out around the first buoy, but she was able to recover herself! Matt & Chris were tracking each other’s progress with every breath by swimming side by side. The bike portion consisted of 3 laps of rolling hills. Noah gave a friendly salute to all the Wanderers as he poured on the speed in this segment. The out-and-back run was a tough leg, but the squad hammered it out. Noah, Chris & Polly respectively stuck together through the turn-around. Matt, on a Fig Newton high was a high-fiving, hooting & hollering cheerleader on the run, motivating the Wanderers to keep up the intensity. Everyone chugged through the final miles & finished successfully. Noah kicked butt & took names finishing 21st overall with a time of 3:30:12. Polly “boiling frog” poured on the heat & finished 4th female with a time of 3:32:51. Chris demonstrated his “X Factor” by earning 3rd in his age group with a time of 3:35:45. Matt claimed the 1st place Clydesdale honors with a time of 3:52:43. Special thanks to Helen Cheung, Gabe Mauren & hound Dallas (Matt & Gabe’s “baby!”) for their support & encouragement out on the course. Congrats to all!

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