A first-time triathlete shares her experience racing TRI Clear Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa.
By Rachel Wumkes
For years, I stood on the sidelines of TRI Clear Lake as a volunteer. I handed out water. I cheered. I clapped for finishers. I watched the start of the swim and thought, Wow. These people are incredible. And every single year, somewhere in the back of my mind, I’d wonder if it was something I could do, too.
But thinking about it and doing it are two very different things.
It wasn’t some grand athletic vision that made me finally sign up for the 2023 race. It wasn’t a lifelong dream. It wasn’t even a bucket list item. It was race day excitement. There’s something about the energy of that event — the nerves, the music, the cheering, the wetsuits, the grit — that gets under your skin. In 2023, instead of just feeling inspired, I decided to do something slightly terrifying.
I went home and signed up.
Now, I know myself. I also know how easy it would have been to quietly back out once the adrenaline wore off. So, I put a plan in place to ensure I couldn’t chicken out: I told everyone. Friends. Family. Co-workers. Random acquaintances. If you stood still long enough, I probably told you I signed up for a triathlon. There is no greater accountability system than public embarrassment.
When registration opened, I hopped online and made it official. And then I stared at my screen thinking, Well… now what? Because here’s the thing: I am not an athlete. Not even a little bit. So, I signed up for [Tri Clear Lake Race Director] Carrie Tysdahl’s TRI training class, and let me tell you — it was exactly what I needed. Structure. Guidance. Reassurance. A plan. Carrie made it manageable. She made it feel possible. She taught us not just how to train, but how to prepare mentally for what race day would bring.
Now, let me be clear. My goal was not to win. My goal was not even to be “fast.” My goal was survival.
The open water swim? Absolutely beyond nerve-wracking. I don’t care how calm the lake looks from shore. When you’re out there with a swim cap on and bodies around you, it’s a different story. And then there was the wetsuit. If you ever need a humbling experience in your life, try squeezing into one of those things for the first time. Good grief. I questioned every life choice that led me to that moment. The claustrophobia was real. I’m fairly certain I burned more calories just wrestling myself into it than I did on my first training swim.
Oofta.
But I trained. I ran. I biked. I swam. I followed Carrie’s plan as best as I could — with a little thing called “real life” occasionally interrupting. There were missed workouts. There were tired days. There were moments I thought, Why did I do this again? But little by little, something shifted. I wasn’t just someone who thought, I can do this.I was someone actually doing it.
And then race day came.
The same energy I had felt as a volunteer? Now I was in it. The nerves. The anticipation. The community. And when it was time to step into the water, I did it scared.
When it was time to get on the bike, I did it tired. When it was time to run, I did it wondering if my legs would cooperate.
And then — I crossed that finish line. At 43 years old. At a level of unathletic that I can’t even properly describe to you. I did it.
Not because I was fast. Not because I was fearless. Not because I suddenly became a different person. But because I decided to try.
If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines of something and thought, I can do this, let me just say — maybe you can. You don’t have to win. You don’t have to be the best. You don’t even have to look like you know what you’re doing. You just have to start.
I was a newbie. And I survived TRI Clear Lake. And if I can do it? You can too.
About TRI Clear Lake
TRI Clear Lake has been named the state championship race, once again, by USA Triathlon for 2026. This is a testament to our TRI Clear Lake committee and Clear Lake as a whole. Our committee is dedicated to putting on one of the BEST and most professionally produced races in the Midwest, and our community shows up to support it.
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is host to the TRI Clear Lake Triathlon, sanctioned by USA Triathlon will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The race will start and end in downtown Clear Lake! The scenic course will commence at City Beach; the flat-and-fast one-or two-loop bike course guides athletes out and back along South Shore Drive. The race is capped off with a 3.1-mile or 6.2-mile run on North Shore Drive along beautiful Clear Lake, past the historic Surf Ballroom and back to a lakeside finish in City Park. This is the perfect race for beginners and experienced triathletes alike. At the completion of the race, you will experience a high-energy lakefront finisher party, complete with music, food and beverages!
Why Athletes Travel to TRI Clear Lake
Every summer, athletes from across the United States travel to Clear Lake, Iowa to compete in TRI Clear Lake. The combination of a scenic lake swim, countryside bike route, and supportive race atmosphere has made it one of the region’s most welcoming triathlons for beginners and experienced racers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About TRI Clear Lake
Where is TRI Clear Lake held?
TRI Clear Lake takes place in Clear Lake, Iowa, located in North Iowa, halfway between Des Moines, IA and Minneapolis, MN. The race starts with a swim in Clear Lake and continues on surrounding roads and lakefront roads for the bike and run.
When is TRI Clear Lake?
The event is August 29, 2026, with race weekend bringing athletes, families, and spectators to Clear Lake.
What is the swim like at TRI Clear Lake?
The swim takes place in Clear Lake, one of Iowa’s most well-known natural lakes. Open water swimming can feel intimidating for beginners, and we will have open water swim practice throughout the summer.
What is the bike course like?
The bike route travels through the scenic North Iowa countryside surrounding Clear Lake, offering wide views, quiet county roads, and a mostly flat to gently rolling terrain.
How do I cheer my athlete on at TRI Clear Lake?
The race is very spectator-friendly, especially near the lakefront start, transition area, and finish line, where volunteers and community members gather to cheer on athletes.
How can I stay updated on TRI Clear Lake?
The best way to stay informed about race updates, registration announcements, and training tips is to follow TRI Clear Lake on Facebook. Athletes are also encouraged to join the TRI Clear Lake Athletes Facebook Group, where participants share training advice, ask questions and connect with others preparing for race day. It’s a helpful place for both first-time triathletes and returning racers to get ready for TRI Clear Lake.
What else is there to do in Clear Lake during race weekend?
Many athletes turn the race into a weekend getaway in Clear Lake. Visitors love:
-
Boating and beach time on Clear Lake
-
Dining at amazing local restaurants
-
Shopping in downtown Clear Lake
-
Live music and summer events
-
Visiting the historic Surf Ballroom and new Music Experience Center
Planning Your TRI Clear Lake Weekend
If you’re traveling to Clear Lake, Iowa for TRI Clear Lake, consider arriving early to enjoy everything the lake town has to offer. From scenic trails and waterfront parks to local dining and live music, Clear Lake makes it easy to turn race day into a memorable weekend.
You can also order the Clear Lake Visitor Guide to plan your stay, discover local attractions, and explore the area before or after the race.