Triathlon in Sage Township, Jessica Reeves and Will Mapes steal the show
Pastor Christien Hodet of the Edenville, Gladwin, and Estey 7th day Adventist churches, who was inactive for many years, thought a triathlon would be a fun, challenging goal for getting in shape. He hosted his own Hodet Café Sprint TRYathlon in Gladwin. The triathlon’s competitors, Pastor Hodet and Meridian graduates and former Cross Country/Track athletes trained by Coach Bob Cole, William Mapes and Jessica Reeves lined up along Wiggins Lake to start the 400 meter swim. The group charged into the lake, with Hodet taking the early lead, Mapes hot on his heals, and trailing behind was Reeves. By the swim’s turn-around, the race too had turned around. Reeves’ efficient swimming put her in the lead of the now slowing competition. She exited the lake in 8:25, followed by Hodet and Mapes about a minute behind. The transition from swim to bike kept the competitors in the same order with Mapes making slight gains on Reeves. Facing a hilly and windy course, the bikers kept their speeds around 20 mph.
After the 10-mile undulating bike course, the race would again see a new leader. Mapes pumped the pedals like a locomotive diesel to earn about a one minute advantage over Reeves, but the elastic was starting to stretch a little for Hodet. He too was keeping a good tempo, but was losing a little to the Meridian alumni.
The run kept the two former Mustangs of Will Mapes and Jessica Reeves in the same positions. Mapes blazed through the hilly 5k and finished in a time of 59:41, and Reeves finished her first triathlon in 1:02:31. Hodet finished his first triathlon as well, with a respectable 1:19:47.
The triathlon served its purpose, with Hodet gaining considerable fitness and the other competitors having an unforgettable experience. Pastor Hodet and his wife, JoAn, hosted a picnic lunch for the competitors, spectators and their families. A good time was had by all. The triathlon is planned to be an annual event and all competitors in the Jack Pine Conference are encouraged to come test their athletic prowess next year!
