Performance signals return to form for Loeffler
July 26 - Racine, Wisconsin - American Kim Loeffler from Colchester Vermont won the USA Triathlon Long Course Championship on Sunday at the Spirit of Racine Triathlon in Racine, Wisconsin. Loeffler used an impressive bike and run combination to cross the line in 4:26:40, second only to overall winner Lisa Bently. As the top U.S. finisher, Loeffler took home the title of U.S. Long Course Champion, which is the third time in her career that she has laid claim to the title.
In her own words
After a two week recovery block from Ironman Coeur d' Alene, and one week of training, I was eager to put Ironman CDA behind me, get back into race mode and test my fitness.
The 1.2 mile swim was a point to point swim along Lake Michigan's pristine lakefront. It is one of the bluest and cleanest lakes I have seen in a while. We had to run about 150 yards on the sandy beach, which made transition times a bit slow, but as far as I'm concerned the more running the better! There were a few ITU girls in the field who swam very fast and I started the bike 5 minutes off the leading pack. Quite a deficit to overcome, but I have been working very hard to improve my swimming and I know it's just a matter of time until I am able to close that gap. Coming off of a recovery block and unsure of my level of fitness, I started the bike conservatively and eased into the ride. As the miles passed, my legs seemed to feel stronger and stronger. I rolled into T2 in 3rd place, closing the gap to 2.5 minutes. I felt very strong at the end of the bike and knew if I paced myself, I would have a strong run as well. The run course was a double out and back along the beautiful Lake Michigan coastline with a quick jaunt through the Racine Zoo. I ran consistent splits and moved into 2nd place at the 6 mile mark. As I was running to the last turnaround, I saw a blur of Lisa Bentley as she stormed by me like she was running a 10K! She is an exceptional athlete and I congratulate her on another impressive win. I held on to second place to win the US Long Course National Championships.
It is a great feeling to have won my 3rd National Championship. I struggled a great deal in my last Ironman and this win confirms that my training for Hawaii is on track. I believe success gives us confidence, but adversity makes us stronger. To be a true champion, you must experience both. I'm looking forward to the rest of my race season which includes; Timberman 70.3, a few short course races and the Ironman World Championships. Special thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years: My sponsors; Timex, PowerBar, 180's, Biobuilde, and Quintana Roo. Also, a special thanks to my coach Lance Watson, who has made me a physically and mentally stronger athlete. Last but not least, thank you to all my family and friends who provide me with encouragement and support everyday. I am so fortunate to have you all in my life!
In 2005 Loeffler was the runner-up at Ironman USA Lake Placid and ended the season in impressive form, finishing 8th at the Ironman World Championships in October. Earlier this year, Loeffler finished third at the prestigious Wildflower Triathlon.
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