The Back Mountain Triathlon will happen on Aug. 25 for its second year at Harveys Lake and the Back Mountain community. Over 300 athletes are expected, with many of those being first-time triathletes. The race this year will have a new sprint distance, occurring at the same time as the original olympic length race; aqua bike and relay options are also available.
Before the race day, the Back Mountain Triathlon Committee and the Times Leader will present a 17-week series that focuses on the future of triathlon through young athletes. Without them, the future of triathlon would be less hopeful. Each Sunday, the spotlight will emphasize these young racers who are the future of triathlon in the Back Mountain and across the US.
Conrad Goeringer clinched the first-place spot in the inaugural Back Mountain Triathlon on Aug. 20, 2023, setting a high bar with the course record. This victory also marked a special moment for Goeringer as the race came back to his hometown after a seven-year hiatus and re-branding.
Conrad was born in Kingston, where he likely started running through backyards to visit friends or chasing the ice cream truck up the sidewalk. He later moved to Carlisle, PA during high school, and then to Tennessee for college. He attended Vanderbilt University and continued his running career as a Division I athlete.
Conrad said, “I ran cross country at Vanderbilt, and also started cycling there,” Goeringer said. “The natural next step was to get into triathlons.”
“I like the variety,” Goeringer said. “There’s always something new to learn, it’s never boring.”
The appeal of variety and the revival brought him back to Harveys Lake last year.
“My Uncle had raced in the original (Wilkes-Barre) triathlon,” Goeringer said. “I know a lot of pros used to show up to the race, and I had heard from a few people that it was coming back.”
So after some quick planning, Conrad and his family, which included his then 4-month-old daughter, headed from Tennessee to Pennsylvania, and not just for homemade pumpkin pie.
While Goeringer’s uncle may have encountered some bovine obstacles in his race, his nephew saw clear skies and smooth roads.
“The swim was very straight forward,” Goeringer said. “The bike was beautiful, one of the prettier bike courses I’ve been on. The run course was challenging, but not impossible. Everything was well marked and easy to follow. It was well worth traveling to.”
High praise from an Ironman Kona finisher. Goeringer qualified for and finished the 2022 Ironman Championship in Hawaii with an impressive time of 9:26. Even more impressive, his overall Ironman PR of 8:58 which was earned in 2021 at Ironman Indiana.
The diverse group of triathletes at the Back Mountain Triathlon, encompassing young and old, experienced and first-timers, local legends and out-of-town champions, raced alongside the incredibly accomplished Goeringer; you truly never know who you’ll be racing against. This diversity is one of the reasons he has become so deeply involved in the sport.
“Many people can do well at it,” Goeringer pointed out. “Everyone has their own strengths in the race, and everyone has a different body type that may be better suited to one of the three disciplines. Swimmers have a different appearance than runners.”
If you are considering participating in the Back Mountain Triathlon, or any multi-sport race this year for the first time, the certified Ironman coach has some great advice.
“Don’t stress too much about the best gear,” Goeringer said. “It’s all about the engine (you).”
“Keep it enjoyable,” Goeringer admitted. “You’ll be consistent if you can find something to anticipate in every workout. There will be confidence-boosting workouts, but the unexciting ones are also investments in the fitness bank account.”
“Start the race feeling well-prepared,” Goeringer said. “Be well hydrated, and have your carbs topped off. I always have a bagel in the morning with peanut butter and a sports drink.”
According to Goeringer, it is crucial to stay neutral and control what you can control.
“A race can be a learning experience at worst, you can never have a bad race,” Goeringer said. “The races where things go wrong can be learning experiences and become really fun and fulfilling.”
“I’m positive about the growth of the sport,” Goeringer said. “Looking at age group numbers, the younger age groups are growing or at least staying steady.” As part of the 30-34 age group, Goeringer is still very much a part of the sport’s youth.
According to Goeringer, if you’re thinking about the Back Mountain Triathlon, “ it’s a great first experience.
“As soon as you do one, you’ll be hooked,” Goeringer said.
While the title of first finisher of the Back Mountain Triathlon has been rightfully claimed, there are still a number of firsts up for grabs, including your first triathlon. The active and fulfilling lifestyle of a triathlete is available to anyone willing to put in the time and focus. This year’s Back Mountain Triathlon opens that door even wider with the offering of a Sprint Course, in addition to its Olympic, Aquabike, and relay options.
Conrad has not yet decided if he’ll be defending his course record, or cheering on this local race from the Volunteer State. Regardless, August 25th will once again see the shores of Sandy Beach alive with nervous athletes ready to take on the “beautiful” Back Mountain Triathlon. Whether you train on the streets of Kingston like Conrad once did, or high in the Endless Mountains, there’s a place for you on the starting line, and Goeringer hopes you show up “puffy.”
