August 09, 2014 (New Hampshire) – So how does Kris Freeman, former top distance skier on the US XC Ski Team, stay in shape? He takes on all-comers at the Top Notch Triathlon and then a week later he throws down the gauntlet at the Wildman Biathlon to see what he’s made of. His goal was to win both events…

Kris Freeman at Top Notch Triathlon © courtesy of Kris Freeman

Kris Freeman at the Top Notch Triathlon

Every year that I have been in NH in early August, I have raced the Top Notch Triathlon.  It is a unique event that starts with a six mile MT bike hill climb, transitions to a 1/2 mile swim across Echo Lake and finishes after a 2 mile run up Cannon Mountain.  Last year I wrote about a great duel that I had with Ryan Kelly who is one of the best triathletes in NE.  We pushed each other hard and I had to set a new course record to beat him.  I was looking forward to another good race with Ryan but he informed via Facebook the day before the race that he had thrown his back out and would not be competing.  I knew that it was unlikely that I could challenge my course record without being able to trade drafts in the bike and swim… full story here.

Freeman finishes the swim © courtesy of Kris Freeman