The annual race at Millersylvania State Park draws more than 400 athletes.
By Larry Miller The Olympian
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The 69-year-old Parkiand man competed in the Black Hills Triathion on Saturday, completing the course in 3 hours, 11 minutes - faster than some of the much-younger competition.
The retired Bethel schoolteacher was the oldest competitor in the event held at Millersylvania State Park, but he has held that distinction before.
Secher-Jensen started competing in the Black Hills contest in the early 1980s. The annual race, now in its 20th year, became a triathion in 1989.
More than 400 athletes competed Saturday, some in three-person teams and oth ers individually.
Secher-Jensen usually places among the top three in the 60 and over category. But this year, those honors went to Don Wilcox of Bellingham (first place), Keith Watson of Langley, British Columbia (second place) and William George of Abbotsville, British Columbia.
"Next year, they should put a 70-and-over category in there," Secher-Jensen said with a grin.
Top three or not, Secher-Jensen said, he really doesn't care much about placing. The challenge of doing it is what draws him back every year.
"Actually, the training is a big part of the fun," he said.
Secher-Jensen also competes in the Gap to Gap triathlon in Yakima and some races on Fort Lewis.
He finds that with triathlons, the hardest part of preparing is mental, not physical. When he's well-prepared mentally to endure the physical stress, the triathlons are easier.
Secher-Jensen got involved in sports as a kid, played college football, and never made the the familiar middle-age metamorphosis from athlete to couch potato.
"I just do a lot of sports," he said. "I'm still enjoying it."
Larry Miller covers Lacey and Tumwater for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465.
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