Bellingham Swimrun Race Report 2026

We just got back from Lake Padden Park in Bellingham, Washington for our third edition of Swimrun Bellingham, the Quest Races event that keeps earning a spot on our calendar. This was race two of our 2026 season,
fresh off Orcas Island and with ÖTILLÖ squarely in our sights for
September. We came to bank some fitness, test a few strategies, and race
in one of the best swimrun venues in the Pacific Northwest.

Race 26 together. Chris headed into this one carrying some extra weight
after losing his father just a few weeks prior, and getting out there with
your person is exactly what these local races are for. Not the A race. Not
the perfect taper. Just show up, handle the swimrun business, and see what
the day gives you. Brent and the Quest Races crew delivered again, and Lake
Padden is as good as it gets.

On this episode: Chris decides to lead most of the swims for the first
time, which works out well until we find ourselves on a bonus loop nobody
planned. We break down our gear (Ark Vigg wetsuits, Adidas Terrex shoes,
arm sleeves, Frank Paddles LTBz Edition), talk through the fueling numbers,
discuss how we processed the course detour without losing our stride, and
close with sub-eight-minute miles two hours into the race. We also get into
what Bellingham could become as a full race weekend and what's next on the
calendar heading toward ÖTILLÖ.

Chip's coach Liz had him carry volume into this one instead of tapering,
and the body felt good on both ends rolling off Orcas. The fitness is
coming around at the right time of year.

This episode is supported by Precision Fuel & Hydration. Head to their
website for free education on fueling and hydration for endurance events.

00:00 Intro
00:01 Race context: third edition, race two of 2026, road to ÖTILLÖ
00:02 Body and mind check-in; Chris on racing through grief
00:04 Local races as training deposits; Lake Padden PSA
00:06 Pre-race: shout-out to Crystal and her pull buoy setup
00:07 Saturday eliminator course with Brent, a backyard ultra format for swimrun
00:09 Chip's pre-race routine with the family along
00:10 Chris's decision to lead most of the swims and why
00:12 Gear breakdown: Ark Vigg, Adidas Terrex, arm sleeves, Frank Paddles LTBz Edition
00:15 The long run: 3.5 climby miles and Strava PRs
00:17 Swims two, three, and four: Chris on a roll; Chip drafting and working
00:19 ÖTILLÖ swim strategy preview: alternating leads for September
00:20 The course detour: a bonus loop nobody saw coming
00:22 Responding without flinching: turning up the effort and chasing people down
00:24 Last run at sub-eight pace two-plus hours in
00:25 Fueling breakdown: carbs per hour and caffeine stack
00:27 Final swim and the solo swimmer Chip almost caught
00:28 Finish, race wrap-up, swag hats, and first place in the men's division
00:29 Next up: Folsom Swimrun

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