Post by marx brothers on Jun 22, 2009 21:23:03 GMT -5
Completed my first EFA with son and former CTC member Brandon. I was looking for hints here as we prepared for the race so thought I would add to the existing body of knowledge in hopes it will help someone on their first time out.
>Attend the optional pre pre race briefing at Sports Basement. You get more in depth detail which includes tips on the entire race.
>There is a popular spot to practice your swim leading up to the big day. Get outside of the breakwall so you are familiar with the 4.5mph current and associated waves.
>We both used neoprene swim caps. You can get by with a double cap but for those a bit swim shy, the neoprene gave me additional psychological confidence.
>Get on the ferry early to grab a spot close to the exit. They empty the entire boat of 2000 athletes in 10 minutes and they try to do these in age group waves. Your best bet is to line up and get out right after the pros. Your time does not start until you jump so your times are accurate. The reason to get off the boat quickly is that the boat engines create eddies all around. Race directors will tell you offline that coming last off the boat can cost you a good 5 minutes just to get out of the rough seas.
>Recommend an extra pair of shoes for the mile run from swim to bike T1. Some went shoe less but they could not go full speed.
>Avoid unneeded stress by renting a bike. It is only 18 miles and because of all the hills and turns, a tribike with aero bar shifts are not ideal. That said all the pros had their own tri bikes. I think for the avg age grouper you are best off just renting bikes and avoiding the hassles. We rented from this outfit and they were awesome www.blazingsaddles.com/. The other advantage is that their gears are right sized for the terrain.
>The run is almost all trails and hilly, especially the sand staircase. If you do not practice material uphill running, your hamstrings may not be well prepared. We saw many people hampered by their hamstrings because they were not used to using all of their muscles in training.
>A good portion of the run is single track making it difficult to pass. Be prepared to sprint and to also experience a bit of unintentional mashups when you pass into oncoming traffic like in the swim.
>Unless you are going for the win, enjoy the views. I really took the time to enjoy the view of the Bridge and skyline from the water. On the bike I enjoyed vistas to the Pacific. The run featured much of the same. Give thanks to God for your health and the beauty of this earth.
Hope this helps. Always welcome calls. Pics and some detail available on my facebook. www.facebook.com/edwardmarx
>Attend the optional pre pre race briefing at Sports Basement. You get more in depth detail which includes tips on the entire race.
>There is a popular spot to practice your swim leading up to the big day. Get outside of the breakwall so you are familiar with the 4.5mph current and associated waves.
>We both used neoprene swim caps. You can get by with a double cap but for those a bit swim shy, the neoprene gave me additional psychological confidence.
>Get on the ferry early to grab a spot close to the exit. They empty the entire boat of 2000 athletes in 10 minutes and they try to do these in age group waves. Your best bet is to line up and get out right after the pros. Your time does not start until you jump so your times are accurate. The reason to get off the boat quickly is that the boat engines create eddies all around. Race directors will tell you offline that coming last off the boat can cost you a good 5 minutes just to get out of the rough seas.
>Recommend an extra pair of shoes for the mile run from swim to bike T1. Some went shoe less but they could not go full speed.
>Avoid unneeded stress by renting a bike. It is only 18 miles and because of all the hills and turns, a tribike with aero bar shifts are not ideal. That said all the pros had their own tri bikes. I think for the avg age grouper you are best off just renting bikes and avoiding the hassles. We rented from this outfit and they were awesome www.blazingsaddles.com/. The other advantage is that their gears are right sized for the terrain.
>The run is almost all trails and hilly, especially the sand staircase. If you do not practice material uphill running, your hamstrings may not be well prepared. We saw many people hampered by their hamstrings because they were not used to using all of their muscles in training.
>A good portion of the run is single track making it difficult to pass. Be prepared to sprint and to also experience a bit of unintentional mashups when you pass into oncoming traffic like in the swim.
>Unless you are going for the win, enjoy the views. I really took the time to enjoy the view of the Bridge and skyline from the water. On the bike I enjoyed vistas to the Pacific. The run featured much of the same. Give thanks to God for your health and the beauty of this earth.
Hope this helps. Always welcome calls. Pics and some detail available on my facebook. www.facebook.com/edwardmarx