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Post by Jesse on Aug 9, 2006 10:00:10 GMT -5
Hi everyone!!
This Sunday is a day that will live in inflammation!! My first triathlon!! I was just on the conference call in regards to the GCT and Fairport harbor and have some additional questions. I REALLY hope everything will be clearly marked as to where and when to go here and there. I will be driving into this thing with NO IDEA what to expect. What kind of general advice can you veterans give to a person who until a few minutes ago didn't know what USAT stood for.
Thanks!!!!
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Post by robreddy on Aug 9, 2006 10:09:49 GMT -5
remember to take your helmet off before you start the run
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Post by Tim Edwards on Aug 9, 2006 10:15:21 GMT -5
Jesse,
* Unless you are a strong swimmer start near the edge or the rear of the swimmers at the start.
* Practice your setup for your transition in your backyard prior to going to the race. Set things up on a towel in the order in which you are going to put them on (i.e. shoes on top, hat next, and race number on the bottom)
* Near the end of the swim, kick a bit faster for the last 100 yards or so to get some more blood going to your legs so you are not so wobbly when you stand up. Like wise, the last 1/4 mile of the bike, spin an easier gear and get the blood going to your legs to flush them out before transitioning to the run.
* Stay in the aerobars as much as possible (if you have a road or tri bike with aerobars) to save effort and time.
Lots of things you will learn by trial and error but these are some brief tips. Good luck!
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Post by jodi on Aug 9, 2006 10:30:06 GMT -5
To avoid penalties make your helmet the first thing you put on in T1 and the last thing you take off in T2. Also, make sure that you know where the bike mount/dismount is. Look over the USAT drafting rules- Hate to lose 4 minutes by being a bit too close to someone's rear tire.
Most of all, have fun with it! Try not to get too nervous. Everything will be very clearly marked. Mickey is a great race director.
And don't forget to post a race report on Monday! ;D
Jodi
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Post by Jesse on Aug 9, 2006 11:00:21 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. In regards to packet pickup on Saturday, what happens if I cannot make it on Sat? And also how early can/should I get to the event?? I mean I really don't want to get all hurried and jump out of my car and into the water ya know? Man I am NERVOUS just thinking about this thing. But at the same time the excitement of doing something I have always had in the back of my mind to do for a few years in an exhilarating feeling. The water is what really scares me. ARE THERE ANY USAT APPROVED WATER WINGS??
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Post by jodi on Aug 9, 2006 11:19:17 GMT -5
I always try to get to races right when transition opens. Then you can get a good spot and have time to cool your nerves a little bit. Do you have a wetsuit? If not, maybe a club member can lend one to you for the day. It's like wearing water wings  But watch the water temp. It is currently 76 and once it gets to 78 wetsuits will not be allowed. Shouldn't go up much now, though because the nights will be cool. I definitely would encourage you to get to packet pick-up. You will feel much better about the day having everything straightened out. Plus with all the course changes you will want to look over the new course map and familiarize yourself with the area/ where to park, etc. Good luck! Hope to meet you this weekend ;D |
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Post by MarkD on Aug 9, 2006 11:28:22 GMT -5
1. I agree that you should make every effort to pick up your packet on Saturday for your first race.
2. Don't break your back getting into transition at 5:15 - especially if you are doing the sprint - which doesn't start until 7:30. 6 am would be soon enough.
3. Do worry about the course changes - it will be marked no better or worse than any other course.
Be calm, enjoy the experience, and laugh at your mistakes - they will happen...
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Post by jodi on Aug 9, 2006 11:39:01 GMT -5
Didn't realize transition opened so early!  |
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Post by Brent on Aug 9, 2006 11:39:56 GMT -5
If you are nervous already...race day nerves will likely cause several "evacuations." Just think of it as your body making itself as light as possible. Might want to bring a back-up roll of tp, just in case the port-o-johns run out. They did at the Cleveland Tri!
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Post by Jesse on Aug 9, 2006 11:56:45 GMT -5
Well there goes any chance that someone will let me borrow a wetsuit!!
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Post by gvale on Aug 9, 2006 12:11:07 GMT -5
Come out of your clips before the bike dismount.
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Post by Charlie on Aug 9, 2006 14:38:32 GMT -5
Jody, I thought you matt and I were gonna be waiting for micky to arrive?
Make sure to have the caps in the end of your handle bars. Always a big safty issue, and as I remember GCT takes this rule very seriously.
If you are not sure what I mean, Ask someone. On that note, I always carry extras in my transiition bag if somebody needs 'em.
I ride the Giant w/the Grateful Dead stickers.
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Post by pkent on Aug 9, 2006 19:37:00 GMT -5
Jesse,
Just to let everyone know that packet pickup is Sat. only from10:00-6:00. There is norace day packet pickup or registration. You will have assigned spots in transition to rack your bikes. They will be your race number and stickers will be on the racks. 7-8 bikes per rack. Odds on one side and evens on the opposite side.Make sure you place your bike in the right spot. Jesse, there will be plenty of people on Sat. and Sun. to answer all your questions . Don't be afraid to ask because we have all been there. I will be working the event and will be happy to address any concerns you might have.
Pam
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Post by rogermiller on Aug 9, 2006 20:50:08 GMT -5
Relax, Have you ever entered a 5k run? Well, It's just a 5k run with a swim and bike tour to warm up.... have fun Sun. !!
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Post by andrewjoyce on Aug 9, 2006 20:55:46 GMT -5
Jesse - Call me tomorrow - 216 233 6218
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Post by Jesse on Aug 10, 2006 10:56:27 GMT -5
WOW! Thanks to everyone for your advice!! I am really pumped about this weekend. I cant wait to meet as many of you as I can on Sunday. I will be the guy in the corner "evacuating" and trying to put water wings on over my INCREDIBLY tight triathlon suit!! From this weekend on, I have a feeling the rest of my life will be categorized into two parts....B.T. and A.T. (before triathlon and after triathlon). SEE YOU AT THE RACES!!
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Post by MarkD on Aug 10, 2006 16:44:32 GMT -5
TMI, jesse... TMI
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Post by JMcAbier on Aug 11, 2006 11:41:01 GMT -5
If you take off on the run and forget to put on your race number, do not worry about it. The chip strapped to your ankle will keep your time. In her first tri, my wife forgot hers and ran back to get it; that was a lot of running for sprint race.  extra tp, extra tp, extra tp! TMI? Enjoy the nerves! While every race will give you the jitters, not one will be able to reproduce the feeling of your first tri. |
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Post by Jesse on Aug 11, 2006 11:59:35 GMT -5
HEY Jay!! This is Jesse Marquard (Dana B's brother)!! Are you going to be at this race?? If so call me on my cell---440-319-1200! Hope to see you there.
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But watch the water temp. It is currently 76 and once it gets to 78 wetsuits will not be allowed. Shouldn't go up much now, though because the nights will be cool.
