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Post by jen on Jul 14, 2008 6:49:12 GMT -5
Just wanted any words of wisdom for things to do/not to do the week of my first sprint tri-finally had the courage to sign up yesterday for Huntington. I am not worried about the bike or run-I have done longer distances in a brick. I know I will just need to make it through the swim but not wipe myself out so nervous about that. Hope to attend the brick tonight as long as I make it out of work on time and the open water swim tomorrow and saturday. Any words of advice would be great!!!
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Post by Steve Yutzy on Jul 14, 2008 8:08:21 GMT -5
-Relax -Don't do anything stupid (ie this is not the time to take up bull riding) -Practice your transitions -If you're nervous about the swim, try to get in some practice at Columbia or wherever you want (confidence is key to a good swim) -Nothing new on race day (this is not the time to explore that new eggs benedict recipe you've been dying to try) -Pack your stuff the night before -Depending on your goals either cut back the workouts a little or train right through the race -Relax -Practice getting out of your wetsuit (if you're wearing one) -Give yourself plenty of time to set up transition, get your wetsuit on, get to the start, etc. -Mentally prepare yourself to deal with those who think "put down a towel at your transition area" means bring the biggest double-wide beach towel they can find -Get the lay of the land: when you're coming from the swim know where your bike is, when you're coming in with your bike know where your shoes are -Carbo-loading is much much much more effective 2-3 days out than eating a box of pasta the night before -Relax And that's about all I can think of right now. Probably time to get back to work Good luck  |
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Post by jen on Jul 15, 2008 7:52:49 GMT -5
Thanks for your words of wisdom!  Any suggestions on transitions? I haven't really worked on that at all. What are some things to prepare for or think about? |
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Post by MarkD on Jul 15, 2008 9:22:08 GMT -5
Jen, As strong as you are on the bike, and knowing that you've recently run a marathon means that you'll have a great race regardless of how much you struggle with that REALLY short swim and the transitions. Regarding transitions - practice 'em once or twice and take your time during the race. No fear... Also, I'll bump up an excellent transition piece written by our former club prez.  |
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Post by sarajean on Jul 15, 2008 10:56:45 GMT -5
The only thing I'd add to the "Transitions Hint" document (also posted at www.clevetriclub.com/transition-hints.html) is that when you arrive at the race site, find out what the traffic pattern will be for the transitions. In my first tri, I attempted to exit the transition area the way I came in, and someone yelled something rather unkind at me because I was going the wrong direction. DISCLAIMER: That was in 2001, and every triathlete I've met IRL since then has been a nice person, so there's no need to put "other athletes yelling nasty things" on your list of race-day concerns. |
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Post by jen on Jul 16, 2008 6:22:10 GMT -5
Thanks!
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Post by psquared on Jul 16, 2008 20:25:05 GMT -5
Jen- Huntington was my first tri last year. The swim will be over before you know it. Getting there early is key to help settle you down. Although, I did get some dirty looks when they saw a clydesdale (Me) with a prime spot.  |
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Post by Aussie Rob on Jul 16, 2008 21:35:45 GMT -5
Drink beer and eat wings.
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Post by jen on Jul 16, 2008 22:09:59 GMT -5
No offense but I won't be following that last bit of advice considering I hate beer and not a big fan of wings either.  But I have been curious as to how people view/treat alcohol while doing this sport.... |
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Post by psquared on Jul 16, 2008 23:01:01 GMT -5
Encouraged! ;D
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Post by jodi on Jul 17, 2008 5:10:17 GMT -5
When you get to the race, find the closest trash can to the finish line. Then you'll look smooth when you finish the race and immediately lose that pre-race gel. (or maybe I'm the only one who can't do a short race without tossing my cookies at the finish line...)
;-)
You'll be great! Just go out and have some fun.
Jodi
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Post by Deirdre on Jul 17, 2008 6:32:08 GMT -5
Jen - good advice given already, so try to have fun! Arrive early to get things set up and get yourself settled down (advice I should take on occasion . . . ). You will no doubt learn something that will have you saying, "OK, I'll make sure I never do that again!" but, that is part of triathlon IMO. Regarding triathlon and alcohol, I follow the awesome Karen Smyers school of thought -- both are to be heartily enjoyed, just not at the same time. |
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Post by Brian Luther on Jul 17, 2008 9:03:48 GMT -5
Jen,
Just make an effort to go do the course as a practice session. That is if you live close to BayVillage/Huntington Beach. For the sprint, this gives you an edge knowing what the course holds.
Practice the swim, transition up the hill to the transition area.
Same with the bike and run...... Keep it simple.
Its a fast and very flat course. The only hill is in the park, just a small dip to help you accelerate on the bike and run.....
Brian
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Post by Aussie Rob on Jul 17, 2008 9:18:28 GMT -5
No offense but I won't be following that last bit of advice considering I hate beer and not a big fan of wings either. But I have been curious as to how people view/treat alcohol while doing this sport.... Vodka and pizza then. |
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Post by jen on Jul 17, 2008 14:16:29 GMT -5
Is the course well marked? I volunteered at the Lorain tri and heard some people said they got lost on the run there so just wondering if I need a map! ;D
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Post by MarkD on Jul 17, 2008 14:59:43 GMT -5
In my youth (3 to 4 years ago), I would drive the bike and run courses (if possible). Now, I simply don't care if I screw up !! I wouldn't carry a map, but, if you are concerned, I would at least be familiar (know what streets the turns are on), if not driving it. Gas is cheap! |
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Post by Brian Luther on Jul 18, 2008 7:57:10 GMT -5
Jen,
You will be fine on the course.
I was having trouble copy/pasteing course info..... Go to ncnracing.com, click on race schedule, click on hungtington registration, then click on maps....
Brian
p.s. cell number if you need any help race day.... 1-440-313-7581.
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Post by sarajean on Jul 18, 2008 15:24:29 GMT -5
In my youth (3 to 4 years ago), I would drive the bike and run courses (if possible). Now, I simply don't care if I screw up !! I wouldn't carry a map, but, if you are concerned, I would at least be familiar (know what streets the turns are on), if not driving it. You mean you're not going to do something as OCD as having your significant other drive the bike course while you sit in the passenger seat giving directions and operating a video camera, and then playing the resulting video while you're on the trainer? Not that I'd admit to having done this... |
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Post by Kim Zepp on Jul 18, 2008 19:13:37 GMT -5
quote] You mean you're not going to do something as OCD as having your significant other drive the bike course while you sit in the passenger seat giving directions and operating a video camera, and then playing the resulting video while you're on the trainer? Not that I'd admit to having done this... [/quote] What a great idea! That could make the trainer a bit less boring. |
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