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TriathaNewbie.com is always looking for websites that host great
triathlons. Please send
us your favorite triathlon websites, which state the triathlons
are located in, a small written recommendation and we will post
them here. Use the "Quick Click" to find your state or
scroll down the page to view the entire list.
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in San Dimas, California as well as
in states all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon,
it comes highly recommended.
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Pleasant Prairie, Chicago as well
as in states all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon,
it comes highly recommended.
-
Accenture Chicago Triathlon by Roman
Mica from EveryMan
Triathlon -
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| Rating
Scale |
(based on the amount
of beer needed after race)
- 4 Brewskis: So excruciatingly painful and lame you'll
need a full year of recovery just to forget this race
- 3 Brewskis: The best thing said and remembered about
race is; I finished
- 2 Brewskis: Challenging race in a masochistic I'd
could do it again sort-of-way given enough time and
Ibuprofen.
- 1 Brewski: Good solid race that exceeds your expectations
- No Brewski: A must-do annual event for both friends
and family |
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From the official Chicago Triathlon Web site, "With over
7,500 participants and 100,000 spectators, the Accenture Chicago
Triathlon is known as the world's largest triathlon. This year
(2005) it will become official with an attempt to set a World
Record for the World's Largest Triathlon."
Large certainly best describes this race. As in large transition
area (think solider field- sized). Huge distance from swim exit
to transition (think the average daily jog for a beginner runner).
Big holes and bumps on Lake Shore Drive on the bike course (you'll
come to understand why many racers are using full-suspension
mountain bikes). Long wait before start (You could finish the
entire race in the time spent waiting for your wave start).
Huge lines for the few available porta-potties. This is could
also official be the world's largest quadathon testing not only
swimming biking, and running but also intestinal fortitude and
Olympic caliber bladder control.
The Racers
The typical field consists of a highly explosive mixture of
newbies, weekend warriors and hardcore pro wannabes. From the
rapid to the rotund to the rowdy, this race has it all. Running
in to the finish in 2004, I saw several guys who looked like
they had a very up close and personal view LSD (Lake Shore Drive).
On a positive note they seemed proud of their road rash as a
exclusive souvenir of having finished the race.
The Swim
Image putting about 250 race ready athletes into your neighborhood
swimming pool and you've got the start of the Chicago Triathlon.
The swim consists of two swim lanes that run along the Monroe
Street Harbor sea wall and make up the Olympic Distance swim.
This is an especially great race for all those who have perfected
the art of swimming over/under/through other swimmers as huge
splashing waves of racers enter the water every few minutes..
A very talented swimmer could potentially swim the entire race
on the backs of others. I found open water for about 2 minutes
before I hit the next wave of slower swimmers. I also had to
find a good doctor after the race for a nasty ear infection
I got from the lake water. You've been warned.
Transition
You know how some people like to bring a balloon to mark their
bikes in transition. You might consider finding one of those
novelty stores that sells life-sized balloons of Dumbo because
anything smaller will just get lost in transition. Image the
long term parking lot at O'Hare Airport on the Wednesday before
Thanksgiving but with bikes instead of cars and you've got the
image. Word to the wise: In 2004 it was a bit on the windy side
( and by bit I mean freaking hurricane conditions) as befits
the windy city. I think some racers over did it with their balloons
as I swear I saw what looked like several LiteSpeed bikes high
above Lake Michigan on their well way to Canada.
The Bike
The Olympic distance bike course consist of two loops up and
down LSD if and when you have managed to negotiate your way
through transition. This is the only race where you'll need
a separate water bottle just to make it in and out of transition.
A GPS might also be helpful.
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A full suspension mountain bike may indeed not be a bad choice
for this race. It would certainly help you negotiate the maze
of bumps, ruts, potholes, cracks and fissures that is the paved
surface of Lake Shore Drive. The tight steering angles afforded
by a mountain bike would also help you avoid the dozens of stationary
and mobile obstacles along the two loops. Some of my favorite
stationary obstacles included dozens of stray water bottles
and nutrition bars, a full set of aero bars (eek), a broken
bicycle seat (ouch) and what I can only assume and hope was
a dead rat (yuck).
Some of my favorite mobile obstacles included a very big girl
on a cruiser with way under inflated tires bopping up and down
like Mary Poppins on a Sunday ride. From the "now I've
seen it all file"; dozens of rolling orange cones whipped-up
like tumbleweeds by the 40-mph winds, pro wannabes who, whipped
up by their egos, zipped in and out of bike traffic yelling
at all to get out of their way, and massive waves, whipped up
by the winds, that crashed onto LSD like surf rolling onto a
Hawaiian beach.
The Run
The run course follows the lake shore South from transition,
around the Shed Aquarium, to McCormick Place and back North
to the finish on Columbus Drive. Once again your first challenge
if to find your stuff in transition. Last year the balloon parrot
marking my spot had long since freed itself and departed leaving
me wandering transition like a lost child at Costco. Having
found my running stuff, and the run exit, I happily exited transition
(only later did I realize what a terrible mistake this really
was please see NTKS) and began the run.
As a slow Clydesdale, I hate the run. This is the part of the
race some runners just love to really stick it to us big guys.
They come bounding by us like some crazed kangaroo on uppers
on your way to a 30 minute 10K. The Chicago Triathlon has lots
of these run weasels. Last year I was prepared. Not only was
it cool (a Godsend to us big runners) but I also had a bit of
secret. And no I did not pump my butt up with steroids, or slurp
human growth hormone like Jose Conseco at his annual physical.
I had however lived and trained at 6000 feet above sea level
giving me the legs of a running god…all be it a somewhat
chunky and long in the tooth running god. No matter, I still
ran the flat, twisty and cool course in a PB making me forget
all the crazy stuff from the rest of the race.
The Race Expo
This is a true must go expo as it is the largest and most packed
of any race as befits the size of the race. Actually you really
must go to pick up your race packet and get body marked. With
your numbers in place, you get to enter that exclusive world
of triathlon racer a full day or two before the race and show
off to all your neighbors, friends and family. You can think
to yourself "That's right Mr. Chubby neighbor. I may be
cutting the grass today I'm doing it with the form and physique
of a race ready triathlete." Plus there's lots of free
swag to be had at the expo and you get the added benefit of
savoring the pre race buzz, without having to break a sweat.
NTKS (Need To Know Secrets)
- You have two choices to get to transition from the swim exit.
This is about a half a mile run (I'm not kidding here). You
can run on the broken concrete path in your bare feet or you
can run in the grass, but the grass hides broken glass. The
smart move: Bring your running shoes and stash them at the swim
exit. The time is takes to throw them on is well worth the beating
your feet will endure from either the broken concrete or stashed
glass.
- Transition bike placement: The smart move: rack you bike
as close to the bike exit as possible. If you stashed your shoes
by the swim exit you'll wear them to your bike (remember transition
is huge) and you'll also avoid much running time in your bike
shoes out to the bike exit. On the way back you'll also avoid
running very far in your biking shoes to your stuff.
- After the race, the line to get back into transition to get
your stuff is longer than the toilet lines. Getting your stuff
out of transition can take hours. The smart move, while everybody
is in a huge line (at the South "run" end of the transition
area) to get their walk around to the bike exit (North of end
of the transition area) and avoid the long wait.
- Parking your car. If you get to the race late you'll have
a hard time parking your car. The smart move: get to the race
early (transitions opens at 4:30 a.m.---no winning you are a
triathlete after all) and you'll have plenty of free street
parking just around the corner from the race. As an added bonus
you won't have to wait in a huge line to get into transition,
plus you can rack your bike right by the bike exit.
-It may take hours for your wave start. The smart move: get
lucky with your race start time or bring a good book, Ipod and
or friends and be ready to enjoy the wait.
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Denver, Colorado as well as in states
all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon, it comes
highly recommended.
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Orlando, Florida (Disney World)
as well as in states all over America. An all-woman, charity-based
triathlon, it comes highly recommended.
- was a 1/4-Mile Swim, 12-Mile Bike, and 3.1-Mile Run at Honeymoon Island State Park, a beautiful place to spend the day. ;
This is a great race for first-timers and there was a good showing of triathlon newbies at this years race. The swim course ran South to North along the beach and was shallow so if you needed to stop and rest you could stand up along the entire course. The white sand beach had the typical West coast of Florida gentle slope but did have a few fist-sized rocks scattered throughout the shore so being ready to side-step a rock or two on your way out into the surf was advisable. The Gulf was calm and made for a relatively easy swim compared to the 2007 race which had the swim portion canceled due to high surf.
The bike portion was a 2-loop ride through the park and out along the Dunedin causeway so you had to climb the bridge (not very steep) a total of 4 times. Returning to ride inside the park, bikers were greeted with some technical turns on the winding roads but were able to pick up speed and get a boost of motivation from the crowd as they circled back by transition to head out for the second lap.
The 3-mile run was along the beach trails and paved roads inside the park. As the Florida sun continued to rise the course became extremely hot and humid especially for the later start waves and the triathletes that were not "in it to win it" but there for their own personal goals and accomplishments.
The race announcer was Brian Harrington, the Director of the USAT FL region, who announces for many races in the area including the St. Anthony's triathlon in St. Petersburg.
Elite Male Results:
1) Andrew Canning 58:16
2) Glen Moore 1:01:32
Glen Moore led into T2 and had a slight :18 second lead heading for the run but it was Andrew Canning with a fast 19:17 run split that took the win.
Elite Female Results:
1) Stephanie Liles 1:00:51
2) Celia Dubrey 1:02:25
3) Alexandria Lechner 1:04:22
This was an exciting race. Alexandria had a nice lead out of the water with a scorching 5:15 swim split heading to T1. Celia had a :27 second lead on Stephanie heading out onto the run course but is was Stephanie with a 19:16 run that took the win for the elite females.
Sponsors for the race included Morton Plant Mease Dunedin Hospital, The American Running Company, and Simply Kayaking.
Thank you,
Jim White
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| Rating
Scale |
(based on the amount
of beer needed after race)
- 4 Brewskis: So excruciatingly painful and lame you'll
need a full year of recovery just to forget this race
- 3 Brewskis: The best thing said and remembered about
race is; I finished
- 2 Brewskis: Challenging race in a masochistic I'd
could do it again sort-of-way given enough time and
Ibuprofen.
- 1 Brewski: Good solid race that exceeds your expectations
- No Brewski: A must-do annual event for both friends
and family |
|
- 2005
Great Floridian Triathlon XV by Roman
Mica from EveryMan
Triathlon - The Race
Here’s a funny story. The start of the 2005 race was delayed
by about a half-hour by the police. It seems there were three
cars parked in the parking lot which served as run up to the transition
area. The police felt it was unsafe to have these cars “parked”
there as they might pounce in front of hapless racers.
I remembered this odd start some 14 hours later as I was running
in the pitch-black Florida night, into oncoming traffic, on
a road with no shoulder, wearing only a spaghetti thin neon
glow tube.
Thank God they held up the race start and put orange cones
around those cars. They may have belonged to somebody who might
have left early and ran over me on the run. ;-)
The Great Floridian Triathlon is really three races in one.
There is an Iron distance race, a half iron distance race and
some sort of super-sprint, which I assume is very short. (of
course we all know what happens when one assumes)
The Great Floridian Triathlon is also the national long course
championship. I’m really not sure, as were most of the
racers, what the International long course distance is, but
the winners in each age group can go to the International Championships
in Australia and find out.
I raced the full iron distance and I kept seeing see the half
competitors. They were the ones passing me on the bike. My wife
was happy to have the company of several hundred half competitors.
I got real tired of constantly being passed by these half weasels
that only had to do one 57-mile loop.
I suspect the race organizers need to have three races to make
this a viable event. But running out of water on the second
loop of the bike is a pretty lame way to save money.
The Racers
There are a lot of the old-school types still doing this race.
You know that kind that have been racing for the last 15 years
and still wear those shin high red stripped socks with some
funky old-school Puma running shoes that might actually be hip
again if they were worn by somebody 30 years younger.
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There are also a lot of great people in this race. I cannot
say enough good things about the racers that I met before, during
and after the race. A huge shout out has to go to the Iron Penguin
who raced this course too many times to count, and who organized
a pre race inspection of the run and bike courses. Dude you
are great! From now on just call me the Iron Dumpling.
There was also a huge group of Brazilian racers from Miami,
who made the race very interesting by their bravado and considerable
lack of clothing. There was a fun group from Chicago, who swept
many of the awards, unfortunately wearing way too much clothing.
There was our small band of racers from Colorado, who had the
huge advantage of altitude of set by the huge disadvantage of
heat and humidity.
And of course no one will forget Wilma, who thankfully showed
up a day late but never the less managed to spawn a few tornadoes
right on the race course. Thank goodness we were able to watch
her from the safety of our hotel room in Orlando the day after
the race.
The Swim
The swim is two long triangles through the murky waters of Lake
Minneola. And when I say murky I mean this water is so black
that you can’t see your hand in it as you swim. The race
organizers blamed this dark water on the natural tannats in
the lake. I suppose swimming in the dark water is like swimming
in a fine Merlot.
A nice touch on the swim was the water station between the
two loops. And unlike the bike, there was no swimming uphill.
Transitions
Transition areas were well manned with very cheerful and very
helpful volunteers. Once you figured-out the dizzying number
of bags and what to put in them, you are set to race. The half
iron weasels didn’t get in the way too much but the changing
tents were extremely hot. I felt bad for the volunteers who
had to staff them all day expect for the dude who got my water.
I asked for a cup of water as I was changing into my run clothes.
The helpful volunteer ran right up to the cooler, got a cup,
poured a large cup of icy-cold water, and drank it.
The Bike
The bike course consists of two 57-mile loops in and around
Clermont. Now I know that two 57-mile loops added together equal
114 miles and not the “proper” 112 miles. But that’s
what my bike computer said and others confirmed it, like the
Iron Penguin, so I’m sticking with it. Never argue with
the Iron Penguin.
The bike course is not flat, and boy is this an understatement.
If you want a flat course I suggest you try Ironman Florida
which has one hill, which also happens to be a bridge.
The Great Floridian is similar to IM Wisconsin. Worse yet the
race organizers like to put the hills around every right turn.
Oh look there’s a right turn. It must mean I’ll be
OUT of my saddle again.
The big hill is called Sugerloaf, which comes the second time
around at about mile 95 into the race. The good news is this
hill allows you to really stretch your sore legs by walking
up a 13 percent grade. Just bring plenty of water because there
was none at the tail end of the bike. Those half weasels drank
it all on first loop. Did I mention I was constantly being passed
on the first loop?
The Run
The run is a 10K out and back and three 7ish mile loops around
the lake. It is almost entirely flat unless you consider the
massive sideways camber of the road a hill. You should, as it
really hurts to run on this rode. But than again you have no
choice as there is no shoulder.
Some of the high points of my run included the snarling pit
bulls that provided extra incentive for a wining time, and running
by yourself in the pitch black night past several unmanned aid
stations.
There is however one of those huge searchlights at the finish
line, the kind that car dealers seem to favor. It illuminates
the evening sky with glorious rotating lights. It calls to you
in a teasing sort of way. “Come here and be done mon ami.
Oh…but you are only on lap one, no no no no of you must
go back into the murky night.”
NTKS (Need To Know Secrets)
- The “mandatory” marathon at the end of the race
seems very voluntary indeed. No body was checking my number
at the end of out and back part of the run and nobody was counting
the loops but me. And no there were no timing mats on the run.
I suspect a few competitors may have set a “personal best”
on the run.
- There is a famous aid station on the run manned by the mad
dogs. This is a must do aid station as these folks know how
to party. In fact all the volunteers along the race were great.
Thanks guys for you encouragement. Without you it would be much
a harder race as there is no crowd support along the racecourse.
- There was second great aid station this year manned by the
Flintstones. These were folks dressed up as characters from
the Flintstones cartoon. Get it: Wilma. The women of this aid
station were especially out going since they seemed to be drinking
a wee bit. On every loop they become friendlier and friendlier
offering hugs, kisses and dare I say even a kiss or two of the
French kind.
- There are great big trophies for the top ten places in each
age group. I actually got a great big trophy as I took 7th in
my category. And hey nobody but us has to know that there were
only eight Clydesdale competitors.
 Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC) - Hi, my name is Emily Welch and I am an intern for the Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC). The mission of WIN for KC is to empower women and girls through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports and fitness while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development. We are hosting an all women’s triathlon August 9th, 2008 and we were wondering if your website could host a link to our triathlon website to help us spread the word? This women-only triathlon has reached out to over 500 first-time and veteran triathletes in 2006 and 2007 and we are looking to grow even more this year. Thank you.
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Cohassettri - The 2nd Annual Cohasset Triathlon will take
place on June 29, 2008. It is hosted in Cohasset, Massachusetts
and is for beginners, like you! It consists of a .25 mile ocean
swim, followed by a 12.5 mile bike course and finally a 3.2 mile
run. The Cohasset Tri is proud to partner with the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation (JDRF) for this event. Athletes of all ages
and fitness levels are encouraged to participate -- Hope to see
you there!!
J. Cavanaro:
My family and I have had the great benefit of competing in the
sport of Triathlon for nearly twenty years in races throughout
the country. I can honestly say that Sunday’s premier event
in Cohasset was one of the finest, safest, well organized races
I have ever competed in. Read
more.
M. Sheridan:
While I was anxious about this upcoming event, my fears were assuaged
as I biked into Sandy Beach 7:00 Sunday morning and greeted by
calm and collective staff running the event. From volunteers helping
me plug my handlebars to people taking my empty water bottles
it was a day to remember. Read
more.
B. Thomas:
I have participated in 40-50 races in my lifetime, including marathons,
10Ks, swimming and Bike Races. Sunday’s Cohasset Triathlon
was by far the best organized, most professionally run event I
have ever encountered. Read
more.
B. Wipf:
I want to express my deep appreciation for what Bill Burnett has
done for our community. Few events could so effectively showcase
all that is so special about our town: its scenic beauty, its
energy, and most importantly its camaraderie, as evidenced by
the overwhelming number of people that volunteered, cheered, and
participated in this first annual event. Read
more.
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Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Webster, Massachusetts as well as
in states all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon,
it comes highly recommended. There is just under 2000 women competing
and registration is required on the previous day. The participants
are amazing as well as the staff. The participants and spectators
are very supportive and the staff is "stupendous". Webster
Lake is beautiful and you can see fish gracefully swimming far
below you in the water on a sunny day. If you are aren't a confident
swimmer, there are swim angels to help you through the water with
noodles. The 10 mile bike route has one really tough hill (mile
4) and the downside is a bit rocky and unsafe, but using the break
will keep you safe, and there are volunteers telling you to slow
down. The 3.1 mile run is mostly flat with a few small hills.
Overall, the race could use more volunteers, but it manages a
huge amount of women pretty well with who they have! Two important
things: 1) Be sure to get out of the way once you have finished
the race. Women are at different stages of the race at any given
time, and 2) Be sure to park outside of the beach parking lot
or you will be stuck in the park until the remainder of the women
cross the finish line.
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Littleton Appleman Triathlon - This triathlon is a wonderful
coed sprint triathlon. Registration is required the morning of
the race, so get there early! The staff is is great and the participants
are a nice group of people. The swim is .5 miles of beautifully
clean lake water. The route is well marked with buoys and lifeguards.
The 10 mile bike route is safe and carefully marked with lots
of volunteers and paint on the street to keep all participants
safe. The run is very different from the average triathlon. The
beginning is on pavement, the middle is through a marsh and woody
trail and the end is paved. It is very safe but a huge challenge.
You end up finishing the last 25 yards in the sand. It's a great
one!!!!
- JCC
Triathlon-By-The-Sea - JCC Triathlon-By-The-Sea - I highly
recommend this race for any triathlete looking to test their early
season fitness. I have competed in this race three times and always
make sure it's on my calendar. The race director gets the triathletes
through the pool’s snake swim in a quick and efficient manner.
The bike is a 10 mile three loop course around the very scenic
Marblehead neck. The race finishes with a 3.5 mile run that is
relatively flat with only one hill. Overall this race is extremely
well organized and a fun way to start the season!
8th Annual Triathlon by the Sea
Sunday, May 11, 2007
8:00 AM |
JCC of the North Shore
4 Community Road
Marblehead , MA |
Individual: $50.00
Team: $90.00 |
Registration has been Opened: Registration has been opened
for this event. Questions email the race director at adalton@jccns.com.
To register online, click
here.
Timing: The race will be timed by Granite State Timing
company using the ChampionChip System. If you have the Championchip
you can use your own chip.
Race highlights: 1/8 mile pool swim, 10 mile bike, 3.5
mile run. There are many classic New England Post cards views
along the course.
Sponsor: Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehab
Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital is a modern facility
located in historic Salem, Massachusetts. As part of the Partners
HealthCare system, we serve the North Shore as a unique medical
resource. Our 160-bed hospital provides a wide range of quality
medical and rehabilitation services- from highly complex medical
management to more traditional rehab care. We also offer expert
physical, occupational and speech therapy services at our six
outpatient Therapy Centers.
Helmets: Helmets are mandatory to participate.
Drafting: No Drafting Rule is in effect.
Race Day: Number pick-up runs from 6:15-7:30AM. Transition
area closes at 7:40AM and reopens at 8:00AM. Race day registrations
are $60.00 individuals and $90.00 Teams. There are post race
prizes and refreshments.
Refunds: There are no refunds for this event.
Directions from Route 128: Exit route 114E Salem, about
three miles from that point you will pass Salem State College.
At third set of lights beyond college, turn right onto Smith
St. At end, turn right onto Atlantic Avenue for 7/10 mile to
the Community Road on your right.
Directions from Boston: Take Mystic-Tobin Bridge. Exit
route 16 to 1A, or from Callahan Tunnel follow signs to 1A Lynn,
at Rotary, stay right continuing onto route 1A (heading north
towards Lynn). Continue straight through Revere, and Lynn. On
Lynnway, follow overhead sign to Nahant. At Rotary, go a little
more than half way around rotary and then go straight with ocean
on your right. Follow 129 signs. Stay to the left side of fork
at BP Gas Station. Pass After the next traffic light, take left
onto the Community Rd.
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3 Way Dash & Bash Triathlon - The 3 Way Dash & Bash
consists of swimming 1/2 mile, biking 12 miles and running 3 miles.
It is coed and encourages teams, individuals, newbies and seasoned
triathletes by creating a laid back atmosphere where you can meet
a great bunch of people and enjoy yourself. This course comes
highly recommended for first timers by a first timer! Lisa writes
that "It was an excellent experience and a great course for
beginners (which I am)."
- Time
Out! Productions - These coed triathlons come highly recommended
because most are held in the beautiful Cape Cod area of Massachusetts
and they are very well organized, both on the route and administratively.
The Falmouth Sprint Triathlon is a particular favorite. It is
a short ocean swim, very clearly marked 10 mile bike with few
rolling hills and a flat 3 mile run along the beach. The last
25 yards is run on the beach to the finish line. The volunteers
are wonderful and it is a great mini-triathlon for a first timer!
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Eastman Splash Mash and Dash Sprint Triathlon - This will
be our 6th year this June 21 and was wondering if we could be
put on your calendar. We have a limited field of 220 entries,
with many 1st timers choosing this as their first Tri.. Our size
is less intimidating for the 1st timer and we go out of our way
to make this a great experience for them as well as the veterans.
Here is a testimony from one of our participants: “I
have been competing in triathlons for 7 years, and I would highly
recommend the Eastman Splash, Mash, and Dash for anyone interested
in a New England sprint distance race. I competed in this race
for the first time last year, and I feel that it’s a terrific
race for beginners through those who have been competing for several
years. The field limit wasn’t too large – only around
200 participants, and the race was very well run and organized
with many friendly faces ready to help with any questions you
have along the way. The entire race was great fun, and I look
forward to competing again this year! I have to admit that my
favorite leg was the run. It was an enjoyable course with a mix
of road and off-road running!” - Jen Marts - GSTC
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Sandy Hook, New Jersey as well as
in states all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon,
it comes highly recommended
- Dr.
Freedhoff Challenge - This is called the Dr. Freedhoff challenge
because the deal was if 40 folks signed up, he had to do the sprint.
They showed up so he had to race. It was unreal. We had 51 people
do it and the weather was atrocious! However, everyone loved it
many have already booked future races and 2 are going on to try
the half ironman. One is booking a trip to Florida as he thought
it would be fun to race there. So overall, things went fantastic.
This review was written by Rob Matthews. For more information,
contact the Bariatric
Medical Institute (BMI). This event is directed by Somersault.
- Challenge Wave - We have an exciting 29th annual Smiths Falls Classic Triathlon & Duathlon coming up! We are pleased to announce the “Challenge Wave” in the Sprint Triathlon. The top 20 Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec Triathletes will go toe to toe, in the first swim wave to vie for Somersault Triathlon supremacy. Any participant believing they can finish in the top 10 can request entry to this prestigious wave. Challenge Wave participants forfeit their place in their age category to compete.
New Race Kit Pick Up
Race Kit Pick Up is on River St. adjacent to the T-Zone of past years. It will be in a tent, and all event site activities will be in this area. Here are the Race Kit Pick Up times and places:
Friday June 20th
Aviation Museum
Aviation and Rockcliffe Parkways, Ottawa
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday June 21st
Lower Reach Park - at the T-Zone
on River St., Smiths Falls
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday June 22nd
Lower Reach Park - at the T-Zone
on River St., Smiths Falls
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
- Try-a-Tri Race Report Julia Meldrum Smith
(Cornwall Transit Race, August, 2006)- Pre-Race Jitters
The day after fellow Learn to Run grad and lifelong buddy Maddy
Tardif announced to me at the Shelby’s Diagnosis run that
we were doing the Cornwall Transit Try-a-Tri, I started my training/reading/worrying/obsessing
about doing my first triathlon. Only after the Cornwall Multisport
Club clinic did I stop having nightmares about knocking over bikes
at the transition zone with a "domino effect". Amid
the excitement at my kids’ triathlon on Saturday, I really
started questioning myself and feeling sick. "Who did I think
I was, anyway? I was no where near fit enough, and I was a total
newbie at all 3 components. What was I thinking?" By the
time I went to bed on Saturday night though, I was feeling pretty
good. I really felt that it was great that my body was capable
of doing this, and I was grateful for never having faced a life-threatening
illness or major injury. I sort of felt obliged, as if I had no
right to not challenge my body, in light of the many people who
don’t have that option. That feeling stayed with me as I
woke up every hour or so.
Arrival: By 8am I had parked on a side street and was riding
my bike to the transition zone with my gear in my backpack.
I was glad to see that there were lots of spots left beside
the stantions. I was particularly pleased to see that there
was room near the ends of the rows. One of my big worries was
that I’d find myself wandering through the transition zone,
trying to find my bike in a sea of bikes, like a little kid
lost in the supermarket looking for Mommy. I set up my "territory"
just like I’d been taught at the clinic, taped my gels
to my bike, and set off to get body-marked. I was so excited
about being marked ("My God, I’m really doing this!!)
that I forgot to get my timing chip, my bathing cap, and goody
bag. Figured it out in time though. (Question: Is wearing your
triathlon bathing cap to Masters swim training as geeky as wearing
your goody bag T-shirt on race day?)
Warm Up: I think the only thing I really warmed up was my mouth!
I was so excited, I pretty much talked the ear off anyone within
5 feet of me. My friends Maddy, Christianne and I passed a gel
around to pump us up while the Olympic and the Sprint started.
I was a bit disconcerted when we had to leave our stuff when
the Olympic was about to start, knowing that the next time I
would be back to the transition zone was after my swim.
Swim: I had thought I’d be nervous waiting to start, but
when the time rolled around I was just anxious to get started.
I got 5 good strokes in before making a quick stop as someone
cut in front of me to get on the outside; I was swimming East,
they were swimming South! I had expected to get kicked, etc,
but I had expected that everyone would be swimming in the same
direction. Foolishly, I gasped in surprise and drank half the
river. I never got my breath back after that until I burped
just before the finish - then I felt great! Negotiated the carpet
up the hill, and then trotted to the transition, with a HUGE
grin on my face. The pouring rain made me laugh – to think
I’d been concerned about whether or not my new tri-suit
would dry well!
Transition Area: I scooted right up to my "territory"
marked with my day-glo, lime green towel. Wiped my feet off,
pulled on my "pre-rolled " socks and my running shoes
with elastic laces, pinned on my number, clipped on my helmet,
grabbed my bike off the rack and trotted off to the mount line,
loopy grin still in place.
Bike: Cool, cool beginning: totally awesome knowing I was doing
"the real thing"!! Getting on at the mount line, starting
out with cheering, clapping and lots of shouts of "Go,
Julia!" The girl beside me on her bike said: "I’m
going to stick with you, because my name is Julie too, and all
this cheering is awesome!". I felt great starting out,
and rode as well as I could. The crazy grin was now a fixture
on my face. Everyone was right, I was having FUN! Took all the
corners like I’d just had my training wheels removed. Half
way through the first loop I was starting to lag, and sucked
back some strawberry-banana gel. I don’t do well with liquids
sloshing around my stomach so I didn’t wash it down with
water. I have only one drink-holder on my bike (stolen from
my husband’s bike-thanks, Scott!) and I was carrying Powerade,
which I didn’t think would taste so good with the gel.
No problem though, I happen to like eating icing straight from
the container! I never thought having a sweet tooth would be
a benefit. A highlight of the bike was seeing my husband and
our boys, standing on a street corner under a huge umbrella,
cheering me on. I actually felt worthy of such a handsome bunch!
I’ve never ridden my bike so hard or so far. Somewhere
on the second loop I got my second wind. Throughout the ride,
friends and acquaintances cheered me on (and I them) as they
passed me going the other direction (or from behind!!). Heading
up the driveway at NAVCAN the second time, I did something wrong
on the downshift and my chain came off. I’m surprised but
it didn’t phase me at all. I just hopped off, put it back
on, and took off again, wearing my greasy thumb like a badge
of honour. I lost time, but not momentum. By the last portion
of the second loop, however, I started to get discouraged, feeling
like I was riding into the wind, no matter if I was riding east
or west. When Jen Suggars (one of my heroes) zoomed past me
on Edward Street, calling out encouragement as she went, I threw
a mental line out to her to play the mind game with myself that
she was actually towing me. It worked and sped me up and got
me to the finish line.
T2: Getting off the bike, I really felt my sore bum, and my
legs felt like jello. No time to feel badly though, as I racked
my bike, tossed my helmet, and wimpily trotted out to the run,
the cheering of the crowd kept the excitement high and the smile
huge.
Run: I had planned to walk the first minute, hoping that I
would make up for it by feeling rested and able to run well,
but who can walk past a row of people yelling "Way to go,
Julia!"? I did walk often throughout the run portion, and
my calves were painfully tight. I had set my watch to a 15 and
1 interval, with the promise that I would walk the one minute
so I could finish strong(ish). Those first 15 minutes were HARD,
but even as I walked several times for 20 or 30 seconds, I couldn’t
stop smiling. I have always found running uncomfortable, but
at least now I had a good reason! After my first self-sanctioned
walk break, I actually felt like I sort of hit my stride. I
still took little walk breaks, but I felt pretty good. Besides,
now I not only had friends slapping my hand and encouraging
me, it seems I also had a watchdog at my back. If I walked for
more than 30 seconds, I would hear an authoritative hand clap
and a voice behind me say firmly, "Let’s go, Julia".
"Okay, okay" I’d laugh, and I’d get started
again. Three times that happened, and I am grateful to Chris
Seguin for his nagging!
Finish Line: As I approached the finish, I could hear the music,
and the cheering and whooping for those finishing. My reaction
to the approach was not quite what I had imagined. I knew I
wanted to have enough juice left to do a fast finish, and I
knew I would feel pretty emotional, but I never imagined that
I would be sad that it was going to be over. Not that I wasn’t
tired, but after planning, dreaming, worrying, and training
for two months, I would now be letting it go. Yeah, well, I
got over that sappy feeling pretty quickly when I really did
run it to the mats. I, who still think of myself as a recent
Learn to Run grad, who has been the slowest swimmer at summer
Masters Training, and who barely knows how to shift the gears
of my hybrid bike, JUST FINISHED A TRIATHLON!!! I don’t
know if it was endorphins, adrenaline, or just a major, major
sense of accomplishment, but I was on Cloud Nine for hours afterward!
I can’t explain to other people what an awesome feeling
it was, except that I’m considering turning my body mark
into a tattoo!
Postscript: The Learn to Run clinic introduced me to the awesome
and super-supportive members of the Cornwall Multisport Club;
I learned that I really could learn to run. From there, I felt
confident enough to try out the Masters swim training, just
as a way to learn a another new sport, and I was introduced
to another fabulous group of people through Cornwall Sea Lions.
That led to getting my kids involved in the Sea Lions multisport
camp. Now my kids have done their own triathlon, and are plotting
to force a neighbourhood one on their friends when our pool
is done. The support, encouragement, and friendliness of all
these people, many of whom are elite athletes, has been the
foundation for what is now a lifestyle for my family. On February
18, 2006, I had no idea when I started that first run in the
snow and wind, what an awesome change all of the club members
would be making to my life. "Thank you" truly doesn’t
cover it, but thank you.
Esprit Montreal Race Report Julia Meldrum Smith September,
2006
It started about 5 minutes after I crossed the finish line
of the Cornwall Transit Try-a-Tri. Joelle Regnier stated so
matter-of-factly, "come do the Montreal Sprint, there’s
no waves for the swim, the bike and run are completely flat,
it’ll be no problem". "Duh, okay", I said.
It took about 2 weeks for me to actually commit though. The
swim had me totally psyched out. But after the evening when
marathoner Tammy Seguin told me how she started running to get
back in shape after her third baby (of course she started with
a 10K!!), and she inspired me with the story of Joelle’s
under-four-hour Philly marathon, I went home and entered online,
at 1:30 am! Of course then I had to email pal Maddy to make
sure I had my partner in crime - Lord knows I wasn’t going
without her.
On the day of the race, the weather was gorgeous. Maddy and
I got there nice and early, because I can’t relax until
I’ve got my territory all set up. (As if I actually relax
anyway!) Oh boy, what a place. The half-iron man had already
started, and of course I almost got in the way finding my way
there. The transition zone was a big parking lot, with rows
and rows and rows (and rows and rows and rows...) of bike racks.
It was okay though, because the rows were numbered, there was
a tree at the end of ours, and I had my day-glo towel and my
bright orange surveyor ribbon to mark my spot.
Maddy and I took some time to check the place out, and of course,
to shop at the booths (we each got race belts to pin our numbers
on). In addition to that smart purchase, the other smart thing
we did was to stand by our bikes (out of the way for once) in
the transition zone, and watch (and time) the Olympic guys do
their transitions from swim to bike, and to be able to actually
see where the mount up line was. Turns out it wasn’t where
I thought; we had to run down the road and up a hill to get
there. One poor guy came running back, because he had forgotten
his number. (Note to self: don’t forget your number).
Then we went to check out the swim area. I knew it was in the
Olympic rowing basin, a 2 km long "murky pool" as
Rob described it. As we stood near the side, looking across,
we looked for the Sprint buoys (it was not an "out and
back"; it was more of an out-across-and-back). Those buoys
were down... WAY down. That’s when I knew I’d made
a huge mistake. I really should have listened to my inner voice,
the one that had been reminding me that I can only do 75 metres
before I have to hang out in the shallow end. We kept telling
ourselves that we could float, tread water, dog paddle. There
was no shallow end here.
When we got to the start, it actually didn’t look as scary.
I figured all I had to do was make it to the first buoy (a giant
silver beach ball really), then I’d float on over to the
other buoy (a giant orange beach ball), and then just swim that
same distance again. The posted water temperature was 68 F,
but it had probably gone up a few degrees by our start time
of noon. 20 minutes before the start time, we got in the water
for a test drive. BRRR! Of 100 women starting out, about 5 of
us were without wetsuits. A second dip got us over the cold
though. When the race started, we purposely waited to be last
in the water, and it was great - no kicking, splashing, or drinking
the water. Still, I was having a hard time to relax, breathe,
and get a rhythm. I flipped over and looked up at the beautiful,
blue sky, and I immediately felt really lucky. I was then able
to focus on my stroke better (such as it is) and when I got
to that big silver ball, I let out a whoop. The swim was truly
the most amazing part for me, because I overcame my fear.
The bike portion was four laps around the race track. We were
given 3 stickers to put on our bikes, so we could peel one off
at the end of each lap. I was so worried that one would fall
off and I’d lose track, that I put them on REALLY well.
Translation: I didn’t so much peel them off as scratch
a bit off the sides! I found the track to be very quiet, with
only the sound of whizzing tires as EVERYONE passed me. Compared
to everyone else, with their aerobars and their solid back wheels,
I felt like my bike should have a basket and a bell. As an obvious
newbie, I got pats on the back from a couple of stars as they
zoomed past (hey thanks, drring, drring). I also got lots of
encouragement from fellow Cornwall Multisport club members as
they too zoomed by (thanks, Cathy, for making sure I didn’t
exit too soon!). Man, I really want a tri bike!
The run portion was a struggle, but that’s nothing new
for me. The first and last sections had speakers with music,
which helped. At the end of the race, we had to run up and then
down this big nasty bridge. At the bottom of the bridge was
the other club members who had finished before me, cheering.
Thanks, guys!
At the end of this race, I felt very different than I had after
my try-a-tri. While I was so happy to be there, (and, I confess,
quite pleased with myself for doing it!), I found myself busy
planning for the next one, instead of ‘jumping the couch’.
So far this year, the purpose of entering events was to motivate
myself to keep up with my workouts. After this race, I found
myself thinking about how to change my workouts to better prepare
for the next event, a complete flip in thinking.
The day after I signed up for the Esprit Triathlon, my training
schedule took a hit due to a family crisis that rendered me
basically housebound. I really wished I hadn’t entered.
Val Allen’s encouraging words after my first tri came back
to me often: "Perseverance, determination and a good measure
of inspiration are what get us through the tough times".
Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me, and inspired me with
their stories. Thanks, Maddy, for running with me, and for reminding
me that really, all a triathlon is, is a really cool day of
exercise.
- Somersault
2008 Event Calendars - I am pleased to announce that the core
of the 2008 Somersault Promotions event program has been posted
to the Somersault website at www.somersault.ca.
Somersault events are offered through 4 distinct programs,
from May to October 2008.
Eastern Triathlon & Duathlon Series, www.easterntriathlonseries.ca
Traditional swim-bike-run and run-bike-run triathlons and
duathlons at all distances from the Try a Tri to the Iron
226
Ottawa Run Series, www.ottawarunseries.ca
R running and walking events at all distances from 3Km to
the Marathon.
Kayak Triathlon Series
Traditional sprint triathlon cycle and run distances, substituting
a 5Km kayak paddle, for the swim or run of a traditional triathlon
or duathlon.
Outaouais Fitness Challenge
A brand new, exciting, mid-week, cross-sport, aerobic fitness
challenge is being introduced to the National Capital Region
this year. Look for a major announcement in January.
Wylie Ryan Kids’ Events, www.somersault.ca/kidsevents.htm
Fun kids’ 12 & under 1 or 2km runs and short surf
n turf races, associated with many of our adult events, in
which mom, dad, or older siblings can jog-a-long for free.
Entry is Open
Entries are now being accepted on our new “Eventsonline”
designed entry forms. You can now enter groups of people or
multiple individual events in one transaction. You can access
these easily by going towww.somersault.ca/enter.htm.
Early Season Entry Discounts
A generous 20% discount on one or more entries Is now in effect
for all Somersault 2008 events. Learn more about the discount
and the free change of event that goes along with it, at www.somersault.ca/earlydiscounts.htm.
Gift Certificate Entry Fee Option
That’s right, you can purchase a gift certificate for yourself
or someone else, for any race distance you wish, and cash it
in later on any event in the Somersault program. Check out www.somersault.ca/giftcertificates.htm
for more information.
Club Volume/Event Entry Fee Program
Any formal club or training group can obtain one free entry
for every 10 club members who enter any Somersault event in
2008. All you have to do, is contact terry@somersault.ca after
any event in which you had 10 members entered, provide the list
of those members, and we will issue you a free gift certificate
for any Olympic Distance or shorter, race.
Club of the Event Program
Its involves a lot of hard work, and at least 15 club members,
but your club can make up to $1000 by becoming a “Club
of the Event”. There are limited opportunities here, but
check out what is involved at www.somersault.ca/clubofanevent.htm.
Student Discount Program
We are proud of our generous student entry fee discount program.
From now until the event entry deadline a student born in 1984
or later can enter any Somersault race at a 40% discount on
the entry fee.
The Best of the Winter Season to You
We wish you all the best as you fight through old man winter,
preparing for the 2008 spring and summer, outdoor triathlon,
duathlon and run season. If you would like to discuss any aspect
of the Somersault program, please do not hesitate to contact
me at terry@somersault.ca.
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Austin, Texas as well as in states
all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon, it comes
highly recommended.
- Danskin
- This triathlon is hosted in Seattle, Washington as well as in
states all over America. An all-woman, charity-based triathlon,
it comes highly recommended.
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