DQ End of Season Sprint at Island Beach 10/12

the water will likely be ok in October - unless there is windy conditions or storm or something - and if you have a wetsuit - you can wear it.  Better than in May when it's in the 50s!  The swim is a short one too so you'll be out of the water pretty quickly.

i might play it by ear as it gets closer since i am pretty raced up between now and then.  they are advertising same day for an extra $10 - i might go that route personally.  but it looks like a nice first.  if you havent already - try to get a little ocean swimming in before the race day.

bob

I'll be doing the duathlon.  This will be my first multi-sport race.  Looks like a good course for a first-timer.

Thanks for the tips.

I figure the water will probably be pretty close to 60 and picked up a wetsuit for the swim.  That's definately the part I'm not prepared for yet.

 I planned on starting my ocean swims last weekend but the storm kept me away.  I think I could probably muscle through the distance now but would really like to learn some very basic technique so I can get through it a lot easier.  Pretty much just need to get the breathing down so I can keep my head down and not plow through the water.

 For now I'm just going to ride my MTB w/ slicks (so very jealous of the P2).  And should be okay for the run since all this started by picking up a nike+ at the begining of the summer. 

 I saw the jersey shore tri club, was a little discouraged that they didn't at least allow guests to read the forums.  Didn't want to just sign up blind without knowing anyone on there.

hey - i am in jstriclub - they have been very supportive of my rookie year - i have attended several open water swims with them, this year.  The membership is something ridiculous like $20 and you get a lot for that!    send a note into the club and see if you can get in on some of the swims right away.  they want you to be a member to join the clinics and i think if i recall - they have you sign a waiver.  but if you let them know you are relatively a new ocean swimmer - they will usually have one of their more experienced swimmers partner you.  their swims are week to week now since they have to decide based upon storm conditions, etc., if they are keeping their swims.

but you get a lot for the meager membership and if you live nearby (i dont) you can also take advantage of weekly track workouts, regularly scheduled bricks, group bikes, etc.

and the forum provides online coaching by some of the state's top triathletes.

cant say enough about the benefits of membership.

bob

 My experience has been that most clubs don't allow you to read the forums if you don't sign up. A why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free, but as bob said, membership is $20 I signed up 2 weeks ago and met several people, its a great group. I recommend going to the open water swims so you have someone to swim with and look out for you.  

 I would also recommend picking up a book called "total imersion" should be at most book stores in the sports section. I taught myself how to swim from that book then took a few lessons to improve on it. 

 Bob W- are you anywhere near cranford? 

Thanks, I went ahead and registered for the js tri club.  My biggest concern was that it might turn out to be a small group not looking for outsiders.  Seems like I'm really close to their stomping grounds since I'm usually doing my weekend runs at Manasquan Resovoir anyway.

Now I just ahve to get out to the beach and swim.

there's a manasquan river swim tomorrow - 6pm River Avenue beach in Point Pleasant - looks like the swims are moving to the river somewhat.  i am certain there will be fairly regular swims . . . even with the formal group swims closing for the season.

For the water temperature for this race, expect it to be around 67-72, depending on what happens with the currents out in the ocean (the ocean was colder longer than usual into July due to some shift in the currents out in the ocean, bringing colder water to the Shore).  If anything, expect that the water temperature may be higher than the air temperature, especially early in the morning. 

I've gone swimming without a wetsuit in the ocean through Columbus Day, and water temperature was fine.  Water temperature will be warmer for this race than the water temperature is through about July 4th weekend or so (It's always fun to watch the tourists run into the ocean in June and run right out ).

Your biggest concern for the swim should be the chance of some tropical storm/hurricane/nor'easter anywhere on the East Coast from FL to say MA.  A storm can be a thousand miles away and the waves and rip currents can be too dangerous to swim in.   But given one of the people involved in this race, they will not send you out if it's too rough.

Hi Bob,

You seem to know alot about triathlons.  Is this the first time for the Island Beach triathlon or did they have it last year.  If so did you do  it last year or do you know anyone who has done it.  I don't have a wet suit and cannot afford one.  Also I was wondering the level of people doing this triathlon.  I  have done 3 Danskin Sprint triathlons and always finished excellent in the swimming, 40th out of 1, 515 women this year, but am not so good at the other two events finishing alot slower in those.  I don't want to be the last person in.  Is this a good event for someone like myself who is not so good at the biking or running portion.  The biking is okay but the running is horrible since I have flat feet and am over weight. 

 It is super flat for the bike and the run.  It should be a great event, especially that you have 3 under your belt already.  I believe it is the first time they are holding it, if not, it has slipped under my radar