Last-minute advice for Chaparral newbie?

Thanks for all the great feedback; still unclear on distances as the website advertises 750m-15.5k-4.5k but everyone who has done it before says it's at least 750-20-5. Not a big deal, I can manage the longer distances but I like to know what to expect for pacing. I guess I could confirm with the race organizers, but if anyone knows please pass it on.

Thanks again, looking forward to Sunday! Almost tempted to ride over as a warmup, to avoid parking and traffic hassles, it's only 15-20 minutes from home, though there is the hill to consider. On the other hand it could help calm the morning jitters!

I did Multisport's Try This and Coral Springs.  Both times, they e-mailed out the race guide and the guide was also available on their website.  Reading this should both confirm the distances (I hope) and start to settle your nerves.

Definitely get to transition early and don't be afraid to ask questions.  One question I had was 'would people help me zip up my wetsuit' and the answer is yes!

I'm thinking of doing an Oly next May also:  Lethbridge or somewhere warm for you?

Iron Girl Lake Las Vegas May 9 2009; I did the sprint in April this year and it was so great I had to go back, but they are only offering an Oly next year so it seemed like the perfect motivation to move up.

I am guessing the Lethbridge race is a pool swim?!

Yep Lethbridge is a pool swim.  It's usually quite cold for the bike and run; I may or may not do it. 

Good luck in Lake chaparal.  I've just finished my last tri of the year and will be relaxing this weekend!

I will see you all there as well, my first Oly 2nd tri ever. should be interesting as I just started running this week after a knee injury. crossing my fingers that it holds out. initial indications are looking good.

 I live in the NW so don't know that area well so going into it sight unseen except for Google Earth.

Good luck to all and yes nerve are getting up there.

Are the results posted anywhere online yet?

I was 2:38ish and have my race report as a draft but waiting to see my official times.

Awesome, thanks.  Race report is up.

you both beat me, not next time though, 2:49, RR:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=128939&posts=1&start=1

Congrats on your races guys! 

I think that's the last race for me for my first season.  Which is too bad because I really didn't feel like I had my best race. 

It's nice to see that you had a road bike out there too, Calgary Clyde.  I was surprised to see so many people with very expensive tri-bikes for a local event like this.  At least the hill and technical portion below the hill minimized their affect. 

My last tri for the season unfortunatley as well, but like you guys I thinking I could have pushed a little harder, the run was down right horrible and I am starting a running program for the off season to get it wiped in to shape. might run a 5 miler in banff in Nov.

Like you said it was a learning experience and I can't wait for next year. I am definitey going to do more races next year.

Going to see if I can pick up a used bike and then add on to it, but might haveto drop the big money on a new one. Have to get that AFE approved by the wife first, maybe if I send her somewhere warm for a holiday she might be so inclinded?????

Haha, yeah, I hear you on getting it by the wife.  She was there at Lake Chaparral for the race and saw how many tri-bikes were there.  I make a point of showing her all the Zipp wheelsets and reminding her that they are nearly $2k for just those wheels.  Hopefully I can ease her into how much a new bike all costs so she won't have a heart attack on the sticker price.  So my plan so far is to build my own bike from a Cervelo P2C frameset and just try to pick up parts on ebay.  We'll see, I guess.  Not a huge rush at this point.  I just want to make sure its ready for next season.

Seems like we are in the same boat, Pasman.  I'm going to work on my running all winter long and try to get my 10k down to as close to 40 minutes as I can.  I know I can run a sub-50 minute 10k and having a 52m time in the triathlon was so disapointing.  I used to think running was my strength so something has gone wrong.

Clyde, I mostly get my bike training from commuting too.  What is your route?  I come from the south along the Bow River pathway.  I have my wife drop me off at the Southland dog walking area each morning but I ride all the way home to Cranston each day.  This season I commuted and raced on my Cannnondale CAAD8.  I just don't like the beating my bike takes for the commute and then risk having it all still working on race day.  I didn't have any issues, but I've had a couple closer calls when something would go wrong with the bike the week leading up to the race.