2007 Races - BTer's - who's doing what this year??

They are not on the list but I am doing the following:

• Graham Beazley Olympic or HIM, Carleton Place, July  15
• K-Town Long Courwe, Kingston, Ontario, August 5
• Canadian Iron 226, Ottawa, Ontario, September 1

Ontario is much bigger than the list above would lead you to believe

Mine are:

• Ottawa River Olympic - June 16
• Meech Lake Triathlon - July 7
• Either the National Capital Tri or the Canadian (Haven't decided on distances for those - will see how the training goes over the summer

I did it last year.. ask away

What Bopper said

Don't worry about being accepted, it's a non issue.  Don't worry about your bike, it is the engine that counts.  Just make sure everything is tuned up and working properly.  I didn't find it to be an overly intimidating crowd at this triahtlon and really enjoyed myself (I enjoy myself at all tris though, thats why I do it)  Well organized and super variety of delicious food afterwards.  As far as the course is concerned, I did the Sprint distance, so thats what I can tell you about.  The swim is in a small, calm, but fairly weedy pond (?) Sandy/muddy bottom, not super clear.  It is pretty shallow throughout too.  I'm always a little nervous about fish, I didn't see any (whew).  Its just one loop and then you run a very short distance to T1.  The transition area is mostly shaded on grass.  The bike was hilly.  Keep in mind that I was training in Ridgetown all summer (there isn't a hill to be seen, I had to use the 401 overpass for any climbing I wanted to do) So its safe to say that I had close to zero hill training, and I made it through, just a little tired.  So even if you've ridden one hill, your in a better position than I was.  Into T2, easy short jog.  The run is an "L" shaped out and back, no real hill to speak of, just a small elevation.  One aid station in each direction, somewhat shaded, dirt road.  I think this was my first time where I was able to run the entire 5km (no walk breaks) and I remember talking to/getting encouragement/giving encouragement along the course. 

The weather was freezing, the water was warmer than the air.  The previous year it was insanly hot.  So you never know.  My understanding of wetsuits is that their main benefit is the boyancy factor, not so much the temperature.  I have never used one, probably won't until I start doing longer distance races.  If you train in one, go ahead and use it.  If not I wouldn't worry about it.  The swim distance is so short anyway, you won't need it.  I just swim in my normal baithing suit.  The in T1 I put on bike shorts and a top (on top of my suit) and wear that for the rest of the race.     

Hope that helps!  You'll have a blast. 

The food is the best part!! j/k (well sort of)  If anything else, it's motivation to go as quickly as possible so that all the good stuff isn't taken yet   I checked your log an noticed that you are doing the longer distance.. so I think the swim is two loops, but look into it before you get in the water.  They usually explain it all before the gun.  Also, we started from about mid-thigh deep water. 

Might be a good idea to go watch a triahtlon before you do your first.  It will give you a good idea as to how the race flows and what you should expect.  A habit I picked up from when I was competing horses is to "walk the course"  Not the whole thing, obviously, but the transitions can be confusing so I usually do a walk through.  I rack my bike and then go to where I would come in from the swim, walk to my bike, pretend to do T1, go to where I would come in from the bike, pretend to rack my bike do all my T2 stuff and go to the run exit.  Just like I would want to in the race. 

what is this? A second BTer joining me in the fun??  Nice season you have ahead of you. 

Second BTer??? I'm pretty sure its a crowd of three now Elly

Geoff, I see much of our race calender coincides with one another. It will be a pleasure to be racing you again, hopefully I can keep up with you this year.

My *updated* schedule:

Salomon Step-up #1
Victoria's Duathlon (volunteer)
Milton sprint
Guelph Lake I oly
Brampton Junior Draft with gocorey or AG non-draft with geoffs
Salomon Step-up #2
Belwood sprint
Owen sound Oly
Salomon Step-up #3
Angus Glen 1/2 mary

Not racing much this year. Focusing on IMLP 2008, but here's what I've got planned....

Ottawa 1/2 Marathon - May 26th

Milton Sprint - Possible 

Peterborough 1/2 IM - July 7th

Ottawa 1/2 Ironman - Sept. something (just for fun)

Scotia Bank Harbour Front Full Marathon

Yeah, thats what I meant.  Second BTer not including myself.  Grand total of three

Tentative Ont races:

• Lakeside Sprint Jun 9
• Binbrook Jun 17
• Coburg Sprint Aug 12
• Toronto Island Aug 18
• Angus Glen 10K, Nov 4, a definite maybe, since it's only 10min from home and I had done it last 2 yrs.

francisjade, I also second what Bopper said.  You'll definitely not feel out of place as a beginner.  Multisport, who runs this race, is a first class organization.  Their race is smaller and generally have a very friendly atmostphere and always great food.  In fact, since racing with them a few years ago, I haven't gone back to the other series.  Good luck at Lakeside, I'll also be there, but at the shorter distance sprint on Sat.