2009 Disney Danskin Tri

I've done that race twice and I was a swim angel this year.  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about it.  I live about 45 minutes from the venue.  On the one hand I'd like to do it again because I could easily break into the top 5-10 in my age group and on the other hand and I don't want to take a spot from a first timer and also for someone who has a few races under their belt there are parts of this race that are annoying...well just 2 1-the NO PASSING ZONES on the bike where I have slow to whatever the beach crusier in front of me is doing and 2- the swim is difficult becuase of the amount of safety support.  I almost got beaned in the head by a kayak the last time I did the race.  How is that safe? 

 Sign up early because it sells out.  Disney can be a PITA also so be sure you have LOTS of time to get from one place to another

Hi Susan,

Thanks for the input!  I would love to know all the ins and outs of this race ahead of time.  The no passing zone does sound like a pain.  Its not for the whole 9 miles is it?  Any pointers on the open water swim also?  Only have access to pool here, so I know it will be A LOT different.  I love Disney and know my way around so I don't have any worries there thank goodness.  I think I am going to take advantage of the deal and stay at The Contemporary in as well to make it even easier.  How is the transition stations, easy?  Thank you so much.  Hopefully I will see you there

Rhonda

I wanna play!  It would be great to meet up with you guys there.  I hear it's a wonderful event.

Let's do it!!! 

Hi!  This is turin into a party!  sounds like a Plan.  Seems I am the only real beginner here, so don't expect too much from me except questions!  Have you ever done this particular race before?

Rhonda

I sent you a post in your blog (training log). I started in the spring/ summer. About the same time as Kim, as a matter of fact. The best thing to do is get a training plan and tweak it for your needs. I (and I think Kim) used the one from here called "couch to sprint". I modified it with one I have in a book and changed the running around. 

I am doing my first sprint in three weeks

Robin.

Ok here we go....If you are staying at the contemporary it will be slightly easier for you if they have the expo and pre-race stuff there.  Keep in mind that the contemporary is   HUGE and your room might be far away from the convention center and where the race is. 

If you are NOT staying at the contemporary you have to 1-take a shuttle/bus/monorail to the race expo to do packet pickup shopping race meeting if you choose to go etc. Then 2-take shuttle/bus/monorail BACK to the parking lot to get your bike then 3-get the BOAT (they will only let the bikes on the BOATS) and drop it in transition. You MUST drop your bike off the day befoer the race.  THey have security in transition all night.  The transition area is nice and grassy.  the run from the swim exit to T1 is extremely short nd is brick and grass.  They will have people to help with your bike.  I would suggest knowing how to pump yur own tires and bringing a spare tube. 

The swim is a totally benign lake swim.  they have almost as many lifeguards as swimmers.  if you are nervous about simming you can ask for a swim angel. They will allow you to swim with a noodle if you want.   I did the swim angel thing this year.  I would HIGHLY SUGGEST that you learn to swim before attempting a triathlon....at least learn sidestroke.  My first swimmer could kind of dog paddle, witha swim noodle, but not really.  I pulled her up out of the water when she went unnder in the first 50 yards and basically pulled/dragged her thru the swim.  Honestly I am all for people getting into the sport but she had no business toeing the line.   My second swimmer was the PERFECT person who needed a swim buddy....She was nervous about sighting and was slow and steady but she could actually swim which was a bonus.  If you are a good swimmer then start at the front of the pack and watch out for the kayaks. 

The bike is an out and back.  It narrows in front of the golf courses in each direction and that is where the no passing sections are.  You can kind of pass but not really.  Its not policed.  Lots of people in this race have no concept of what "on your left" means.  I suggest saying "passing on your left"  so its clear what you are doing. 

The run is a 2 mile course thru the magic kingdom and very pleasant.  They have a photographer on Main st USA so be sure and smile big and get an awesome picture with Cindarellas castle in the background.    Good luck

That is most Helpful!  Where in the Contemporary should I ask to stay to be closest so I can walk to everything? 

Fortunatly I can swim well and not afraid of water.  Surely I won't freak out.  Sounds like fun.  Please let me know if you are going to be there, I would love to meet up with you.  I will contact you closer to the race.

Rhonda

Sorry I was absent guys - I didn't "subscribe" to the thread & lost it! 

Tink - I'm still a practicing RN at my local hospital.  Loving the Health & Wellness Coach thing, & trying to get it up & running as my full-time business - I figure 3 years.

Everyone - I live here in Cent. Fl. - so if you need travel advice - I'll do my best!  My son works at Disney...no discounts, but at least he knows where to eat! 

I've heard that this is the BEST triathlon for women ever!!  The only thing bad I've ever heard is that people have so much fun they forget to be competitive & their times suck. 

I say we all get together for an "after party" if possible?  Significant Others allowed!  Sweat Optional.

Welcome Lynn!

I think the few of us in this thread all signed up to be on their mailing list so we know when the registration opens.

I'll be signing up as soon as it opens!  I hear it fills up really quickly!

Hope to see you there!

Kim

Ditto Lynne.  I am told to sign up ASAP.  They have not posted the 2009 events yet but go and signs up as Kim said for the mailing list and assure yourself a spot.  The more the merrier!  Sounds like a party to me!!!

How is training going?  When did you start?  I only started a few weeks ago so I'm still stoked.  I hope it continues.  I chose this race because it is shorter than a regular sprint, and I know Tinkerbell will be there to throw a little pixidust our way!  Where is Stuart Fl?

Lynn,

I just went onto the website.  They were having trouble with the links on the site, but I e-mailed them & got onto the list.  Try the link on the site Danskin Tri & click on Orlando.

By the way...running isn't my best either...we'll be in it together!

Here are the 2008 distances:

I don't see why you couldn't do the 9 miles on a mountain bike.  Come play!