Heatwave Classic Triathlon : Official Thread

Let's see...

.5 mile rectangular swim with wave starts.  If you get up in the front/middle of the waves there will be some good contact, but you can start wide or at the back and it's all good.  The wind over the reservoir (which is huge) can really work up some chop.  However, I've been out there when it's like glass and when it's white capping.  Never know what you'll get.  Visibility is damn near zero as the Rez is filled by the Pearl River.  So just be prepared to stare into nothingness and work on your sighting.

The bike is on the Natchez Trace which is smooooooth pavement.  Just rollers, so no climbing ability needed.  Usually, you'll feel like your flying one way and stuck in sand the other way.  Unless it's one of those special Trace days where it feels like you've get nothing but a headwind both directions.

The run works its way to a multi-use trail.  The first mile is open and flat.  The next four miles are shaded, but mile three is uphill, uphill, and uphill.  Of course, mile 4 is back down that hill.  When you start mile six you find out why they named it the Heatwave.  No shade and on black pavement.  If the Mississippi sun is out in force then it feels like it lasts forever.

Ok, so I made that sound really tough, and truth is, it can be.  However, it's also really well supported (the huge sponges soaked in ice water at the run turn around are a gift from the gods) and really laid back and fun.  As long as I live in the area, I'm going to do this race.  If I'm hurt, I'm going to volunteer.

Uhm. Are you planning on being hurt?

Heh... I certainly hope not.  The way I whine about running, you'd think I was always hurt, though.

Just planning on being a part of the race in some form or fashion.

Pics at heatwavetri.org.

And do a search on YouTube...there's a video from last year's race.

It's a good race.

Well. Apparently the race is just over a week away.

When did that happen?

Perhaps I should sign up?

I just looked at my time from last year. I will be hard pressed to do better since I've not really been focused on my training so far this year, and I have only done 1 brick since November.

But it's still gonna' be a fun day!

Not a fun day for me

My hip just won't cooperate, and there is a sprint in Memphis I want to do well in on August 1st.  Unless my bank pulls through and sponsors a relay so I can just swim or bike, I'll be working the MS Heat tent.

Well, I guess it will be a fun day even if I can't do the race.  I'll still get a ride in that afternoon at least.

Oops. I think I must have jinxed you.

Sorry.

Hope your hip gets better.

It had been sore for a while, and I stupidly kept running.  I'm trying to be smart with it now, but it's easier said than done.

Well the bank hasn't pulled through, but I got talked into doing the bike leg in a relay by a guy at Masters this morning. 

And now it looks like my second relay team is falling through.  This is getting ridiculous.  At the very least, you will see me at the MS Heat tent.

Bummer. I think it would be fun to do it as a relay. What's everyone afraid of?

No idea.  Even had a swimmer ready to go and willing to pay.  That was my big issue.  I didn't want to pay that much just to swim half a mile.  They wanted me to bike, I was willing to pay, then the runner starts waffling.  Blah.. whatever.  I'll just ride afterwards then go to the party that night.

Wave starts. I don't remember how many, but in the past it has been a few waves for the men and one wave for the women (and relays, I think).

Yep.  I think it was men 39 and under, men 39 and over, then women + masters + relays.

Hmm... The weather right now shows very, very light winds for Saturday.  That'll be a Heatwave first.  Don't worry, though.  It's gonna be just as hot as always.

Light winds will be good. I need some bike mojo...anything that will help is welcome!

And it wouldn't be Heatwave if it wasn't brutally hot.