Gateway Triathlon - Olympic Course : Official Thread

It is a mostly flat out and back course, so times do go pretty fast. (depending on the headwind on the return trip).  The outer reaches of the out and back course have some rollers, usually have a tailwind on the way out, and a headwind on the way back.  I didn't look at your age group, but at 19mph  I have tended to be a slower rider in my age group.  There may be one or two slower in a given year.

I don't know if any of my ramblings are helpful, but I do love this race.  It's a fun course and not overly challenging for an early season oly distance race.

Think the course is actually a little short, but pretty close.  Not a whole lot of places for for the family to hang out except at the turnaround.  There was another spot at an old church that is on curve in the road between miles (6 & 7 on the way out) that would have a place to park and cheer.

I mapped the bike course out here in Beginner Triathlete.  I named the route Gateway Triathlon bike course

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=185301

I will have to agree, their course description left something to be desired.  This is the course that has been used the last 3 years.

Here is one place to get the water temperature:  http://www.fishingnotes.com/lakeinfo.php?id=7976

It looks like it's about 64F right now.

Two years ago the park was flooded, but the water dropped over the last week and they worked with the Corps of Engineers to determine if it was safe.  The beach was still under water, but we still had the full race.

The Corps of Engineers used to have a sight where they posted actual water temps, but they have revamped their website.

Water temps have tended to be in the mid to upper 60's.  I have used a sleeveless wetsuit , but last year I didn't use one at all.  If water levels are close to normal, you can actually stand up at certain points in the swim.  I surprised myself the first year when I popped up to sight and hit the bottom with my feet.  It was only about 5' deep.

I understand because I am a back of the pack swimmer.  Heck I'm just a back of the pack triathlete.

Link for water temperature:

http://mvs-wc.mvs.usace.army.mil/trans/gage/gage2.html

Pretty cold right now.  59F right now, but a few sunny days warm it pretty well.

I'm thinking of making this my first tri.  For that matter, it would be the first biking event and the first swimming event I've ever attempted.  I'm very much a novice, and am wondering if 64 degree water would warrant a wetsuit.

I've got a million more questions, but let's start with "will I freeze to death?"

Thanks,

Fat Boy

Thanks for the responses, advice, and offer for a loaner suit!  Glad I found this place!

Fitness background...  Once upon a time (in the '90s) I could throw down 7 minute miles all day long. A mile-long open water swim was nothing (did it a couple times each summer with Scouts). Mountain biked across the Rubicon Trail for giggles.  Then time caught up with me.  I packed on a few pounds after the Service. Then a series of accidents and injuries left me barely able to stand (couldn't walk more than 100 yards), so I packed on a few more pounds, topping out at 310.  Now I've got most everything bolted back together.  Foot is held on with plates and screws. Shoulder securely fastened with stainless steel wires.  Back-half of three lumbar vertebrae have been removed.

After a couple very miserable years, I can move again, and I'm determined not to let time beat me down.  To motivate me to keep going (and lay off the cheesecake), I sign up for one over-the-top goal after the next.  I just finished the Go! STL marathon last month (4:53), a Tough Mudder in October, and a series of other mud runs along the way.  I'm down from 310 to 245lbs.  I'd like to get back to basic training weight (175lbs).  Now I'm looking to do an Ironman, but starting with baby steps.  First step: Finish an Olympic Tri this summer, then a 70.3 by the end of the year, and a full-Ironman

I bought an old road bike from a friend and picked up some shoes...  I might be able to get 75 miles in this week?

I signed up for a week-long trial at the Y yesterday to see if I can still swim.  Knocked out a mile in 43 minutes, with an even mix of crawl-, side-, and breast-stroke.  I borrowed a 3/2 scuba shorty from a friend yesterday.  It's a little tight in the shoulders, but if I'm willing to live with some moose-knuckles, I can get it up high enough to work.  I'll have to try it in the water some time this week.

The running shouldn't be a problem.

So maybe this is a bad idea, but it's just the most recent bad idea in a series of bad ideas.  Remember, I'm not trying to outrun you...  I'm just trying to outrun Father Time.  I'm ok with finishing dead last, so long as I finish.

Speaking of time, are there cut-offs?  If I do this, I'm shooting for a 45 minute swim, 1:30-ish ride, and 70-ish minute run.  Glacial?  Sure.  But will they kick me off the course? Is there a sag wagon?

I read on the website that you need to meet with the race coordinator if this is your first "long" tri.  Is this really considered "long"? What kind of training do I really need to assuage any of his concerns?

Is there any support along the way?  If I blow a tire or wreck, will someone be along at regular intervals to help me out or at least drag my corpse back to the festival?

Is there anything for kids to do while they wait (11 & 12 year olds), or am I better off leaving them at home?

Is there really any value to showing up the night before?  My saturday mud-run (Muckfest) got cancelled, so I'm free, but I'm about 50 miles away.  I can't spend the night, but for a first time tri-"athlete" (I use that term very losely), is the 101 course worth the drive?  Is it worth driving the road course on Saturday?

Thanks for everything,
Fat Boy

I recommend attending the 101 course prior to the race, if you haven't been here before or are a little "anxious".  Quick go over of the course and a chance to ask questions. 

I don't remember any road support for the bike.  There may be a truck patrolling, but I cannot say I've noticed. 

I'm staying at the Super 8 and bbq'ing or picnicing with some guys in the Multisport Ministries group around 4pm on Saturday.  We plan on taking a swim.  Please feel free to join us.  I don't get to open water swim very often, so I like to get a little time the day before.  (last check was 62F water temp)  At least buddy up with someone.

There's limited stuff for kids to do.  It is a park, so there is a playground, but no activities for the kids.

Received my first race information e-mail today.  Almost go time.  Finally going to break 3 hours.