Latta Plantation Sprint - First Triathlon

I'll be there on Sunday as well.  I'm doing the relay with my wife & dad.  If the interest in the MAP course is any indication, there will probably be a number of people interested in riding the route a few times before the race.  That can be good to get you comfortable for the race.

The other big thing you can do is participate in some of the open water swims at the lake norman Y.  They start with a wetsuit swim in April and have several more swims in may.  These are invaluable in my opinion.  You'll find me at most every one that I can make. 

My wife and I are both signed up for TriLatta.  It should be our 4th of the season by that time so looking forward to perhaps having a clue.  (well... maybe if I had a clue I wouldn't be doing this... )

We're racing Saturday though, but I'm thinking of volunteering on Sunday since I've heard that's just as fun.  And I'm now learning that several other BTers will be racing/volunteering that day too.

Countregirl, you may already know this, but for those who are unaware, the Lake Norman Y has Open Water Swims periodically throughout the Summer:

http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/lakenorman/programs/lnwaterfront/openwaterswim.aspx

The first one this year is in April, but you probably don't want to do that one without a wetsuit. Things get better in May and wetsuits are more optional. These are invaluable for getting used to open water swims. It's basically the course they use for the lake norman triathlon swim, but you can do two loops if you're in the first two waves.

Tommy

I'm also signed up for the Latta Tri on Sunday.  I'm completely new to this sport and just started really training 2 weeks ago.  I don't have a bike yet and I'm going to buy one in March.  Does anyone have any suggestions on where to buy a bike in this area and what type of bike?  Since this is my first race I don't want to spend too much yet. Thanks for the link on OWS.

Mel 

I'm also going to sign up for the Cane Creek race.  Was wondering if anyone here did it last year.  I've heard positive things about it and its sooooo close to home I can't pass.

Also has anyone done Tri the Pee Dee or the Hartsville YMCA races?  Both sound fun, small, not too far away and good for newbies.

Excellent!  Glad you made it. 

Nice helmet too!!!  I grew up in Cleveland and used to root for the old Browns... never got back into the new team (but I did move away as they were starting back up)

Hi there -  I am not registered for the Latta sprint, but I do live in Charlotte and I'm very new to training.  I'm looking for some training partners for motivation.  I have a road bike, but have not done any long rides.  I actually live right off one of the recommended Rocky River Rd. routes, but a) I'm too scared to ride by myself and b)  I'm too scared to ride with experienced cyclists.  I guess I need to goet over that fast! 

I am registered for the May 12 Clemson sprint.  Unfortunately, I have a trip planned during Latta.  I'm also interested in training with TriYMCA for the Lake Norman sprint in August.  That group doesn't start training together until April. 

I plan to swim at either the Dowd or the Uptown (Childress Klein Y).   

Welcome aboard!  Ultimate in Pineville has Saturday morning "no drop" rides that are supposed to be great!  I live in Union County just south of Stonecrest off Rea and have been doing most of my rides around home, in neighborhoods, and on some of the heavier streets, but I hear you concerns.  I have them too.  Check out the MAP thread cause several of us (I haven't made on yet) are planning training rides for the MAP. 

I swim at the Dowd M,W,F and its a great pool.  Haven't been to the uptown pool yet.

Hi there -  I am not registered for the Latta sprint, but I do live in Charlotte and I'm very new to training.  I'm looking for some training partners for motivation.  I have a road bike, but have not done any long rides.  I actually live right off one of the recommended Rocky River Rd. routes, but a) I'm too scared to ride by myself and b)  I'm too scared to ride with experienced cyclists.  I guess I need to goet over that fast! 

I am registered for the May 12 Clemson sprint.  Unfortunately, I have a trip planned during Latta.  I'm also interested in training with TriYMCA for the Lake Norman sprint in August.  That group doesn't start training together until April. 

I plan to swim at either the Dowd or the Uptown (Childress Klein Y).