Hashers And Mashers - Part 3 - Open (Page 18)

I went downtown to meet up with the fellows I swim with and we were blocked off the beach due to some "kids" triathlon leading up to Sundays Challenge race.  I didn't mind but I definitely need to get going again or I'll be completely retired.  Maybe I'll start working out on Monday.  The kids are really fun to watch and they have all the best gear (and really nice bikes!!).

I've been talking to lots of people coming to town for the Challenge race and it is starting to get exciting so I'm regretting I didn't sign up for the Challenge half.  But I just may sign up for next years race but then should I sign up for the full distance or the half?

As for this weekend, I'm in the bike lot all day helping the athletes and then on Sunday I'll be in gear bags from 6:30am to 6:00pm and then I'm catching finishers at the finish line from 8:00 to midnight.  I may not go swimming on Monday.

Anna - Have fun on Sunday. 

Saturday night here, my bike is in transition, my bag is packed and I've had a big dinner of lamb and roast potato (yum!) I have been feeling quite nervous but started to get a bit more excited this afternoon after wandering the race expo. But...

I've just heard that the course has been changed, which is a disappointment. We've had heavy rain last weekend, then more heavy rain the past 2 days, with more rain forecast overnight, so the organisers have cut out the steep hill and the second valley from the bike course as the road is steep and very slippery--one of the downsides of riding through rainforest I guess. It will be much safer, but it won't be a half iron distance . The bike course is now 40km...oh well. I'm going to have to have another crack at it next year now!  

Challenge done and dusted, race report here http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=522672&posts=1#M5043070

The course was shortened, which was disappointing to start with but in reality a very good call for safety's sake. There would have been carnage on the wet roads if they'd kept the steep hills in the race. Had a lot of fun, I've got a nice finisher's medal and a much better idea of what I have to do for next year.

Originally posted by strykergt Anna /Fellas Anna ill join you at the AG DFL podium. Olympic distance is too swim focus for me.I was counting on the bike leg being 28 miles to make up my slowness in the water but RD changed the bike route same as Sprint distance 14 miles not enough mileage for me to catch up plus the heat killed me again on the run. I really really envy your swim Anna. Bike is so much easier to improve than swim technique.You'll get your 70.3 eventually!!!! My report is here: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/RaceLog/races-view-container.asp?... Cheers everyone Carlo

I was DFL in my AG a few years ago at a brutally hot oly where i didn't eat enough and walked most of my run.  I wanted to avenge that course but the following year they switched from having a sprint and oly distance to only one race somewhere in between the 2 distances - and I never want to get on that brutal course in July again!  Off to check out your RR!!!  (Ironically, my current profile pic is from that race.  It's probably the ONLY decent race photo I've ever had!)

Congratulations Anna and Carlo.  You both did great. 

Anna - you sure must have been up against a tough crowd because your swim was excellent and you did quite well by my standards.

Carlo - same for you.  Your swim was slow but not too bad and your age group is one of the toughest and numerous.

So, I'm finished volunteering.  Saturday in the bike lot was fun.  My wife and I spent a bit of time helping Sister Madonna and hundreds of other athletes.  There were a surprising number of Australians (and coincidentally Kevin Cutjar who is taking over Challenge here is from NSW).  Lots of Germans, Japanese, and pretty much from everywhere else.

On Sunday we arrived at the transition area at 6:00am and I saw my first drone.  The buoys for the swim looked like they stretched out for many miles!  Made me think I would hate to do a full distance race.  It didn't take long before athletes were coming out of the water and we were struggling to get everyone their bags quickly.  I spent most of the day yelling out athlete numbers and guiding people who were disoriented.  Finally, they got me a megaphone because I couldn't yell anymore.  I was watching for my swim buddy Lisa who was doing the full distance for her 50th B'day and she came in quite late as she caught a lot of wind on the bike course.  I high-fived her and she carried on to get her bag and a hug from my wife. 

They fed us well all day and because of the heat they kept us well hydrated with water.  I also drank more pop than I've ever drank in one day ever - 7# cans of Pepsi.  They were so cold and they went down easy but I will never do that again.

After we had dinner we went over to the finish line to catch some of the athletes as they come in.  Lots of them come across the finish line then drop like rocks.  In the end none of my athletes were in need of any medical help and I just got them their medals, t-shirts, water, photos and families.  Ruby (wife) got several that needed attention.  Interestingly to me, the athletes I caught were mostly from foreign countries like Tunisia, 2 from Japan, a francophone grandfather from Quebec with his excited grandson, Australian, American and so on.

Sister Madonna came in about 10:30 or so and started handing out medals to the finishers.  It was quite neat to see athletes come in dazed and then realize who it was giving them their medal.  Many of the women hugged her.  It was really neat to see. 

In the last few minutes I caught a couple ladies that were overtime.  They were still excited and they still got their medals and t-shirts (but no official time).  Then the last lady came across the line and it was Stephanie a Quebecois I knew from our winter cycling sessions. So, quite uncharacteristically for me, I jumped out and said I'd take her and I got her on one side and my wife got her other elbow.  She was excited as she crossed the finish line but then she seemed quite out of it.  Still walking but not comprehending what was happening.  I guessed she didn't know me but we got her through the gauntlet of people.  She got her medal from Sister Madonna and then we found her friends and we got her a chair then left her.

At midnight they had a fireworks display.  At first it was just one big one then there was a several minute pause so we thought it was pretty chintzy but then it started in earnest and it went on for a long time.  It was a really good show.  My wife and I got home about 12:30am we were on our feet over 18hours and my voice is still hoarse from yelling.

Next day we went downtown to take some things in to the lost and found and who do we meet but Sister Madonna again.  She was suiting up to go for a swim (all alone).  We watched her swim off towards the Sicamous and she was moving along pretty effortlessly fast.

I really enjoyed working for the athletes but I regret I didn't sign up for the half.  For next year they've got a special rate of $500 for the full and $250 for the half.  I think I may have to bite the bullet.

I also signed up yesterday for the Cultus Lake Oly in a couple weeks (the 13th ot 14th)

i love that everyone loves the camelback delaney belt!!!

Gary - I had a look at your training log and I think you'd love an Olympic race.  You would likely finish with a sub 3hr time if everything goes according to plan.  You look to be in great shape in all three legs of the race and going from a sprint to an Oly isn't a big leap in nutritional considerations either.

BUT (you know there had to be a big butt, eh) - I think if you started out at your normal swim and bike pace you'd be fine and then for the run you could just hold back a little so you don't overexert yourself.  You'd still be under 1:00:00 for the run even if you took it easy.

I think Key West is the race I looked at (and wanted to do) last fall.  It looks like a really nice event.  I think once you make the leap to Olys and you've overcome your injuries you'll be unstoppable.

For training go to your local Library and find a book by Gale Bernhardt that includes an Oly training plan and look at the last 12 weeks and see if you feel you can do it.  You could even use it to make your leap to the Oly.  I really like her plans.

Don't feel you have to jump up to Olys.  If you don't feel ready next year will still work for you just as well.