Deer Creek Olympic Triathlon : Official Thread (Page 4)

Great job on the come back!  Have a great race.

I similarly did a few tris, took years and years off then came back in 2008.  Keep it up.

Just in case anyone is dying to know, here's my follow-up:

Wetsuitrental.com sent me a petite wetsuit (I'm 5'9"), so that didn't work.    They quickly shipped me another one (that fit this time, yay!) and I tried it out at Deer Creek on Sunday.  The water temp felt great, the suit was a bit constricting (but I was expecting that), and yes, I did panic (this was my first OW swim since I was a little kid).  I went early in the morning to beat the heat (and people) of Memorial Day weekend, so there was only me and one other family there at 8am.  No people around, no waves, no splashing, and I still freaked out after opening my eyes and looking down into the green murky water.  I floated on my back for a bit and that freaked me out too because I couldn't tell where the lake was floating me to- open water is so disorienting.    I turned back over and kept my head out of the water like a turtle and did a lame version of the breaststroke until I got scared of how far out I'd gone and booked it back to shore.  I was so ashamed of how quickly I panicked that I didn't get back in the water- I really should have.  That, and a group from "Team in Training" arrived to practice and I felt very inadequate...  Oh well, at least I know what to expect come Sunday (plus all the other people splashing around, etc).

In an attempt to answer my own questions I would say:

-Agreed, washing myself off in the lake would be better than the facilities there (which were all locked up this past Sunday, but I'm assuming they'll be open on race day since Ohio State Parks "officially" open on Memorial Day)

-Running up the hill to the transition area in flip-flops is a no-go (wet feet + flip-flops + hill = no success).  I do hope they rake the area where we'll run up the hill or I'll be watching out for (and hopefully successfully dodging) a LOT of goose poop and pine cones.

-Not sure if my budget will allow for any costume items, but we'll see.

Couple of observations:

-Following the course map that was posted until a couple days ago, I went 2.4 miles out of my way on the bike course because I accidently turned onto 207 from Badger instead of continuing straight onto Mouser.  I thought that was the street the "Girls Tri Too" bike route took, but it turns out Mouser jumps around a bit.  There were no signs indicating I was meeting up with 207, so I thought it was time to turn right.  Oh well.  I did learn to pay attention for the silver painted arrows on the road indicating where to go, those helped a lot once I realized they were there.

-I love the skull and cross bones "gravel ahead" painting at one of the intersections.  Nice job whoever painted that. 

-It's the first hill on the bike that really gets ya, the one 9.9 miles in (runs the length of the open pit mine if you're looking at the area via satellite view).  I tried to stand up for it, but I ended up getting off and walking about half way.  My legs could've tolerated it, but my heart rate was way too high, so I decided to walk it.  The second hill was very "doable" since it's not so steep.

-The run course is awesome!  Feels much shorter than 3 miles because it's just an enjoyable run.  The grass portion near the dam was great- gorgeous view of the lake and no heat coming off the pavement onto my face or seeping through my shoes to make my feet hot- I loved running on the grass!

I'm so excited!  The weather looks PERFECT, the water temp is just right, and I'll hopefully get to meet some of you!  I'll be in a gray and neon green 2XU trisuit near the Athena rack.  Stop by and introduce yourself if you'd like.  I'll be looking for the LMFAO outfits.  Three days, woohoo!!  

I'll be there in my pink zebra print shorts and black top.  I think I'll even do my nails in hot pink and black (what nails I have, that is).

So thankful I have no cape this year!

I'll be there on Sunday, cheering you on with a flask of Bullit. Anyone who needs a pre-race shot come see me. There are certian BT'ers, who shall remain nameless, who have raced after a warm-up of Bullit and have told me that it works wonders for improving their performance.

I also intend to show up on the bike course somewhere and be generally obnoxious.

excellent job getting out there!

yes, the wetsuit constriction and open water can be intimidating.

next time you are out and you see another yahoo in a wetsuit, don't feel intimidated - many of them were once where you are now and most people are happy to come along side you. 

race day the water will still be ope and the wetsuit still constricting but there will be LOTS of support.  people in kayaks or other boats, spectators, participants. 

use the other participants as a guide rather than be caught in a scary mob - STAY to teh right, left or back of the pack.  there will be others that are new.  even if you start in the back there will be people who catch you from the next wave but you will not be mobbed.

at transition set up talk to people around you - everyone loves to help.  they just usually want to be asked first.

PS -don't count on the showers being on.

I'm excited about race day- I am transitioning from triathlete to runner (reversing the 2008 year.)  so i am going to do my usual swim (strong and steady) bike at 85-90% of previoous efforts and REALLY PUSH the 10k.

I am not going not rush transitions like usual -not going to dilly dally but i won't fly through.

I have not been swimming or biking much (other than TOSRV).  i have been increasing my run base but the going is slow with problems in my right foot.  typically after a mile or so the pain subsides and i can motor - so mile one I just need to get through it and then hopefully run a 40 - 41 min 10k.  if you see me on the run course remind me not to be a wus.  i am realistic in my old age - if my pain does not subside or gets worse i will not injure myself to reach this days goal.

Prediction for water temp???

Getting excited.....Hope to meet some of you!

Caleb

You guys are going to make me the only one...  That's ok.  I'll wear my animal-print proudly!

Everyone did a GREAT JOB!!!  Congrats to Twink (2nd place in AG, Sprint), Margo (3rd place AG, Sprint) and everyone else who KICKED BUTT and got a PR, completed their first TRI or just had a great day racing!  I don't think times are up yet?!? but I can't wait to see how everyone did!

I hope you enjoyed my sign, "Worst Parade Ever" and I know I saw several of you on the bike course- I was right after the first hill.  (I forgot my lighter so I couldn't start my grill- and of course I couldn't find anyone who smoked!)

Didn't see any of you guys or the sign at the top of the hill.  I was probably the last to finish the sprint, so I'm not surprised my hubby was the only on around to see me finish.    I uploaded pics of my outfit and a video of my race finish to my album.  For "beginners" you guys sure are fast if you're placing within your age groups- wow, congrats!!

Is anyone doing the HFP Maumee Bay tri in a couple weeks?  Despite my abysmal performance at Deer Creek I'll be at Maumee bay to "tri" again.