Subject: RE: competing as a Clydesdale or Athena when not necessaryI usually compete as an Athena, and usually win the division by a significant margin--my blog title "I'm faster than I look" holds true! However, I just registered AG for a local race where I've won Athena a few times, just because I want to race with my same-aged pals instead of being in the last wave of swimmers to start. One thing I've noticed over the years is that most people have no clue about Athena/Clydes division, especially non-triathletes, and even AGers often aren't really sure about what it means. I often have to say "I race Athena, the over-150 pound women's division" just to explain it. Then I have to talk about my weight. Which I am not fond of doing! Generally I race Athena to show that there are big, strong, fast ladies out there and to encourage other women to get into the sport no matter what their body type is. --Leslie |