General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New to Arkansas... tips? Rss Feed  
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2009-02-04 2:13 PM

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Subject: New to Arkansas... tips?

I'm moving down to Jonesboro from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and am interested in learning more about the tri scene down here?  I have one summer with two sprints under my belt and am on an Olly training plan hoping to go for the Memphis in May Olly as my first Olly. Any tips? Suggestions?  Thanks!



2009-02-04 2:37 PM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
My first tri was in Jonesboro last year.  I think it was called the Mr. Trophy Triathlon and I think it was May 1st..  Lots of hills, but it was really nice and seemed well run.  Tons of support on the road, and the run was one huge loop thru the park.  For us, it was cold.  Since you are used to the north, it will be like a summer day to you  I'm in central AR, but I'll be glad to answer any questions you have.
2009-02-18 9:41 AM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
Thanks!!!  How long was the Mr. Trophy Tri?  I was thinking about doing the Memphis in May Oly but I'm not sure... I am really thrilled to get down there.  But yeah, the temps in May will definitely feel like a summer day to me.  Are there any good tri stores in the area?
2009-02-18 10:01 AM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?

Nothing Tri specific that I know of.  There are plenty of bike stores and running stores here in central AR.

It's sunny and 68 degrees right now

2009-03-16 12:22 PM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?

So I'm two weeks into my new life in Arkansas and I'm loving it. I've also set my race schedule as follows:

6/13 Dragonfly Triathlon (Sardis, MS)
7/18 Mighty Mite (Forrest City, AR)
8/9 Shark Sprint (Rogers, AR)
8/15 Tri Arkansas - my first Oly (Arkadelphia, AR)

 Has anyone done these races? Feedback?

2009-03-18 3:34 PM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?


2009-04-06 7:35 AM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
Welcome to Jonesboro. There is a store on Main St called Gearhead Outfitters. They are really nice guys and may have some items you might need. The Mr Trophy this year has been cancelled, however, the Xterra Iron Will tri at Craighead Forest Park is still on in August. If you haven't been out to the Park yet, I suggest you try it. It has a nice 2.4 mile trail on the lakes edge. The road loop is 3 miles with alot of hills or if you are up to it there is 10.6 miles of offroad singletrack hiking and mt bike trails. Hope this helps.
2009-04-13 10:26 AM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
I second the ozark valley tri in June, the swim is in a clear lake (which is atypical for the midwest) and the bike is on rolling hills with a few climbs but the run is one of the toughest I know. Its a two loop course that is one mile up then back down and one mile back up and back down. It leaves you sore for a few days!

Little rock is only a bit away from J isn't it? THey have a few good bike shops. Northwest arkansas is where I live and we have a great Tri community up here. And the Fayetteville area has a plethora of rides. It would be worth your drive one weekend to ride the boston mtns and ride around devil's den (a 42ish mile loop that is never flat...)
2009-04-13 10:43 AM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
NW Arkansas IS beautiful!  We were up there this weekend...my husband did the Iron Pig Duathlon.   It was a really neat event. 
2009-04-13 12:32 PM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
Yes it is. I am in my second year of law school and really trying to stay in the area, but the job market will probably say otherwise... I'm doing an internship in OKC this summer...ewww.

I did the Du as well this weekend. It was a great venue wasn't it? I went into the race with about 3 training runs, and a handful of rides, but I did better than I expected.

Willy Pickhart (the kid who won) is a phenom isn't he! I train with him and I am always amazed how fast he is. If he sticks with it, we will either be seeing him in the Tour de france or Ironman WC...
2009-04-13 1:12 PM
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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?

It would not suprise me at all to see him at Kona.  He was amazing to watch coming into T2. 

I may do the duathlon with my husband in Hot Springs in May, but I like the triathlons a little better...swimming is my favorite part.   



2009-04-13 1:15 PM
in reply to: #2081253

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Subject: RE: New to Arkansas... tips?
Ya he did his first marathon the weekend before at Hogeye and ran 2:48 but bonked the last 8 miles and he said he was maintaining a 5:50 pace until then. He's doing cozumel and if he can train smart (he has a bad history of training too hard and getting injured) I bet he'll go sub 9 hours easy.

Good luck this season. Unfortunately swimming is my crutch...but I still love tri's a lot more. This was my second Du and I like them ok.

See you on the course.

Seth

Edited by trifishy 2009-04-13 1:16 PM
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