Cleveland Triathlon - Olympic Distance : Official Thread

I'm in for the Oly distance.  This has always been a goal of mine since I was a teen (I grew up there). 

Swimming will be gross, as it is in the breakwall and you will be swimming alongside an ore boat and in a shipping lane.  (think diesel fuel).  I'm hoping I'm pleasantly surprised and it won't be that bad.  Waves should be minimal, but could also be challenging b/c Lake Erie can change its attitude on a dime.  We'll see.

I drove the bike/run course on Sunday to get a feel for the "hills".  You can't ride it prior to the race since it is on the shoreway (freeway).  It has lots of long low-grade hills, more like long rollers but you'll be able to get some great speed on the downhills.  The bike course is right on the lake, so it there is a north wind, beware--it could be harsh.  There will also be no shade--again, it is a freeway.  The view will be brilliant, though. 

The run is again on the shoreway, up an off-ramp, up a longish low grade "hill" and then down towards the stadium. 

I'm so excited about this race I can't wait!  It's part of my bucket list!  Hope to see you there!

Edited by sungirl919 2010-06-22 8:00 PM

If you're doing the Oly, you'd swim from the right side (next to the blue boat (Goodtime 2) to the left, turn 90 degrees, swim next to the ore boat (Wm. H. Mather) into the shipping channel, and turn around and go back. 

Hope that gives you a good visual on the swim.

Edited by sungirl919 2010-06-22 8:25 PM

Considering how used to the Potomac I am, I'm not too worried about the pollution, but thanks for the heads up. I'm still finalizing plans, but looks like I'll probably see you there.

from what I've heard, it's cleaner than it was in the 80s when I last waterskied inside the breakwall.  Here's for hoping!

Once you are in the water, it won't be bad. I have done the swim portion of this race last year as part of a relay with bunch of my co-workers (we got disqualified but that's a long story). The water currents can be a challenge  there so you will need to sight more often.

The run can be a little confusing for the Olympic distance so make sure you study the route very well before you head out there.

I will be there this year doing the full Olympic distance this time. No relay team anymore