Subject: RE: St. Anthony's Triathlon : Official ThreadTo NewJenny, Hi, welcome. I did St. Anthony's for the first time last year and it was my second tri, also first ever ocean swim. So I am not the best to give any advice. I know I had a great time and I thought the event was well organized, however not many to compare it to. It did not matter to me really but they changed the swim at the last minute to a side beach and it was shortened. I guess the water was really choppy where the start was supposed to be. I understand there has been a problem with the swim in this race before. My wave was at 9:30 so had to wait a lot and do the run in the heat. The swim was weird because there was sea grass or weeds or something to try to run through (I felt like I was going to get tangled up in them!)and the water was mid thigh almost all the way to the first buoy, I wasn't even swimming till I was almost there! Loved it though, love the ocean! The bike has lots of turns, some tight turns, as others more experienced than me, I guess it is called technical. But it was great, flew past lots of people, very flat course. The run is flat too except for a little bridge that has a slight incline. The run was through a beautiful neighborhood. The locals were great, out in their yards, cheering and lots had hoses running to drench us in the heat. I got a side stitch during the run that kind of ruined it for me. I was in great pain by the time I crossed the finish line. I don't think I did enough bricks in training. I have never done a different distance, but OLY is perfect for me, the distances are not bad at all. I can't run very much (not supposed to be at all due to a ruptured disc) or I would go longer. Best of luck, you will have fun! Jan |