Gateway Triathlon - Olympic Course : Official Thread (Page 2)

I'm not too terribly concerned about tapering...  If I thought I had a shot at being competitive, it'd be a whole 'nother story.  As it is, my goal is just to finish...  Stretch goal: not poop on myself.

The swimming and biking this week is just to find a breathing rhythm and see what I can actually do...  And to figure out how the bike works.  Last time I rode a bike, 10-speeds were common and 18 was cutting edge.  I think this one has 27.

I know I can do the distance in calm water.  How much chop can I expect? I know Carlyle can get pretty ugly when the wind is kicking, but how bad has it really been in years past?

In some events, if you sign up for the long distance course but fall behind a set pace, you have to take the short course (i.e. half marathon vs full).  Is there anything like that here?  Will slow Olympic participants have to turn back at the Sprint distances? Is it even an option if I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed?  If I turn back at the Sprint bouey in the water, can I do the rest of the sprint course or do I get booted from the course entirely?

I'm planning on wearing an unpadded Speedo jammer for the whole event (because that's what I have).  Any concerns with this (aside from seeing a fat guy in a speedo)?

Do y'all carry cell phones on your bike in case you have to call in an emergency or catasrophic gear failure?  Do you carry spare tubes & tire-changing gear?  Do y'all practice changing tires?

Biggest fear...  That I enjoy doing this and become one of those gear junkies.  All my gear was either bought used or borrowed (save for my discount eBay speedos...  couldn't pull the trigger on used swim trunks).  I can't afford/justify "good" gear.

I plan on training this week, then making a go/no-go call on Friday.  That's the last day before prices go up again.  I've already been bit for $160 this week with Muckfest postponing to July 6th.  I can't afford to throw good money after bad, so if I can't do it, or if they cancel, I don't want to lose another $100.

Thanks again,

Fat Boy

12 miles on the bike tonight, then an even K in the pool.  I'm feeling pretty good about this...

My swimming is almost entirely upper body, so my legs feel pretty good coming out of the water.  I'm a little worried how my shoulders will feel an hour into the bike.

Thanks for the blog links.  I read most of the previous race reports on here, but I'll check those out tonight, too.  I did check finish times, and I think I'll be pretty near the back of the pack, but I'm ok with it. I also checked a number of transition videos.  I got permission from the Y tonight to do a few laps in the wetsuit just to see how that feels (it's a heated pool, so I don't want to push it).

I'm going to set up my own T1 in the drive way and give it a couple trial runs. 

I once heard someone suggest that you could carry all your gear into T1 in a 5 gallon bucket, then leave it for a stool to sit on.  Legit advice?

Thanks again,

Fat Boy

Ransick,

Thanks for the blog links.  I got a lot of useful info out of them, particularly on the gear checklist. There's stuff there I never even thought about...

Fat Boy

Nutrition is very personal.  I would stick with what worked for you in training.  I try to take in 20oz of water with Nuun on the bike.  I also take a small hand held bottle out on the run and refill at the aid stations at the heat dictates.  I have enough body reserves (read: fat) that I usually only take one gel toward the end of the bike.  As I stated earlier, I am a back of the packer and hope to finally break 3 hours this year.

There is a thread started for this. I will be there either doing the aqua/bike or volunteering - depends on the weather . I live in the area, PM me if you have any questions about the course! It is not a big branded event but a small, home town, low key race run by some really great people who LOVE triathlon.