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Square Lake or One Last Tri?
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 2013-08-26 9:33 PM |
 239  |  Subject: Square Lake or One Last Tri?Hi all. I'm looking for any recommendation regarding a final tri of the year for me. I thought MG Oly would be my last, but I think I "need" to do one more. I'm looking at either Square Lake short (9/7) or One Last Tri short (9/15). There's really no reason for me to pick one or the other. Living in Savage, either will be quite the haul on race morning. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks. |
| 2013-08-27 5:57 AM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Champion 10018  , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Some considerations:
Good luck! |
| 2013-08-27 6:56 AM in reply to: BikerGrrrl |
| Minneapolis, MN | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? I have done neither of the races. I have only done square lake long. Yes square lake is the cleanest lake I have swam in. Past years weather has been an issue for one last tri. But weather is always a crap shoot, especially the later in the year. |
| 2013-08-27 7:46 AM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Regular 196 Bloomington | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? I spectated at One Last Tri last year while my husband ran it. It was an unorganized mess. I ended up directing traffic because the volunteers were late. Parking in the park is limited so they contract with neighbors to park in their fields. They assigned lots based on when you picked up your pack. The timing was seriously botched. The waves went off much quicker than scheduled. No timing mat at the start and a timing company that had no clue what they were doing meant there was no way to compare one wave of results to another - any times you see posted are relative. Jerry gave the first place trophy to the wrong woman - he was basing it on scheduled wave starts. Timing company also used wrist straps that didn't work so no splits for most people. The course - the lake was so shallow the start occurred in the mucky boat launch. The distance on the swim was more than doubled because the race director felt most people would walk most of it - yes they sent out an email after the fact stating that. Not many lifeguards - there was a group of racers who rescued a swimmer and had to hold her up until they could get attention of a life guard. The bike course seemed nice - I didn't actually ride it. The run course is a mixture of paved and unpaved trails. Unpaved is grass or rock. Hilly and challenging in a good way - I did run the course. Those who raced last year could get a sizable discount because of last year's debacle, but that wasn't enough to lead us back there. Renee |
| 2013-08-27 7:46 AM in reply to: peteweb55403 |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by peteweb55403 I have done neither of the races. I have only done square lake long. Yes square lake is the cleanest lake I have swam in. Past years weather has been an issue for one last tri. But weather is always a crap shoot, especially the later in the year. Thanks BikerGrrrl and Pete. Pete, |
| 2013-08-27 7:49 AM in reply to: BloomingRunner |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by BloomingRunner I spectated at One Last Tri last year while my husband ran it. It was an unorganized mess. I ended up directing traffic because the volunteers were late. Parking in the park is limited so they contract with neighbors to park in their fields. They assigned lots based on when you picked up your pack. The timing was seriously botched. The waves went off much quicker than scheduled. No timing mat at the start and a timing company that had no clue what they were doing meant there was no way to compare one wave of results to another - any times you see posted are relative. Jerry gave the first place trophy to the wrong woman - he was basing it on scheduled wave starts. Timing company also used wrist straps that didn't work so no splits for most people. The course - the lake was so shallow the start occurred in the mucky boat launch. The distance on the swim was more than doubled because the race director felt most people would walk most of it - yes they sent out an email after the fact stating that. Not many lifeguards - there was a group of racers who rescued a swimmer and had to hold her up until they could get attention of a life guard. The bike course seemed nice - I didn't actually ride it. The run course is a mixture of paved and unpaved trails. Unpaved is grass or rock. Hilly and challenging in a good way - I did run the course. Those who raced last year could get a sizable discount because of last year's debacle, but that wasn't enough to lead us back there. Renee Wow!! Thanks for the info. I have been leaning toward Square Lake (short) due to family timing. You may have just tipped me all the way over to it. |
| 2013-08-27 8:06 AM in reply to: BloomingRunner |
Champion 10018 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by BloomingRunner I spectated at One Last Tri last year while my husband ran it. It was an unorganized mess. I ended up directing traffic because the volunteers were late. Parking in the park is limited so they contract with neighbors to park in their fields. They assigned lots based on when you picked up your pack. The timing was seriously botched. The waves went off much quicker than scheduled. No timing mat at the start and a timing company that had no clue what they were doing meant there was no way to compare one wave of results to another - any times you see posted are relative. Jerry gave the first place trophy to the wrong woman - he was basing it on scheduled wave starts. Timing company also used wrist straps that didn't work so no splits for most people. The course - the lake was so shallow the start occurred in the mucky boat launch. The distance on the swim was more than doubled because the race director felt most people would walk most of it - yes they sent out an email after the fact stating that. Not many lifeguards - there was a group of racers who rescued a swimmer and had to hold her up until they could get attention of a life guard. The bike course seemed nice - I didn't actually ride it. The run course is a mixture of paved and unpaved trails. Unpaved is grass or rock. Hilly and challenging in a good way - I did run the course. Those who raced last year could get a sizable discount because of last year's debacle, but that wasn't enough to lead us back there. Renee Just curious - is the race at the same location as last year? They say on their web site it's a "whole new race", and is "now at White Bear Lake". I wonder if any of the location difficulties have been resolved. Either way - yikes! |
| 2013-08-27 8:08 AM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Champion 10018 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by dbrook1 Originally posted by peteweb55403 I have done neither of the races. I have only done square lake long. Yes square lake is the cleanest lake I have swam in. Past years weather has been an issue for one last tri. But weather is always a crap shoot, especially the later in the year. Thanks BikerGrrrl and Pete. Pete, I can give you a few more details on the hallmarks of a Front Runner event. The following happen regularly:
I've witnessed this at at least 5 Front Runner events. That said, I am racing the Square Lake short course for my first time this year. You can't beat the prices and as long as your expectations are low, it's fun. Just pack a cooler of drinks for yourself and it's all good... |
| 2013-08-27 9:54 AM in reply to: BikerGrrrl |
Member 291 Hugo, MN | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Square lake's short course is typically well staffed with volunteers. I usually volunteer at this race. Swim - square lake is a great swim venue. Nicest lake in the metro area, imho. The bike course is tough and right now 170th is really rough riding as you head from Norell to 95. The turn onto 95 will be manned to protect the riders, but you should be careful down that steep descent. Lastly, with 95 and 59 newly repaved it is pleasant in some places. The run is rolling and tough. It's 5 miles and a mix of dirt and road. I recommend the course for the sheer challenge. Your legs will hate you later, but it is an honest course. |
| 2013-08-27 10:24 AM in reply to: silentcs42 |
Champion 10018 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by silentcs42 Square lake's short course is typically well staffed with volunteers. I usually volunteer at this race. Swim - square lake is a great swim venue. Nicest lake in the metro area, imho. The bike course is tough and right now 170th is really rough riding as you head from Norell to 95. The turn onto 95 will be manned to protect the riders, but you should be careful down that steep descent. Lastly, with 95 and 59 newly repaved it is pleasant in some places. The run is rolling and tough. It's 5 miles and a mix of dirt and road. I recommend the course for the sheer challenge. Your legs will hate you later, but it is an honest course. Eek! My expectations for finishing time are now duly lowered |
| 2013-08-27 11:09 AM in reply to: BikerGrrrl |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by BikerGrrrl Originally posted by silentcs42 Square lake's short course is typically well staffed with volunteers. I usually volunteer at this race. Swim - square lake is a great swim venue. Nicest lake in the metro area, imho. The bike course is tough and right now 170th is really rough riding as you head from Norell to 95. The turn onto 95 will be manned to protect the riders, but you should be careful down that steep descent. Lastly, with 95 and 59 newly repaved it is pleasant in some places. The run is rolling and tough. It's 5 miles and a mix of dirt and road. I recommend the course for the sheer challenge. Your legs will hate you later, but it is an honest course. Eek! My expectations for finishing time are now duly lowered Well, I'm going to sign up today. Looks like my idea of a "quick" morning will need to be adjusted as well. |
| 2013-08-27 12:11 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Thank you all for your input. I was leaning toward Square Lake but your info helped me finally make a decision. See you there! |
| 2013-08-27 12:56 PM in reply to: BikerGrrrl |
Regular 196 Bloomington | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by BikerGrrrl Just curious - is the race at the same location as last year? They say on their web site it's a "whole new race", and is "now at White Bear Lake". I wonder if any of the location difficulties have been resolved. Either way - yikes! I am not sure - since we didn't want to go through that mess again, we didn't look. It wasn't at White Bear Lake last year. Hopefully things get worked out because it has potential. |
| 2013-08-27 12:58 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
| Minneapolis, MN | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Randy's races are fun in my opinion. Just don't expect the same polish that MG had. Since I'm doing the long the following day, I also am really hoping for cooler weather. This is awful. Saturdays st croix valley race (which I love to do ,by they way) is going to be hot |
| 2013-08-27 2:31 PM in reply to: BikerGrrrl |
Member 91 Minneapolis | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Just curious - is the race at the same location as last year? They say on their web site it's a "whole new race", and is "now at White Bear Lake". I wonder if any of the location difficulties have been resolved. Either way - yikes! It looks like it is a different location! The last couple of years it was at Big Marine Lake. I did One Last Tri last year and I thought the course was fine (luckily I like to swim because the course was 1000y instead of 600y) but the timing debacle really annoyed me. It was my first tri and never did get an official time or split times. Assuming they get the timing figured out, it looks like a good course for people who don't like to swim - only 400y for the short course and 800y for the long course which looks like it's close to an oly with half the swim length. |
| 2013-08-27 2:55 PM in reply to: peteweb55403 |
Regular 196 Bloomington | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by peteweb55403 Randy's races are fun in my opinion. Just don't expect the same polish that MG had. My thoughts too - Randy races are cheap and fun. He does a lot based on what he charges, especially if you register during the Black Friday sale. |
| 2013-08-27 7:16 PM in reply to: BloomingRunner |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by BloomingRunner Originally posted by peteweb55403 Randy's races are fun in my opinion. Just don't expect the same polish that MG had. My thoughts too - Randy races are cheap and fun. He does a lot based on what he charges, especially if you register during the Black Friday sale. I already had a good Randy experience. I emailed him with a couple questions and he responded within an hr in the middle of the day. Prompt responses to email/vmail above "regular" prompt always impress me. |
| 2013-08-28 12:08 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Champion 10018 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by dbrook1 Originally posted by BloomingRunner Originally posted by peteweb55403 Randy's races are fun in my opinion. Just don't expect the same polish that MG had. My thoughts too - Randy races are cheap and fun. He does a lot based on what he charges, especially if you register during the Black Friday sale. I already had a good Randy experience. I emailed him with a couple questions and he responded within an hr in the middle of the day. Prompt responses to email/vmail above "regular" prompt always impress me. That is rare... I am happy that he got back to you! I've contacted him about things that went totally unanswered. It's very hit or miss. I really want to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, I think he is truly nice. It's just hard to forget competing in a tough race and not having any gels/gatorade as promised (happened mile 7 of William OBrien 10 miler) or any water at all (3 hours into an Oly race). Just be prepared, that's all. |
| 2013-08-30 6:10 PM in reply to: BikerGrrrl |
Master 2808  , Minnesota | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? How about both?!! I'll be heading to the Sq Lake long course on Sunday. As others have said., set expectations are low with Randy race, but he's been getting better. Swim is clear and water temp will be super nice this year. Long course bike is smooth as most all of the roads are repaved or in great shape. Run is always a challenge with the hills and rollers out to pine pt and back. I'm heading to the One Last Tri long course the weekend after as well. The race was a mess last year and the folks at Tri Fitness knew it. New venue is pretty much the same as the Manitou tri. The swim looks to be a point to point (instead of out and back) and the bike and run are similar to or actually on the Manitou course. Much of the bike course is in pretty rough shape. I ride out that way alot so I'm used to dodging the bigger holes, but some of it is unpleasant. If anyone's planning to be at either race, spectating or racing give me a PM and we'll connect. It'd be good to see / meet you. Jeff |
| 2013-08-31 11:46 AM in reply to: leapdog |
Extreme Veteran 668 , Minnesota | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by leapdog How about both?!! I'll be heading to the Sq Lake long course on Sunday. As others have said., set expectations are low with Randy race, but he's been getting better. Swim is clear and water temp will be super nice this year. Long course bike is smooth as most all of the roads are repaved or in great shape. Run is always a challenge with the hills and rollers out to pine pt and back. I'm heading to the One Last Tri long course the weekend after as well. The race was a mess last year and the folks at Tri Fitness knew it. New venue is pretty much the same as the Manitou tri. The swim looks to be a point to point (instead of out and back) and the bike and run are similar to or actually on the Manitou course. Much of the bike course is in pretty rough shape. I ride out that way alot so I'm used to dodging the bigger holes, but some of it is unpleasant. If anyone's planning to be at either race, spectating or racing give me a PM and we'll connect. It'd be good to see / meet you. Jeff Right now I have the One Last Tri penciled in for the wife and me. She'll do the sprint and I will be giving the oly a shot (first oly). I know the swim is a little shorter but the bikelooked a cople miles longer. You said the roads for this were pretty bad? I hope not. I had a duathlon early in the season and it was rough with potholes, gravel, and cracks. I'll have a white/red Argon 18 E-80 if you see me there! |
| 2013-08-31 6:49 PM in reply to: lakelandsledder |
Expert 924 Western WI | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? I was at one last tri last year too... I'm giving it a second change and going for the short course. Hopefully they hired a new timing company. And it'll be nice to see what it's like in WBL. Thanks for the heads up on the road conditions who ever mentioned it. See ya all out there! |
 2013-09-01 9:21 AM in reply to: leapdog |
| Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
| 2013-09-02 8:09 AM in reply to: FoggyGoggles |
| Master 2808 , Minnesota | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by FoggyGoggles Originally posted by leapdog How about both?!! I'll be heading to the Sq Lake long course on Sunday. As others have said., set expectations are low with Randy race, but he's been getting better. Swim is clear and water temp will be super nice this year. Long course bike is smooth as most all of the roads are repaved or in great shape. Run is always a challenge with the hills and rollers out to pine pt and back. I've been riding the long course at least once or twice a week over the last month and there is one stretch of terrible road in Scandia, along 97. Unfortunately, this is the fastest part of the course and the shoulder of the road has bumps every 7 feet or so. It about rattles the teeth out of you. Outside of that mile and a half or so, it's a great course with plenty of challenges. Agreed. Smooth sailing everywhere but that stretch. |
| 2013-09-03 8:54 AM in reply to: leapdog |
| Member 291 Hugo, MN | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Square lake long actually turns SE on 52 (which is just a bit south of 97). I actually don't think that bit of road is all that bad, especially if you white line it. Continue east down 170th after Olinda sometime. That's a terrible stretch of road (and a good part of the short course). There is nowhere you can go that isn't pocked in some way. |
| 2013-09-03 9:46 AM in reply to: leapdog |
| 99 | Subject: RE: Square Lake or One Last Tri? Originally posted by leapdog How about both?!! I'll be heading to the Sq Lake long course on Sunday. As others have said., set expectations are low with Randy race, but he's been getting better. Swim is clear and water temp will be super nice this year. Long course bike is smooth as most all of the roads are repaved or in great shape. Run is always a challenge with the hills and rollers out to pine pt and back. I'm heading to the One Last Tri long course the weekend after as well. The race was a mess last year and the folks at Tri Fitness knew it. New venue is pretty much the same as the Manitou tri. The swim looks to be a point to point (instead of out and back) and the bike and run are similar to or actually on the Manitou course. Much of the bike course is in pretty rough shape. I ride out that way alot so I'm used to dodging the bigger holes, but some of it is unpleasant. If anyone's planning to be at either race, spectating or racing give me a PM and we'll connect. It'd be good to see / meet you. Jeff I'll be at One Last Tri doing the short course as my first ever tri. I'll be the total noob doing the swim in my running shorts.  Jeff |
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