Subject: RE: NYC Tri - swim and bike anxiety This will be my 3rd year doing it.
The swim is easier than most tri's. You do have to jump in off the dock - 5-6 foot drop. You have to jump in feet first...just cover up your goggles with your hands, jump in, and take a moment to gather yourself if you need it, and start swimming. But it's only 15-20 people at a time, so it's actually nicely spaced out. You don't have a billion people trying to swim over you. Then with the current (usually stronger with the earlier waves ), you're guaranteed a PR. It's kinda cool if you sight towards the wall...they have signs telling you the distance. At the end, grab a volunteer's hand and let them pull you out of the water and up the ramp. A bit of a long run then to get to transition.
Mounting/dismounting the bike...not that big a deal. Have your bike set up in your easiest gear because then it's that steep climb after a very hard right turn. It's steep, but certainly do-able...a very short climb. Just take it at a steady pace and be aware of other riders...especially those who forgot to put their bikes in their easiest gears and are weaving.
The key to it all...don't panic. And don't pysch yourself out before you even start. |