BT Forum

I was up there for a long day of training and to cheer on some friends...I also did a short swim after my ride/run.

The water temp was 70...perfect. I did my swim without a wetsuit and it felt great. (After 80 miles/3 miles, the cool water was awesome)

It's muddy, but it's been muddy every time I've been up there. If you've done the race before, expect the usual...If you've never been up there to swim, just plan on zero viability. Not too different than Tempe town lake, really...

Have fun up there...The OLY is probably my favorite course in AZ.

Jasen, did you race the sprint? I hated to miss it but was in Salt Lake for a conference (this is Stan).

And Fitzy, last year's sprint wasn't cold at all. Very pleasant. The OLY/Half should mean even warmer temps. And yeah, if TTL is slick and green Lake Mary is silty, muddy, and chocolatey brown.

Hello, I am looking to do my first Olympic triathlon this year and have been debating signing up for this race. The sound of the hills, heat, and altitude are scaring me a little. I live in Salt Lake City, which is still not as high in altitude as Flagstaff- will the 7,000ft still affect me as much? I just got a road bike and will be diligently training for the next 12 weeks, but am a wuss with hills. How cold is the lake usually? I currently do not have a wetsuit.

Basically my question is, is this a good race for a beginner to the sport?

Due to the elevation, the lake temperature may be variable. Depends on your tolerance - it is too cold for me without a wetsuit! (and yes, it is brown and muddy with no visibility in the water, you won't even see your hands)
If you live and train in Salt Lake city, the elevation for you should not be a problem at all, its only a couple thousand feet higher than where you live.
There aren't many hills on the bike course. There is one longish rolling kind of hill and its a pretty straight out and back course.
The run has a section that is very steep and hilly. If you are a fair runner and have practiced a bit on hills, you should be OK.
Out of all the different olympic races I have done (Tempe, Bartlett lake, Mesa), I like Mountain Man the best and I am going back for more.

Edited by DrTriKat 2015-02-16 5:29 PM