12 days out till first tri!
3330
Member
1318 days
RV posted 1 year ago.
Good luck!
I did the side stroke for my first couple of years of doing Tri's including a couple HIM's. You'll be fine. Good idea to get at least one OWS in before the race, tho. Enjoy the race.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
622
Member
470 days
Iron Dan posted 1 year ago.
Don't worry about the swim portion of the race, you will be fine. I have found that if you go into the swim expecting the worst, then it tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy and you will have a terrible swim. Try to stay as relaxed as possible and it will be over with before you know it. Congratulations on your first tri. Be prepared to become addicted.
317
Member
1171 days
triNick posted 1 year ago.
The swim here is not a mass start; it's a staggered start so there is 3 to 5 seconds between each participant. Good Luck! I'll be a spectator this year covering the race for my sites.
TRImapper.com - visual triathlon finder
TRIJUICE.com - triathlon resource blog
81
Member
547 days
Slimpee posted 1 year ago.
My goal is to finish around 1:35. I guess 1:40 wouldn't be awful but I know I can do it faster. I'd be happy to finish in 1:30.
What is a decent time for a first timer doing a .4 mile/15 mile/3 mile race?
833
Member
1277 days
JamieM posted 1 year ago.
I'd say whatever time it takes you to get to the finish in one piece is a good one. There will be plenty more events to worry about times. Just relax and enjoy this one.
16
Member
421 days
PNine posted 1 year ago.
LTF-Mpls was my first Tri a few years ago and I had similar concerns. My only swim training was treading water in my apartment bldgs small pool. The staggered start is nice as you are not "fighting" from the start. I seem to remember quite a few people who would swim from marker to marker and rest at each before moving on to the next.
I also agree with RV that side stroking has been a lung saver for me in the past as well - any way that keeps you moving forward I guess.
The only other "pearl" I can give is that it typically is HOT, so, as always, hydrate well - that does not include the Lake Nokomis Water. :)
It is a good event and a great atmosphere. Best of luck and welcome!!
Pnine
6
Member
433 days
ball6135 posted 1 year ago.
This (Lifetime) will be my first "Olympic" distance... I'm in the Clysd. class, so wave start for me. The water temp was 76.5 today, so not planning on having the option to wear my wetsuit like I did for Waconia...
Have fun out there!
81
Member
547 days
Slimpee posted 1 year ago.
Woohoo! I'm excited! I need to get a helmet, gloves (more for everyday riding), and convince my roommate to let me use his road bike for the race then i'll be set.
Well, i'm doing the Lifetime Fitness tri in Minneapolis in 12 days (july 14th). I can't wait! I've been signed up for this since January so it's been a long wait. I'm just doing the sprint so it's .4 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 3 mile run. The swim is the only part that worries me. I haven't practiced in open water yet and i absolutely hate swimming in a pool so i don't usually spend as much time swimming as i should. That said I am confident that if i get into a rhythm and perhaps do some backstroke (sidestroke is all i do) i'll be fine. The next hurdle is convincing my roommate to let me use his road bike instead of me mtn. bike. I'm also going to go buy some tri shorts tonight or tomorrow and make sure to get plenty of training in with them to prevent chafing.
If any of you are also doing this tri and see a goofy-looking 6'2" skinny dude w/ dark hair drowning or laying motionless on the ground please call 911.
Will report when i'm done!