Well it is getting close to the Austin 70.3 Tri. I admit I am getting pretty pumped about it. It is hard to believe that I am approaching this as a "Training race". I have done 3 70.3's in the past 2 years. New Orleans 2X's (2010 and 2011) and Austin 2010. So I am approaching this as an experienced triathlete. That sounds kind of funny. I am no Andy Potts but I have been around. this is especially true for a race that I have done before.
There is a certain comfort level with knowing the lay of the land in a Tri. Layout of the transition area(s), it is always nice to no where to go. With knowing the bike and run courses you can already visualize your ride and run.
The WTC (World Triathlon Council) events are the "Big Time" for me. There are pros competing in the race. It would be like a golf Tournament with Tiger Woods competing with your weekend golfer. I get to compete in the same race at the same time on the same course as the top athletes in the sport. how cool is that!
Austin is a split transition event. The swim to bike transition is in one area and the bike to run is in separate area. This presents unique challenges and advantages. With 2 separate areas no one area can get overly cluttered with equipment. On the other hand you have to make sure that you have the right gear in the right area. in other words you better not have your running shoes in T1 (swim to bike). Transition areas are also referred to as being "clean areas". As you leave the area you cannot have any loose gear. everything must placed in a bag with your name on it. This keeps the transition areas safe and free of pedestrian traffic. Volunteers retrieve your bag in transition and it is taken to a retrieval area. I am going to have to do a dedicated blog for the volunteers that make it all possible.
Look for a post before the Longhorn Tri and one after with my results
No comments:
Post a Comment