athena vs. age group

[vicvroom]

I'm right on the athena border, sometimes I'm above, sometimes below. I will register for athena if I can. I find that, at least in my 35-39 age group, I place higher in the athena group. In Southern California the 30's and 40's are very competitive age groups.

[Running Mommy]

Nanci is Right, there are some VERY FAST Athena's! That being said, I usually race athena. There are usually less than in my AG of 35-39, but I've only placed once. I placed third in a small sprint in so cal last year. But of course there were only FOUR of us in the category! So WHOOPPEE I beat one person! ha ha ha
I'm slow, I've learned to embrace my stumpiness..
But DANG just being out there racing is FUN!!!

[Bron]

I'm curious now. What is "athena", I've never heard of it before. Is it a weight class (like being a lightweight rower)?
I've only ever seen triathlons being divided by age around here.
I hope nobody minds me asking.
Bron

[Brina]

Bron, yes, Athena (women) and Clydesdales (men) are weight classes in running and tri events (and cycling, I think). Since most participants in these events, or at least most elite participaants, are thin, and weight is such a factor in overall time, these categories have been created. I think the cutoffs are 150 lbs for Athena and 200 for Clydesdales.

[Bron]

Thanks for explaining that. It definately does not exist here in Germany.

I could image it being quite a comptitive group - 150lbs is not that much, especially for someone over average height and with a few muscles; most female rowers would be over that weight in spite of being very lean.

In rowing it is the small people who are considered to have a natural disadvantage (shorter limbs, no muscle), hence there being a lightweight catagory in higher level competition.

Do you have to weigh-in before competitions?

Bron