Colorado Tri's?

[HappyAnika]

Thanks Tri Girl!

I realize now I got off topic talking about my own aspirations for doing a triathlon, I wanted to add some info to Cheri's original question. There is a series of 3 triathlons that take place in Boulder, one each in June, July, and August. Check out http://www.5430sports.com/index2.htm for the details. They get progressively longer and harder. These have a swim in the Boulder reservoir (aka the Rez) instead of a pool, if that makes a difference, and the bike courses has some serious elevation. That web site also has a link to a triathlon in Steamboat Springs in August. There's another triathlon in Louisville, between Boulder and Denver toward the end of August, the Louisville Legacy Triathlon/Duathlon which has a 4.5 mile run. I have friends at work that have done all of these events. I just found this web site which lists all the events that took place this year (I didn't know there were so many! Geez!) http://www.coloradotriathlete.com/Calendar.htm . Right now it only lists 2006 events, but most of these are annual so you can get an idea of what to expect in 2007. And I guess the Longmont Tri is actually called the Twin Peaks Tri (everyone around here just calls is the Longmont Tri). Anyway, I hope this helps. I understand what you mean about wanting a specific event in mind to motivate your training. Good luck!

[cherinyc]

I heard that with the shorter length Tri's they end up being more sprinty. That worries me. Not that I plan on winning anything, but to come in dead last would suck.
Is this true?

Also - my BF has me worried about the swimming portions being in any reservoirs - he says they're nasty. Can't be too bad, can it?

[Tri Girl]

As for shorter distances, yes they're sprinty- but I'm on the slow end, and I've yet to come in dead last. Plus, most of the races I've done the last place person gets more cheers than the first place people. Chances are pretty slim that you'll be the last one. Odds are more in your favor that there will be plenty of other people there that are slower than you.

And as far as resevoir swimming, I prefer open water to pool swims. I don't like the "one at a time" format (because usually I'm near the end, and by the time I start my swim, the first people in the pool are almost done with the whole race-depressing) and also because part of the fun for me is everybody starting at the same time and the dynamics of everyone doing it together. And sure, lakes/resevoirs are dirty and grimy- but who cares. I only accidentally drink "some" of the water, and it's probably better that I can't see to the bottom (too many creatures/things floating about). It's a semi-rare instance that anyone catches a nasty bacteria (girardia), so just try not to swallow the water and you'll be fine.

[HappyAnika]

I wouldn't think of the Longmot Tri as being sprinty, at least not the portion that I saw. Your wave is determined by your estimated swim time. I'm not sure I understand this logic, but they start the slower people first. The elite people were just finishing their swims as DH and friends were finishing the entire race. So whoever came in last in terms of time was not the last to cross the finish line. This race attracted all sorts. The top finishers were averaging 26 - 28 mph on their Tri bikes. At the same time I saw people riding mountain bikes, and beat up rusted out old cruisers. I saw several competitors that were obese, people I wouldn't expect to see in a triathlon. I think you'd really have to be trying to come in last. I think the elite triathletes might have treated it as a sprint, but not the average recreational people like DH and friends.

Friends I've talked to that have a fear of open water fear it more from a potential drowning hazard rather than an icky water thing. The worst I've heard is a fish touching someone's foot. The Boulder res is open for swimming in the summer, its quite popular. I've never heard of it being a health hazard.