Blue Lake Women's Triathlon---anyone done this?

[salsabike]

There is an August 1 Women's Triathlon at Blue Lake Park in Fairview, Oregon, that I am thinking about doing. Has anyone done this one, and did you like it?

[HillSlugger]

I think this is the one you are talking about. There are a few race reports that you can read.

[tjf9]

I've done 2 tri's at Blue Lake, one sprint, one olympic. Water is cold (but you knew that) and a little weedy in August, but not too bad. Bike is nice and flat along the Columbia River, but pretty windy. Run is through Blue Lake park and then along Marine Drive a bit. Not too hilly, but there's a little uphill right at the finish.

Overall, I think the AA Sports folks put on a good race, and this is no exception. Well organized and supported.

I'm undecided if I'm tri-ing this year, but if I do, I'll definitely do this race!

[salsabike]

Thanks, all. I am going to sign up for this one.

[jesvetmed]

Go Salsa!

[Susan Otcenas]

Yup, I did the all women's in August a few years ago.

Agreed about the weediness of the lake.
The bike is totally flat, but yes, it can be windy out on Marine Drive.
The run is flat too. I think the hill referred to in an earlier post doesn't gain more than 20 feet. Hills are relatively, but *personally* I'd call it flat.

As with most sprints, you get everything from uber-fit elite athletes to utter newbies. I remember passing a few gals on bikes who were toting around their u-locks. They were having a great time! It was really nice to see the huge variety of women out there. It was also really cool that 10% of the entrants that year were Athena class (150+ lbs). I really love events that support this class. It's so encouraging and welcoming to everyone.

I'm doing the June Blue Lake this year to prep for the Olympic at Pacific Crest. Don't know yet if I'll do the all women's in August. Depends on my schedule for the summer. I think I'm leaving on vacation the following weekend, so I may not have time to fit it in.

Susan

[salsabike]

Yup, I did the all women's in August a few years ago.

Agreed about the weediness of the lake.
The bike is totally flat, but yes, it can be windy out on Marine Drive.
The run is flat too. I think the hill referred to in an earlier post doesn't gain more than 20 feet. Hills are relatively, but *personally* I'd call it flat.

As with most sprints, you get everything from uber-fit elite athletes to utter newbies. I remember passing a few gals on bikes who were toting around their u-locks. They were having a great time! It was really nice to see the huge variety of women out there. It was also really cool that 10% of the entrants that year were Athena class (150+ lbs). I really love events that support this class. It's so encouraging and welcoming to everyone.

I'm doing the June Blue Lake this year to prep for the Olympic at Pacific Crest. Don't know yet if I'll do the all women's in August. Depends on my schedule for the summer. I think I'm leaving on vacation the following weekend, so I may not have time to fit it in.

Susan

I'm so ignorant...I signed up in my age group rather than Athena (I weigh about 175 just now). Should I have gone for Athena, do you think? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

[Susan Otcenas]

I'm so ignorant...I signed up in my age group rather than Athena (I weigh about 175 just now). Should I have gone for Athena, do you think? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

There's no requirement to sign up for Athena. I raced Athena the last time I did it for 2 reasons.
1) I wanted to support the category and thereby communicate to the organizers that women of ALL shapes and sizes were coming out for their events, and
2) because I wanted to see how I stacked up against women "like me", who were not the lean, hard-body types.

(Incidentally, I know that there are plenty of 150+ hard bodies out there and plenty of 130 flabby bodies out there.... But you see what I'm getting at. I hope. )

Susan