Revisiting AquaBike (or a tri as a relay)

[kizmet]

I did an Aqua Bike in Emmett, Idaho a couple years ago... it was awesome! I only did Olympic length because it was my first Tri, but it was a great introduction before getting into longer distances.

I have a bum knee with no meniscus left on the inside of my right knee, so running isn't really an option. After my Aqua Bike my boyfriend managed to convince me to try Ironman Canada and train to speed walk the run. I did that last summer with a couple of Halfs as warmups. One was done as a relay, one all on my own.

The thing that I found hard or most surprising about the Aqua Bike and the Half relay is just how competitive those categories are!! There are some really fast people! I wish that they had Aqua Bikes in Canada because I would love to do more of them! (we drove 1000+km to go to the one in Idaho)

My advice would be to consider a shorter distance, like Olympic, as an intro... Also do some open water training because it is different. Easier in some ways, harder in others. I found that I panic at first in open water when I can't see the bottom, but it just took me a while to get used to it. Also found I got super dizzy in open water from cool water in the ears. Ear plugs help a LOT!
Also, make sure to practice your transitions!!!


Have a blast!!!

[kacie tri-ing]

Aquabike is awesome. So is being in a relay! Go for it, and tell us all about it!

[spindizzy]

I wish that they had Aqua Bikes in Canada because I would love to do more of them! (we drove 1000+km to go to the one in Idaho)

It's too bad you didn't live in Ontario right now. Both of our series races, http://www.msctriathlon.com/ms/index.cfm and http://www.trisportcanada.com/home.php offer Swim/Bike at every race. Both series have at least been responsive to athlete requests for those that choose not to or cannot run.