161 replies to this topic

[paigebaby]

Wondering if any of the girls on here are thinking of entering this one.
I just registered for the Enticer course.
Love to see a few more CR's there.

[BoneyChic]

Hi Paigebaby,

Yes I am thinking of doing it, not sure what event though. Will enter once I decide and my bank balance looks a tad healthier.



BC

[tonedbutt]

Thank you paigebaby for bringing this to my attention. I am very tempted but might only be up for Try-a-Tri. My husband will hit the roof.

[tonedbutt]

This is firming as a goal for me. A little baby tri would be a great way to start.

[kb]

This is one of my favourite events.

Loads of fun and a great (free) t shirt.

I am booked in for my cortisone shot on 27th January which is a bit too soon for me to be racing on the 1st Feb. Looks like I will have to miss this one.

But hopefully I will be there to cheer on the CR girls.

kb

[paigebaby]

thats a shame KB, cant put the cortisone off for 4 days. Hopefully will see you in the cheersquad so i dont feel so alone.

[kb]

No cortisone = no run.

Cortisone = no run.

Sorry Paige but I can't win either way.

The 27th Jan was the earliest I could get in - however I am on a waiting list for an earlier appointment so my fngers are crossed.

Have you done your swim session yet?

Just checking

kb

Edited by kb, 01 January 2009 - 01:12 PM.

[Fred]

Paige, I guess I could call myself Tri Curious. What does the enticer entail?

[paigebaby]

http://www.trinswrac...asp?PageID=1165
that is the link,
its 250mtr swim 10km ride & 2.5km run, there is also a smaller one and 2 longer ones.
Should be fun as its all flat and you have plenty of experience in running the circuit.

[kb]

Fred, on Jan 1 2009, 02:48 PM, said:

Paige, I guess I could call myself Tri Curious. What does the enticer entail?

There are no eels.

[LaDiDa]

I am tossing up on which event to enter. I am not a great swimmer I think it will take forever for me to 500m...but at the same time I don't want to be doing enticer events for ever.

Its the day after I come back from a week of gluttony on Lizard Island so I doubt I will be in top form.

Sorry to hear about the need for cortisone KB and I hope it works. I had them in my neck for quite a while.

[Laimelde]

I've entered the Enticer distance, feeling pretty good about this one but I'm sure I'll be nervous well before the day! I'm a terrible swimmer, so the 250m will be hard, but I've proven that it's possible in the pool, I'll just have to remember to slow down ALOT on the day...

[melodee]

sprint distance here! signed up a couple of weeks ago....can't wait! i reckon it will be a great day good luck and happy training ya'll

anyone doing the penrith summer sprint series this coming weekend as a warm up? i put my hand up for the sprint distance (my first attempt at stepping up the pace) and i'm a tad worried cause i've had a horrid head cold for the past couple of days....2009 was not meant to start this way!!

[hidalgo]

Sounds like fun! Did anyone do the sprint distance last year? The website makes it sound really competitive.

[tonedbutt]

I'm in for the Enticer. So you wont be alone paigebaby.

[Aunty K]

kb, on Jan 1 2009, 12:52 PM, said:

But hopefully I will be there to cheer on the CR girls.

kb

maybe some of the Balance crew will race ??

AK

[paigebaby]

excellent tonedbutt, look forward to tracking you down at registration.

[LaDiDa]

Registered for the sprint after trusting my friends implicitly that "i could do it".

Look forward to meeting a few of the other CR girls. I am on a new bike and its all a bit touch and go at the moment

[catgirl]

Hi Paigebaby, I have entered the sprint tri. I was inspired to do it when I read Stellabellas thread about her experiences with tripink last year. I was very envious the organisers didnt bring it to the nations capital! Anyhoo, as soon as I saw the trishave I couldnt wait to enter! All the CR girls doing it should meet up somewhere, I will be on my own. Any suggestions?

[tonedbutt]

I've jsut been looking at the website. It's not cheap is it?

[catgirl]

tonedbutt, on Jan 6 2009, 03:06 AM, said:

I've jsut been looking at the website. It's not cheap is it?

I think you have a point there, especially this time of year! I thought about it in comparison to the entry fees we pay for running events but then I remember they are usually in conjunction with some kind of charity. A small consolation is that the shorter distance events are much cheaper.

[paigebaby]

Catgirl, i would love to catch up before the event.
i planning on staying in Penrith on the saturday night, so maybe we can arrange with everyone who is nearby to meet up.

[catgirl]

paigebaby, on Jan 6 2009, 12:18 PM, said:

Catgirl, i would love to catch up before the event.
i planning on staying in Penrith on the saturday night, so maybe we can arrange with everyone who is nearby to meet up.

Sounds great, I will be staying in Sydney (probably Penriff but yet to decide 100%). I will drop you an email closer to the date to organise! Good luck with your preparation!

[tonedbutt]

Had a bit of a set back today. Went to do some laps at the pool and wasn't really up to it. The heat maybe. I am doubting my ability to manage the swim distance in open water. Also, dont want to burn myself up with the swim and have nothing left for the ride and run. Maybe Try-a-tri is more my size at this point.

[paigebaby]

Dont give up Tonedbutt, if the 250mt swim is a bit much, then definetly do the Try-a-Tri. The swim should be fairly easy and flat as its on the rowing course, so i dont their you will be influenced by waves or tides. Im worried about the run as i still dont run 2km in one go without having to walk a bit of it. lol

[Laimelde]

PaigeBaby, I wouldn't worry about not being able to run the whole distance. Last time I did the shortest distance at TriPink, and even though I could run 3km in training, I couldn't do the whole 1km run in the race because I was so tired by then, I ended up having two walk breaks. There's no rule against walking on the run leg, so just run what you can and don't feel bad if you need to walk for a bit -you won't be the only one, in fact, I'll probably be right there with you!

TonedButt, I second what PB said, if you're really concerned about making the distance, there's nothing wrong with switching to the try-a-tri. I'm pretty nervous about the swim myself, it's by far my weakest leg. I think I can do it, but I've never swum in open water and I won't get a chance to until the day, so I'm a little worried about getting out of the water already exhausted.

[miners]

and don't forget that 250m swimming in open water is generally easier than swimming 250m in the pool. Even for those not familiar with open water swimming.

One of the problems with pools is that they're only 50m long. It takes longer than that for you to get into a comfortable rhythm. I think you'll all be surprised at how easy your swim stroke can feel if you're not forced to stop and change direction every 50m - even if you feel that you struggle with your stroke.

Besides which, provided you're near the back of the field, you'll be clear of the bumping of hips/shoulders that can occur, yet you'll receive the benefit of the newly formed current created by 100+ swimmers dragging the water in front of you in the same direction you want to be heading.

Each new season, the majority of pre-race comments a race director hears relate to anxiousness regarding the swim. And the main comments heard post-race are in respect to how much easier the swim was than anticipated ('don't know why I made such a fuss', etc...).

It'll be over before you know it - trust me - and then you'll be comfortably back on 2 feet/wheels

[LaDiDa]

tonedbutt, on Jan 7 2009, 12:52 AM, said:

Had a bit of a set back today. Went to do some laps at the pool and wasn't really up to it. The heat maybe. I am doubting my ability to manage the swim distance in open water. Also, dont want to burn myself up with the swim and have nothing left for the ride and run. Maybe Try-a-tri is more my size at this point.

I think yesterday was the day for it. A friend and I had plans for a ride and swim. Got there and I had issues with my front brakes and feeling very low on confidence. My mate kindly wrote it off to an inspiration day so we watched a Kona docco instead.

I think its important to find a balance between what you are comfortable with and what is a challenge. There is still a few weeks until the 1st of feb and thats quite a few days to get some laps in.

Where abouts are you located? Would you have a change to do an open water swim before hand?

I understand about not buring out in the swim. I am not a great swimmer and it took me about 8 minutes to do 250m at the regatta centre last time. So I just took a moment in transition to get my breath back and head together.

I would encourage you to give the enticer a go if you are even slightly curious. There is nothing wrong with taking a break in the swim, having a wee breath in transition or walking the run leg. The feeling at the end is well worth it.

[thomo]

Panthers Tri Club have open races this Sunday at the Regatta Centre. Both Sprint: 750m swim | 20km cycle | 5km run and Enticer:
250m swim | 10km cycle | 2.5km run .

People can compete or just have a look at how a triathlon happens from rego, getting your bike and transition area set up. Then to watching an actual race from the start, then watching the transitions through to the finish.

The water of the regatta centre has always been kind to me. The bike course is safe and the run course is not daunting at all. saviour the experience, you never know where it will lead you.

http://www.pantherstriclub.com.au/calendar...int.htm?ID=1512

Edited by thomo, 07 January 2009 - 10:44 AM.

[Ewoksta]

tonedbutt, on Jan 7 2009, 12:52 AM, said:

Had a bit of a set back today. Went to do some laps at the pool and wasn't really up to it. The heat maybe. I am doubting my ability to manage the swim distance in open water. Also, dont want to burn myself up with the swim and have nothing left for the ride and run. Maybe Try-a-tri is more my size at this point.

If you swim near the edge of the lake you can stand up and compose yourself and then start off again. Its not that deep the whole way but if you stay near the edge you will be able to see the bottom and know that if you need to stop you can. Give it a go, you will surprise yourself.

Good luck.

Cheers
Andrew

[melodee]

i'm only newbie myself, but remember it's ok to switch over to breast stroke if you need to catch your breath or start getting flustered in the swim. each time i've raced at the regatta centre they have had kyaks out there to help you if your in need. it's very safe. i just wish the sprint wasn't so late it the day....pray for overcast weather!! each enticer i've been in has had people breast stroking in the swims, and walking in the runs...i know i was down to a walk at times last time i was out there....it was sooooo hot! i know i triathlon pink there were ladies who breast stoked the whole swim, and walked the whole run....people will still cheer you on! it takes guts to get out there and just do it, and the crowd knows it

[tonedbutt]

So many fantastic supportive people. Thank you so much for the benefit of your experience. I actually feel a lot better. I would really like to do the Enticer, as it would be challenging without being unduly terrifying. I'm just going to get all the training in beforehand and enjoy it. Thomo, I would love to be able to have a look at the tri process in action. Might come out and take a look if not otherwise overwhelmed.

Again thank you all for your support and advice. Cool runners rock.

[Fred]

Do it TB. I'm doing it and have the swimming skills of a lead weight, the bike skills of a six year old, and an achilles injury. Bring it on, it will be fun! And if you take the Ewoksta approach you can literally glide up the bank of the lake pretnding to swim but with your feet on the bottom.

[Paul Every]

TB, if you enter the Enticer you will finish fairly comfortably.

When there are a range of distances catering for newbies the most common post-race lament is "I wish I did the longer one."

Do the Enticer and you will be saying "Next year I'm going to do the Sprint Distance!"

Trust me. I know these things.

[Paul Every]

melodee, on Jan 7 2009, 11:55 AM, said:

i'm only newbie myself, but remember it's ok to switch over to breast stroke if you need to catch your breath or start getting flustered in the swim.

By all means change to breast stroke if necessary, but please first check for swimmers coming up behind you.

I've had more kicks to head from swimmers obliviously and suddenly employing a breaststroke kick than I am now capable of remembering.

Have fun out there ladies, but please to swim and ride safely.

[kb]

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

kb

[catgirl]

I just did the ACT short course tri (300/7.5/2.5) - as a "tri-virgin", I would recommend the shorter courses to anyone thinking about entering but are possibly unsure about the longer distances. As I said earlier, I signed up for the sprint distance which now seems quite overwhelming! However, I now know what I have to concentrate on during training! I had a lot of fun and found it was just the right sort of challenge without being overly stressful. I am so looking forward to the Trishave in Penrith and meeting some other CRs!

PS I switched to breaststoke and even sidestroke! Geesh....but alas I didnt kick anyone behind me ...

[tonedbutt]

I really don't think there will be anybody behind me to kick.

[thomo]

catgirl, on Jan 12 2009, 04:00 PM, said:

I had a lot of fun and found it was just the right sort of challenge without being overly stressful. I am so looking forward to the Trishave in Penrith and meeting some other CRs!

PS I switched to breaststoke and even sidestroke! Geesh....but alas I didnt kick anyone behind me ...

Great work catgirl!

You did the distance. There are people who swim in an ironman triathlon doing breaststroke the whole way, that is 3.8kms.

If you need to have a rest or try a different stroke you are allowed as long as you follow the below current rules.

Quote

4. A competitor may use any swimming stroke for propulsion
through the water, tread water or float.

5. A competitor may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an
inanimate object such as a buoy or stationary boat. However, a
competitor may not make use of either the bottom or inanimate
objects to make forward progress.

So if any people feels a little stressed during the swim, just remember you are not alone and there are others feeling the same way. Help is close at hand if needed. I did a traithlon at the venue on Sunday and they had plenty of safety craft on the water.

My daughter will probaly be competing and hopefully I will be off on that weekend to watch her and CR's doing their tri.

[melodee]

apparently there were people in the panthers enticer on sunday that breast stroked the whole way. you won't be alone you can swim most of the way close to the shore if you want, and see the bottom just underneath you.

hey thomo...i wonder if i saw you? were you doing the enticer or the sprint?

[thomo]

melodee, on Jan 13 2009, 11:20 AM, said:

apparently there were people in the panthers enticer on sunday that breast stroked the whole way. you won't be alone you can swim most of the way close to the shore if you want, and see the bottom just underneath you.

hey thomo...i wonder if i saw you? were you doing the enticer or the sprint?

I did the Enticer, finished in around 49 minutes.

How did you go?

The water was nice and flat and just the right temperature.

[melodee]

congrats! i did the sprint in 1:20 so was pretty happy the water was lovely! there were people asking if it was a wetsuit swim...i was wondering why you would bother?? hee hee. was a great day, everyone was very friendly (as always!) and there was a great range of abilities - watching those super fast guys just zoom by is amazing!

[Paul Every]

melodee, on Jan 13 2009, 11:51 AM, said:

the water was lovely! there were people asking if it was a wetsuit swim...i was wondering why you would bother??

Because that's just what triathletes do.

If they can save 2 seconds per 100 metres on a 500 metre swim, then spend 20 seconds peeling off the wettie, they're compelled to do it!

When it comes to triathletes, David Lee Roth's maxim holds sway: "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how good you look."

Edited by Paul Every, 13 January 2009 - 11:04 AM.

[melodee]

i did notice an extrodinary amount of bling.......not that i'm jealous...much!

[thomo]

melodee, on Jan 13 2009, 12:13 PM, said:

i did notice an extrodinary amount of bling.......not that i'm jealous...much!

People don't have to worry if bling is not their thing.

Saw at least 5 mountain and hybrid bikes on the weekend, most in the Sprint, my MTB was in the Enticer.

All you have to worry with bikes is to have a roadworthy bike and Australian standards helmet. I actually bought some children and adult helmets just before Christmas at Kmart on super special for $3.50!!!

[catgirl]

Thanks Thomo! And I have to admit I rode my faithful MTB - with knobblies on! - in the race too, mainly cos I couldnt be bothered to put my slicks on.

PS I would encourage everyone to check their tyre pressures the morning of the race though, I road past a fellow MTBer and her tyres looked very squishy - probably only had about half the optimal pressure. Probably the only reason why I passed her!

Edited by catgirl, 13 January 2009 - 06:31 PM.

[LaDiDa]

I also did the enticer on Sunday Thomo so no dount saw you

I met my goal time to move up a distance (45 minutes ish) and am looking forward to the sprint distance.

[LaDiDa]

I wear a tri suit for the simple reason that I got one cheap. I wouldn't be too comfortable injust swimmers (I don't know how emma does it!) Some ladies wear a sports bra under their swimmers.

You can always pop on shorts and a t-shirt in transition.

I don't have anything during the event food wise, I just leave water in transition

I wouldn't post pone to later

[tonedbutt]

TKR, on Jan 13 2009, 09:20 PM, said:

the midi is very tempting, however I know nothing about these events except that I've watched Emma Snowsill last year. I have a thousand questions from what do you wear for each leg ?? swimmers for the whole event... to do you need to fuel, and if so how do you carry the food etc and in general how much? , do they run each tri separately...do they stage the start.. self seed etc..?

I haven't done anything to train for this event but can cover the distances of the midi but have never done all three in one go.....should I postpone to later?

I'd appreciate any advice or direction on reading material.... to "don't do it this time!"

TKR

TKR, it would be awesome if you could do it. I know nothing of these events either, and I suck at swimming, bike riding, and running. And I'm built like a brick barn. However, I am very curious and would love to meet the challenge. But it's not about me, it's about you. Up the page is a link to the Trishave site with all the info. All races have seperate set up for transition times and starting times. Only the sprint is competitive because the idea is to give people a taste of tri within their abilities. Apparently it is very well marshalled and they even have child minding.

So ther you have it. No excuses. Do it.