Lake Minnetonka Tri - 6/15/2013

In the e-mail about the open water swim clinic next week, the RD says he's planning on 65.  I think he pulled that number from his hope chest. 

Anyway, I have glued up all the rips in my wet suit and I'm shivering now just thinking about it!  I can't tell you how NOT excited I am. At the very least, it better be a cool race day overall so we get some benefit from the crazy weather.  I wouldn't mind a sprinkly run again...

Well, I really would like to see you there but not if it's going to hurt/injure you further to race!

The swim is at 6:30.

I just got back from riding the course.  It's as awesome as usual, although I really hope they sweep the shoulders.  There are big rocks and other debris on the first stretch.  I forgot how relatively easy the route is, so I am pumped.

NO, I didn't stick a toe in the water.  Thought about it. 

It is a half mile course and yes, it goes pretty far from shore. You definitely don't cut in closer the shore line.  Unless you're in the first wave, and the fastest swimmer, there will be a pretty good draft going in the direction of swim out.  This is a very fast course for me, anyway.  There's a buoy you have to swim to and around.  You can see two corners in Shaun's map, I think there are just two buoys.  The rest is lined with kayaks & paddleboarders. 

I can't remember exactly where the swim out is, but it's pretty close to the point.  Also verified by Shaun's map

They will talk about this as the meeting, but what they do is line the rocky edge with carpet into and coming out of the water.  So you swim until you see carpet.  Along the edge, on both sides, are people in the water who will help you in.  So, swim swim swim until you are pretty much guided up and out of the water.  It's very easy to do if you just look for the carpet.  There's a fair run into transition, so consider that when picking your T area, based on your strengths.  The bike out is at the opposite corner of where you run in.   If you don't like running with  your bike, put your stuff nearest to the park shelter.

I think it's opposite of bike out/in, but don't quote me on it.

Originally posted by Dandy_Girl Ok, so I have to tell you this... As I was re-reading this thread today at lunch, I was remembering how last year I would read through these threads and it would scare me! I've since learned, there are very few real beginners on the BT site! This is only my 2nd Tri... my goals are to finish and not throw up. Transition area strategies are out of my league! None-the-less, it's fun to read everyone's comments. Looking forward to seeing/meeting some of you at the swim tonight! Finally a warmer day!

I think there are a TON of "real" beginners on this site, but they just don't speak up.  Can you imagine how boring it would be having beginners give other beginners advice?  Okay, that happens too

I am glad you're still around and glad you're engaging in the community!   And by the way, this race is a LOT LOT LOT easier than Lake Waconia.   You will be far from throw-up mode

When I first came to BT I knew NOTHING. But then I started to chat with people and by the time I got to my first race I felt like I knew what I was doing, even just from reading race reports and other comments.    I like to think about transition strategy because it's one of the few things I can control. I have a coach not because I am any good, but I need someone to tell me what to do.  There's room for all levels.

See you on Saturday, hopefully!

It was fine.  It was colder, but not the coldest I have encountered.   I felt comfortable after the first few minutes.   The waves from boats are a whole other thing, though.... I am glad there will be less action on the lake Saturday morning.