Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The TriUtah blog has moved!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Be safe out there!
Race directors are chronic worriers. We worry about the color of a swimcap, the label on a registration packet, and whether the bike racks look straight. But we worry most about the safety of our athletes. The last thing we want to hear is that someone went down on a turn along the bike course, or that a swimmer had to be pulled from the water due to hypothermia. We urge the athletes to be careful out there because we know that you are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, friends. We know you have loved ones who are worrying about you on the course, and we do our best to ensure you have a great race day.
Late on Saturday while reading a handful of race reports, an athlete said that a few athletes went down on rain slick roads, and that one had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. That is definitely a race director's worst nightmare. As we begin the 2009 season, we hope that everyone has a safe and successful race season. And make sure to slow down around those corners on the bike!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
From Experienced Race Director to “Newbie” Triathlete
As a young child I innately loved to run. Because I was raised on an isolated ranch in
Eleven years ago my husband and our good friend Chris Bowerbank directed the Jordanelle Triathlon. From that humble beginning TriUtah was born. I learned two important lessons from that race. Don’t eat energy bars for 5 meals and don’t race on a brand new bike from one of those “cheap” stores without first checking to make sure it is properly assembled. I will never forget the look on the athlete’s face as she threw her broken bike off a cliff cursing it as it bounced to the bottom.
I have witnessed several thousands of athletes over the past eleven years, new athletes, seasoned athletes, young athletes and disabled athletes. They all seem to have one thing in common as they cross the finish line, a look of accomplishment in their eyes. Some are filled with tears, some with joy but all wear a look of accomplishment.
About six years ago Trisha Bowerbank and I started receiving requests for an all woman event. As we spoke with athletes and came to know them, each had a story to tell. They had a reason for “tri-ing”. Triathlon was a means to overcoming hardships in their lives and we felt that we wanted to somehow recognize athletes for not only winning a race but winning life through triathlon. The result was the Woman of Steel Triathlon and the Woman of Steel award, given to an athlete nominated by their peers who is an example of using exercise and triathlon to overcome difficult circumstances and obstacles in their life. The event is a sprint distance, pool triathlon and attracts many beginners. The amazing thing is many of them have overcome HUGE obstacles in their lives such as the loss of loved ones, obesity, and cancer, the loss of a job, injuries and other health problems. I view each and every athlete as a true champion.
I made a commitment to my race partners that I would participate in the Woman of Steel Triathlon this year. Even though I have helped direct over 55 events and recently attended the USAT Race Director Certification Course, it will be my first time competing in the sport. After several years of health problems and surgeries I am sure I will have tears in my eyes as I cross the finish line with my look of accomplishment.
I am joining the 27% of athletes as a ‘newbie” this year. However, I do know a few things that some “newbies” may not be aware of. The following suggestions may be of some help for those of you who plan to do your first tri this year:
1. Explore USAT on the web at: www.usatriathlon.com. All TriUtah events and 2500 across the nation are USAT sanctioned events. USAT provides insurance coverage for the event. That extra $10.00 fee is for your protection. The number one mistake of athletes who incur a minor injury during an event is not informing the race director.
2. Don’t be intimidated by seasoned athletes. The triathlon community is one of acceptance and support.
3. We live in the technology era, READ YOUR E-MAILS!! The answers to most of your questions are found in pre race information sent via e-mail. If the event offers clinics or a pre-race walk through take advantage of this opportunity, make sure to attend these services and ask questions.
4. Don’t forget to use common sense while racing. Event organizers and race directors do all they can to keep you safe but you have a responsibility to know your body, your ability levels and to be aware of other athletes.
5. Remember your loved ones that are coming to support you. Inform them of what to expect including where to park, what a transition area is and inform them that they most likely will be unable to see you for most of the event. Again refer to pre-race e-mails for spectator pertinent information and pass that information on to your friends and family.
I look forward to finishing my first triathlon in May. I may never finish an iron man distance event. I may not place in my age group or over all. But, I will continue to be healthy mentally, socially, and physically through continued goals beginning with this triathlon experience. I will join thousands of athletes this year in accomplishing greatness by finishing a goal that has taken sacrifice and diligence to achieve.
Sheri Anderson is a co-owner of TriUtah
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Which way do I go? Which way do I go?
USA Triathlon (USAT) requires that all transition areas be configured in a way that is fair to all triathletes, regardless of where their bike rack is located. You've probably been to less-organized races where all of the "experienced" triathletes have figured out where to rack their bikes so that they can make the fastest entrance and exit. For race directors that understand USAT requirements, transition areas are set up so that an athlete's rack location doesn't affect the outcome of the race.
So what exactly is "fair"? Simply put, all triathletes should be required to run their bikes an equal distance inside the transition area. For races that use a single transition area, you'll find that the entrance and exit are on opposite corners. The "Swim In" and "Bike In" are on one side, while the "Bike Out" and "Run Out" are on the opposite side.
As an example of how this is a "fair" layout, consider two triathletes: one who racks their bike near the "In" of the transition and one who racks near the "Out". When the triathlete near the "In" finishes the swim, he runs only a short distance to their transition spot. Once he is ready to exit for the bike, he must run with his bike the entire length of the transition area in order to reach the Bike Mount line. The second triathlete exits the swim and runs the entire length of the transition area to reach their transition spot. He then has only a short run with his bike to the Bike Mount line. At first glance, this doesn't seem fair. The first triathlete had to run much farther with his bike than the second triathlete. However, with a properly configured transition area, consider their return after the bike.
The first triathlete dismounts their bike, and only runs with their bike a short distance since they are racked near the "In". The second triathlete, after dismounting, now had to run their bike the entire length of the transition area in order to reach his transition spot near the "Out". If you add up the distance each triathlete had to run in the transition area with their bike, they are equal.
So, the morale of the story is this. During your pre-race setup, be sure and look around at where the "In" and "Out" of the transition area is located. If it's not clear, be sure and ask the race staff. As a race director, I always am concerned when an athlete is confused in the transition area. If you have concerns that a transition area is unfair in any way, be sure and let the race staff know early enough before a race so that the issue can be resolved. The sooner the staff know, the better.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
All Things New
Probably the most common mistake our TriUtah staff sees on race day is when someone tries something new on race day. Not only is it not a good idea, it often results in a DNF (Did Not Finish). Here's a list of the most common 'first-time' mistakes:
Nutrition - Whether it's your breakfast routine, gel on the course, composition of your water bottle, or recovery regimen, trying something new is a common problem that results in an imbalance of some sort. Maybe it was a new flavor of electrolyte that you added for the run, or the fact that you decided to try the gel flavor that was in your goody bag. Worse yet, maybe you decided to try a pre-race routine that you read about in a triathlon magazine but had not tried yourself until race morning. Now your stomach is churning, your legs are cramping, and you're having a bad day on the course. If you had stuck with your tried and true nutrition plan (or at least one that included foods/gels/electrolytes that you're used to), your race would have turned out better.
Gear - How likely is it that the new fancy tires, bike tubes, water bottle holder, or other pricey thing-a-ma-jig that you purchased just for this race is really going to help you? The better bet is that they're going to contribute to your frustration during race day. For all of you who have purchased a Profile Water Bottle to stick in between your aerobars, be sure and pick up an extra yellow 'splash guard' off the road just after a cattle guard on the course. This is because the people who just bought one forgot to test it out before the race and figure out how to keep that thing from flying out after the smallest bump in the road (FYI, loofahs work great for that same purpose and won't fly out!) Or, how many of you purchased a behind-the-seat water bottle holder, but soon had it turn into a water bottle launcher after your first speed bump? Long story short, try out your new gear BEFORE your first race.
Clothing - We absolutely love it when athletes wear their race shirt on race day. The fact that we provide technical fabrics makes wearing them on race day much less of an issue than it used to be when cotton was used. However, if we're keeping with this post's rules, you really shouldn't wear the shirt to race in. Now, if all you have is that cotton shirt from the local 5K, then the TriUtah shirt is a better option. But, do you know how it's going to fit? Do you know if there's an underneath seam that's going to rub you the wrong way after 20 minutes? In general, it's best to wear clothes that you've worn in training and that you know work for you. The worst thing is finishing a race and having numerous areas now bright red from incessant chaffing.
To sum it up, be sure and try out your race food, gear, and clothes prior to race day. Put on that new tire and go for a short spin. Try that new flavor of gel in the middle of your next 30 minute run. You need all the confidence you can get on race day, and you never want any of these items to be a question mark going into the race.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bicycle, Bicycle
The quick answer is that, practically speaking, you only need a bike that has two wheels and is safe to operate. We see all types of bikes in the transition area from athletes who grabbed their child's mountain bike and helmet for the race, to the top-of-the-line, just pulled out of the latest triathlon magazine triathlon bikes. For many just entering the sport, the cost of an entry level triathlon bike (typically $700 and up) can be prohibitive to the family budget, especially in a state with numerous single income households and families where the number of children far exceeds the national average.
The good news is that since all of our TriUtah events use bike courses that are 100% on pavement, those mountain bikes from Wal-Mart and Target are just fine to use. Granted they won't help you to be the fastest triathlete out on the course, but you will be able to experience the thrill and excitement of racing, right alongside those with high end triathlon bikes.
My first triathlon was probably much like your's. I showed up at a local race with my just-purchased mountain bike from Pederson's Ski & Sport, knobby tires and all. Once I was out on the bike course, countless people passed me on bikes with skinny tires, fancy water bottle holders, and shoes that matched their frame color. Since it was my first race, it didn't matter. What mattered was that I finished my first triathlon and I was hooked. I slowly upgraded my mountain bike so I could go faster: slick tires and toe clips. After a few more races, I KNEW triathlon was a lifelong pursuit. I found a used $400 road bike and upgraded it as my budget allowed. First a set of aerobars, then an angled seatpost. Finally after a few years came my first triathlon bike. I didn't go crazy; it was a modest purchase of a step above entry level. In fact, after 6 years, I'm still using that same bike and don't feel the need (at least right now) to upgrade any farther. The bike matches my ability, and I epitomize the phrase, "It's the engine, not the bike." Now, if I want to go faster, I know that it's my personal fitness that's keeping me off the podium, and not the bike.
For those of you who just blew the dust off that mountain bike in the corner of the garage, remember that we've all been there. We know what it's like to come to your first race a little intimidated by all the triathlon equipment bling. Just remember that those of us who have been racing awhile are willing to help you every step of the way as you progress in the sport, and we don't care if you need to use that mountain bike a little longer than you originally planned.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What NOT to wear
Since 2007, TriUtah has provided our athletes with race shirts made of technical fabric (commonly referred to as DriFit or similar). These shirts 'wick' away moisture from your body and help prevent chafing that is common with cotton shirts. Time to relegate those old race shirts to the back of the closet and only pull them out for gardening or painting a room! Once you wear a shirt made of technical fabric, you likely will never go back to cotton! So, the big question is 'Can I wear the race shirt during the race?' Absolutely. We love to see our athletes wearing clothing that helps you have the best race day possible!
Hope your training is on-track for the 2009 season!
The TriUtah team
Sunday, February 1, 2009
2009 Woman of Steel Triathletes
The Woman of Steel epitomizes why the sport of triathlon and our triathlon community in Utah continues to grow at an amazing rate. The statistics for the 2009 Woman of Steel Triathlon tell the story: 98% of the athletes are from Utah, and ~40% are doing their first triathlon! Another amazing collateral result is the small neighborhood communities of women that are coming together to race. One of the athletes from the 2008 Woman of Steel Triathlon was so excited after the race that she convinced 20 of her neighbors to join her for 2009!
As we get closer to the 2009 race, we'll begin posting some of the inspirational stories and significant obstacles that our athletes have endured. We guarantee that you'll be motivated and inspired.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
USAT Race Director Conference
After listening to keynote and guest speakers for two days, we have multiple pages of notes to pour over and absorb as we work to improve TriUtah events. Technology is certainly evolving, and triathlon is no exception. We heard from one race director who is able to contact nearly all of his participants using text messaging. He's located in a part of the country where severe weather is commonplace, and it's important that he be able to send immediate updates to the athletes. We took lots of notes and will be looking into similar technology for TriUtah races.
There's lots to do between now and our first race of the season. Attending the USAT RD symposium is one way that we've found that improves our ability to serve and protect our athletes by consistently improving the overall race preparation and execution.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Welcome to TriUtah
We also intend for this to be a great place for our athletes to post their comments and questions, with answers that all of our athletes can benefit from.
As many of you know, the Woman of Steel Triathlon on May 16, 2009 sold out for general entry in just two days! Charity spots also sold out in two days as well. For those of you who were not able to register, please ensure that you are signed up on the TriUtah e-mail list. If any additional entry spots open, we will announce it via e-mail.
Also, don't forget to visit our TriUtah Facebook page. We are committed to providing you with timely information using a variety of formats.
We have also started updating our website at http://www.triutah.com and will have a completely new website up and running soon.
Keep training.
The TriUtah staff