Total Posts: 459
1.7 Years Ago

After bouncing this idea around with a number of FJ triathletes ranging from newbie to top age-groupers, this posting is to generate discussion on how to best create an organized series of national triathlon venues for 2008 that would serve both the individual FJer and also allow other fellow triathletes to attend the same race(s) with enough advance planning.

David suggested that we could pull together a Northeast, Southeast, Mid-West, West Coast region to organize FJ "meet-ups" at the regional tri events. Further, David points out that as FJ grow in popularity there might be means for sponsorship. Well, maybe we will have to buy out own custom jerseys the first year.

Further, David discussed training during vacation and other travel plans. While a number of FJers may travel frequently, it would be great to have the ability to hook up for some training on the road. A great idea whether the support takes for of a swim, bike, run or just a beer.

O.K., now we need some volunteers to begin suggesting local race events by region (region subject to changes), likely races you have or plan to participate in the future. The locals could provide insight on the races, travel plans, places to stay, and not to mention motivation to bring the FJ triathletes together for a race. Here are a number of active poster’s on FJ who can aid and assist. If you name isn’t listed, no worries, just post on this thread to get involved.

By Region:

------------------------ NORTHEAST ------------------------- [David, Todd]

FEATURED RACE: Timberman Triathlon, Guilford NH: http://Timbermantri.com (70.3 series half and sprint)

1. Pat Griskus Tri, Middlebury CT: http://Patgriskustri.com (Sprint/ Olympic)

2. Lake Compounce Race Series, Bristol CT: http://trisportsmedia.com (Sprint,First Year)

3. Ocean Community YMCA Tri, Westerly RI: 2nd Annual (Sprint, Ocean swim!)Active.com

---------------SOUTHEAST -----------– [Jim "JC1", Joy "Supergirl", Rian]

FEATURED RACE ?

1. IMFL - A Classic! http://www.ironmanflorida.com

2. Memphis In May. http://www.mimtri.racesonline.com

The race was ranked #5 in the nation by triathletes in 2005 and attracts some of the pros and olympic athletes like Tim DeBoom and Andy Potts. Desiree Ficker (2nd at IM Hawaii)raced in 05 too I believe and the Aussie guy (2nd at IM Hawaii)McCormack raced last year. It is a fun course and has a unique individual start process where each mortal athlete starts in 3 second intervals. I think it is 3 seconds but JJ can clarify.

3. If you want to hit the beach and swim in the Gulf then of course there is the Gulf Coast Triathlon 1/2 IM. We also have an Oly race called Beach Blast a little east of here.

4. If you just happen to be in the area we have the local Emerald Coast Tri Series sprint races. (April, May, Sept, Oct) Great food and you get to hang out at Spinnaker's for the post race feast.

----------------------- MIDWEST -----------------– [Greg, John, Karen]

FEATURED RACE: Ford Ironman Wisconsin http://www.ironmanwisconsin.com

1. Lifetime fitness if you are "in the money" http://www.ltftriathlon.com

------------WEST/CAN –------- [Jim "JC2", Allison "Flygirl", Derrick]

FEATURED RACE - Wildflower (seems the popular choice - Way funner than Vineman, in my opinion, downside - - not a qualifier for Kona and interferes with MIM - Memphis in May) www.wildflower.com - quite possibly the premier So. Cal triathlon! SIGN UPS FOR WILDFLOWER START IN DECEMBER AND FILL QUICKLY.

1. Vineman (More scenic and a qualifier - downside, only a 1/2 opion as opposed to 1/2 or Oly for WIldflower) If there is no concern with overlap, they I still say Wildflower. http://www.vineman.com

2. Pacific Grove - Olympic - http://www.tricalifornia.com

3. Escpae form Alcatraz - Olympic - http://www.tricalifornia.com

4. Treasure Island - Olympic - http://www.tricalifornia.com

5. San Diego International - International Distance

6. CAF Triathlon Challenge in San Diego - Half

7. Lavaman in Kona - Olympic - www.lavaman.com - you just can't beat the locale and your on the same route as the Ironman

8. Ford 70.3 in San Diego - http://www.ironmancalifornia.com/

In sharing with the west and carrying the spirit of the North - "Flygirl"

For those daring to go north of the border:

1. IMC

2. Oliver Half Iron in early June

3. Dessert (Osoyoos) Half Iron in early July.

Oliver and Dessert are well run events that I've heard nothing but good things about and you can sign up well in advance. The Oliver race is perfectly timed to fit into Ironman Canada training and is in the same region so it tends to sell out by October.

4. The New Balance (Victoria) Half in mid-June tends to sell out in several days so, despite being a fantastic race that I highly recommend, may be akward to get a group to. All three of the above have qualifying spots available for Ironman Canada.

5. The ITU World Championships for Olympic Distance - Vancouver next year on June 15. This is for top age groupers (a.k.a. amateur athletes) as well as elites/pros.

There's a lot of great advice, support and information here on FJ! Here’s to a great 2007 race season and to planning a stronger 2008 FJ network.

“Pain is fear leaving the body” - David Weiner

Beverly's recent quote for the week: "Sometimes it takes great will power, but the rewards are worth it." ~12 Week Challenger, Vincent Cantrell

For inspiration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOF3obXbEQ

- Greg (Tri newbie, geek and humble moderator)

Total Posts: 349
1.7 Years Ago

It's highly unlike that I'll qualify to race but I hope to be cheering on lots of my club mates as well as watching some of the top elites and I'd love to have some FJ'ers to cheer for too.

http://www.triathlon.org/?call=TVRFdw==&id=ODY3&keep=sh

The Vancouver Triathlon on the Labour Day Weekend has a brisk/cool ocean swim then a ride and run through and around scenic Stanley Park. I haven't done it yet but it's on my list of races I want to do.

For longer distance races there isn't currently anything in or very close to Vancouver so I would recommend either the Oliver Half Iron in early June or the Dessert (Osoyoos) Half Iron in early July. They're well run events that I've heard nothing but good things about and you can sign up well in advance. The Oliver race is perfectly timed to fit into Ironman Canada training and is in the same region so it tends to sell out by October. The New Balance (Victoria) Half in mid-June tends to sell out in several days so, despite being a fantastic race that I highly recommend, may be akward to get a group to. All three of the above have qualifying spots available for Ironman Canada.

Total Posts: 459
1.7 Years Ago

You sure do set the bar high! Guess BC makes for tough triathletes.

I did find the link to the races that permit access to the ITU CAN IM next year http://outbackevents.ca/

Well, here's a few local races that I like and some that have good notariety.

Ford Ironman Wisconsin http://www.ironmanlive.com/

Lifetime fitness (televised) - MN http://www.ltftriathlon.com/website/

Pigman 1/2 Iron - Iowa http://members.aol.com/pigmantri/pigmaniron.html

Liberty 1/2 Iron - MN (will be my first long distance race) www.libertytri.com

Timberman Olympic - MN (My first and personal favorite...oh so organized)

http://www.timberman.org/

And for the kids.......!

USAT National championships - Wisconsin Dells WI - http://www.usat-mw.org/

Miracles of Mitch - MN Second largest kids triathlon (soon to be largest)

http://www.miraclekidstriathlon.org/miraclesOfMitchFoundation.htm

Well there is a starter list for conversation.

Hope to hear more from the other regions of the tri community.

Greg

Total Posts: 667
1.7 Years Ago

Actually, I MAY be racing the Lifetime Fitness Challenge. It is still in the plannining phases but it just may happen. That would be cool!!!

Total Posts: 109
1.7 Years Ago

Total Posts: 667
1.7 Years Ago

If you want to hit the beach and swim in the Gulf then of course there is the Gulf Coast Triathlon 1/2 IM. We also have an Oly race called Beach Blast a little east of here. For the biggy we have Ironman Florida at the end of the year. Those are the larger events that make it worth the trip.

If you just happen to be in the area we have the local Emerald Coast Tri Series sprint races. (April, May, Sept, Oct) Great food and you get to hang out at Spinnaker's for the post race feast.

Total Posts: 121
1.7 Years Ago

Pat Griskus Tri, Middlebury CT:Patgriskustri.com (Sprint/ Olympic)

Lake Compounce Race Series, Bristol CT:trisportsmedia.com (Sprint,First Year)

Ocean Community YMCA Tri, Westerly RI: 2nd Annual (Sprint, Ocean swim!)Active.com

Timberman Triathlon, Guilford NH: Timbermantri.com(70.3 series half and sprint)

Todd

Total Posts: 4
1.6 Years Ago

Wildflower - Olympic and Half - www.wildflower.com - quite possibly the premier So Cal triathlon

Pacific Grove - Olympic - www.tricalifornia.com

Escpae form Alcatraz - Olympic - www.tricalifornia.com

Treasure Island - Olympic - www.tricalifornia.com

Vineman - Half and Full - www.vineman.com

San Diego International - International Distance

CAF Triathlon Challenge in San Diego - Half

Lavaman in Kona - Olympic - www.lavaman.com - you just can't beat the locale and your on the same route as the Ironman

Ford 70.3 in San Diego - http://www.ironmancalifornia.com/

The list could go on for a while, but those are some of the highlights. If anyone is in San Diego and needs to get a workout in, let me know.

D

Total Posts: 637
1.6 Years Ago

Great suggestions.

I am heading to wildflower in 4-5 weeks. Will you be there?

I would vote for the Vineman. It is probably the closest to the FJ home and it has sentimental value. In addition, it is a beautiful area and well supported.

There was another one I was looking at in Oregon. It looks beautiful. Can't remember the name now, I think it is the HulaMan - but not Hawaii.

Jim C#2

Total Posts: 459
1.6 Years Ago

While you are getting underway, just consider next year's planning cycle and begin to think of the great networking you are making here at FJ online and what fun it might be to hook up at a race venue elsewhere in the country!

We have some great suggestions posted in this thread already! Be sure to check back and provide updates on future race considerations.

Cheers.

- Greg

Total Posts: 349
15.9 Months Ago

If we're trying to get an FJ group to events, much as I'd love to drag everyone to BC, I'm thinking Wildflower in May would be a great event for the West Coast. One of my club's coaches might be doing a training camp again in the week prior so if people were interested in joining in with that I'll keep you informed.

Total Posts: 459
15.9 Months Ago

Thanks for ressurecting this thread. Sound like we have three cheers for wildflower.

The camp sounds great but one question. Doing a camp one week before the race would be on the tail end of a taper right?

If someone knows of the registration date off hand go ahead and post it.

greg

Total Posts: 459
15.9 Months Ago

Have you purchased your schwag? I saw the special ad on the last day and was distracted by baby and missed the window for purchase. Maybe Chris will post another member special!

greg

Total Posts: 637
15.9 Months Ago

We wanted:

West Coast - Wildflower (seems the popular choice - Way funner than Vineman, in my opinion, downside - - not a qualifier for Kona and interferes with MIM - Memphis in May) Alternative - Vineman (More scenic and a qualifier - downside, only a 1/2 opion as opposed to 1/2 or Oly for WIldflower) If there is no concern with overlap, they I still say Wildflower.

SIGN UPS FOR WILDFLOWER START IN DECEMBER AND FILL QUICKLY.

South East - MIM was nominated by Supergirl and JC1

North East - ??

Mid West - Possibly the IM Wisconsin

Any thoughts??

JC2

Total Posts: 459
15.9 Months Ago

I'm taking everyones' suggestions on good tri's for the '08 season and am beginning to organize the feedback in the "edited" initial post.

Please keep the races, dates, registrations and interest going and Chris, if you are reading this, put out another posting for Schwaag orders.

- Greg

Total Posts: 121
15.9 Months Ago

Todd

Total Posts: 719
15.9 Months Ago

Also as a side note, the next order we place will include both tri singlets and tri one peice suits. I'll keep you posted on this as we move forward.

Total Posts: 459
15.9 Months Ago

Wow, bring on the mobile machine! Sounds like there might be a real focus event at Wildflower next year! Keep us posted on your activites at this race as I am sure you will see the interest around key races as posted here!

Todd, I have heard great things of Timberman in the NE. We have a longstanding local event called Timerman here in MN as well so people are always confused when I refer to the race. Personally, I'd love to do the NE version. Help us out with the details. Registration deadlines, dates, etc.

- Greg

Total Posts: 719
15.9 Months Ago

Total Posts: 459
15.9 Months Ago

My top 3 desired races... wildflower, Timberman and IMFL.

Chris, break out the wagon and the schwaaag!

- Greg

Total Posts: 121
15.9 Months Ago

Seriously, here is the link to the Timberman, www.timbermantri.com/timberman.

There is camping at Gunstock mountain (about 4 miles max from start at ellacoya state park) and plenty of places to stay in Gilford, NH (the venue).

Registration starts on Nov 1, I think, and fills gradually (couple of months this year)but is becoming more popular. All the big names usually turn out (male and female) and the environment is great. Lots of details on the website.

We're going to the jersey shore (manesquan sp?)this next week for vaca and I hope to bike and run everyday as my sched has not been kind to me lately. Any of you FJ'ers down that way I'd love to say hi. Probably won't be on for the week.

22 Days and counting to the Timberman!!!!!!!!!!!!!

T

Total Posts: 459
10.6 Months Ago

2008 is here...where will you be?

Post your pending schedule and raise some interest and challenges.

See you at the start line.

Greg

Total Posts: 349
10.6 Months Ago

My goal is to qualify for ITU Short Course Worlds in Australia in 2009 so my 'A' race will be the Kelowna Apple in late August, this is the Western Canadian qualifier (and Nationals?). If there is another qualifier race in the West I'll likely do that as a back up.

I'm probably going to do Wildflower as part of a training camp with my club.

Also:

The Oliver Half Iron in June 'cuz it's fun.

The Peach Classic Olympic in July as I want a second chance at the hill on the run.

I'm woefully out of shape as I had a nasty flu in November and then took most of December trying to kick the "after-flu" so I'm not making any plans for early season races.

Total Posts: 667
10.6 Months Ago

JC Numero Uno