Energade Tri-Series

[Duathlete]

Jason, don't worry about the swim just do it and enjoy!<?:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" />  Worst case scenario the life saver will have help you.

[Eugene]

At the PE event, the officials would not let the bikes into the transition area if they were equiped with tribars. The competitors had to remove them.

 

Jason, don't worry about the swim. 600m is not a lot. I havn't swum for 2 years and I managed the swim in 11mins 30 sec. I was probably in the last 30% of the field in the swim and that was in the sea. I'm sure you can handle 10-15mins of swimming in a dam. 

[ewep]

Mr J, the swimming part is cool.  I don't know what the run is going to be like though.  They can throw you a nasty curve on the roads around the varsity.  I've been up and down the river, and no you can't stand.

 

Let me know if you gonna do it, I'll make sure I have a few lekker frosties for a good 30mins of water aerobics from you.

 

[Zaskar]

Hey Jason<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 

Ive done about 8 of these events over the last 3 years, and they are really a lot of fun! Its just over an hour of intense workout, but the 3 different disciplines really make it a challenge.

 

My advice would be:

 

The swim ? make sure you have goggles and don?t start to near the front.  Its really chaotic when you start, and its quite scary with what feels like a million hands and bodies all around you, and getting kicked in the face is not fun. I think the first 5 mins of the swim is the worst, if you can handle that you can finish the face. Alternate between breaststroke and freestyle, and you will be out of the water before you know it. It?s in the river but I cannot remember being able to stand. Also as it?s a river so the water is moving, so you swim with the current making it a bit easier!

 

Bike ? this is always the best bit, and as the guys have said expect to do all the work for 20km ride. You will have tons of guys sucking your wheel, but being a strong cyclist you should be able to drop them as soon as there is a slight hill. Its fun and you should average about 37km/h on this stretch. Just be careful last time I did the one at the <?:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Vaal, there were tons of riders puncturing on the road in and out of the resort. Ive never used aero bars, and for a 20km ride I don?t think it?s worth it. Just tuck down and ride in the drops. The Vaal route I remember being quite flat.

 

Run ? always my worst leg, as I never train for it. Just settle into a nice pace that you can handle. You will see all the guys you flew past on the bike, jog past you, but  as long as you keep running and don?t walk too often you should do it in about 25-30 mins. I always carry a bottle of water with me on the run, as it gets hot out there, and it?s nice to pour it over your head every now and then. Maybe also take a cap and put it on at the transition.

 

Also remember to take a towel to dry your feet at the transitions. Nothing worse than getting out from the swim and putting on socks and shoes onto sandy / grassy feet! I change into my shoes at the transition and jog in them. I know it?s not easy or good for carbon soles, but it?s a lot easier than fiddling to put on shoes while you are cycling. Also maybe keep a spare bottle of fluid at the transition that you can sip on while changing.

 

As for clothing, I would suggest a pair of try shorts at least. About R300 last time I checked for a reasonable pair at one of the runner group of stores. TYR make a nice range. They have a small padding that doesn?t absorb water, and it just makes the whole race so much more pleasant. One of those Cape Storm vests with make a good top for the run and cycle.

 

So?Best of luck?Let us know how it goes!

 

[Jason]

Thanks Mallo... If I do it... I'm looking to do the swim in under 40 minutes... the 20km cycle in 30/35 minutes depending on the wind... and the run in about 20/25 minutes.

ewep... you say you've been up and down the river? Are you a fisherman? :-p

[Perico]

 I did the race last year, after having done no training other than cycling.

 

 

 

Best advice I could give is DO NOT get stuck on the inside of the

buoys, the guys are merciless and will swim over you without a care in

the world. Had to give a few guys a kung-fu kick to the face to stay

above water

 

 

 

I will most probably do the race again this year. Just watch out for

the crappy road conditions on the bike as you head out and back into

the transition zone.

 

[ewep]

 

ewep... you say you've been up and down the river? Are you a fisherman? :-p

 

 

 

Me no fisherman, me drunk student, trying to swim far and wide!

 

[Duathlete]