August 11, 2009

YWCA Women's Triathlon

YWCA Women's Triathlon
Email Newsletter

Event Info

Sunday, August 16, 2009
8:00 am at Baker Park
Maple Plaine, MN
Sprint Distance: 500 yd swim/
15 mile bike/5K run

Contact
Paul Johnson
YWCA of Minneapolis
Phone (Direct): 612-215-4345
Event Hotline: 612-215-4320
pjohnson@ywcampls.org

Website Links:
YWCA Women's Triathlon
YWCA of Minneapolis


News

Run Course Turnaround
If you go out to Baker Park this week, there is now a stake and sign at the Run turnaround. It is approx half mile from the intersection just past the tunnel.

Family & Friends Zone
Just a reminder that if you would like to celebrate crossing the finish line with someone special, we will have a friends and family finish zone near the finish line. You will be able to come into this zone, meet up with them and then head to the line together when it is clear. A zone marshal will tell you when it is OK to go in order to not disrupt other finishers. Please tell your friends and family to check in with the zone marshals.

Spectators
Lunch and race food is only for race participants and volunteers. Please ask your fans to bring their own snacks and beverages. Some snacks (fruit snacks, skittles, granola bars) and water and sports drink will be available at the YWCA tent for purchase. Baker Park is a gorgeous place for a picnic! If spectators will be arriving after the race starts at 8:00, you might suggest that they take Hwy 55 and come south on 19 to the park. They are less likely to get stuck by bike and race traffic.

No Pets, Please
Baker Park does not allow pets in the picnic/beach areas where the race is held. Thank you for leaving them at home today.

What about the Weather?
In the event severe weather is likely to impact race morning, we will put an update on the race hotline (612-215-4320). The race will not start if severe storms or lighting are imminent. We will delay the race up to two hours before event cancellation is required per local permits. If we are unable to swim, the event may be changed to a duathlon. But the weather is going to be gorgeous, right?!

Need Nutrition?
Don't forget that Gear West Bike & Triathlon is offering 15% off nutrition products the week before the race (and 20% on gels with the coupon below).

20% Off Gels

Save 20% on any regular price nutrition gels.

Valid at Gear West Ski, Run & Soccer through August 16, 2009.

Gear West Logo

FAQs

Q: What if I have a flat tire on the bike course?
A: Get to a volunteer at an intersection. They will contact a one of our two sag vehicles which can try to help you fix the flat or transport you and your bike back to Baker Park.

For more questions and answers, see our FAQ page.


Quotes & Comments:

Your Words of Encouragement

You CAN do it!! It doesn't matter how fast you are. The feeling you get after you have finished is amazing. It is worth every drop of sweat to look back and know you did it.
   -Amy

I've been ill most of the training season and just decided to go through with the race a couple weeks ago for sure. It's my first one. I have a mountain bike, no bike shoes, no fancy gear...just me and my will to see what this body can accomplish! I plan on breast-stroking most of the swim and will probably have to walk some of the run too. But when I cross the finish line, I'll be SO PROUD of myself.
   -Liz

Best Buy Back with Amazing Awards!

Best Buy Athletes and family teams will be vying for some terrific awards courtesy of Best Buy. First place will receive an iPod Nano (!), second place a $50 gift certificate and third place a $25 gift certificate. And as a grand finale raffle prize, a Wii Fit and Wii game system!

D'Brians for Lunch!

Best Buy Remember last year's sandwiches? Oh, yeah, D.Brians is back again as our Official Deli sponsor! I know they hit the spot, but only one lunch box per athlete, please. Oh, and expect plenty of other fruit, granola bars and Great Harvest race rolls!

Final Race Tips

  • Pack the night before including putting on your helmet, bike and bib number.
  • Don't try anything new on race day
  • If possible, check out the race course ahead of time
  • Race your own race and pace
  • Set up your transition area as soon as you arrive.
  • Check if you have bar end plugs on your bike (no open hole showing on handlebar ends)
  • Bring your energy
  • Thank volunteers
  • Smile for the camera and enjoy the moment!

Participant List, Swim Waves and Race Day Schedule

A participant list and race day schedule have been posted on the home page. Learn your wave and race number, confirm registration, check out the competition, etc.

New in 2009: Results printout

This year, you will be able to go to the race operations/timing tent to get a printout of your race results. Give our timer, John, a smile and thank you!

Thanks for your help!

  • REI-Bloomington for kayaks
  • Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson for motorcycles and experienced riders
  • Lake Independence Citizens Association (LICA) for help with boats

Packet Pickup

Fri, 8/14, YWCA-Midtown, 2-8pm (Course talks 3, 5 & 7 pm)
Sat, 8/15, Baker Park, 1-5pm (Course talks 1:30, 3 & 4:30 pm)

Please note: Race day will have limited packet pickup intended only for participants who live more than 30 miles away and/or have unusual circumstances. They must contact race management prior to the first packet pickup and arrive before 6:00 am race morning.

  • Don't forget your ID! And your USA Triathlon card if you are an annual member. Note: there is no card for a USAT 1-day license.
  • All will sign a photo release form and 1-day license; athletes will sign the USAT waiver.
  • Sorry. You may NOT have someone else pick up your packet for you.
  • Youth MUST have a guardian with them if they are not USA Triathlon annual members (to sign the USAT waiver).

When You Arrive at Baker

  1. Park staff and police will direct you where to park (please try to carpool)
  2. Check in activities (body marking, chips, bar end plug check) and the transition area will begin and open at 5:30 am
  3. Please have your race number ready for body marking and to get your timing chip.
  4. Get ready! Set up your transition area, go to bathroom, figure out the ins and outs of the transition area, enjoy the scene!
  5. All must exit the Transition Area by 7:35 am to attend a 7:40 am pre-race meeting. Leave ready to race because you can NOT get back in the transition area after the meeting.

Transition Area Notes

  1. If you wish, go ahead and bring a special balloon to mark your spot! Please no chalk on the ground (we will have our own).
  2. You don't need to bring a tub of water to get the sand off your feet. We will have 3-4 small kiddie pools placed from the beach to the transition area. Stepping in and out can take the sand off your feet! Just step carefully so you don't slip!
  3. Please remember that you will not be able to re-enter the transition area after you finish until the final biker has left for the run. If you anticipate an early finish, take advantage of post-race food, massage and AIS stretching!
  4. When you leave, we will check to ensure that your bib number or body marking match the number on your bike.
  5. No spectators in the transition area. Only race participants and race officials.
  6. Your rack will be assigned by your number but your spot on the rack is first come.

What is Body Marking?

With a big black pen, we will write your race number on your hand, upper arm and thigh. Your age (or B for buddy) on the back of your calf. If you are new to triathlon, it will be a badge of honor to show off with pride!

Event Partners


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