As promised, I will be writing about transition during triathlon training, and I also would like to go over the other distances.
The second Buck Hurley Triathlon Challenge is nearing. It is a pool triathlon for every level of athlete. Starting at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, May 1, we will have the 300-yard sprint pool swim, 10 miles of biking and a 5K run.
Starting right after the sprint, the 200-yard Super Sprint swim starts, followed by the 5K bike ride and a 2-mile run.
When all are finished, it will be followed by the triathlon for 9- to 11-year-olds, with a 100-yard swim, 2-mile bike ride and a 1-mile run.
Then the triathlon for our 7- to 8-year-olds follows, with a 50-yard swim, 1-mile bike ride, and a run, all on YMCA property. We will finish with the 4- to 6-year-olds. They will be able to wear floaties, have training wheels and parents are allowed to help in this age group.
The distance is 25-yard swim (one length), a half a mile on the bike (3 laps) and 1/6-mile run (1 lap), also on YMCA property, and everyone will get a T-shirt, water bottle and medal. You have to pre-register for all five triathlons.
We will start with our first transition: pool to bike. This triathlon is timed by RMS Sports and competitors will have a chip on their ankle and their number marked on their body.
We use a three-split timing system, which means that you get an exact time for your swim and both transitions — pool to bike and bike to run — are included in the bike time. (For your exact bike time, set your time on your watch.) The third split is the run time.
The way RMS keeps up with time is that competitors cross “mats” that will start or finish the times. After you finish the whole triathlon, there will be a printout of everyone’s times.
The transition area will be located behind the JF Hurley YMCA on that big, grassy field.
You will have an assigned spot in the bike racks for your bike and belongings. Non-athletes are not allowed in that area. Do not leave valuables in transition area.
At your spot, you put your bike and the following items on a towel; your biking gear and gear such as helmet (mandatory), running hat, sunglasses, sneakers, your number on a belt or on your biking and running shirt, small towel, and socks, if you use them.
Put what you need in order of your events, and know where the exit is to the bike route and where the exit to the run is located. Volunteers will be there to direct you.
Back to the pool, you finish your swim and run out through the back door to the transition area, to your spot. Dry off quickly, put on shorts over your bathing suit and put on a tank or T-shirt, (see how the tri-suit comes in handy?) socks (if you want) and shoes and put on helmet.
Grab your bike and walk or run next to your bike until you get to the mounting area. You can not mount the bike until you get to that area because of safety concerns. Coming back towards the transition area, there will be a dismount area before you get in the transition area. Again, volunteers will guide you.
Place the bike in the rack, take off your helmet, change shoes if needed and off you go to your last leg, the running. The finish for the run will be on the track behind the YMCA.
You are done! What an accomplishment, and what a great feeling. For you, the athlete and all of our volunteers, there will be free water donated by Cheerwine, free fruit and snacks donated by Food Lion, free chili and coupons donated by Wendy’s and pizza donated by our new local CiCi’s Pizza.
This exciting event would not be possible without an amazing collaboration of sponsors and volunteers in this community: Buck Hurley Triathlon presented by Tina Merhoff pediatric dentistry. Other sponsors and volunteers; Cloninger, Busby and Webb Orthodontics, Wallace & Graham attorneys at law, Wendy’s, RAM pavement, Autumn Care, Salisbury Tutoring Academy, Carolina Women’s Health Associates, Distinctive Nature Scapes, F&M Bank, Fowler Physical therapy, Melanie Marshall DDS, Sportrex, Windsong, Multi wall packaging, Debbie Barnhardt Jewelry, Salisbury Post, Baylee’s Steakhouse, Pinocchio’s Restaurant, Salisbury Police Dept. Salisbury Fire Dept, Locke Fire Dept, Salisbury Parks and Rec, Salisbury Rowan Runners, City of Salisbury, Charles Johnson Y Service Club and all volunteers. Please look for our ad in next Sunday’s paper.
For more information, you can go to www.active.com, email me at emarsh@rowanymca.org or call 704-636-0111.
This is a fundraiser for the We Build People campaign. The YMCA will never turn away anyone due to the inability to pay. Last year, the Rowan County YMCA gave away more than $500,000 in scholarship money.
Ester H. Marsh ACSM Cpt