Anyone doing the Danskin mini tri in '11?

[El&Asmom]

I am trying to decide between the Princess half marathon in Feb of '11 or the Danskin mini tri in May of '11. I don't love running, especially distances over 5 miles, so I think training for a mini tri would be more fun for me. Plus I'm just getting back into biking for the first time in many years. The only part that worries me is the open water swim. (Especially in FL with the gators and poisonous snakes).
Just wondering if anyone has done the Danskin mini tri and had any bits of advise. I feel like I don't know where to start, but think it would be a lot of fun. Plus if I can work hard this summer, I may be able to sign up for the one in the Chicago area in August to see how it goes before committing to going to WDW next May to do it there for the first time.

Thanks for any help.

 

[crzy4pooh]

I've done the Danskin at WDW 4 times now. The old course (through Magic Kingdom) was very short, but the new course (last year and this year) has a 1/2 mile swim in Bay Lake, 12 miles bike - flat, except for 4 overpasses starting around mile 5.5, then a 3 mile run through Ft Wilderness. The new course is beautiful, and everyone is so encouraging! The only thing I've dealt with in the swim is seaweed and some rough branches if you try to walk out too far - no critters. They have a number of kayaks and boats, as well as people on noodles (Swim Angels) in the water to help you. I do miss the old course, mainly because nothing beats running through the castle, but the race is still really fun! I'd love to see you there next year!

As far as where to start, there are a number of training plans on the internet. One great site to check is beginnertriathlete.com. Also, look for books by Sally Edwards - she used to be the spokeperson for Danskin, but now does the Trek tri series. She explains everything you need to know about training for and completing your first tri. There is also a great tri thread here on this board with people that have tons of experience and wisdom to share.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

--Lynnda

 

[El&Asmom]

I've done the Danskin at WDW 4 times now. The old course (through Magic Kingdom) was very short, but the new course (last year and this year) has a 1/2 mile swim in Bay Lake, 12 miles bike - flat, except for 4 overpasses starting around mile 5.5, then a 3 mile run through Ft Wilderness. The new course is beautiful, and everyone is so encouraging! The only thing I've dealt with in the swim is seaweed and some rough branches if you try to walk out too far - no critters. They have a number of kayaks and boats, as well as people on noodles (Swim Angels) in the water to help you. I do miss the old course, mainly because nothing beats running through the castle, but the race is still really fun! I'd love to see you there next year!

As far as where to start, there are a number of training plans on the internet. One great site to check is beginnertriathlete.com. Also, look for books by Sally Edwards - she used to be the spokeperson for Danskin, but now does the Trek tri series. She explains everything you need to know about training for and completing your first tri. There is also a great tri thread here on this board with people that have tons of experience and wisdom to share.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

--Lynnda

Thank you so much for your response. I saw the old course that went through the MK last year and was thinking how amazing that would be to do the race there. I'm sure Ft. W is beautiful, but it would be so cool to race thru the MK.
Thanks for the link and book recommendation. I'm off to check them out. My main questions are silly. Like what do you wear for the events. Do you have a single outfit, or do you change during the transition areas? Seems so basic, but I am so new to this.
I'll also check out the tri thread. I'm sure there is lots of info there too.

I'll see how training goes for the next 2 weeks. If it goes well, I might try the Danskin in WI at the end of August.

Thanks again.