Bridgewater Triathlon Club

New questions will be added at the top.

QUESTIONS FROM 2008 follow, If your question is not answered here, please send it to the Race Director — Tristan Kelley – bridgewatertriclub@gmail.com

QUESTION – Would I be better wearing long lycra tights or shorts?

Looking at the pics from 2007, I see most have shorts with layers on top.

You’ll have to judge the appropriate clothing weather based on the actual temperature.

The forecast is for a low of 4 degrees C and high of 10 degrees C that day.  I find it appropriate to run in shorts at 4 degrees C but bike would be too cold.  I’d dress for the bike.  Even 10 degrees C can be chilly on the bike for me, depending on the wind. and humidity.

I might consider wearing bike shorts with tights over top.  Do Run 1 and Bike one with the tights and then decide if you need them for Run 2.

Of course the forecast may change!
QUESTION – I have registered for the do-a-du and was wondering about the triathlon membership – since I am hoping to join the club, what is the cost of the yearly membership? I’m looking forward to the event even if I don’t have any experience. Any other advice in terms of what I should bring and what to expect?

(NOTE … things changes at the Bridgewater Triathlon Club in 2009.  Please see the cost and benefits at [ JOIN ]

Since this is the end of the training year, there may not be a lot of benefit of joining our club (essentially joining Triathlon Nova Scotia) for 2008. A full adult membership is $40.00:

http://www.trins.ca/members/reg_docs/2008%20Full%20Adult%20Membership%20Application%20Form.pdf

Whereas a one day membership is $10 (NOTE $20 for 2009). You need one or the other to participate in the duathlon.

The only other benefit of a 2008 membership would be a reduced charge to participate in the Triathlon Nova Scotia awards banquet in Halifax and the possibility of participating in a swim class with the Bridgewater Triathlon Club before year’s end. And for the latter, that might not be necessary.

But if you like the duathlon, and would like to participate more in triathlon – duathlon multi-sport events, then by all means, join for 2009.

Here’s some links that might help:

Triathlon Nova Scotia : http://www.trins.ca/

Bridgewater Triathlon Club : http://www.bridgewatertriclub.com/

QUESTION – Just confirming the distances of your race. I notice on 2 websites, 2 different running distances. Is it 5km/28km/5km or 4km/28km/4km?

Also I am completely new to duathlons and running, though have been a BNS road racer for a few years now. The Do a Du seems a bit short for me but I don’t want to get in peoples’ way that are competing for the point championship. My cycling is strong, my running so so. Is the Do a Du generally for complete newbies? Would I be out of place competing in it?

The race distances listed on the race schedule of the Triathlon Nova Scotia website are not accurate — the run distances are 4K. So the race consists of a 4K run, 28K bike, 4K run. That’s what we’ve done in the past, and what our application to TNS for sanctioned said.

I understand from your message that you are an experience biked racer. You will probably be more satisfied in competing in the Classic race than the Do a Du. We set up the Do ad Du primarily to help people new to the sport do their first duathlon. But it is open to all. If you are looking for competition, compete in the Classic race.

The run courses for the Classic race are short, but challenging enough that it will split the field by the first transition. So, please do worry about getting in other’s way. We will be pleased to have you. And generally speaking we find that people tend to be stronger in one discipline than another.
QUESTION – Are there any rules about using an Mp3 player during the run? or is that not advised?

Triathlon Canada and Triathlon Nova Scotia are the groups that set the rules for our races. They do not allow competitors to use MP3 players or other headphone devices while racing.

It is a safety issue. If you can’t hear vehicles, or officials, there could be grave consequences.

I know that MP3 players and headphone devices are still allowed in some running races – even there the trend is towards not allowing them.

QUESTION – Can you tell me the best clothes to wear? I had on a headband under my helmet, and I do have biking gloves (fingers out). They felt good. I found my legs got cold, I had on long workout pants only. As well, I had on a T-shirt, and then a pullover light athletic jacket, my torso was warm (layers) but my arms were a bit cold. I am sure I will be sore tomorrow.

I think you have the right idea. The concept of staying warm is layering – but not layering too much. Otherwise you get too warm, sweat a lot and then get cold. Moisture in the clothing conducts the heat out of your body. So specialized clothing can help, if you want to get serious. There is bike specific clothing, which is best, that you can buy new at our local bicycle shops. Generally it is moisture wicking, which helps with keeping the clothes light weight, warm and non-abraisive. Generally people wear “tights” as cool weather pants, and when it gets really cold – zero or below, a looser layer over top. Sometimes you can find the bicycle specific clothing available for a fraction of the price at local used clothing stores.

QUESTION – What if it is raining on the day of the event? Do we go anyway? I worry about my biking skill in the rain.

Rain has not stopped Triathlon Nova Scotia events such as the Riverport Duathlon. However lightening and thunder would. Generally the event goes on unless there is a serious safety risk.

QUESTION – Is there a time limit on the Riverport Du?

No. But participants need to be reasonable. And two hours is not an unreasonable time for our “Classic” race 4K run, 28K bike and 4K run. The longest any one athlete took last year was 2 hours and 26 minutes. The fastest athlete took 1 hour 15 minutes. All the participants and volunteers appreciate and applaud the efforts of athletes who try to complete their first multi sport race. We really do want to help people enjoy the sport.

New this year is a shorter race — a Do a Du which consists of a 1K run, 14K bike and a 1K run.

QUESTION – What rules do you use for this event?

We follow the Triathlon Canada Competition Rules as used by Triathlon Nova Scotia and Triathlon New Brunswick. A lot of them are common sense and safety oriented. The ones I might point out to you are:

• No drafting on the bicycle
• Always wear your certified bicycle helmet when in possession of your bike (riding, or walking your bike)
• You can’t wear an iPod, walkman or similar audio device during the race – running or biking
• Never ride your bicycle in the transition zone; mount and dismount at the designated lines
• Obey all traffic laws. This includes riding on the right side of the road, running on the left

The Triathlon Canada Competition Rules are at : http://triathloncanada.com/rtecontent/document/Triathlon_Canada_Competition_Rules.pdf

QUESTION: I’m thinking of doing a duathlon for the very first time (my triathlon friend convinced me). I’m 51, fairly fit; have always ran, cycled a little. My question to you is: what is the calibre of athletes doing this race; are they all hard-core triathletes, or will I feel comfortable doing the race just to “finish”. I have always been active and was hoping to add duathlon/triathlon training to my regime, but I’m wondering since the race is only 6 weeks away, should I wait for one further down the line.

We’ve always had a wide range of athletic abilities at the Riverport Dual from beginners looking for a challenge to some of the best triathletes in the province. Everyone is appreciated, cheered across the finish line. In fact there are more people around to cheer in the later finishing duathletes than the winners. Everyone is respected for giving it a go.

Ages vary from people in their teens to 60+.

From your comments, I think you would enjoy competing and fit in well. And, there is nothing like accomplishing something you’ve never done before and were unsure if you could.

As far as training goes, I would encourage you to practice running immediately after bicycling. This is unique to duathlon and triathlon and is hard to do. You’re legs will feel very strange. You get better at it with practice.

If you are thinking of doing a triathlon in the future, then doing a duathlon first is a good step towards that goal.

Come out and give it a try!

QUESTION: Do a variety of people with different skill levels take part in this duathlon or is it primarily a highly competitive event?

There is a variety of people competing, but we are setting up a shorter more novice friendly race to be held along side our traditional event.

QUESTION: Would this duathlon be a good race for a beginner?

Yes. The shorter Do-a-DU will be even better for the beginner. But we have had beginners participate in and enjoy our traditional race.

QUESTION – ACCOMMODATION – I will be coming down from Bathurst NB and was wondering if you could recommend a cheap place to stay over the night before the race. I am not yet 100% if it will be only myself and my g/f or maybe another couple with us. I was thinking maybe a B&F..

There are a number of Bed and Breakfasts available to consider in Lunenburg and closer to the race headquarters – transition area in Riverport. Closer to the race. Lunenburg has more restaurants etc. They are scarce in Riverport. All telephone numbers start with area code 902:

Near the race:

Barret Bed & Breakfast (Felzen South) 766-4655
The Backman House Bed and Breakfast 766-4967

Lunenburg, there are some that have supported running races etc.

Boscowan Inn 634-3325
Bluenose Lodge 634-8851
Greybeards Bed and Breakfast 634-9696
The Pelham House 634-7113

If you prefer a motel there are several in Lunenburg including:

Atlantic View Motel and Cottages 230 Masons Beach Road in Lunenburg – 634-4545
Wheelhouse Motel 31 Knickle Road Lunenburg 634-3353
Topmast Motel Lunenburg 634-4661 www.topmastmotel.com
Lily Front Motel & Cottages Lunenburg (closest to race site) 634-8085

QUESTION: I have never competed in a duathlon but would like to try! I started road biking in May and now go on average 200km a week. I used to run – not so good anymore! I am thinking of trying your event but I have no idea what sort of time is an average for my age group. Would you be able to give me an idea of what the first place finishers typically have for times and what the average runner/cyclist has? I will be 40 a few weeks after your event so I guess my age group would be for the under 40.

From the description you have given, it sounds like your training will be great preparation for our duathlon.

QUESTION: $60 for a team — how many in a team? Is the team intended to relay? Does the team pay the $10 to the Triathlon club, or do individuals?

The teams are meant to consist of two athletes – a runner and a cyclist. The runner doing the two run legs and cyclist doing the bike leg. Although I wouldn’t object to a team of three – two runners and a cyclist each doing a leg.

The membership fee (1-day membership fee) is there for insurance purposes. The NS Department of Transport requires us to be adequately insured. Each participant is required to have a membership. So each team member must have a membership.

QUESTION: I have always sort of fantasized about one day doing a triatholon. I need to learn to swim first. So I see there is an event on Oct. 19. I have not trained and have just left my 14 year marraige, moved to a new community, bought a house, etc. its been crazy, yet I see this posting for the Du a Do and I am very interested. Is this event typically for entry level athletes? what trainign do your recommend before doing somethign like this. I feel confident I could run the 2 k. I am not into distance running. I am a plodder, my 5K rusn are slow, i do 1 k in 6-7 min, I am SLOW. my first km’s are always faster, and my fifth km I am usually very slow. I have done any running lately, but I would guess I may have time to get some training in.. I do have a bike, and have gotten it out recently. Any words of advice would be great.

We’ve designed the Do-a-Du for people just like you. Folks who have not raced this kind of race before. The Riverport Duathlon’s Do-a-Du is a chance to try out multi-sport racing without a lot of preparation. It is a chance to do a multi-sport race without needing the skills of a swimmer. And duathlons help prepare you to eventually do a triathlon. It’s how I got started.

As I understand it, you are reasonably fit, your doctor would not object to you doing the race? See your doctor if there is any reason to be concerned.

The run courses are short. The bike is a bit more challenging, there’s a hill involved. But it can be done. A portion of the road used for the bike course is more suitable to a hybrid or a mountain bike than a road racing bike. There’s no benefit from a fancy road racing bike.

I would encourage you to practice running and biking up to about a day before the event. In my evaluation, the bike part of the Riverport Duathlon’s Du-A-Du is more challenging than the run, so be sure you practice biking. Try some hills. Try covering the distances involved, 14 kilometers of biking, 1 kilometer of running. I wouldn’t worry about being fast. Make it your goal to complete rather than compete.

There is a special practice. Try some biking followed immediately by running. Triathletes call this practice a “Brick Practice.” Your legs will feel unusual, probably heavy, running off the bike. Its a aspect of triathlon and duathlon that the athletes practice.

Be sure the rest the day before the Duathlon. That way you’ll be in better shape to enjoy the experience.

QUESTION: Can a 12-yr old girl register for the shorter distance? She isn’t a Trident Club member, but thinks she wants to give it a try

Thanks for your message. Yes a 12 old girl or boy can compete. So long as they are 12 years old in this year, 2008, they can compete according to TNS rules.

Please note that a parent or guardian must co-sign their entry form – waiver.

QUESTION: I was just checking on the race for a13 and 15 year old girls. Would they race the 4/28/4 or do they race the shorter distance?

We have a 1K run, 14K bike and 1K run “Do-a-DU” race that we encourage young athletes under 16 years old to enter. There will be adults too in this race.