It's race week!

(As overheard last year during the race)

"I am so chill right now. I did some training. I read the emails that Doobie sent out leading up to race day. I opened the Athlete Guide and reviewed the course maps, the schedule of events, and even the post-race food!"

(see below for the Athlete Guide)

It is race week!

We're just a few days away from you having an AWESOME time! At this point, we've shared just about every bit of information we could. If you still have a question, re-read the Athlete Guide and the weekly email blasts which can be found on our website. We need to focus on last-minute details.

Here's what's important now:

SWIM COURSE CHANGE: We were alerted last week by the City of Minnetonka that the bacteria, E. coli, was detected near the beach area at Shady Oak Beach. Fortunately, the city also tested (both last week and on Monday, August 31) the south portion of the lake where the Sprint (750-yard swim) exits and found it to be safe for swimming. Rest assured that if the south portion of the lake was not safe for swimming, the City of Minnetonka would not allow us to use it. So...we are going to modify our swim course so that it is entirely in the south portion of the lake. (see picture below)

FAQs:

Isn't the water in the south lake essentially the same water as near the beach? A: Technically, yes, but due to distance between both spots and the narrow passage/shallow water under the pedestrian bridge, the area in question is localized to the shallow water right at the beachfront. In other words, "The solution to pollution is dilution!"
Why/how did this occur? A: Most likely, it was due to the geese that prefer the sandy beach area, as opposed to the rocky area elsewhere in the lake like the spot we will now be using in the south portion of the lake.
Are the same distances offered? A: Yes, for the 100 and 250-yard distances. The Sprint distance may be shortened slightly to somewhere around 700 yards to avoid shallow spots and weeds.
Where is the swim start now? A: We will line up along the path leading up to the pedestrian bridge and enter the water on the south side.
Can I get a refund/deferral to next year? A: Unfortunately, no. The event is still going on and the area we are using has been tested (by professional water samplers) and found to be safe.

In other news...

RACE DAY PARKING: Remember the main beach parking lot is for volunteers, staff, and VIP registrants and you have to enter before 8:15 and can't get out until the last biker is back in around 10 a.m. We will have parking attendants monitoring the entrance with a list of names. Everyone else should park on the street or in one of the numerous industrial lots off of Shady Oak Rd and K-Tel Dr. Another good spot is at the Cross of Glory Church at the corner of Shady Oak Rd and Excelsior Blvd. The paved trail takes you safely to Shady Oak Beach.

SWITCHING EVENTS: You have up until race morning to change events. Just let them know at the check in tables, so we can record it for the timing company. If you don't tell us, we assume you're doing what you signed up for.

CLYDESDALE/ATHENA CATEGORY: Last call for any Sprint distance participants that want to compete as a "Clydesdale" or "Athena" (instead of as an age grouper), SIGN UP HERE and I will add you to the list. Clydesdales and Athena are our larger triathletes...like me. There's just more of us to love...and bike/run up those hills! We should be competing against athletes our size! Only 6 have asked to switch so far. I know we have more Clydesdales and Athenas than that, as we usually have about 10-20 each year. Come join in on the fun!

MISCELLANEOUS:

Swim caps are required. You may use your own. If you need one, we will have them at packet pickups and near the swim start on race morning.
Helmets are required, even biking to and from the event. Be smart!
The body tattoos should be applied on race morning. Use a very wet sponge or washcloth. There is one for each arm. Just place it somewhere visible for our backup timers.
Timing chips are distributed on race morning at the pavilion. They are worn on the left ankle for the entire race, even the swim portion.

Here are some important dates for you to know about:

Wed., Sep. 2-Early Packet Pickup #2 (5-7 PM @Performance Hub)

-Come stop out early in the week to pick up your race bib, body tattoos, etc. Those that do are entered into a free drawing for a gift card to LTD Brewing.

Friday, Sep. 4-Early Packet Pickup #3 (5-7 PM @Shady Oak Beach)

-Come check out the race day layout the night before and ask any last-minute questions.

Sat., Sep. 5-RACE DAY! (@Shady Oak Beach)

6:45 a.m. Transition area opens
6:45-8:00 a.m. race morning packet pickup open
7:50 a.m. pre-race meeting
8:15 a.m. Sprint race starts
9:00 a.m. mini-sprint race starts

(Don't be late, BUT don't be too early either! Those doing the mini-sprint should still try to show up by 7:45, even though you may not be going into the water until 9, so you can get your timing chip and hear the pre-race announcements.)

Here are a couple of items to note/remember:

Weather reports change. We will adjust as needed. Realize that due to logistical issues with permits, volunteers, etc. we cannot move the schedule up, so please refrain from asking.
Registration order determines race order (i.e. the earlier you registered, the earlier you enter the water; the later you registered, the later you enter the water. Your race bib number will let you know the order.)
Mini-sprint registrants choose their distances on race day. No need to tell us. You just decide right then and there as you're doing the triathlon. Since there are 9 different options for mini-Sprint athletes to pick from, and we have no idea what you picked, there are no place awards, like for the Sprint race. However, we will have fun mini-themed prizes for mini-Sprint athletes afterwards.
The water temperature will be announced on race morning before the race starts, mostly so that anyone considering using a wetsuit knows if the water is too hot or not to use one safely.