For a good few months now I’ve had a very big goal in mind: to compete in a sprint triathlon. When this idea sneaked into my mind, I wanted to do the RMK Kõrvemaa Triathlon. Then I found out about the A. Le Coq Everyman’s Triathlon (Igamehetriatlon) in Tartu. Then I remembered that there is a very popular triathlon in Pühajärve: TriSmile33.3… I’m sure there are other triathlons out there as well.
So many options, one confused Margit.
So what does this girl do when she can’t make up her mind? Writes down pros and cons of each event. Then posts it on her blog and hope someone smarter can give her good advice or some tips. 🙂
RMK Kõrvemaa Triathlon
Date: 19th of July 2014
Distances:
350 m of swimming
22 km of cycling (mountain bike)
4 km of running
Place: Soodla in Harjumaa
Pros:
+ A lot of participants (over 400 in 2013) –> not a huge chance I’ll finish last
+ A descent amount of time between the event and my first half-marathon in Narva (5 weeks)
+ Price: 16+10€
+ Normal sized starting groups (75 persons)
Cons:
– Women and men start at completely different times (10 AM and 1.30 PM) –> I find it odd/weird
– Too little information about courses, for example the trail profile etc. I can find info only about distances, nothing more.
– Early start (10 AM)
– No race briefing
– Transition area times aren’t separately measured, included in bike time
– Location: I need to drive/be driven there by a car
– No opportunity to train on the race courses
– No extra stuff: actual diploma, medal, T-shirt etc
– No social events
A. Le Coq Tartu Igamehetriatlon (Every Man’s Triathlon)
Date: 12th of July 2014
Distances:
500 m of swimming
20 km of cycling
5 km of running
Place: Tartu
Pros:
+ Relatively simple bike and running course
+ Price: 20+10€
+ Location: 100 metres from my Tartu home
+ Race briefing
+ I know the location very well
+ Opportunity to train on the actual courses prior to race
+ Starting groups in swimming if necessary
+ A medal and a diploma for everyone
+ Social events (Pasta Party, afterparty etc) prior and after race
Cons:
– Very close to my half-marathon (only 4 weeks after)
– Around 200 finishers and pretty fast finish times –> HUGE chance I’ll finish last and be disappointed
– Early start: race briefing already at 9.30 AM
A. Le Coq TriSmile33.3
Date: 2nd of August 2014
Distances:
300 m of swimming
30 km of cycling
3 km of running
Place: Pühajärve and surrounding areas, Tartumaa
Pros:
+ A good amount of time between my half-marathon (7 weeks)
+ Over 250 participants –> according to last year’s finish protocol not a huge chance I’ll finish last
+ Late start (briefing at 1 PM, start at 3 PM)
+ Race briefing
+ Starting groups in swimming
+ Lots of extras: T-shirt, welcome present, swimming cap, medal, diploma etc
+ Social events after race
+ A good reputation
Cons:
– Price: 50+10€
– A difficult and challenging bike course: almost 300 metres of climbing altitude
– Location: I need to drive/be driven by car
– No opportunity to train on the courses
I want my first triathlon to be pleasant and beautiful memory that I’ll remember forever. I don’t want a bad experience like my first running race was… I have no idea which event to choose and soon I’ll have to register. Any advice is VERY welcomed! 🙂
Nourish, Train & Flourish 