I just decided to look for women's only triathlons randomly and found this:

http://www.triathlonpink.com.au/perth_info.html

Now a triathlon is on my list of things to do but since I'm a shit swimmer I figured it was ages away... til I read this... the swim "leg" is in a pool! I won't drown in a pool! I'll be slow but I know I can swim in a pool!

Not to mention the distances are very doable:
100m swim/3km ride/1km run
200m swim/6km ride/2km run
300m swim/9km ride/3km run

Ok... does anyone wanna give this a shot? It looks like a bit of fun... nothing serious... no elites (I dont think)... I'd like to do it but not sure if I'd do it on my own.... would like to go the 300m swim/9km ride/3km run option.

Huh? Huh? Any takers?!

I'll probably do this one. Good way to start the new season. Where is it? Cancel that just checked the link.
Did the Melbourne one last year (MSAC and around the lake) and it was good fun. If you're not all that fussed about swimming StellaBella this is a good way to dip your toes into triathlon.

I'm not going to get to this one SBel, but looking forward to catching up with you next weekend.
sj

I'm planning to do the Sydney one as my first taste of triathlon. Also going to do the 300m/9km/3km option. Looks like fun!

That's great... I texted some mates in Melb to tell them they shld do it too!

Having a look at the site I found this FAQ:

Q3. What is the most common clothing worn by entrants?
Anything that is cool and comfortable. You will have transition from swim to ride to run and it is easier to have a costume or swim outfit that is comfortable for all three sports. Some athletes wear traditional triathlon gear, whilst others wear a one piece costume and then put on a singlet and shorts over their costume when in transition. One thing is mandatory and that is that your body is fully covered eg: one piece costume.

I'm a bit perplexed as to the mandatory 2 wear a 1 piece bit. I've emailed them 2 query it (was emailing to ask a question anywat) bce I was just going to wear my pool bathers (a 2 piece with a crap top top) over a sports bra & chuck on some shorts @ transition... but looks like that's not going to work now!

I'll be doing this for sure, the 300m/9km/3km.

Can someone who's done it before please explain how the swim works, given that it's in a pool rather than open water? Is it staggered? How do they prevent everyone smashing into each other at the turn, or some people gaining an advantage by being first into the water? Swimming is pretty much my only strength so I'd like to be reassured that I have some hope of doing well in that section, at least

I'm going to have to go for a bike ride for the first time in 9 years some time in the next couple of months. Ahem. And to think I want to get into triathlons this year. Could be interesting!

Stella, that confused me a little too. I train in a two-piece racing bikini normally... I don't really want to have to go out and buy a one piece! Plus my boobs will get squished. I wonder if it's okay to wear a tight tank top over my bathers (which will have a sports bra underneath, because there's no way i can run without it!), and just chuck bike shorts on for the cycle/run. 1pc are so damn uncomfy :/

Hi Stella & Erinlee

I did the Sydney event last year.

Swimmers - they didn't seem to really enforce the 1 piece costume as there were women with 2-piece swimmers. Maybe someone with more Tri experience can enlighten us as to the reasoning behind it.

How the do the swim?

Our swim was in the SOP Aquatic Centre. They staggered the start by setting of 10 swimmers 101-110, 111-120, 121-130 and so on. We swam to a buoy then around the one at the other end. The lanes weren't used as the laps were on a slight angle.

I am looking forward to this year (again in Sydney) but having problems working out when to fit the required training - running seems to take all the time I have. Hmmm? Maybe I just need to run faster to fit the other training in too.

Boneychic, thanks for that! I was thinking that having the lane ropes in would cause too many head-on collisions... but to make up 300m we must have to do a couple of laps around the pool, no?

I'm going to have to find the time to learn how to ride again/seriously go cycling a few times a week Hard when I've already got 4 runs + 4 swims + 3 gyms + 1 Balance. Methinks that I might need to reacquaint myself with early mornings.

No,with the pool it's up and down in zig zags from one side of the pool to the other side. So you would have 6 zig zags.

I have to try and fit a couple more rides & swims back in too - I've got 5 runs + 1 track/speed + 3 gyms + 1 cycle class + 1 bike ride + 1 swim - and I am already acquainted with early mornings - nights are out as I have uni 2 nights a week.

Training for this probably will be a non event for me.. I'm going to start riding to work again and will start swimming at the gym and after C2S might try a few brick sessions on a Saturday by riding to UWA (which is a bit under 10km) and then going for a run. Will probably also try the course out once on my bike for hills.

Between now and then I have C2S, Pancake Run, Blackmores HM, Freo Fun Run, Melb HM, Rotto and THEN this pink tri... needless to say I'm a tad busy... tho half those events I won't actually be racing - they're more for fun!

I emailed the organisers asking about the pool thing and the once piece thing... will be interesting what they say regarding the latter... I am loathe to purchase a 1 piece bce I don't like them...haven't owned once since I was about 11!

There's a fair few events I want to do leading up to this too... everything minus the Blackmores & Melbourne HM, providing that I can get my fitness back up. I just need to train for the cycle, and yeh, some block training would be useful. Once I have my bike I'll be riding to work too (only 6km mind you) so I'll just need to throw in one longer ride, I think. As soon as WA tri publish their calendar for this summer I'm going to tri fit in some shorter-distance triathlons, though, so cycling training would be useful for that.

Boneychic your training puts me to shame I find I have to swim three times a week otherwise I lose fitness too quickly. I love it though so it's hardly even work

Yeah this would be fun as I would like to do some triathlons this year, not sure how I will do as I really don't like swimming and find it really hard to do laps.

As for one or two piece, my tummy hasn't seen the light of day for 25 years

SB I'm doing Pancake as well, does anyone know the route?

L

It's only 6 laps... it will be over with quick enough

Here's the response to my email:

Your 2 pce will be fine, no worries, we go off in wave starts of 15 – 20, 1minute apart in the pool in a zig zag formation swim course, works well and no its not a silly question

Good news imo

Me too. I am wondering how I will go though. I only learnt to swim in January of this year and have only been on a bike once in the past 15 years.

I am quite keen on getting involved in triathlons but all the clubs look rather scary and professional.

So this looked as good a start as any.

Sorry Stella, it's the same weekend as Blackwood so I'll have to sit this one out.

Ours isn't.

Balance Triathlon Club.

Where are you based LaDiDa?

wt

Stella: Hurrah about the swimmers! Thank goodness for that! I was having visions of placing (hah!!!) only to be disqualified due to my offensive mid-section! Although I do fully intend to cover it with a tight tank top, which will make for some nice belly wobble during the run leg!

I'm interested in joining a nice non-scary Perth based tri club if anyone knows of one... or at least going to some info/training sessions. I think there's one at my local (Beatty Park) but if the swimming squads are anything to go by, I'm sure it would be far too advanced.

Artarmon, so north shore

(but prepared to travel!)

I go to Beatty Park but haven't seen or heard of any tri clubs, I'll have to ask. The gym is friendly though .

I plan to use my own offensive mid section as a race tactic to scare everyone else off!

Guess I'd better do a few short runs on grass too

For info on tri clubs in Perth go to www.triwa.org.au. Click on the "Clubs" link. You might also find some training squads for ladies only or beginners under the coaches section. I know Carol Hughes does one, Vicki Delves is another. And you'll find the 08/09 calendar there too.
Its great to see you all interested in having a go at triathlon. Good luck and have fun.

Ladies only training squads... for beginners?! Fantastic! Now I just need to get that bike - thanks!

Loubee, perhaps I'm dreaming about that tri club! I swim & gym at Beatty Park (long time swimmer, new gymmer - so far it seems good!) so there's a good chance I just assumed that all those people taking up the lanes at strange hours were a tri club There seems to be some lunchtime squads that go through in summer...

Stella, I assure you that my midsection will scare more people than yours. Perhaps we can team up to ensure a 1 - 2 placing based upon the rest of the field running away from us in the opposite direction?

LaDiDa

We are Inner West based, very friendly and have members with a range of abilities. We ride north from North Turramurra every Sunday, south from Centennial Park every Saturday and do runs around the Bay every Thursday.

PM me if you like and I will send you some more details.

wt

Hey... stupid question...

I don't have to wear a swimming cap do it?!
I bought one once, just a cheap one... and put it on... and discovered I looked like a dildo (didnt help that it was a red cap)! I didnt know whether to laugh or cry... but either way there was no way I was wearing it!

Most pools like you to wear a swimming cap.

Also they keep all the hair out of your face and protect your hair a bit from the chlorine.

wt

I'd email Challenge, Stella. Heaps of people at my pool swim without a cap, though I'm not one of them - my hair is far too long to wear down. I seem to have a giant head, though, and it's always a mission and a half to get my cap to stay on (which is weird as I trained for 10 years and never had a problem then).

Are you going to do the 6 weeks training course at Challenge?

I received a newsletter from Total Triathlon the other day and they are running ladies only beginners triathlon training sessions in the lead up to the Pink Tri. They also have some Pink Triathlon specials on. Details here http://by105w.bay105.mail.live.com/mail/In...ies%20plus%20sa

Its all looking very exciting girls...

Sorry it doesn't look like that link works. I will try to copy and paste the info here.
10% OFF Day for Pink Ladies plus save on our beginner’s Pink Starter Pack

If you’re new to triathlon, there are a few basic items you’ll need to compete:

A bike & properly fitting helmet
Running shoes
Swim goggles
A swim suit*
Bike shorts & T-shirt*
Running shirt & shorts*


(* Alternatively, you can wear one or two piece triathlon suit for all 3 sports).



You should also bring a cap, sunscreen and towel.

Then, there are the tricks of the trade which we’ve bundled into a convenient starter pack at the special price of just $49. The pack includes: Race belt to hold your number in place, elastic shoe laces that help you quickly get into your shoes, body glide to stop chaffing, a race gel for an energy boost, a Total Triathlon water bottle, a race day checklist and a 10% off voucher to use on products or bike servicing.

Lastly, we’re having a special Pink Ladies day on Saturday 27 September where all Pink Triathlon competitors can get everything they need at 10% OFF. Offer applies to all full priced clothing, bikes and accessories.


Ladies Only Beginner Triathlon Workshops

Total Triathlon is offering two ladies only triathlon “crash courses” (metaphorically speaking!!!). We’ll cover the basics so you feel confident to tackle the Pink Triathlon, as well as the season ahead. Learn from the experts to ensure you finish strongly on the day.



There are 2 options:

· Monday 5th October from 9.30am to 2pm; OR

· Thursday 9th October from 9.30am to 2pm.

Cost: $55 (includes instruction & morning tea).

Location: South end of Gil Fraser Reserve / North Fremantle Foreshore



Courses are strictly limited to 12 participants and require a minimum of 6 participants to run. For more information or to book on 9384 8000 or email david@totaltriathlon.com.au

Too bad they're during the working week. I am entitled to a certain amount of study/conference leave but I think I'd have a hard time convincing my boss to let me use it for a triathlon course!

Yeh its very hard to find a time to suit everyone. I guess they are targeting mums who have some time while the kids are at school. Perhaps if there was enough interest they could run one on the weekend. It might be worth emailing them and asking.

On the other hand, you don't have to tell your boss exactly what kind of training course it is do you? Is there any chance he/she would be supportive and see the huge health benefits to staff and the business if employees are involved in such a healthy activity? Maybe a work team? Its worth a try.

I'm getting "serious" now... am going for my first ever swim in a 50m pool tonight!!!

I'm actually really worried I won't be able to make it all the way across

You can walk to about the half way mark at Beatty Park before it gets too deep, so there's always the chance to chicken out We'll swim in the lane closest to the wall anyway, which is useful if you feel like drowning.

Hi ladies,

im definately going to do this one... i havent done any before but have just joined up to a womens beginners group (NOR)...
i was thinking the 200m/6km/2km but i could probably stretch myself to the 300m/9km/3km and then want to die afterwards.
Im crap at swimming but at least its the first part of the race.

it's going to be great!

There will be no chickening out... tho perhaps frantic water treading and lane rope hugging!
They don't by any chance have hot lifeguards... oh wait! Maybe a hot swim squad guy will do

Out of luck, it's usually skinny teenagers at that time of day But the post-work hoards that come through usually contain some (incredibly fast) man candy

Most of the lifeguards are a bit young too, unfortunately.

I'm going to do a bit of a dry run tomorrow... literally (I'm not going to do the swimming just the cycle and run)!
I'll catch the train to Shenton Park and then ride to where I believe the start is (provided I can actually get to it!) and then ride the course and then run the run...well I'll find the oval and do 3km on it.
Mainly I just want to be sure that the hills that I assume I'll find out there won't be too hard for me to handle on my bike.

I'm just mentioning it in case anyone wants to join me

Stellabella what time are you thinking you might be at Challenge for the run? I don't know what's on the agenda here yet but I sometimes rum over to MacGilvray Oval and run there (I'm not doing the tri but my old running buddy is). I could possibly try to be there when you're doing your laps. If you know what time you will be there let ,e know and if you're not sure no worries.
sj

Wow! I just slept in for once in my life! I have no idea when I'm going atm... I'll PM you when I'm leaving (you might have already been and gone by then!).

Edit: Oops! I forgot to PM...

I ended up riding all the way there from home, did the course once (but starting from Lemnos street and then to where the pool is) and then rode to subi, had a coffee, rode to Bayswater to get the kms up and then rode home...doing 2 laps of my street til the Garmin clicked over to 40km!

I didnt end up running on the over as there was a Lacrosse thing on... and I was enjoying my bike ride too much!

For the record the course is very doable... no actual hills but there are some inclines... nothing too tough. I'm not really worried about it, I am giving myself a max of 30mins to do the 9km but reckon (hope!) I'll do better than that... depends how good I am at doing laps!

Well done SB! I had already gone when you sent your note, I ended up doing Melon Hill (2 laps) and dry sand - hot out there this morning, which makes a nice change.
sj

Righto... is anyone else still doing this?
I'm going to be the last person out of the water for sure but maybe on the bike and run I'll reel some ppl back and not finish last!
Did 300m in 25m pool in 9:30 yesterday... so estimate will take maybe 11 or 12 mins during the actual thing

I havent entered yet but fully intend to!

I think Atom is doing it too!

Let me have a swim on Sunday and I will enter and confirm which race I will do - my swimming is so bad I don't know I can manage 300metres. Pelagie how many laps of Beatty Park is that ?

The outdoor pool @ Beatty is 50m so it's up and back 3 times

Thanks SB, I was thinking it was only 25 metre! I guess I could probably do the 300/15/3k then. Better get the bike out and do some rides as soon as I get back, and swim.

Pink skirts?

It's only 6 laps Lou, you can do it! I can't ride a bike so I certainly won't take part in this (unless someone is looking for a runner or a very slow swimmer ) but I might come to cheer you on!

Lol... no pink skirts this time - I'm wearing some tri shorts that I borrowed... I will be the last person out of the pool judging by results in other states but at least I'll look the part!
Am hoping I can at least catch a few on the ride and run

You'll be fine Stella. It's as easy as pie and you'll have a great time.

One of these days I will write my race report.....

If I can do it, you can do it no worries.

Thanks Simone

I just noticed this on the site:

ENTRIES FOR THE RAMSAY HEALTH CARE TRIATHLON PINK PERTH AND MELBOURNE EVENTS WILL CLOSE AT 5PM ON THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE RACE WEEKEND. THERE ARE NO ENTRIES ACCEPTED ON EVENT DAY.

So if you're in nows the time... I'm entering as we speak!!!

Good luck to all the Perth entrants.

I did Sydney Tri Pink on Saturday and it was AWESOME!!

So have fun and enjoy the day, it all goes so fast once you're there!

Cheers

Jodi