Keep an eye out for Andy Potts and other pro triathletes at Timberman
this weekend. Photo copyright Sonic Fitness.
The Timberman Triathlon Festival is this weekend, so in lieu of this week's Just for fun Friday, we'll be doing a preview of the weekend's events.
The weather forecast Lake Winnipesaukee calls for a high of 77º on both days with occasional showers, which makes for a relatively cool race day compared to the heat wave we've been having lately. Winds will be relatively mellow (from the south at 8 mph on Saturday, and from the north at 7 mph on Sunday), and there should be cloud cover for most of the day.
The Swim
Lake Winnipesaukee is 72.5º right now, which should be comfortable with or without a wetsuit. The short course swim goes along the shore and is very shallow, so in most places you will even be able to stand up if you need to. All of the short course swim and the first half of the long course swim will be directly into the sun, so bring a pair of tinted goggles in case the sun is out in the morning. For those of you doing the 70.3, keep in mind that there is often chop, so swim smart.
The Bike
Since it hasn't rained around Lake Winnepesaukee in ten days, and there has been less than half an inch of accumulated rainfall in the month of August, be prepared for slippery road surfaces if it rains this weekend. Both the sprint and 70.3 bike courses are out-and-back deals beginning with steep hills and ending with fast descents. Remember to leave your bike in a low gear so you will be ready to climb the hill out of T1. The 70.3 course packs most of its big descents into the first 10 miles, followed by a long, gradual downhill to the halfway point. After the turn-around be prepared to watch your average speed drop as you climb the 14-mile gradual hill back towards transition. Race director Keith Jordan has changed the return rout this year, taking cyclists away from the main course on some side roads to add two more hills (note: the link above doesn't reflect these changes). You will be climbing to the same elevation as the old course, but quickly rather than gradually. From mile 42 on you will have a chance to make up some of that time on the downhills and rest up for the run. If the sun does come out this weekend, be aware that there is very little tree cover in the middle 30 miles, so be sure to keep up with your hydration so you don't blow to high heaven on the run.
The Run
The sprint run course is mostly an out-and-back (with a few small loops along the rout) that is mostly climbing on the way out, and downhill on the way back for a fast finish. The 70.3 run course is a double out-and-back, which could help break the course up, or could be quite monotonous. With double out-and-back courses, be aware that the aid stations could get crowded so be curteous and keep moving through the aid stations. On each of the four legs of the half marathon you will be running over a gradual hill which can further break up the course into 1.5 mile segments: gradual uphill, gradual downhill, turn around, gradual uphill, gradual downhill, turn around and do it all again. Enjoy the downhill into a fast finish. Be aware that half of the run course is unshaded, and so will get super hot if the sun is out. Make sure you keep up on your hydration and electrolytes.
Spot the Pro's
Keep your eyes peeled for last year's winners Andy Potts and Chrissie Wellington as well as Michael Lovato, Fraser Cartmell, Bjorn Andersson, Chris Legh, Simon Thompson, TJ Tollakson, Kate Major, Amanda Stevens, Catriona Morrison, and our own local Dede Griesbauer.
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