_ The 2018 My First Tri August:

Most people get anxious thinking about trying a triathlon.  This race is designed exclusively for first timers (there is no other race like this in Minnesota).  We limit registration to 150 first time triathletes.  To ensure you aren't beat up in the water by having to get in a wave with 50- 150 other athletes of varying abilities and experience all fighting for the best position, we let our athletes go one at a time 7 seconds apart. We have experienced triathletes everywhere to answer questions and help you, whether it's in transition or in the swim or anywhere along the way.  This non threatening environment guarantees that you will have fun and will successfully complete your first triathlon.  Most who have done this triathlon can't wait to sign up for another.  As you prepare for your race, we will be there to guide you and provide you with all the necessary information you need to take away your worst fears.  We won't let you fail.  Our retail, training and triathlon team are there to make sure of this.  You will swim in a clean lake, ride within the park system and run on a paved trail.  This is a truly beautiful course.  

Event details and schedule

Overview

Always wanted to Tri? Then this event is for you!

My First Tri™ is a triathlon put on exclusively for first timers. Here’s why:

Triathlons have steadily grown in popularity since the 1970’s, to the point where it has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world - it seems like everybody does them!

That’s precisely what can be intimidating about entering and competing in your first triathlon - it feels like everyone but you has done this before; whether it’s where to put your bike, how to set-up your transition area, or even knowing how fast or hard to swim/bike/run, most new-comers feel a little overwhelmed.

Our solution is to make sure that everyone racing with you is in pretty much the same place...absolutely clueless (just kidding)!

Seriously though, there is no special equipment needed for your first triathlon. Almost any bike will do, and on race day you'll see everything from 20-year-old steel mountain bikes to sleek triathlon-specific bikes. Most use their current road or mountain bike.

As for the swim - the most anxiety-riddled part of the event for most of us - you don't have to be Michael Phelps. You'll see fellow participants doing the dog paddle, sidestroke, backstroke, and all sorts of combinations. We will say, though, PLEASE get in the open water for a practice swim before attempting a triathlon! We offer training swims, which are a huge help to many beginners.  Unlike other races, we aren’t going to throw you in the water with 150 other athletes in a wave so you have to fight to swim.  We send our athletes out one at a time giving you the space you need to relax and swim your swim without having to worry someone is going to “clock” you.

Our hope is that we can help you in every part of this endeavor. Prior to the race we’ll offer training in all three disciplines, seminars to cover questions and strategies, and "gear days" to try out and talk through some of the technology that could vastly improve your race experience.  Watch your email for more information.

On race day we’ll have experienced triathlete volunteers helping with each step:

• Arrival/parking
• Setting up your gear in the transition area
• Overviewing the course and what to expect
• Even the opportunity to race with a mentor - an experienced triathlete who sticks right by your side coaching you through every stage of the race! Please email [email protected] if you would like a mentor. Mentors do the entire race alongside you and at your pace. There is a $15 donation to Tri Fitness Tri Club for this service.

This race will be chip timed.

While these events can be terrific fun, they can also be physically taxing. Please check with your doctor before participating in any athletic event.

We would also love to hear why you decided to Tri.  We have found the stories of our past participants in this race are truly inspiring.  Who knows?  Your story might be just the one that changes someone’s life forever.  Please email us at [email protected].

Training

We have two FREE online training programs, designed to take you from the couch to a triathlon in just 12 weeks!

The Beginner Program is designed for those with little to no existing training base, while the Intermediate Program is a little more challenging for those who've been more active.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like some assistance with these programs, or if you'd like to take your training to the next level with Metabolic Assessments, coached swim classes, spin classes (on your own bike), running classes or any other training we offer!  All of our training is geared to help you get the most out of your body!

Also, be sure to take a look at our clinics and seminars, which cover a broad range of topics to help during training and on race day.

What To Bring

We want to help ensure that you have the necessary equipment on race day for the best experience possible. The following list is a general guide - don't take it as mandatory.

At the very least, you will need to wear something to swim, bike and run in, some goggles, a helmet, and some shoes for running (which can be the same ones you wear on the bike) and you will need a bike.

Here is some gear you will either need or want:

• Towel
• Water Bottles (please fill them at home - there isn't usually water available at the park)
• Sunscreen
• Gel (Energy Replacement)
• Wetsuit
• Tri Suit
• Swim Cap
• Goggles
• Bike
• Bike Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Bike Shoes
• Bike Tubes
• Tire Pump/CO2
• Running Shoes and Socks
• Race Number
• Race Belt

  Every participant receives an event shirt and finisher medal. These are UNISEX shirts, and may run a little bit large, so please order accordingly.

  Note: If you register within 14 days of the race date, we cannot guarantee the correct size shirt. We make every attempt to order enough shirts, even accounting for late entries, but we have to order ahead of time based on our best estimates.

  Size Chart:

  Measure just under your arms, around your chest. The shirts tend to run a little large, so if you're between sizes, you might want to go a size lower, but it's totally up to your individual preferences.

  • S 34-36
  • M 38-40
  • L 42-44
  • XL 46-48
  • 2XL 50-52 ($5 extra charge)
  • 3XL 54-55 ($5 extra charge)

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  Packet Pick-Up

  Your race packet will include all the materials you need for your race, such as your race bib, bike sticker, swim cap and some fun stuff like your complimentary event shirt and special offers.

  Pick up your race packets at our retail store at 1338 Highway 96 East in White Bear Lake (get directions).  We highly recommend picking up your packet in advance of race day.  We can answer questions and give last minute advise to help you sleep better.

  June Pick-Up

  Thursday and Friday June 16th and 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

   

  August Pick-Up

  Thursday and Friday August 25th and 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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  Race Location

  Both the June and August My First Tri races are located at Rice Creek Chain of the Lakes Park Reserve, 7401 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038 (get directions).

  Click here to visit the park's website.

  For spectators, there is a $5 park fee. If they ride with you, there is no fee since we pay the park for participants' vehicles.

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  Schedule of Events

  • 6:30am - Park and parking lots open
  • 7:00am - Packet pick-up and body marking begins
  • 7:00am - Transition area opens
  • 7:30am - Race announcements begin
  • 7:45am - Transition area closes
  • 7:50am - Final course updates (at the beach)
  • 8:00am - START OF EVENT
  • 10:00am - Door prizes and Barbecue

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  Course Profile

  The courses for both June and August are the same.

  Swim Course

  • Printable Swim Course Map
  • Interactive Swim Course Map

  Before the race begins, it's a very good idea to get in the water and do a little practice swim. Please plan on giving yourself some extra time to get into the water before race time.  We will also be offering coached swim sessions (in conjunction with our MFT Training) in the weeks leading up to the race.  We will send out emails to update you on weekly activities that you may want to participate in.

  The swim is approximately 400 yards in Centerville Lake. You'll swim about 100 yards out from the beach, approximately 200 yards across, then 100 yards back to the beach. Always keep the buoys to your left.

  Centerville Lake is a beautiful small lake with very little boat traffic. It has not usually been very weedy. We will have buoys in a triangular route, as well as lifeguards and volunteers in canoes/kayaks in case you need assistance.

  If you do need help during the swim, feel free to hang on to the buoys, or the lifeguards. It's perfectly fine as long as you don't use them to advance farther in the swim (in other words, you can't use a kayak to pull you along during the swim).

  If you need serious help, please remove your swim cap and wave it in the air. A lifeguard will come to you immediately.

  Once you exit the swim, you'll walk/run across the grass to the transition area. 

  Bike Course

  • Printable Bike Course Map
  • Interactive Bike Course Map

  You will leave the transition area, get on the road you drove in on while entering the park, then take a right once you leave the park onto Main Street

  You will then take a right on Centerville Road, then a right on Heritage, and a left on LaMotte Drive to LaMotte Circle, where you will take another left. You will head around the cul-de-sac back to LaMotte Drive, where you will take a right, then your next turn will be a fairly sharp right onto the bike path (in LaMotte Memorial Park). You will stay on this path and it will return you to Centerville Park, at which point you will repeat the loop.

  This is a flat and potentially very fast course. Please be aware that this is an open course, so when on the road, please stay as close to the white line as possible. Riding inside of the white line is suggested if possible (closer to the edge of the road). When on the bike path, please keep to your right unless you are passing someone. If you are about to pass someone, make sure that the road/path is safe to do so and please announce "on your left" and pass as quickly as possible and return to the right side of the road/path.

  Run Course

  • Printable Run Course Map
  • Interactive Run Course Map

  Once you park your bike, you will run out of the transition area and take a right onto a paved trail, which will lead you out to Main Street, where you will take a right and stay on the path.

  This is an "out and back" course, with one small hill as you head towards Centerville.

  There will be water provided at the turn-around on the run.

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  Awards and Prizes

  Because the focus of My First Tri is finishing the event and pursuing personal goals, we do not give out competitive age group awards.

  Divisions:

  • Individual Male: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
  • Individual Female: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

  These age groups are standard for most races. This lets athletes compare their respective times with those in a similar age range. These divisions will not affect the standings in My First Tri - our goal is to have you finish successfully and have a great time!

• Body Glide or Suit Juice (to help prevent chafing)