1. It’s great for beginners! Guys, I’m a super, super weak, panicky swimmer! So much so that as a child, I failed the same swim class 2x because I couldn’t rhythmic breathe. (I’d get all panicky and couldn’t breathe. Finally my mom let me quit swimming lessons after my second fail). All this to say, tri-ing is really hard for me because I’m a true (nervous) beginner when it comes to swimming and biking. Choosing this race as my first race was the right choice because it’s small enough that some of the normal tri experiences, like getting sloshed around in the water, or worrying about accidentally drafting while on the bike, were nothing to be concerned with. There was plenty of space for me to just go out, and do my thing.
2. It’s great for people who would like to get an Age Group award. Small race + Age Group Awards that span only five years, and you’ve got better-than-they-would-be-in-an-average-race chances to place! Last year, I had 3 friends that placed. One of them was an Ironman. The other two were just Average Joes completing their first triathlons.
3. It’s low stress. Okay, admittedly, with my above-mentioned fear of swimming (or really of drowning, I guess), I’m going to be somewhat stressed when it comes to triathloning, but the small field and convenient location meant that race day for me had no stress related to parking, getting to the start, or getting my race packet. It was much more relaxed than your average race!
4. It’s got a friendly vibe. I looked back at my race review from last year, and I listed the friendly vibe as my favorite part of the race. As soon as I got to the park, I started talking to strangers. Having friendly strangers around to chat with helped relieve my nerves. I was shocked by how kind everyone was! I even asked a stranger’s husband to write my race number on my arm, and he did so gladly while she reassured me that I would have a ton of fun.
5. It’s a great prep race. Maybe you’re nothing like me. Perhaps you’re crazy-competitive and super tough. Maybe you don’t really care about a small field or a women’s-only race because you think that getting punched while swimming is just a part of the game. Well, The Five Mile Women’s Triathlon is still a good course for you, dear strong woman, because it takes place in June, and is a great season-opener to prepare you for other summer/fall races.
And there we go! I really believe that this is a wonderful race, and I am looking forward to completing it again this year! I hope you’re join me, and save 10% on registration by using coupon code: RUNFUNDONE14
What makes a race “fabulous” to you?
