Swim. Bike. Run. That’s my mantra these days. I am currently training for the Blue Lake Triathlon sprint division on June 7th, and following that I’ll experience my first Olympic Distance Triathlon during the Pacific Crest Triathlon Festival in Sunriver June 29th.
Both of these events are produced by AA Sports, right here in my backyard in Beaverton. I know that both of these events will be excellent, I participated in the Wahine Duathlon last August, which should have been a sprint, but there was that whole algae thing that sometimes happens late in the summer out at Blue Lake. I have no concerns that will be an issue this coming June.
I really love the course out at Blue Lake. The swim is a half mile, for those of us in the Sprint. This year they are continuing with their My First Tri event, which boasts a quarter mile swim. Organizers say the continue the My First Tri event due to the belief that “being part of a larger event adds excitement and moral support to the overall experience for the sport’s newest members.” I love that.
This is why I love these kinds of events, the incredible support among all athletes, regardless of your experience. Race organizers expect the water temperature to be in the mid 60’s, so a wetsuit is recommended.
I am on the fence about a wetsuit, mostly because I don’t like them, but I know I’ll need one for Pacific Crest so it might be good to test myself. I did not need one at any of the tri events I did last summer because the water was plenty warm in the late season. Not so much in June…
The 12 mile bike course is pretty flat, with one spot where you let gravity take over and resist the urge to say “WHEEEEEEE!!!!!” as you fly down the hill coming & going. The tail wind on Marine Drive heading back east to Blue Lake is the bomb, let me tell you!
The 5K run is in Blue Lake and out on the Marine Drive path, not the road. So, in other words, you will not only feel safe, you WILL be safe. I was never worried at all. Aid stations are well placed, the event is well organized and all in all I cannot recommend this event enough to seasoned racers and newbies alike.
My favorite part, and I literally mean my favorite part about this event is that I get to party with MY favorite band, Hit Machine, at the finish line festival.
AA Sports knows how to put on a great event AND throw an awesome party. If you are considering this event, you might want to be aware that they sell out every year, so register soon. Also, shirts are guaranteed only to participants that have registered by 5/10. After that, sizes and quantities are limited and there will be no post-race shirt orders.
They have plenty of opportunities for packet pick up too: Pre-race is Friday June 6 from 11 am to 4 pm at FitRight NW, 2258 NW Raleigh St., Portland, OR 97210
If you can’t make it to FitRight, you can still pick up your packet at Blue Lake Park from 6 am until 7:30 am, 30 minutes prior to the start of the race. One final important notice: Participants must pay a $5 park fee per vehicle when entering the park on race day. Carpool if you can!
I am looking forward to this event, and I hope to see you there!
Event: Blue Lake Triathlon and Duathlon
Date: June 7-8
Time: Park opens at 6AM, events start at 8AM
Register: http://aasportsltd.com/events/race/bluelaketri/
Distance Options: My First Tri, Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Distance
