Mere Mortals Blog: One week left!
Hello Tri Gulf Coast!
With just one week left until our first training session, I thought I’d get a head start on the Mere Mortals weekly blog. Time permitting, I’ll make an entry each week covering what we did in the most recent session, what’s next, and anything else worth mentioning.
Since there is no previous session to report on this week, I’ll instead focus on what to expect for our first session, and how you can get the most out of it.
What you’ll need for week 1:
Since we’re training for a triathlon, most of our sessions will include multiple sports, but this first meeting is an exception. We’ll be meeting at the stage on the Pensacola Public Beach and biking 12 miles. More experienced triathletes will have the option to go farther, but the official training ride will be 12 miles. Since we’ll be biking, here’s a checklist of things you’ll need:
- Your Tri Gulf Coast Membership. Remember, this training is offered to TriGC members, so you’ll need to join. Save yourself time and trouble by doing this ahead of time! Sign up here!
- A bike. I know, that’s a bit obvious, but you definitely need one! Mountain bikes and hybrids welcome! Please note that recumbent bikes and three wheelers are not allowed in the race, so we discourage bringing them to training.
- A helmet. Absolutely required, just like it will be on race day.
- Fluids. Summer is here! Make sure you have a way to take in fluids while you ride!
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Training Plan
View Mere mortals week 1 bike in a larger map
We’ll start at the stage at Pensacola’s public beach and ride east. After you pass the Portofino towers, look for a parking lot on the right. Technically, you’d need to go a little past this lot to get your 6 miles one way in, butif you turn in the far side entrance, loop through the lot, and come back out the same way, you’ll be close enough. that also give you a safe place to stop if you need a break.
Agenda
Even though we start at 6:30, I highly encourage you to be there at least 20-30 minutes early. Out of respect for the time of our participants and speakers, we will always start by 6:35, so if you’re still getting set up, you’ll miss important information. You need time to check in, rack your bike, and meet your new Mere Mortals friends, so be there early and ready to hear our speaker by 6:35.
- Check in – 6:00 -6:30 – There will be a new requirement this year to sign a waiver at every training session. you will be issued a numbered wrist band at check in to wear for the duration of the training.
- Introduction and overview – Tom Henderson – 6:35-6:40
- Greetings from Tri Gulf Coast President – John Murray – 6:40-6:45
- Cycling safety – John Murray – 6:45-7:05
- Training ride, 12 miles – 7:15-???
Weather
A quick note about weather. If there’s a light rain, and it’s not expected to get worse during our training, we will train on schedule. For heavier rains and splash-and-dash thunderstorms, we may delay in hopes of things clearing up. In the case of threatening lightning or heavy rain that doesn’t appear to be clearing up quickly, we will cancel. Another thing to note, since we train during hurricane season, is that we will never meet when there is a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning, no matter how nice it may be outside. I hope we don’t have to worry about that this year!
BP Oil spill
I really wish I didn’t have to talk about this one! So far, wind and tides have worked in our favor to spare us from direct exposure to this spill. While I’d love to hope that this continues indefinitely for Pensacola Beach, I think it’s unlikely. We will monitor conditions and change our training plans as necessary to maintain a safe, enjoyable training experience for everyone.
See you there!
I’m looking forward to it! Feel free to call or email with any questions!
Tom Henderson Mortals@trigulfcoast.org Cell – 850-723-1541Leave a Reply
