off-road tri's

[FarmerBEN]

I am hoping to do some swimming this winter and get in shape for an off-road tri, anybody know of any in the region?

[BG128]

afton use to have one but not sure who has one now I would be very intrested also if anyone has any info.

[hockeynut]

I am hoping to do some swimming this winter and get in shape for an off-road tri, anybody know of any in the region?

I don't know of any swimming/off road biking/running triathlons in the area, but I can recommend the Chippewa Triathlon. This is a Canoeing/Mountain Biking/Trail Running event that totals right around 50 total miles. I have done it twice and the canoeing always kills me (and my time).

Definatly a rugged event. The mountain biking doesn't have much singletrack but the first year I did the event the fire roads were under water (so it was pretty epic) and the second year I did it everything was bone dry and there were insane sandy spots. The running is also pretty sweet. I am hoping to find a way to do this event this year (though again, I'll suck at the paddling portion).

[Paul Swenson]

I would love to do an off road as well but have not seen any.

I was planning on doing my first Tri this summer if I can improve my swimming. The event I was aiming for was the Croixathlon in Hudson because it's only a 1/3 mile swim and a small event. The open water swim with a bunch of people makes me nervous.

[Slimpee]

I would love to do an off road as well but have not seen any.

I was planning on doing my first Tri this summer if I can improve my swimming. The event I was aiming for was the Croixathlon in Hudson because it's only a 1/3 mile swim and a small event. The open water swim with a bunch of people makes me nervous.

I'm very interested in off-road tris as well. I would prefer swimming to canoeing but I might try that out. We'll see.

I did the Lifetime Fitness tri as my first one this past July. It was a great event and a great experience but pricey ($130).
http://www.ltftriathlon.com/

Another good route just to try would would be an indoor event. It's not nearly as much fun but it'll give you at least an idea of how it feels.
http://www.ywcampls.org/healthfitness/events/tri/index.asp

I had to teach myself how to swim for my event and I still sucked but i'm a much better swimmer now than when I started.

My advice would be to practice open water swims. The pool is good for working on the stroke and endurance but nothing can prepare you for being in the middle of a lake (no side to hang onto). I would really advise getting some lessons or joining a class to perfect the stroke.

If you're thinking about it just sign up for one and start training. Nothing motivates like spending the money and having the date circled on the calender. Just give yourself enough time.

Check out http://www.trifuel.com/ for a good forum.

[Shickdawg]

XTERRA is definitely the big name in off-road tri's. There don't appear to be any in Minnesota for 2008 (Check the schedule here (http://www.xterraplanet.com/races/)) but there's a few in the general Midwest, including 3 in Michigan, 1 in South Dakota and 2 in Indiana. All will require some hours in your car, unfortunately. I wish I had more info or better news for you.

[AndrewMay]

There is an event just like the Chippewa event in WI. Its called the Kickapoo Dam Challenge. Its a 7 mile canoe, 14 mile road ride and a 3 mile trail run. Great event! The 7 miles in a canoe feels like about 15 because the river does not go in a straight line for more than about 300 feet. Constant bends and twists. Its usually sometime in Sept/October.