Keesler Mini-triathlon 20 Aug 2010

[huntdavid]

open to anyone with access to the installation. Email me if you have questions or need to register. huntdavid@cableone.net

The Keesler Services Division and the Health and Wellness Center sponsor a free mini-triathlon at 8 a.m. Aug 20.
Open to everyone ages 18 or older, participants will swim 200 yards, bike eight miles and run two miles. Events will start and finish at the Triangle pool.
Individual categories are separated by gender and age: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49,
and 50+; there will be a separate category for Clydesdale (men>200lbs) and
Athena (women >150lbs). Relay teams consist of three participants, one must
be female. New this year is an Elite category open to those that can complete the event in 45 minutes for men and 50 minutes for women. Trophies awarded for overall male and female and top 3 in each category and overall male and female.
Preregistration is required by noon Aug 17 at the HAWC or the Blake Fitness Center. Sign in is 6:30-7:45 a.m. on the day of event. No sign-ups will be accepted on the event day event.
T-shirts and refreshments will be provided to all participants.

[tribob]

still nothing for folks 60 and over? Why the discrimination?

[Special Ed]

Last I checked, 60 is over 50, BobbyBoy.
You and I can shake each other's hand and say "Thanks for coming!" :^)

[huntdavid]

Same answer as last year....I looked at results from the last few years and there were about 3 every year...do you just want me to buy you a trophy?

[tribob]

Nope, I can afford my own. I just would like to know I would have a chance at earning one.
Don't get me wrong, I think it's great. I really like the entry fee. It's also a fun race.It's well done and you have lots of volunteers.

[mdeaton]

I've tried the last two years to get Keesler to consider at least a Master's award and possibly a Grandmaster's award but, no such luck. I guess a lot of us will be shaking hands after the finish. Oh well, at least they picked a great time of year for a triathlon in Mississippi. August would have been my first choice too ! I'm with Bob though, it's a fun event and you can't beat the price. I think the intent is to expose new people to triathlons and it achieves it's goal every year.

[Special Ed]

An idea:

Somebody can DONATE masters and/or grandmasters trophies to this fun little tri.

Somebody who really wants us old folks to have a chance to earn a trophy....

[mdeaton]

That's an excellent idea Ed. And, one I think you should follow up on!

[Special Ed]

Maybe there's some senior out there who wants to earn a trophy, but can also afford to buy his own?
Somebody who feels strongly about free triathlons offering more amenities?
I'll be on the lookout.

[mdeaton]

If he could EARN one, we wouldn't be having this conversation. I think buying your own is the best idea I've heard so far. That way, it can say whatever you like. I think Super Senior has a nice ring to it. Of course, it won't be MY trophy.

[KaySelf]

Is this a pool swim? How does one gain "access to the installation?"

[StephenNguyen]

I would do this if I was 18 and over and if it was a pool.

[huntdavid]

Kay - it is a pool swim.

There is a flyer available at the bicycle club forum website. I'm not sure how to attach it here.

http://gulfcoastbicycleclub.com/yetanotherforum/default.aspx?g=posts&m=3669

[tribob]

Just a follow up note on the trophies for masters and Grand masters. Our race director offered free trophies to the Keesler Tri and they were refused. Yes Max Lemmons started the tri on base to encourage newbees to use tris as a way to fitness. I personally feel the trophies for the older folks would be a way to encourage older folks to work on thier fitness. There is a reason not as many 60 year olds don't do Tris or other athletic events. It's because there are less of of us and it's a lot harder for a 60+ person to run even a 5k than it is for a 30 year old much less a 20 year old. BC

[mdeaton]

Tribob, if it's so hard for people over 60, why do you keep kicking our behinds? Trophy or not, I hope to see you there Friday showing a whole lot of younger folks how it's done.