What is Winter Multisport all about?
Here are a few of the commonly asked questions.
What is Winter Triathlon/Duathlon?
Winter Triathlon is a succession of a run, Mountain Bike ride, and X-country ski segment separated by transitions. Winter Duathlon is comprised of a X-country ski segment sandwiched between two runs. Either is timed as one event and run continuously in one day (actually, a couple of hours. After that, we'll have to kick you out).
We have chosen distances that are challenging yet achievable by all. Each race should take between 45' and 1h30'
For more information from switching from summer to winter read our article written by Coach Kurt, Click Here.
Who will I find there?
Skiers, runners, mountain bikers, road cyclists, triathletes, and anyone with an adventurous spirit. Bring your friends along!
There will be people of all abilities from those that will qualify to go to worlds to those that will be on skis for almost the first time! (we suggest you get to the ski track for one of the thursday workouts just to get comfortable on skis.
Where will the courses be?
At the Weston Ski Track! Right now it is hard to tell as the conditions are constantly changing. The posted maps offer the most likely course but everything is subject to change at the last minute depending on how much snow we have. Good news is that the ski track has the 2nd largest snow making facilities at a XC ski track in the USA!
What will the RUN course be like?
The run course will be mostly on groomed ski trails it will be fairly flat with a few hills. It is tougher and slower that running on the road as there can be plenty of give in the snow, buts it much more fun!
What will the BIKE course be like?
The bike course will hopefully be around the outside of the ski track partly on regularly groomed trails and partly on packed down trails. It will mostly be non technical, other than the fact you will be on snow, but we may throw in some switch back. There will be a couple of slight hills, up and down, to mix it up! It will be similar to riding on snowmobile trails.
What will the SKI course be like?
The ski course will be mostly on the man-made snow section in the middle of the ski track. there will be several twists and turns and many opportunities to so how close you are to your competition as the race draws to a close. There will be up and down hills with the famous Mt. Weston thrown in for good measure! Hopefully there will also be classic lanes set.
What will the snow be like?
Who knows? Not us! As I write this the forecast is for temps in the single digits tonight but in 4 days time it will be 60 degrees out. If it is really cold just before the race expect hard icy conditions but if it is in the 40 or 50's it could be slushy. Or somewhere in between! This is half the fun of winter triathlon so get out and practice in all sorts of conditions.
What equipment do I need?
Run - Regular running shoes should be fine, trail shoes may be better and if it's icy out yak-trax work pretty well. No need for snow shoes, in fact its against the rules.
Bike - You will need a mountain bike with at least 2" tires. Tires suitable for sloppy mud should be fine and you probably won't need studded tires. However conditions constantly change so have a practice and see what works for you.
Ski - Either classic or skate skis will be fine. However skate skiing is preferred as it is the fastest style. It will also be a benefit to wax your skis, again dependant on the conditions. The Weston Ski Track has a free clinic on waxing on Jan 16th.
Top 10 reasons you should give it a Tri:
1)It's a good way to stay in shape thru the long New England Winter (don't laugh! It's coming!)
2)You're sick of riding the indoor trainer while listening to Phil Ligett
butcher an other cyclist's name.
3)There is no swimming involved.
4)The spectator friendly courses mean that your family and friends can finally see you in action. Not sure if that's a good thing!
5)You can use it to replace a long run in preparation for the Boston
marathon.
6)It helps to build up those skinny runner's arms.
7)You need to lose holiday fat.
8)You get to buy more gear (or ask for it for X-mas)
9)You have a GREAT excuse to go training OUTSIDE while the kids are hyper on candy INSIDE.
10)It's only $85 for 3 races. Cheaper than a Sprint Triathlon!
Bonus: 11) You get bragging rights if you beat your friends in the rankings.
Any more burning questions that need answering please send us an email.
