What is Race Ready?

Race Ready is a modified indoor triathlon that gets people ready during the off season.  For those of us who live in colder climates, this usually means at the end of winter just before we are able to start training outside again.  In Winnipeg, we have Wanda to thank for these.  As a dedicated swim coach and triathlete, she organizes these events to get them ready for the upcoming race season.  This is what you can expect from a Race Ready.

You need to be organized.  Your tri-bag has to be packed just as you would for a real race.  We start early (0500h yesterday) and swim the distances for the event you have registered for.  I was registered for the full Iron so swam 4000m.  There is everything from a tri-a-tri to full Iron, and it is really meant for all levels of experience.  Your time is recorded, as is your T1 time.  The bike is done on a trainer and is based on time.  We all do the same (4 hours for the full).  The run is done on an indoor track, or outside if it's nice enough.  It was just a 5 mile run, but you still get the experience of T2, and running after a long bike.  Again, the whole point is to get you ready for the race.  

There are volunteers who will bring around nutrition, but for me, I really try to be as self-sufficient as possible.  I won't have people bringing me gels and portables on the race course.  It's great for newbies to triathlon, as something like this gets you familiar with what you will need on race day.  Overall, I encourage people to attend Race Ready events, or organize one of your own.