Uvas South Bay Triathlon XVII
Got Questions?
How good of a time will my family have if I bring them to a J&A event?You family will actually be ENTERTAINED while you are out of sight pumping the pedals and huffing and puffing through the course. We have a variety of exposition booths to visit, plenty of delicious catered food, a portable rock climbing wall open to all ages, live music and humorous announcers to keep you entertained.
Will I get to see any world-famous athletes at J&A Events?
The heroes that grace the covers of your favorite multisport magazines will come to you live and in person at J&A events.
Are they any hot athletes in that Pro Challenge?
On the starting line June 22nd will be top Olympic distance triathletes from all over the world. Local women dominated the women's race last year, but rumor has it that some out of town hot shots have already signed up.
The Pro Challenge sounds cool, but will I even get to see these guys in action? After all, I want to race too!
Check the start time for the Pro Challenge: 11:30 AM!!!!! J&A brings you this innovative format to be sure that a large, enthusiastic, rabid crowd will cheer their every move. Plus instead of racing out in the cow pastures, these pros will compete on a multi-loop course to ensure maximum spectator exposure. You will know each competitor on a first name basis when the race is over, especially the ones that are off the back. Also, there is a special SURPRISE competition first thing in the morning for the pros entered in the Pro Challenge. The first event of this multi-event race actually starts at 7:30am BEFORE the swim starts. No snooze button for them - they are really going to have to work for their money!
Pros start at 11:30am in June? in San Jose? Won't it be too hot?
So what! these people are competing for MONEY.
Frequently Asked Questions for Race Logistics:
Do I HAVE to get those big black numbers on my body?
Body marking is a long standing, important tradition in multisport. This number is used to identify you in the case of...and also is important for....uh,... Well, its just fun for the volunteers to say, "Drop your pants please" to a stranger and then write a big number on some really nice muscles. How else can we get people to come out before sunrise and work for free?
My personal swimming coach from East Germany likes to train with swim fins and a snorkel. Can I use these aids during the race?
Sorry, no flotation devices or aids can be used in the swim. Just a wetsuit and goggles. You may use fins and snorkel during the bike and run if you like.
Where do I put all my clothing and gear on race day? Should my husband hold on to it while I race?
No, your husband is free to get some coffee, read the paper, take some photos, or climb the rock wall while you race. On race morning, you will enter a secured area with a ton of bike racks called the Transition Area. This is where you will switch from swimming to biking and biking to running. Arrive early and grab a personal parking space for your bike. You can then lay out a towel and the clothing and equipment you need to complete each event.
Last year I left my swim cap in the transition area. Did you find it in lost and found?
Yeah, and we found a ton of other stuff way more valuable than your swim cap. We just sell everything at pawn shops.
Can my girlfriend take her speedboat out to Uvas Reservoir to follow me during the swim? What about Lexington?
Sorry, no boats are allowed at J&A events. Unless you want to be the official boat sponsor. You can paddle a surfboard and pass yourself off as a lifeguard if you want. Just be prepared for a bunch of poor swimmers climbing all over you. Remember that lifeboat scene in Titanic?
What is the water temperature of Uvas, Lake Almaden, Lexington Reservoir?
Uvas = 63-65 degrees; Lake Almaden = 65-69 degrees; Lexington Reservoir = 65-68 degrees.
Will I get cold swimming in these temperatures?
Depends on how slow you go and how fat you are. Famous cold water swimmer Lynn Cox swam in the Aleutian Islands from USA land to Soviet land in 32 degree ocean water for almost two hours. Leonardo DiCaprio survived about 20 minutes in freezing water in that scene from Titanic. Seriously, we recommend that beginning and competitive swimmers use a wetsuit to prevent the risk of hypothermia during the swim portion. Consider that the average swimming pool temperature is between 77-80 degrees. Wetsuits help with warmth and flotation, dramatically increasing your speed in the water. Visit Team Concept to try one on for size (click their logo on the left side of this page for a link to their web site). On race morning, the flowing adrenalin with help you ward off the effects of cold water, but be sure to swim as fast as you can so you don't get cold.
As Martin Short said on Saturday Night Live, "I'm not a STRONG swimmer." I'm a little scared about the swim start per age group. Any tips?
First of all, in the interest of safety, J&A races do NOT have mass starts. You will start in a small group with people of your own sex and age group. This will greatly minimize the chaos at the start. If you are intimidated by swimming, we recommend you start on the far end of the pack and take a wider line around the swim course. You will swim a few yards farther, but this ensures that you will have your own swimming space throughout the event. This is particularly important when you consider fast swimmers from waves behind yours (waves go off in 5-minute intervals) may catch and pass you. If you are 10-20 yards wide of the ideal line from buoy to buoy, you will not be disturbed by faster swimmers.
Are those funny announcers Brad and Jimmy gonna be there again? Boy those guys are the bomb!
Yeah, they will be there. Stop by the stage and say hi so they can make fun of you.
Is the bike ride dangerous? I always see bike racers crashing on TV.
All J&A multisport events prohibit drafting - following another rider closely during the bike ride to reduce wind resistance. Thus, your bike ride will be a solo effort. All riders will keep a safe distance from one another, monitored at all times by USA Triathlon certified marshalls aboard motorcycles. You will not be subject to the dangers of riding in a large pack, where one rider's false move can take everyone down. Before you race, we urge you to practice bike handling skills to be confident aboard your machine. In particular, you should be skilled at cornering and riding in the aerodynamic "drop" position.
I have this unusual medical condition that causes me to get thirsty when exercising in hot temperatures. Do you offer fluid replacement on the race course?
We have water available for the first 20 people only...Just Kidding. We have unlimited water available on every mile of the run course (a total of five aid stations) as well as at the swim finish, bike finish and finish line. We highly recommend that you carry two full water bottles on your bike to drink during the ride. There is one aid station during San Jose International bike and none during the South Bay bike ride. Bottles will be provided in your goodie bag.
Do I need reflectors on my bike?
Only if you are going really slow. If the ride starts in the morning, and it gets dark at night, and a bike needs to travel at least 3 mph to stay upright, it is unlikely you need reflectors.
Will I get lost when I try to find my bike parking spot among thousands of other bikes?
If you are leading, there won't be any other bikes in the transition area. You will find your spot no problem. Just like when you are the only car in the parking lot at the ball game. Otherwise, you will probably get lost. Many bikes look alike. Many people look alike, especially with dark glasses on. Make a careful mental note of where your bike is racked. Racks will be numbered/lettered for your convenience on race day. Perhaps you can use that big black body marking pen to write your rack # on your arm.
How can I prevent blisters on the run?
By walking. Regular pedicures help too.
Seriously, how can I prevent blisters on the run?
Well you can practice running without socks like you should in the race. Socks work great on your typical jog, but wet socks and wet feet spell blisters during a triathlon. Lubricating your toes and heels with vaseline is helpful.
How will I know if I win an age group award?
If there is no one in your age group in front of you, it is likely that you won. To confirm, listen for the sound of one hand clapping when you cross the finish line. Actually, race results will be posted soon after the completion of the event. The world famous J&A awards ceremony will be held on the main stage. Age group awards are unrivaled in the multisport world, but competition in each age group is fierce. So train hard! Awards to be announced on event day.
J&A offers a special new Funny Category at the awards ceremony (criteria are top secret). So even if you go slow, hang around the ceremony and you may win something.
Come for the race, stay for the party!
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