Duke Liver Tri - 10 days away!

It is hard to believe, but the Duke Tri Relay is just 10 days away! Now that the runners are past the Rock 'n' Roll Half, I can start to focus a little more on this race. I will likely have another update with specifics on where our group can meet, the chance of a pre-race pasta meal, and maybe a post race celebration (any volunteers?)

TEAMS: Here are the teams that are entered:

1. Team 1: (S) Mary W, (B) Kinnie P, (R) Patti M
2. Team 2: (S) Mike S, (B) Jeff M, (R) Dave L
3. Team 3: (S) Doug S, (B) Eric S, (R) Michael F
4. Team 4: (S) Elizabeth, (B) Ursula F, (R) Jenni
5. Team 5: (S) George, (B) Tim S, (R) Ryan B
6. Team 6: (S) Rebecca, (B) Val, (R) Tracy P
7. Team 7: (S) Brandon, (B) Larry P, (R) TBD
8. Team 8: (S) Emily B, (B) Tracy H, (R) Rob P

PAYING: If you have not paid the teammate who entered your team. Please do so ASAP

TENT: Needless to say we will have a big crew with us at the race, but we welcome any RMEC members who just want to come down and cheer. Eric has checked with the Race Director and we can set up a tent. I think Kinnie has something that we can use for that. Be sure to wear your RMEC shirts! You can race in whatever is comfortable, but lets make sure people know who the Rocky Mount Endurance Club is.

RULES: Eric has provided links to the USAT Rules, and also to the most commonly violated rules. Look in the right navigation under Sites of Interest for both links. Most of the complex rules have to do with cycling and passing. The main purpose of the rules is to avoid drafting. Be sure to at least review the commonly violated rules.

PARTICIPANT MEETING: A participant orientation meeting will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, September 15th at the event site (swim start location). We will cover as many details as possible about the event and questions will be encouraged. A representative from USA Triathlon will also be on hand discuss USAT issues and concerns relative to rules and safety. This meeting should last about 30 minutes, we encourage everyone to attend. There will be NO pre-event instructions given on event morning.

PACKET PICKUP: You can get your race packets Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. I would recommend not waiting until Sunday, as you will probably want to have everything ready the night before, and not need to worry about everything else in the morning. You need a photo ID to pick up your packet, and each individual must pick up their own packet. Here are the locations::

1. Saturday, September 15th (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM) @ Inside-Out Sports 2002 Grisdale Lane - Cary, NC Preston Walk Center (Corner of Cary Parkway & James Jackson) 919-466-01012)
2. Sunday, September 16th (5:00 AM - 6:00 AM) @ Race Site

USA Triathlon requires that all USAT annual members must show their USAT membership card at packet pick-up. Any USAT annual member who does not present his/her valid membership card at packet pick-up, will be required to pay the USAT one-day fee of $10.

HOTELS: If you plan to be there for the start, you probably want a hotel. There is a list of locations on the website.

THE START: The swim portion of the race will start in waives (not waves. . HA!). Each waive is designated by a special colored swim cap. I am not sure what color we will have, but I do know we start last. This will mean we all will be battling some athlete traffic during the race. It will hopefully make the first transition a little easier however assuming many people will already have gone (see below). Swimmer be sure you start with your teams timing chip!!

THE "HAND OFF": Relay team members obviously do not need to change clothing and equipment in the transition area like individuals do. We do however need to hand off a Velcro ankle strap in the bike transition area. Swimmers should know what your cyclist is wearing to make them easy to find, and cyclist should know what your runner is wearing. Keep in mind relay teams will be the only people waiting for a person to arrive, so just ignore the people changing clothes, putting on helmets, etc. There are 49 relay teams, so it may get a little confusing.

THE AWARDS: Relay teams get awards three deep in each category (Men, Women, and Mixed). With 49 total teams, placing will not be easy, but will be possible. Relay teams do not get finisher's awards like the individuals do.

SUBSTITUTIONS: As of right now all relay teams are 100% in tact, however there is always the possibility that an injury could show up in the next 10 days. If that were to happen, we would be scrambling to find a sub for a team. If you think you could be a last minute sub, let us know in the comment section, and let us know what leg(s) you can do. Again, we hope all teams stay as entered, but we would rather be safe than sorry.

INDIVIDUALS: In case you did not know Jason Irvin will be completing the full event by himself. Keep an eye out for him on the course, and be sure to help motivate and cheer him to a great finish.

MORE: There is lots of more information on the race web site. I tried to hit those things relevant to our group. Be sure to visit the race site again. Check out the maps, read the rules, get directions, check on fluids, confirm the times etc. Any other experienced Tri people (Dave, Jeff, Val, Kinnie, Jason, Tim, etc.), please feel free to share your insights if you have anything to add.