May 21st was the 25th running of the Columbia Triathlon in Columbia, Maryland.
Part of USAT Grand Prix series and a Mid-Atlantic special Qualifier for Nationals.
Columbia is a great Oly and has "been acknowledged as one of the most challenging in triathlon."
Yup!
My second time on the course,but I won't count the first time as it rained cats and dogs and the temp stayed at about 50 degrees.This year reaching into the low 70's and sun.
The swim is an in water start...always fun. The nice thing about my age group...only 60 folks and plenty of room to spread out. Felt like I was swimming alone.
The Bike course is hilly...I don't think there is a flat spot on it ...good descents and plenty of climbs...about half way into the ride I realized I should have spent more time training in the hills!
The hills on the bike though, are nothing compared to the hills on the run. Thank goodness I run hills alot and made good time there and actually felt good...most of the time.Until my quads cramped and I pulled up to massage them out. Very rare for me. (More hill training on the bike next time buddy!)
Legs were sore by the end but I had plenty of gas. This being a B/C race for me,that was fine.
I am constantly amazed though by what you see in triathlons.
Passed a women athlete on the bike course...chatting on the cell phone ("well...I'm on a hill right now.")
A guy in a younger age group than mine with swim paddles.(several guys were explaining to him that they are illegal)
A girl in T2 using spray deoderant.
Ya gotta love Triathlon for all it's diversity.
Again Vigo (Robert Vigarito) put on a great race in a great place where everyone is welcome...
Results and info at tricolumbia.org