Nation's Triatlon

[hoffsquared]

Registration for the Nation's Triathlon opens tomorrow. Is this a good race for a complete triathlon novice?

[martinkap]

I am novice - just started training about 2 months ago. I have already signed up for NYC Nautica (olympic distance) triathlon and am thinking of signing up for this one too. The description of the course sounds more friendlier than the NYC Nautica course.

Martina

[hoffsquared]

This would be my first one. Been pondering doing a triathlon for some time. It's in my area. So...

[divingbiker]

The only thing I would worry about is the time cutoff. They close the course at 1pm, so if you're in a late swim wave and you're slow (like me) then time might run out.

Also swimming in the Potomac would creep me out.:p

Have you considered a sprint tri, like the new Celebration Sprint (http://www.tricolumbia.org/Sprint/) in Columbia on June 27 for your first? I'm doing that one.

[Possegal]

I did this as a relay this year - never having done any triathlons or rode my bike in any form of a competition. I enjoyed myself but remember saying to my niece (who did the run leg) that I would never have wanted to do that particular race as my very first introduction to a triathlon. It's huge - over 4000 people. I found it very intimidating. That may just be me though.

And yeah - I was glad I wasn't the one swimming in the Potomac. :) Though honestly, in the future, I would like to do this one on my own. I just would do something with way less people first.

I can say that the bike course was nice in most ways. Not hilly at all, roads completely closed, shady in most areas. The one negative was good heaven it was full of potholes. I was pretty sure I'd flat and be done, but was lucky and that didn't happen. I noticed afterwards on Facebook and other sites, people were all commenting on hoping that since Mayor Fenty did the race, maybe he'd fix the dang potholes before next year.

[Tri Girl]

I had a few friends travel to do this race with Team In Training this year. For most it was their first tri. They LOVED the race and had a great time. What a wonderful way to make your triathlon debut- in our nation's capitol. :)

[hoffsquared]

Have you considered a sprint tri, like the new Celebration Sprint (http://http://www.tricolumbia.org/Sprint/)in Columbia on June 27 for your first? I'm doing that one.

I have looked at that one since I missed the IronGirl registration. It's probably what I should go for.

[Zen]

You'd better be ready to jump when registration opens.

[HillSlugger]

I heard that navigating the swim was a bit tough due to the sun and stuff.

It's supposed to be a bit difficult WRT logistics getting in, around, and out.

The bike and run routes are supposed to be pretty flat.

[aicabsolut]

I don't think it's particularly difficult. The bike course is pretty flat...mostly in town. The biggest downside I've heard is swimming in the Potomac. Yuck.

[HillSlugger]

There are a bunch of race reports here (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/directory/link-detail.asp?linkid=6251).

[ASammy1]

I had a few friends travel to do this race with Team In Training this year. For most it was their first tri. They LOVED the race and had a great time. What a wonderful way to make your triathlon debut- in our nation's capitol. :)

I was just going to say that my local TNT chapter does this race too :D

[martinkap]

I signed up yesterday during pre-registration. So, I am in. Now I just have to figure out how to stay in Washington DC without paying for Hilton.

Does anyone wants to offer me one night couch/accomodation for exchange of the same thing on Manhattan?

I am serious.

Martina

[divingbiker]

Be glad to offer you my spare room, if you're willing to deal with my three dogs. I'm just over the DC line in Maryland, about 30 minutes from DC.

[hoffsquared]

Well I've registered.

September 12th will be exactly 1 year after breaking my ankle during a trail half-marathon.

So I guess January 1 is start of some sort of training season for me.

Martina - you can crash @ our house too. We are in VA about 8 miles from race start area.

[Possegal]

congrats to both of you for taking the plunge! It really is a very well run event and you can't beat the locale! :) I'm still debating signing up as a relay again. :)

Martina, I'm further out than the others, but you are welcome to crash here as well. If I sign up as relay, well then no problems at all as you can ride along with my team and I. Though we did leave at the butt-crack of dawn. I'll post the link to the picture I already put up, where you can see how dark it still was when we got there.

Here's the thread
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=33633&page=2

[sgf726]

I am registered for this one too. I've done 3 sprints and will do a couple more sprints before this race next year but this will be my first Olympic Distance Race.

Sharon

[martinkap]

Divingbiker, Hoffsquared and Possegal,

Thank you for your offers! I will definitely contact you when closer to the triathlon to see who would be the least inconvenience by my stay. Given that I have no car and will probably ship my bike and take the 'chinatown' bus, I will have to look at the logistic problems as well.

I really am overwhelmed by your offers! If you ever want to come to Manhattan and need accomodation, I will be very happy to provide one.

Good luck training,

Martina

[hoffsquared]

Maybe on Saturday the 11th we can all meet up for the open swim practice.

"We are pleased to offer swim practice for The 2010 Nation’s Triathlon. Swim practice will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 1 PM - 4 PM. The course will be open and support will be provided. You do not need to register for swim practice. However, you will be asked to follow the safety procedures put in place that day. Swim practice is optional, but is a great way to preview the course prior to race morning.
Things to Know About Swim Practice:
Water opens at 1 PM.
The entire course may not be open. You may only be able to swim a portion of the course.
You will be asked to fill out additional information and wear an additional bracelet for safety reasons.
The swim will be staffed by volunteers, including kayak support.
Water closes promptly at 4 PM. This means if you enter the water at 3:50, you will need to exit 10 minutes later. If you arrive at 4 PM, you will not be allowed to enter the water. Please plan accordingly."

[Possegal]

That would be very cool. You will also have to go there Saturday to rack your bike, as they have to be racked overnight. So definitely possible for folks to meet up and perhaps go somewhere for a nice lunch!

[martinkap]

What a great idea! I'd love to meet up, swim a bit and eat a lot! I am really starting to look forward to it ...

That said, I run this morning 3mi and it was painful ... Time to seriously start working (out) :)

[sgf726]

Hi All,
Who's doing this race? I remember there was a couple of us. Can't believe its a week away! This will be my first OLY. I am a little nervous still about the swim as I haven't gotten as much OW practice as I would like and ended up starting my taper a bit earlier than planned since I have been dealing with a stomach bug this week so haven't done much other than swim. I plan to do a Swim/Bike Sat. and then a Swim/Run on Monday for my last hard workouts.

Also - can't believe the Potomac is 85 deg, I really wanted to wear a wetsuit.

Sharon

[sfa]

Good luck! And watch out for sharks!! (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/02/AR2010090203794.html?hpid=newswell)

[divingbiker]

I'll be volunteering at tshirt/race packet distribution on Saturday afternoon. Hope I recognize one of you!