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.

Have you considered a sprint tri, like the new Celebration 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 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.

[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

[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.