The inaugural Nations Tri [or the first duathlon in Rock Creek]

Hey all, With all the posting going on, I thought I'd chime in and let you know that on a whim, I participated in the Nations Triathlon. I'd intended to play a fully supportive role in this race [packet pick up on Friday and a water stop on Saturday] but by mid morning on Friday, I got jealous and wanted to do the race. Partly because it is home turf and partly because my dopey boyfriend pointed out that I wouldn't be able to say that I had done all the occurrences of the Nations Triathlon if I didn't do the first. The race founder, Chuck Brodsky, had his parents working the entire weekend...packet pick up, race finish. I'd been helping out most of the morning and Mrs. Brodsky (Chuck's mother) told me that she'd asked Chuck if I could race (since I had said it out loud at one point) and he had agreed to let me register the day before the race...nice to know the folks who coordinate these things. I'd helped to gather DC Tri club folks for volunteer positions and had kept in contact along the way to smooth the path for the race.

This race was by no means ideal merely because it was just declared to be open for registration in mid-August and the course distances changed at least once. The swim was officially cancelled on Tuesday so a 3k run was substituted for the swim. I haven't been on my bike for more than a month and running hasn't been exactly my favorite thing but I've been doing it nonetheless. So Friday afternoon, I inflated my tires, found my bike shoes and one glove (luckily I have a spare pair), got my run stuff together, found my jersey, and tucked it all away in my transition bag all ready for Sat morning bright and early for a 6 a.m. arrival. Amazing how much time is saved when you don't have to prepare for a swim...no wet suit, no goggles, no swim cap...and forget about running/biking wet. This duathlon thing is something to consider. I decided to drive down and park at Hains Point near the tennis courts and ride my bike over...should have really just ridden my bike down from home. Next year! Arrived in plenty of time to be body marked, set up my stuff, just across from the newly elected democratic candidate for DC Mayor, Mr. Adriane Fenty and his dad, Phil. A few minor DC celebrities. This race certainly had the "hometown" feel since many of the volunteers and participants were club members. It was like a training tri with official support...oh, and there were close to 400 people instead of the usual 65. I think about 303 men raced and less than 100 women.

The run was set off in waves similar to how the swim would have been. Women [all women] were in the 4th wave. We did a short jaunt up Rock Creek to turn around at Q street and back to transition to get the bike. The first leg of the run was uneventful [17:33] with a really slow transition to the bike [2:00]. I made up some time on the bike, averaging about 19mph and passing a bunch of people. The bike was fun...two loops that took you through downtown, and up Rock Creek. The worst part was the pavement along the Potomac near the Watergate [the stairs] but it was a great out and back loop course that allowed for some great vistas and ability to see the folks ahead and behind you. Bike time 1:07:19 Second run really got me since by this time I was tired...lack of training will do that to you. I went out trying to be at a comfortable pace but without the aid of mile markers it was tough to tell what pace I was doing and subsequently when I got to mile 4 [corner of 15th and Constitution] I just wanted to be done.

Run time 1:09:38. Oh, and the run course was slightly long. I paced along with Angie Farinas for the last mile or so and we sprinted for the finish together. At one point along the course, a volunteer taunted me by saying that D.F. was gaining and was about to pass me. Overall time: 2:37:27 7th in my age group [of 14] total mid-pack. Check out the photos here .


Oh, and since I started this posting wayyyy long ago, here's new news. I have a new bike courtesy of my boyfriend John. He bought me a fixed gear bike and we've modified it with sawed off handlebars and pink handlebar tape...and I'm trying out names. If you have suggestions, let me know.... this morning, it was Veronique but I think it needs a male name ... but what self respecting male would wear bright yellow and pink combined. I'm practicing using just the legs to slow down and stop; the break is for emergencies only. So far its fun to hop on and just go...the Roubaix requires so much gear [shoes, shorts, shirt, helmet, gloves, glasses, etc.]