Columbia
|
|
|
|
Columbia Triathlon The Columbia Triathlon is one of the country’s most challenging Olympic Distance Triathlons, according to the Columbia Triathlon Association’s website, www.tricolumbia.org. I wish I had noted that little detail BEFORE I entered the event. The swim was great this year, though a bit chilly at 68 degrees. I felt out of place as one of the very few participants without a wetsuit. The swim took place in Centennial Lake in Ellicott City, Maryland, and while the water looked dark and murky it was fresh, as promised in the race literature. The bike course was described as, “a scenic route traversing the rolling countryside and farmlands of Howard County including four (moderate) climbs.” In addition, the course was not closed to traffic, which made things a bit interesting at times. My bike computer was not working, but fortunately I had driven the course the day before and had a clue of what to expect. The hills were "rolling" all right and I was happy to know when I was on the way back and finally made the turn back on to the main road, which also meant I was close to the finish. I had run part of the run course before the event, but I did not run enough of it to know what was really in store. I knew the bike course was hilly, but the run was actually worse. This felt like the longest 10K of my life! And unfortunately, it was, time wise. I also had the chip attached to my ankle too tightly and thought I was having Achilles pain, but once I finished the race and took off my chip all the pain went away, so that was a relief. This was a big event and had some really great athletes participating, including the 2004 Olympic Bronze medal winner in Triathlon, Susan Williams, who of course was the overall female winner. I would love to go back next year better trained and tackle that course again! |
|
