National Tri - DC

I've heard both good things (cool venue, flat course, competitive entry list) and bad things (way too crowded, logistics are difficult, weather can be iffy) about this race.  Combined with the high entry fee...I dunno.

There are gazillion or so race reports out there from previous years in the Race Reports forum.

All good points to consider - much appreciated. Have to admit I hadn't seen the fee...

Have you done the North East before? Would you recommend it? I think it is somewhat less convenient for me, but a better price. And if it is a good race, well, that might do the trick for me.

stephan

OK, since you're even slightly further away than I am, do you stay up there somewhere? Or try to day-trip it?

stephan

It's day-trippable, but we stay overnight. Check out hotels in Elkton or Perryville.

Well, it is official. I've signed up for North East. So now starting to worry about the swim portion. Haven't done any OWS in probably 15 years. Not too worried about the distance - I've done that in the pool.

But I have no wetsuit - do I need one? Or even if I don't need one - is it strongly recommended?

Then I've got to find a place to do some OWS. And figure out all the transitions. Thank goodness I have a couple months!

stephan

Welcome aboard the North East express!  I'm going that one, too, as my "A" race this year.

You won't need a wetsuit unless we have a REALLY cool summer.  Water temps are typically in the low 80s, so wetsuits aren't allowed.

For open water swims, go to Sandy Point State Park.  I usually do about 3-4 a year there once the water warms up.  Keep an eye out on the Maryland forum for group swims.  I generally go on Saturday mornings because that's how the schedule permits.

Awesome, one less thing to worry about.

Was looking at http://northeasttri.cgiracing.com/COURSE/RulesTimeLimits/SWIMRULES.aspx and it says "Wet suits will be permitted according to USAT regulations."

I went to Sandy Point once last year - didn't see anyone very far out in the water, and it seemed like it was taking forever to get deep enough for real swimming... Is there a particular spot there that you'd recommend?

I'll keep my eyes open for group swims - that sounds like a great idea!

stephan

Wetsuits aren't allowed (if you want to qualify for AG) over 78 degrees, and you can't wear them at all over 84.  I think the water temps were like 82-83 last year.  I didn't do NE last year...I was up the road that weekend at Lum's Pond but I checked out the area on the day before while having lunch at the NautiGoose (restaurant right at the race area).  Water was pretty warm by August last year.

For Sandy Point, I just swim in the roped area...it's plenty long enough and plenty deep enough once you get out near the ropes, and I use things like the big-a$$ buoy or Bay Bridge piers to practice sighting.