I drafted a woman I met walking over as we were about the same speed. We swam side by side--not intentional, but it worked out that way as we started together and were the same speed. I swam into two buoys--I don't have good eyesight, it was quite dark, and my goggles fogged up. Other than that, it was a good swim.

Maybe different goggles. These aren't my normal open-water goggles (which are tinted), but an old pair of pool goggles that I always carry as a spare. Could not wear the tinted goggles in this race. If the rising sun had actually been visible, they might have come in handy (as at Oregon 70.3), but a weather front was coming in as we started and the sun did not appear until sometime after the run!

A little slow. I was cold and my hands were cold, so a certain amount of fumbling with things.

Maybe take a light extra layer for the bike. I was cold for the first 10-12 miles and it never got so warm that a long-sleeve jersey would have been a problem. (Temps fell continuously in this race from start to finish--68 to maybe high 50's. Ugh.)

This was just awful. I had a new bike (since Oregon 70.3) and, as at USAT National in Milwaukee, had zero confidence I could control it in strong crosswinds. Trying to figure out if something about my aerobottle set-up could have contributed to this. Or maybe the fit is off, or I just need more practice. The crosswinds parts were terrible, and the headwinds were soul-sucking. Once you leave Richland proper, there are maybe 2 trees on the entire course. NOTHING to block the wind anywhere. I felt like I spend most of the time out of aero and pushing a higher gear/lower cadence than I wanted to much of the time, in a desperate bid to stay upright.

Resolve the bike stability issues and/or choose a less windy place to race. I just did not feel safe. I thought about dropping out multiple times but didn't, mainly because I couldn't figure out what to say to the official!

This for me was a fast transition (since area is quite large). I parked the bike, put down my helmet, grabbed my run things and left.

Not sure. It worked out well. (Two minutes faster than last year.)

As mentioned, it was cool and rainy the entire run. Very unexpected. Aid stations had ice and sprayers, but nothing hot. Unusual conditions for this area at this time of year so forgivable. There were aid stations almost every mile.

Run went well except for my left quad suddenly cramping at about 1/2 mile. Stopped to stretch when it got painful and then both hamstrings seized up. Stopping seemed to make matters worse so I just started walking and the cramp slowly went away, thankfully for good.

Not stop to stretch, just slow down to walk a bit if needed. Solve the bike issue as I think sitting upright for much of the bike leg led to the cramping.

Not much, just walking to get my morning bag (which had sweats), post-race food, and then to shuttle. Cold and rainy, so it was a brisk walk!


Inability to confidently control the bike in strong crosswinds. This slowed my bike split and probably contributed to cramping early in the run.


I didn't review this race last year (not sure why--maybe as it comes at a very busy time of year for me as a teacher), but this is actually the second year I've done it in its current location. I originally didn't plan to do it, but had a pull out of another race earlier in the summer due to a minor injury (had stitches and couldn't swim). I will be honest--I don't particularly like this course, mainly the bike. Exposed and not nearly as scenic as advertised. Really kind of ugly, with some serious safety issues. (Steep hill and descent early on when course is crowded, crosswinds, sharp turns in town, traffic control is not always what it could be.) The race also has the potential to be VERY hot (it was mid-90's the day before), although this year's race was unexpectedly cool and rainy. Run aid stations were all set up for heat (with sprayers and ice) but not for cold. They did manage to get some Mylar blankets for the finish line.

The event is otherwise well-organized with lots of community support. Richland is a clean, family- friendly place with nice places to shop and eat, if a bit challenged in the natural scenery department. Swim and run are pleasant and fast, bike is not. I recommend it for those who are comfortable with a somewhat technical bike course in potentially challenging conditions.

Not an idea performance for me; one of the more draining races I have done. But hey...it was my first IM podium in a USA event, so I'll take it!