Favorite Race

Galena a sprint in west Illinois, our tri club rents 5 houses and we all head out for the weekend. The race is very challenging being in the mississippi valley, the entire course is up and down big hills. The fields is very strong as well being one of the first races of the year in the area....

So far my favorite tri has been IronGirl in Columbia MD.  I absolutely LOVED the course (OMG, hills everywhere) and the volunteer support was spectacular.

I don't have a single "favorite race". I love every triathlon I have ever done. They are all my favorite

You sound like a proud parent

Kona. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me and it was one of the few things that truely lived up to the hype and even exceeded my dreams. The Big Island is such a beautiful place, and the atmosphere is just so amazing. It seemed like everyone was pulling for me even though I was just a lottery winner. Everyone I met from Natasha Badman to Scott Rigby to Andy Ross (another lottery winner who racked next to me-seemed like we were the only one left in transition after a decent swim). There are moments I'll treasure and remember for the rest of my life: The erie calm floating in the crystal clear water minutes before the start, looking out and seeing Maui and the windmills on the climb up to Hawi, the "moment" coming out of transistion at the start of the marathon (When I had to ask if I had want it takes to see this thing to the end.....and something deep inside said yes), the silence and darkness of the Natural Energy lab after sunset (a challenge the elites never have to experience), seeing the blinking lights of Scott Risgby's running legs coming towards me on the Queen K, and of course that final trip down Alli Drive when my feet never touched the ground. Then getting to experience it all over again watching the NBC special a few months later.

Nothing I ever do in the world of triathlon or sport can ever come close to those 13 hours 43 minutes and 29 seconds. The dream came true.

Wildflower. Hard, crazy, camping, beer, naked coeds

I'm going to pick two if I may:

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon on Phuket Island, Thailand.
One word: Paradise. This is triathlon taken to the highest order. The post race food tent has linen and silverware, attended to by waiters in uniforms. The transition area is carpeted. There are grandstands. You swim, run and ride thorugh one of the most beautiful regions on earth. Sometimes the view is so distracting it costs you time. It is breathtaking and touches you for the rest of your life. One element that makes the race so precious are the Thais themselves, a culture of dignity and hospitality. The white gloved gate guards salute you when you come into your hotel compound. People are helpful and friendly, even in the crowded towns where things seem so chaotic. Even in a country so recently ruined by natural disaster on a scale few of us can imagine.

Right now Bangkok is in upheaval so going to this year's race may be difficult. The capitol is one step from marshall law as protestors have occupied many state buildings in protest of an allegedly corrupt government. Wars to the north and south have waged for years, including one of the oldest conflicts in Indochina to the north. The Thais do have a habit of stopping short of massive unrest in their own country, perhaps because of the kind and peaceful national character. Hopefully stability will remain in the region so travel to the race is easier.

Second: The HFP Racing Toyota Maumee Bay Triathlon in Maumee Bay, Ohio.
Two words: Classic Triathlon. The race is a local, low key event empecably run on a perfect course. The day starts with a stunning sunrise out of Lake Erie and continues through a pleasant swim in a man-made lake on to a flat and fast bike course on nice pavement transitioning on a nice paved T.A. to a run course that goes from the beach to pleasant shade to some tough exposed areas where the morning sun reminds you that this sport is a ruthless taskmaster. In all, a great event put on by some fine people on a perfect setting.