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2010-11-29 12:29 PM

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Subject: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Outstanding, now I'm signed up for all my A races next year! WOOHOO!


2010-12-01 9:05 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Anyone do this in the past?  Thoughts on the race?
2010-12-01 10:57 AM
in reply to: #3231892

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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
trinado - 2010-12-01 10:05 AM

Anyone do this in the past?  Thoughts on the race?


I did it last year. Loved it! The ONLY gripe I've got is there weren't enough blue canoes (port-o-potties) on the course. There were plenty in the audience waiting area but few to none on the course itself.

Singularly the best marked swim course I've ever seen.
Fun bike that wasn't all that crowded even with all the people signed up.
Nice run around the island.

2010-12-01 6:54 PM
in reply to: #3228987

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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread

I've been out of the triathlon world for a few years now, but a friend recently moved up to the DC area and I signed up for the race today. I'll be headed up with a few of my Tampa crew.

And word has it I have a sweet set of wheels headed my way to train and race on

Nathan



Edited by Tri3 2010-12-01 6:55 PM
2010-12-01 7:03 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
I'm with DanielG on this - I thought it was a extremely well organised race (despite the atrocious conditions early in the morning) especially as it is held right in the centre of DC.   See my RR for more details.

The swim course was superbly well marked but watch out for the longish run to T1.  The bike course was an absolute blast - closed roads around some of the monuments, flat and fast (although tight turns at certain points especially with slick roads).  Then a flat run.

Good post race facilities although I think things started to run out later on. 

By the way Daniel - are you doing all my races next year ?

Adrian
2010-12-04 2:36 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread

I've never done a "destination" race but my company is sponsoring a team for this one and it does look like the coolest race ever so I'm thinking about signing up.

I don't really want to futz with shipping my bike though.  Can anyone recommend a good road bike rental place?



2010-12-14 6:32 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
I did it last year. My thoughts:

* It was a huge race
* Transition was enourmous
* It rained all morning
* The swim was pretty cool, a little mosh like in the beginning, but spaced out well by halfway
* It was a decent hike from swim exit to T1 (expect long times)
* Bike course was kind of crowded for the single lane of traffic, but was pretty fast and scenic
* Run has a little weird out n back in the beginning which can be discouraging, but great overall- being riverside, etc- plenty of aid stations, right amt of portos (its an Oly no need for a break!)

All in all it was a well run race for its size. I'm from NC so I made it a destination race- a lil pricey staying in town (I stayed at Embassy Suites halfway between host Hilton and transition)20-30 min walk to transition. The expo was great and checkin was flawlessly run.

I'd do it again , but I'd have to really save up for it... I had Augusta 70.3 (2) weeks after which was a downside to the race.
2010-12-22 6:48 AM
in reply to: #3233028

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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
adrian_md - 2010-12-01 8:03 PM

By the way Daniel - are you doing all my races next year ?

Adrian


Y'know, I just saw this but I think I was chuckling at our race schedule for next year in another thread anyway. Columbia sold out or I might very well have signed up for that one too just for grins and giggles.
2010-12-22 10:05 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread

Debating on giving this race another chance.

I did the bike as part of a relay the first or second year they did the race.  Paid a lot of money for almost 0 schwag and a crummy shirt, and the course was super crowded (relay's started last).  Also heard shuttle logistics that year were a nightmare.

But the fact I can ride to the swim start from my house in about 8 minutes makes it super convenient.

Should I give it a second chance?

2011-01-01 8:00 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Looks like the host hotel is not the Hilton this year, but a Marriot farther away.  I don't get it.  Anyone know anything about that? 
2011-01-23 6:06 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
I signed up for this a while back, can anyone tell me what the water temp was like?

I got a bunch of buddies signed up as well, but no one knows if it's cold considering the time of year.

Thanks! 


2011-01-23 6:20 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Damascus1911 - 2011-01-23 7:06 PM

I signed up for this a while back, can anyone tell me what the water temp was like?

I got a bunch of buddies signed up as well, but no one knows if it's cold considering the time of year.

Thanks! 


The last 2 years, the water temps were in the mid-70s. More of a risk of being too warm for wetsuits than too cold. Current will depend on tides, but technically you swim upstream first and downstream to the finish. Really cool swimming under the Memorial Bridge and very well marked course. Sun (if out) will be in front of you in the second half. Bring the tinted goggles!
2011-02-01 2:16 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Where did you stay in Washington? Do you know any good places both economically and logistically? Thanks
2011-02-01 2:26 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
How soon does this race usually sell out?
2011-02-12 9:12 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
I did this race twice now. It is really well run.  Too bad they can't control the weather. The first year my wave went out last and that made for a long day. It was very hot when I finished. But the volunteers were terrific. Last year they moved us up so we went off earlier.  That was much better. It did rain so you could not wear glasses on the ride. But the ride is the best part of this race.  It is scenic (if you are looking) and it is pretty flat.

I really like this race. It sells out in the summer sometime but you should be careful, I think it is getting to be more popular.

2011-03-09 8:30 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread


Just signed up and am looking forward to it! While there is something to be said for scenic, rural races, nothing can beat a true urban tri. I did Chicago in '03 and '08, and NYC in '05 and '09, and of the many dozen races I have done, those rank right up there for unique excitement. And closed roads are always a supreme bonus!

I'm expecting Nation's to be every bit as good, and if I could merrily survive the daunting logistics of NYC and the sheer mass of humanity at Chicago, I figure I can handle related potential hassles at Nation's. I haven't looked into accoms yet, but I'm thinking of something out by the Beltway, waking at 3:30 or earlier, and heading in the grab a decent parking place around 4:15-4:30.

Although I'm still crafting my schedule, this will likely be an "A" race for me; it seems worthy of such a designation!




(Psst! Hi Ellen!)





2011-03-10 4:29 PM
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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread

My wife and I signed up for the race today!  This will be our first destination race in one of our favorite cities. 

2011-03-22 11:16 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Just signed up yesterday! My first Olympic!

Edited by gracetheterp 2011-03-22 11:16 AM
2011-08-22 7:10 PM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Time trial swim start. That changes the whole feel of the race.

Well, I've already paid for it, let's see what it's like.

2011-08-23 7:00 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread

DanielG - 2011-08-22 7:10 PM Time trial swim start. That changes the whole feel of the race. Well, I've already paid for it, let's see what it's like.

I did the DC Tri in June.  They used a time trial start.  As a beginner, I really liked it.

2011-08-23 7:36 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
So each person starts the swim single file?


2011-08-23 8:01 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
hoffsquared - 2011-08-23 8:00 AM

DanielG - 2011-08-22 7:10 PM Time trial swim start. That changes the whole feel of the race. Well, I've already paid for it, let's see what it's like.

I did the DC Tri in June.  They used a time trial start.  As a beginner, I really liked it.

Did you find it crowded? Too many people in front or behind you? Agree with Daniel, the whole feell of the race has now changed.
2011-08-23 8:25 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
Tri3 - 2011-08-23 8:36 AM

So each person starts the swim single file?


Yup, probably with a 10 or 15 second gap between people.

I'm not going to grump until I try it but I actually LIKE the washing machine starts.

2011-08-23 8:25 AM
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Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread
JoePetto - 2011-08-23 8:01 AM
hoffsquared - 2011-08-23 8:00 AM

DanielG - 2011-08-22 7:10 PM Time trial swim start. That changes the whole feel of the race. Well, I've already paid for it, let's see what it's like.

I did the DC Tri in June.  They used a time trial start.  As a beginner, I really liked it.

Did you find it crowded? Too many people in front or behind you? Agree with Daniel, the whole feell of the race has now changed.

Seemed just about right to me.  I was fighting for position with less people, caught up with others, and was passed by others.  For me, it spread out the field better and I could actually get in a rhythm faster than with hordes of other swimmers.  It's probably safer given the size of the groups and the varying levels of ability.  I know it is harder to figure out where you might be with respect to other in your age group.  

 

2011-08-29 6:51 AM
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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: The Nation's Triathlon : Official Thread

First, I hope that all of the locals made it through Huricane Irene unscathed. 

National coverage of the storm's impact on DC has been minimal.  I have to assume that the Potomac and the transition area took a beating.  With an eye toward the race in two weeks, what will be the lasting issues from the storm, if any?

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