General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Columbia Triathlon Rss Feed  
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2006-03-07 5:24 PM

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Arnold, MD
Subject: Columbia Triathlon

anyone signed up for this race in the Annapolis area?  Looking for folks interested in maybe a group ride or run once a week.  I typically swim at Riva, and bike / run in Annapolis / Arnold.

bw



2006-03-08 8:25 AM
in reply to: #363578

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

I'm not from the area but I've been planning on competing in the ChesapeakeMan Ultra on September 30th.  Recently there's been word that the current in the Chesapeake will be against the swimmers on race day, which would make it a 2.4 mile swim against a strong current.  If this is true I (and probably a lot of other people) will probably NOT do this race.

Do you or any other Maryland'ers know anything about this?

 

2006-03-13 8:45 PM
in reply to: #363945

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Arnold, MD
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
Best bet is to check the tide tables and see if the tide is coming in or out at the start time.  I know for some other swims on the bay they generally fit the start around the tide to keep it safe.  I think the Columbia Tri site has a forum as well, you may try posting there also.
2006-03-14 8:18 AM
in reply to: #363945

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Wye Mills, MD
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
oipolloi - 2006-03-08 8:25 AM

I'm not from the area but I've been planning on competing in the ChesapeakeMan Ultra on September 30th.  Recently there's been word that the current in the Chesapeake will be against the swimmers on race day, which would make it a 2.4 mile swim against a strong current.  If this is true I (and probably a lot of other people) will probably NOT do this race.

Do you or any other Maryland'ers know anything about this?

How the hell does anybody know what the tide is going to be doing on Sept 30?!  Tide tables are only so accurate, and they don't predict current velocity.  There's a quarter moon on the 30th, so unless there are storms, it's unlikely the tides will be running hard.  The tide in the Choptank is not that strong, anyway.  There are more important things to worry about. 

2006-03-14 9:55 AM
in reply to: #368989

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
wyecrab - 2006-03-14 8:18 AM
oipolloi - 2006-03-08 8:25 AM

I'm not from the area but I've been planning on competing in the ChesapeakeMan Ultra on September 30th.  Recently there's been word that the current in the Chesapeake will be against the swimmers on race day, which would make it a 2.4 mile swim against a strong current.  If this is true I (and probably a lot of other people) will probably NOT do this race.

Do you or any other Maryland'ers know anything about this?

How the hell does anybody know what the tide is going to be doing on Sept 30?!  Tide tables are only so accurate, and they don't predict current velocity.  There's a quarter moon on the 30th, so unless there are storms, it's unlikely the tides will be running hard.  The tide in the Choptank is not that strong, anyway.  There are more important things to worry about. 

What's more important than 2.4 miles of swimming against a current prior to 112 miles and a marathon? 

Like most first-timers I'm not the best swimmer.  Choosing my first Iron-distance race has got be a well thought-out plan.  I don't know how well of a swimmer you are but the thought of swimming against what was called as the "strongest current" of the day for 2.4 miles............it's enough to make me choose a different venue.

And from what people have posted on the chat forum for the ChesapeakeMan they can tell you exactly what the current is going to be (ebb or flow) at any given time on a specific day.  I have no clue, that's why I'm asking those that live in the area and know more about the Choptank. 

All of the money and training I'm putting into this goal of finishing an Ironman I don't want to take the unknown risk of blowing up after a 2.4 mile swim, or not making the cut off.  You could see how this would be an important issue to some.

It doesn't help that the race director won't say anything to support or quash the rumor regarding the tidal flow.

 

2006-03-14 2:27 PM
in reply to: #369106

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
oipolloi - 2006-03-14 9:55 AM [

All of the money and training I'm putting into this goal of finishing an Ironman I don't want to take the unknown risk of blowing up after a 2.4 mile swim, or not making the cut off.  You could see how this would be an important issue to some.

Your point is well taken. I have zer0 iron distance experience, so I didn't mean to sound flip.  Since I come from the area and work on the water, the tidal flow in that area of the Choptank seems like a non-issue because there are other areas that have much stronger flow (the 4.4 mile Bay Bridge Swim comes to mind.  I haven't tried to swim 2.4 miles offshore from Cambridge, either.  But I still don't see how anybody can claim to accurately predict exactly what the tide will be doing six months in advance.  We only have a predictive model of what is expected to occur.  With all the factors that enter into the equation, if somebody can tell me exactly what the tide will be doing at 0800hrs on Sept 30, I want them as my stock broker.Wink  Best of luck to you, Michael.



2006-04-21 10:10 AM
in reply to: #363578

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Media, PA
Subject: Columbia in 30 days - Are you ready?

Just noticed that Columbia is 30 days from today!  How is everyone doing getting ready?

It's my first tri of the season and coming up fast.  This will actually (hopefully) be my first oly since I DNF'd at Philly last year so I'm excited to give it a whirl.  It's my second season and I'm well ahead of where I was at this point last year training-wise so I'm hoping it will go well.  Look forward to maybe meeting up with some BTers there.  Good luck all!

2006-04-21 4:02 PM
in reply to: #363578

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Arnold, MD
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
This is my first tri - been working real hard to prepare. Hoping to get out and test drive the course soon.
2006-05-02 11:53 AM
in reply to: #403152

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

I was out last Sunday (4/30) with my tri club.  We did the bike and run courses.  My pacer and I got lost on the run course as we were going through the neighborhoods and, I think, ended up cutting off 1/4 mile from the run.

This morning, I got in the pool and did a nice straight 1500yd to get the question out of my head that I could actually do the swim.  I've done the distance in the pool before, but haven't been swimming much in the past month to focus on bike and run.

Looking forward to seeing some other BT'ers on the course. 

Is anyone planning to wear a BT Tri-suit or, at least, the BT Tattoos?

Shaun

2006-05-02 12:12 PM
in reply to: #412361

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Arnold, MD
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

I will have my new BT Tri shirt on!

I did the bike course on Friday - nothing flat there!  Should be a fun race... :-)

2006-05-05 1:52 PM
in reply to: #412361

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
CubeFarmGopher - 2006-05-02 11:53 AM

I was out last Sunday (4/30) with my tri club.  We did the bike and run courses.  My pacer and I got lost on the run course as we were going through the neighborhoods and, I think, ended up cutting off 1/4 mile from the run.

This morning, I got in the pool and did a nice straight 1500yd to get the question out of my head that I could actually do the swim.  I've done the distance in the pool before, but haven't been swimming much in the past month to focus on bike and run.

Looking forward to seeing some other BT'ers on the course. 

Is anyone planning to wear a BT Tri-suit or, at least, the BT Tattoos?

Shaun

No BT tats or tri-suit for me.  Probably wear my Team Javelin uni.  But my sister may be in your tri club and did the ride last weekend.  Christina.



2006-05-09 4:42 PM
in reply to: #363578

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Olney, MD
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
If you get a chance, do the run/bike before hand. The run is BRUTAL.

I'm pissed I didn't get a chance to sign up in time. Next year I'll be in for sure.
2006-05-12 11:16 AM
in reply to: #363578

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
My husband and I will be there to watch and cheer everyone on....we are newbies to the sport and our first tri is in July.....I will be competing in the Irongirl Triathlon (which takes place at the same place as the Columbia Triathlon) in August......I'm hoping to learn a lot by watching the transitions and seeing the course.

Good Luck to Everyone!
2006-05-14 5:58 PM
in reply to: #363578

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

7 Days and Counting!!!

I'm starting to get psyched for the race.  It's my first race of the season, first Oly, and my 2nd overall.  I've been looking forward to this race for the last 7 months, since I completed my first tri and signed up for Columbia.

Who else is starting to get antsy?

2006-05-15 12:52 PM
in reply to: #423466

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

Who else is starting to get antsy?

Starting to?!?!  Ha!  I've been antsy for this race for weeks now.  And the taper is not making it any easier!

2006-05-15 1:04 PM
in reply to: #363578

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
Same here - been my focus for last six+ months - can't believe it is already here. Did a practice open water swim today at sandy point - COLD :-). Going to do one last run of the bike course tomorrow - still debating aero bars or no bars.... Anyone have advice on that?


2006-05-15 1:49 PM
in reply to: #424173

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Media, PA
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

witteb - 2006-05-15 1:04 PM Same here - been my focus for last six+ months - can't believe it is already here. Did a practice open water swim today at sandy point - COLD :-). Going to do one last run of the bike course tomorrow - still debating aero bars or no bars.... Anyone have advice on that?

Aero bars.  At least for me.  Last year I was in the aero position at least 90% of the time.  Only came out briefly for a couple of the turns and climbs.

2006-05-16 6:39 AM
in reply to: #363578

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Roseville, California
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

Is the water going to be cold enough to warrant a neoprene cap in addition to a wetsuit?

Anyone dreading the hills on the run as much as me (and my knees?)

 

2006-05-16 11:31 AM
in reply to: #424815

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
Vapor Trail - 2006-05-16 6:39 AM

Is the water going to be cold enough to warrant a neoprene cap in addition to a wetsuit?

Anyone dreading the hills on the run as much as me (and my knees?)

I doubt you'll need a neoprene cap.  I'd guess it'll be mid-upper 60s, though don't know for sure.

Oddly, I'm looking forward to the run (but not sure I'll still be looking forward to it by T2).

2006-05-16 2:19 PM
in reply to: #424173

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Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon

witteb - 2006-05-15 2:04 PM Same here - been my focus for last six+ months - can't believe it is already here. Did a practice open water swim today at sandy point - COLD :-). Going to do one last run of the bike course tomorrow - still debating aero bars or no bars.... Anyone have advice on that?

I'm going with aeros.  I've ridden the course at least 1x per week for the last couple months and found that I'm much more comfortable keeping a high cadence in the aero position, even if I'm spinning in a small gear.

I'm still a little weary of descending the hills back by the farm at the sharp left on the aero bars.  I've tried doing it 2 or 3 times, but I end up switching my hands to the drops so that I can grab the brakes. 

My fear is that I'm going to be the last wave in the water (Clydesdales) and that I'm going to get stuck in traffic going through some of the women's field.

 

2006-05-16 3:08 PM
in reply to: #363578

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Arnold, MD
Subject: RE: Columbia Triathlon
Did a zone 2 ride of the course today with the bars... Think they will stay on - even though I came out for the big climbs and hard turns, plenty of advantage on the descents and short hills - plus less fatigue on the arms which will likely be a bit tired after the swim.


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