Columbia Triathlon : Official Thread

Yeah, it's a tough run. 

I'm in for this year's race - but haven't been training much yet due to injury.

I'm signed up for my first Columbia Tri.  I've done the Celebration sprint the last two years, so I'm ready to try the Oly.  The 10k run is the part I'm dreading the most.  Fortunately for me, all the running around my house is hilly, so I don't have to go far to prep for that.

Would anybody be up for a scouting ride/run on the course when the weather warms up a bit?

dmbfan4life20 - 2013-01-23 9:46 AM I am planning on doing this race but having a hard time with the $165 price tag and I get back from a 280mile bike ride 6 days prior so I am not sure if I will have enough recovery time inbetween. I registered for a HIM for less then half this race. I really really want to do it though so I guess I will just half to work some OT to pay for it. Hill training starts soon

What HIM is this?  Just curious.

If only it were closer to home.  About a 45 minute drive for me.  Seems to take forever to get there.

hoffsquared - 2013-01-23 4:18 PM

dmbfan4life20 - 2013-01-23 9:46 AM I am planning on doing this race but having a hard time with the $165 price tag and I get back from a 280mile bike ride 6 days prior so I am not sure if I will have enough recovery time inbetween. I registered for a HIM for less then half this race. I really really want to do it though so I guess I will just half to work some OT to pay for it. Hill training starts soon

What HIM is this?  Just curious.

Rev3 Half full, October 6th.  I'm strongly considering entering - but have to see how I feel after IMLP.

http://rev3tri.com/half-full/hf-news/

I may be organizing a group ride of the course a few weeks out - I'll try to remember to post here if I do.

jcnipper - 2013-01-23 4:51 PM

hoffsquared - 2013-01-23 4:18 PM

dmbfan4life20 - 2013-01-23 9:46 AM I am planning on doing this race but having a hard time with the $165 price tag and I get back from a 280mile bike ride 6 days prior so I am not sure if I will have enough recovery time inbetween. I registered for a HIM for less then half this race. I really really want to do it though so I guess I will just half to work some OT to pay for it. Hill training starts soon

What HIM is this?  Just curious.

Rev3 Half full, October 6th.  I'm strongly considering entering - but have to see how I feel after IMLP.

http://rev3tri.com/half-full/hf-news/

I may be organizing a group ride of the course a few weeks out - I'll try to remember to post here if I do.

i'm debating Rev3 Half Full as well.  I was signed up for last year but was sick.  It's a challenging course and a great way to end the season!  Rev3 always puts on great events.

I'm signed up for Columbia as a practice race for IMLP.  Such a great race with a lot of history to it.  It should definitely be on everyones bucket list (especially for those in Maryland!)

Hi all.  Signed up for Columbia after a 5 year hiatus... military has moved me around a bit.  Used to live in Columbia so did the race in '07 and '08.  I live in Williamsburg now, but wanted to make the trek back to my roots as Columbia was my first tri.  Not as many hills down here to train on, so that should be interesting...

Speaking of Rev3, they're putting on a 70.3 here in Williamsburg in June.  I'm signed up and looking forward to doing my first Rev3 as I've heard many good things about 'em.  Happy training all and stay healthy!

Here's the ride profile:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/510979

You're right - there is more elevation on the Columbia bike course than mapmyride claims. Mapmyride consistently underestimates elevation profiles. A more accurate estimate for that course would be in the 1400-1500' range. 

It's a challenging bike course, for sure, but this mountain goat loves the climb on Green Bridge Rd, which is indeed the steepest on the route. That's where I catch some of the speed demons who zoom past me on the descents. That hill also comes directly after a sharp left turn where you might have to stop, so there's no opportunity to get a flying start on the climb. I would recommend to do some practice on the bike course, as there's much time to be gained by getting a good run at some of the short climbs. Only one slightly technical descent that I can think of, on the far back side of the course.

But the bike course is a breeze compared to the hills on the run course. ... by the way, so great that you're tackling Columbia this year. It's an awesome event.

Thanks guys. Yeah I always thought the course was around 1500ft of gain so that is why I am curious.

Colin- I am finally facing my fear of the Columbia course and decided to do it. I am excited about it and plan to get a few practice rides in on the course when the weather gets warmer. I have been hitting the trainer about 4x a week in preparation.

Yep, X2 on Green Bridge rd.  My second Columbia tri had to come to a dead stop (due to a car at the stop sign) before attempting the hill.  Talk about sucking the wind out of your sails...

I suppose it depends on what discipline you're strongest in, but I agree that the run it where the focus should be.  Very hilly with the only real flat coming just before mile 6 crossing the dam....

It'll be a DNS for me this year, alas. I was looking forward to it, but work travel got in the way.

Good luck to all out there -- looking forward to those RRs.