I recently went to support a friend in a Sprint distance triathlon down at Lake Anna, just south of Fredricksburg. This was probably the first triathlon of the season for most of these triathletes since its just barely warm enough to be getting in the water for the swim portion. I didn't participate in this one because I continue to work on my swim stroke. I know I could have completed it but I want to swim the entire thing and feel confident in it. I have two more months to work on it before my next triathlon on June 19th. Anyway, I took some pictures throughout the day and will provide riveting commentary for your enjoyment.
The great thing about this triathlon is the 10:00 a.m. start, not a 7:00 -8:00 a.m. start like most others. Another great perk is that it is swam, swum... is that you swim in a heated portion of the lake... due to a nuclear power plant nearby.
These people are waiting in line for packet pick-up. You get a race number for your shirt, bike, helmet, a t-shirt, etc.
These people are waiting in line for packet pick-up. You get a race number for your shirt, bike, helmet, a t-shirt, etc.
Some amazing machines all around. The wheels on this bike cost around $1,600 each!
As I was taking this picture a guy said "She's a beaut huh?" I was like "Definitely!" and he was like "I couldn't resist", turns out it was his bike :-) I said "Nice wheels!" and he was like "Thanks, they were my tax refund." I think the rear wheel cost over two grand. One day...
Everyone loosening up for the swim start. A lot of anxious and cold athletes and spectators. It was in the mid-50's at the start with a decent breeze.
It looks like a lot of people however this triathlon is relatively small compared to most.
Swimmers warming and loosening up before the start.
Can you tell what's wrong with this picture?
Yep, it's the guy with the forward facing snorkel. He won't have to worry about a little thing that messes up most swimmers, called breathing. Cheater! :-)
It's an in water start so no running from the beach into the lake. Basically, you just tread water until the air horn goes off.
The air horn is blown and they're off!
The swim course is basically a triangle of sorts, all right turns. The yellow and orange buoys are approximately a third of the way, take a right and swim to the next, then another right and swim for home.
This poor guy is so out of it he put his helmet on backwards!
Seriously though, the transition from swim to the bike is not easy. I am usually very dizzy and off-balance so it is difficult to first of all locate your bike, let alone get your wetsuit off and biking shoes on.
This is the exit chute leaving the transition area. The athletes on the left are headed in to drop-off their bikes and change into their running shoes. The athlete(s) closest to me are on their way out for the 3.1 mile run. Get it little man!
Here are some others on their way out for a nice leisurely run.
Another shot of the bikers coming in after the 12 mile bike portion. You must mount and dismount your bike at the top of the hill in the top right of the picture. The rest you kind of run with your bike to and from the transition area.
I don't want to hear you say you can't do it. Get 'em Blue!
Some more finishers bringing it home.
See, it's not that hard :-)
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