62 overall 2 clydesdale
2:39:38

1500m swim 26(and change)mile bike 10k run

I feel I races fairly well at this distance but it is definately not a great race distance for me since I swim like drowning rhino, just flailing about trying not to drown. It is going to be a focus this winter.

The weather was perfect, the course was spectacular and David and Greg at Setup-events had an amazing race for us. I will be back next year for sure.

The swim: 31:40

The water was 80 degrees the morning of the race so no wetsuits allowed. I actually figured there was no way it would be cold enough so I left mine at home. That came back to haunt me on Sunday but that's different RR. I managed to navigate my way through the swim course but barely. At one point I was in such a calm zone that I didn't look up for quite some time and when I finally did there was no one near me; not cause I was ahead of them but becuase I was about 50 feet off course. I made it back into the pack and finished feeling pretty good.

The Bike: 1:17:44

This was a pretty tough course and I'm not good on hills so I struggled quite a bit but it was such a great ride, the road, the scenery, the sharp turns, fast descents, and the steep climbs, and the false flats made for one of my favorite bike courses. I don't know that I could have gone much faster even if I didn't have a run to do.

The Run: 47:03

A double out and back allowed you to see your competion as you ran. I saw Jon, who destroyed me, and based on my watch I figured he was about 8 minutes in front of me. I was pretty sure that I am a faster runner than him but not but much so I realized at this point I wasn't going to catch him but I told myself to give it all I had to shave off a little time. I didn't gain much and in the end he beat me by over 8 minutes. Oh well.

Overall, as I mentioned, this race was spectacular and I can't wait for next year!

Photos soon

Results:
Overall - 58/529
Males - 52/324
Clydesdales: 1/29

This race was a late addition to my calendar. Julie, my wife, had signed up for and had been training for the SheRoxx women's tri in Philadelphia. (man I love women only tris) Unfortunately during training she ended up with a stress fracture in her foot making it impossible for her to compete. We talked and she said I should sign up for Culpepper since it wasn't full yet, so I did.

We went down the night before to stay at our friends’ home. We could have easily driven down in the morning but it's nice to visit with friends when the opportunity presents itself. The night was definitely NOT a pre race evening but it was fun and we got a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning.

Anyway the race

Swim: 15:28 6/29 (maybe my worst ever)

I lined up with the big boys in the water and realized too late that I was in trouble starting this far in the back. I never did get into a swimming rhythm because every time I started to I ran into someone and to make matters worse the water was so warm it felt like I was swimming in a dirty bathtub. In short it was a horrible, horrible swim. I will make sure to start farther up in the pack from now on.

Bike: 45:32 2/29 (not bad but should be faster)

I had a hard time getting going on the bike. My legs felt like lead. I'm not sure what it was but thankfully after a few miles I was riding pretty well. 1 guy passed me but didn't get too far ahead by the end so I was pretty happy with my ride. I have been doing a lot of slow, social riding lately and it definitely showed as I didn't seem to have the speed I expected. I'm fine with that though since each of my social rides has paid dividends else where in life. You know when not in triathlon...

Run: 22:40 1/29

This was the best run I've had in a race to date. I felt good the whole time and more importantly I felt almost fast too. I hope I can sustain the pace for distance. We'll find out in September at the Patriot's half.

Overall: I had a great time the swim aside and as always Greg from Setupevents had a great race. If the calendar allows I may find myself in the lineup for next year as well.