Blog Dump

Hmmm. Maybe that isn't an appropriate title. Blog dump kind of sounds like something you need to clean off your computer with baby wipes, or perhaps the name of some futuristic port-o-john company. What I'm trying to convey is that this blog post will contain a lot of information on various topics. Sort of like I'm 'dumping' info into the post....let's just move on.

First CSTS Race

The first race in the CSTS was last Sunday, and I'm already looking forward to the next one on July 6. I bumped up an age group this year to 35-39 and picked up right where I left off last year with a 3rd place finish (34th overall). That works for me, especially since it's the first race of the series. My goal is to break 1hr 5min in August, so by my calculations, I need to cut 2 minutes off my time. Very doable.

While we're on the topic, I want to point out a couple things I noticed this weekend that aren't cool.

1. Blocking is a USAT rules violation. Slower bikes need to stay on the right. When you pass, you have 15 seconds to do so. If you sit out in the middle of the lane next to your buddy, you are blocking. It's a rule because it can cause accidents, so just be aware.

2. When you check in on race morning, pick up your chip, and get body marking, please don't bring your bike through all the lines with you. It kind of gets in the way.

I hate sounding like a jerk, so here's what I'll do. I'm going to give you a couple tips in return.

1. Right when you arrive on site, immediately rack your bike. Don't check in, or worry about all your crap. Just rack your bike. At races with no rack assignments, you can get a premium spot, then take your time checking in, grabbing all your gear, and using the 'blog dump.' Your bike will still be there when you return 15 minutes later. Let all the guys in line with their bikes get the crummy spots.

2. This one is for James Island County Park specifically. When you rack your bike, look for ant hills. The transition area is on grass, and every year, especially after it rains, there are ant hills galore. And obviously, you do not want to set up on an ant hill.

New Savannah Triathlon

The Savtriteam recently announced a new triathlon called the Rock of the Marne Sprint Triathlon. It's scheduled for September 7, 2008 at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA.

The distances are:

Swim - 500 yards in the Forest River

Bike - 12 miles around Perimeter Road

Run - 5K - Rio Road biking path

Proceeds will benefit the Hunter Army Airfield Spouse's Club. It's a USAT sanctioned race. Cost is $45 person; $85 relay; $35 military; $75 military relay. You can register on Active.com.

Tri The Midlands Triathlon

This Saturday is the Tri the Midlands race in Columbia, SC. It's the new addition to the SC Triathlon Series put on by Setup Events. I'm looking forward to a new race, especially one within driving distance on race morning.

The distances are:

Swim - 500 meter lake swim

Bike - 11 miles

Run - 5K

I plan on profiling this event next week. Since this is a first year event, there should be plenty of good info to share.

CSTS Race Weekend

The first race in the Charleston Triathlon Sprint Series (CSTS) is this Sunday. I love these races at James Island County Park. They’ve sort of become the cornerstone of the Charleston triathlon scene. Every summer (for 18 years now) we have a four-race tri series to look forward to and plan our summer season around. Runners have the Cooper River Bridge Run, triathletes have James Island. That’s just the way it is.

As I wrote in an earlier post, this was my first triathlon ever, but that’s not the only reason I’m so big on these races. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorite things (sorry, just watched Mary Poppins with the kids) about the CSTS...

Race director Paul King is my neighbor and I know first hand how hard he works to produce the series. As an ex-triathlete himself, he knows how to put on race, and he's been doing it so long, it's safe to say he's worked out the kinks -- although, he'll be the first to tell you that every race is different and has it's own challenges.

I love that this is a fast race -- short swim, short bike, 5k, you're done. You can go all out the entire race and not risk bonking. It also makes it really doable for beginners, so there are always first-timers. With a good mix of newbies and seasoned vets, plus a max capacity field, it's a big race with a good vibe.

And I like Sunday races. Don't ask me why. The first race usually falls on Father's Day which is fun. My wife will typically do at least one of the races with me, or sometimes just opt to bring the kids out to watch.

If you are a competitor in your age group or division, you can try for the series championship by racing in 3 or more races. That makes for some lively competition. Everyone wants to do well at these races.

And how can you not love the swim?! I'm not sure if it's actually a lake or a pond, or a tidal lake? Supposedly, it has 'moving' water in that the incoming tides do affect the water levels, but it's not moving much. Two years ago we had to sign a waiver stating that we understood that DHEC checked the bacteria levels in the water and deemed it unfit for swimming. Why that is funny to me, I don't know.

I've also been told there is an alligator that's been spotted a number of times out there, but I've never seen it. The bottom line is that for local triathletes, this is our home course. We know every inch of the course and wouldn't change a thing.

So for everyone racing this Sunday morning, good luck -- and watch out for that gator!