Columbia Triathlon, Howard County, Maryland
Posted by: Doug in Bicycle Accidents, Injured Athletes, Sports Accidents, Triathlon Trial LawyerThe Columbia Triathlon is another example of how I try to always combine friends, family, sports and the law.
This Olympic Distance race is one of the most competitive in the United States. The course included a cold mile lake around an island (so you could not see the finish until later in that leg of the race); a 26 mile bike ride over a hilly, challenging course; and then a 6.2 mile “rolling” run, with several steep hills. I improved over 6 minutes from my 2003 time with a 2:27:34, finishing 191st overall, out of over 1,900 finishers (and 2,500 starters). Here I am about to pump my tires before the race begins.
This year, Aussie Chris McCormack, the reigning world Champion, as well as 2006 Ironman World Champ runner-up Desiree Ficker, “Best in the U.S.” winner (and Potomac River Running co-owner) Margiet Shapiro and other Olympic hopefuls toed the starting line at Centennial Park in Columbia, Maryland. In between pre-race registration and the mandatory bike racking the day before, I managed to investigate a dog attack case. What was unusual about this case was that it involved a cyclist and obvious head and brain injury. I was also able to sleep over in Maryland at a client’s home and meet several athletes and coaches who I had heard of but never met “face to face.” While I had intended simply to “train through” this event, as its longer than the sprint races that are my forte, had I been told how close I was to making the podium, I believe I would have kicked it in and copped an age group prize. Nevertheless, it was a successful “road trip.” I got to see the best in the world compete; the rain held off until the last several miles of the run; I saw friends old and new; and even made it to a noon wedding on time. The wedding was down the road from where I have tried cases in Spotsylvania, Virginia. It was a busy day.
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