In first race as “grand master” Landau cops a duck
While still only 49 years old, Doug Landau is permitted by the rules of the United States Triathlon Association to race as a 50 year old grand master. How is that so ? In multisport competition, you race as the age you will be on December 31st of the present year. So lawyer Landau was able to participate in the Virginia Duathlon in the 50-54 age group. The Herndon Reston triathlon trial lawyer wanted to test his mettle against the best duathletes in the state a month before the USAT National championships. As he was attending the Virginia Trial Lawyers annual convention in Williamsburg concluded the night before, competing in the race in nearby Surrey provided Landau the perfect opportunity to participate. The course was challenging, and the marshalls helpe d make sure there were no bike crashes or athletic injuries. Landau finished the Run-Bike-Run 21st overall and 3rd in his age category. What was the prize ? A hand-painted decoy duck was his award, and it now sits on his proud mother’s mantle. She finds it more tangible than the “Super Lawyers” and “Best Lawyers in America” accolades her son has won. Even more laudable was Mrs. Landau serving as a race volunteer on a cold morning in the Virgnia Tidewater.