Landau was able to enjoy the local flavor of this rebuilt waterside community. There had been a hurricane several years ago, and many buildings that had been damaged or destroyed have been rebuilt or replaced. Landau has raced in Colonial Beach previously, when the swim course was shorter, and had some exceptional times (24 MPH bike ride followed by a sub-39 run !). This year the swim was lengthened to the full Olympic Distance, with swimmers coming out of the water after 750 meters, running along the pea gravel and then jumping back into the semi-salty, brackish water.

Landau had a mediocre swim, despite calm water conditions and his buoyant, full body wetsuit. Stepping through the kiddy pool en route to the Transition area, Landau was in 100th place. Putting “pedal to the metal,” the Herndon disability and injury lawyer raced past 40 competitors, averaging 22.5 MPH, and not getting passed during the 25 mile bike portion of the race. An average transition sent him onto the running course at 1:40:00. With a pre-race goal of sub-2:30:00, Landau did some quick math and realized he could finish closer to 2:25:00. Passing a dozen runners, Landau was feeling good, but got tired at about mile 4, and suffered a few passes on his way to a pedestrian 45 minute 10km. Nevertheless, he managed 2:25:09 for a top 50 finish and a fun race with friendly volunteers, cheering sections and a unique venue. Race Director Terry McLaughlin of the Fredericksburg/Tappahannock YMCA along with timing company Kale Running also staged a Sprint Triathlon on Saturday and an “AquaBike” for those who wanted to just swim and bike, and rest their legs. This is an excellent event for those coming off of a running injury or for whom running in 86 degree heat is not an option. Some hardy souls actually raced both Saturday AND Sunday in Colonial Beach (check results). Maybe next year for Landau…