After seeing my sister complete her first triathlon a few weeks ago in Colorado, I thought to myself, ‘I can do that.’ I’m an avid runner and cyclist, so I figured with a little training I would be able to handle the swim and at least finish the thing. I came back home and found the One World Triathlon, here for it’s second year in downtown Cincinnati. The swim, only 400 meters, took place right along the serpentine wall, while the bike route went out Columbia Parkway and back, and the run was along friendship park and across the Purple People Bridge. The whole thing sounded great, and it was all taking place on my (almost) front door.
I didn’t think much of it until the week of the race, when I combined some running and biking workouts to make sure I would be ready for Sunday’s event. Thursday was the race walkthrough to show us where the transition area would be, and exactly where we would be swimming. Even though I watched my sister prepare and participate in her triathlon, I was still nervous about this being my first, and I was glad to hear the course walkthrough.
Stretching while looking out over the upcoming swim course
For me, the event was about two things. One, it was a testament to my efforts to get in shape, which has paid off enough for me to at least attempt this sort of event. And two, it was a great way for me to help to support an event centered on Cincy’s Urban Core, and a way for me to embrace the downtown lifestyle. For example, Saturday, the day before the race when we picked up our race numbers etc., most people got in their cars and drove down to Sawyer Point to check in. Instead, I hopped on my bike and cruised down to the park in 10 minutes. Likewise, I was probably one of, if not the only person to ride their bike to and from the actual event. After the race I took a shower and walked up to Tucker’s for a post race feast (“Ghetto” Huevos are the best, try ‘em). It was a great day, and one that made me proud to be a downtown resident.
And I beat my goal of doing the whole thing in 1:20. So I’m doing something right.
Holy mackerel, just reading about it makes me tired. I tip my hat to this notable achievement.
Oh, so this is how you post a comment. Man, what a cool website. Your Pops is a good man. Now take the world by storm, and hire an accountant and business advisor….I know a good one.
One more comment. I am laughing at how this is yet another great excuse for you to take all kinds of interesting/crazy photos. Excellent.