Rumpus in Bumpass International Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Jason P.
Stafford, VA

  (04-21-2010)

"The 2010 Triathlon Season has officially started with today's running of the Rumpass in Bumpass International Triathlon at Lake Anna, Virginia. This race is organized by Set Up Events and they do any excellent job. The day started as I left the house around 6:45 and drove South to Lake Anna. Once I exited the interstate I found myself behind several cars with attached bikes - I knew I was heading in the right direction. I arrived at the race area about 7:45 and quickly checked in before the lines started to form. During check-in the wind was whipping at about 15-20 mph and there was a nice 1 foot chop on the lake - this could get interesting. However, I felt ready for anything. I set up my transition area with my much improved bike (new wheels, chain, fork, areo bars, cassette, and brakes). I also borrowed a friend's sleeveless wetsuit. Last year I wore a full wetsuit and my arms felt so very heavy during the swim leg that I decided that the next time I would try the sleeveless version. The down side is my friend is about 40 pounds lighter than me - Fat Guy in a Little Suit. With much assistance I got in the suit and was ready to go. This year I'm racing in the Clydesdale division - basically guys over 200lbs - so I started in the last wave which was 20 minutes behind the first wave. By the wave 6 start time of 10:20 the wind had died down considerably and the sun was warming thing up nicely. The water temperature was a balmy 66 degrees. I got into the water slowly - wow that is cold - and floated over to the start area. The started raised his hand and then HONK - we were off. It felt awesome to swim again. I quickly got into my pace and started gliding through the water. The sleeveless wetsuit was very nice, my arms had completely free range of motion. The bad thing about starting last - I spent the entire day passing people. On the bike and run it is not that bad but in the water you usually run into the person in front of you before you pass. About half way through the swim leg I felt water get into my right ear and it was kind of painful - but what are you going to do about it now? I made it out of the water in 38 minutes (that was 5 minutes slower than the same distance in October - Swimming new work) I got up on dry land and almost fell over, that water in my right ear was throwing off my balance. I staggered to my transition area and violently started shaking my head - ahh sweet relief the water drained and I instantly got my balance back. Okay it is bike time. I mounted up and started pedaling away. Wow did I feel fast, I was passing everything in my sights. The gears felt smooth and I was able to stay in areo position for the entire 40k. But wait a minute the wind started picking up again. And how is it physically possible to travel in a circle and have a head wind the entire time? I knocked out 2 loops of the course in record time and then started the run. This is the area that I need the most work, I need to find a nice pace and stick to it for the entire 10k. This course is an out and back then out and back again style course - which I hate. I can't stand seeing the finish and then turning around for more pain. I always think about cheating - no one would know - except me of course as I head back out on the course. I started looking at the clock on the second lap and knew that I ahead of last year. I finished strong at 2:58:34 besting last years race by 5 minutes. Great way to start the season. Best part of the race was getting to race on my new and improved bike and the worst part of the race was not having anyone to share it with - Tracee and the kids stayed home and I really missed my high fives from the kiddos. Next Triathlon is the Tidewater International on 12 June 2010 - do I smell a PR?
Stats:
1500m Swim - 34:33
T1 - 2:28
40km Bike - 1:19:15
T2 - 2:21
10km Run - 59:59
Total -2:58:34
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

IAIN B.
Bowie, MD

  (04-20-2010)

"Good early season race. We lucked out with the warm weather and water temp at 66 degrees. Not sure if the race would be as good if the weather was bad! Great organization though and a testing course for early in the season. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010