3 Disciplines - TRI Holly, MI 7-19-2015

It is not too often that I take time out of my day to share my experiences with regard to a particular race or race organizer, but after yesterday's race, I feel I must do so.

Yesterday's race was my first DQ in 3+ years of racing....and I was not happy. It was a DQ because the run course had to be changed at the last minute because of a downed power line. 3 Disciplines communicated this information during the pre-race meeting, so I did not think there would be any issue.

However, while on the Olympic run course, 4 of us, including myself either missed a turn, or ran the wrong course. I missed a turn because the marking was not great, and the aid station volunteers did not make mention as to what way we were suppose to go.

So, I ran the Sprint run course for an Olympic distance race, resulting in my first DQ.

Unfortunately, a few young families heard my curse-filled rant, and after I calmed down after a few minutes, I apologized profusely.

Then I moved on to assigning blame: Aid Station workers, 3 Disciplines, myself for not running fast enough to follow someone, etc.

I vowed to never do TRI again because I thought it was poorly marked and I don't especially enjoy riding hills.

Then, something changed my mind.....Kenny and Annmarie.

I had not even left the venue and I received a personal email from Kenny saying that 3D could have done a better job communicating where the turn was that I missed. Kenny and Annmarie take the production of their events seriously, and anytime they can increase the level of support to the athletes, they do. Their events may be a bit higher then others, but you get what you pay for. I feel safe at their events. I feel that they legitimately care about my well-being. I feel that if they were racing themselves, what would they be thinking?

Kenny did not have to email me. He did not have to have to offer me a discount at a future race. He has 300+ athletes every weekend to worry about. Why would he take 5 minutes out of his day to email the 4 of us?

It's because he legitimately cares....

I am not a 3D slappy by any means and I will criticize when necessary, but it is this type of response to an unfortunate situation that will keep me coming back to 3D.

Take this for what its worth....just one man's opinion/experience.