The 1st Reston Triathlon was my 3rd triathlon. I was training for the Hawaii Ironman and was using the race as training for that event. The most memorable thing that happened for me occurred when I was not even around. I was in the water swimming when my tire exploded in the transition area. Norm Happ (who I doubt remembers this) looked around and wondered whose bike it was that had the blowout. Bunny was there (she was a race captain and helping out) noticed that it was my bike. Norm had someone repair the tire and put it back on the bike.
When I got on the bicycle I noticed that the tire was not secured. I thought it odd that that was the case but figured that I must have somehow left the tire loose so I tightened it up and went on my way doing the whole bike course with my front wheel dragging on my brake pad. It wasn't until after the race that I found out what happened. After the race I went out and did a 60-mile training ride. Today it might be a 60-minute nap.
Other memories from other races... doing the race with a cast on my arm... forgetting to pick up my race numbers at packet pick up, calling and picking them up at Beth Baker's house late in the evening... completing the race 6 months after open heart surgery... and watching from the sidelines the year before... Tom Voeller hiding his cast and doing the race with a broken arm... out-racing someone to the finish line... limping through the run course last year... being so glad to be out of the water every time I'm finished with the swim... always seeing many friends on the run course (usually in front of me) and other friends cheering us on from the sidelines.
Over the years I've done all but one of the Reston Triathlons. The one I missed was due to a little heart problem. For every one of the Reston Triathlons, Bunny has either been a race captain or one of the directors. I know of no one else with that perfect attendance record. She is typical of the volunteers that really have made this race special. They are always a joy to see on the race course many of same people years in and out. More than anything they are responsible for the success of the event. The sport of triathlon has grown exponentially since 1984. Many races have come and gone, but the Reston Triathlon is still as popular as ever.