I flew to my hometown to visit the family and try the Rev3 half distance. The water in the Tennessee River was a pleasant temperature, and not as filthy as I remembered as a child (no dead animals!). The bike ride was in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains--up and down the entire course(more than Oceanside 70.3, way more than Vineman 70.3)--with some beautiful mountain vistas. This being the Bible Belt, there was a lot of Sunday morning church traffic (not sure if drafting behind a pick-up truck is a violation of USA Triathlon rules). The run had some solid hills mixed in with stretches of flat; but I was entirely by myself for the last few miles (not very stimulating). The weather cooperated--crisp and cool in the morning, not too hot or humid on the run. Note: the half distance was 1 of 3 distances in the Rev3; there was also an Olympic distance race, and an intermediate distance (which included the professionals). Did I feel like the ignored step-son? Maybe.