Triathlon spectators report

Sunday was race day for a few in my group -- I chose not to do this one as it wasn't quite at the end of the clinic, and was only a Sprint Tri, no Try-a-Tri distance. Considering my challenges with returning from injury I didn't think it would be wise to participate, but wanted to cheer the others on, and see what I could learn from spectating.

I got there before the road closures and people were already milling about, getting their bikes ready, race kit pickup, body marked, transitions set up. The race was being held where I was the day before doing our open water swim and mock tri. Since I stayed at a friend's place nearby for the night, I still had my bike, my wetsuit, transition stuff, everything I'd need to participate; a part of me was getting caught up in the race atmosphere, and wished it wasn't sold out. In hindsight, I'm glad it was.

The Kids of Steel went off first. There's something so cute about the 4-9 year olds running through the shallow water rather than swim, their little legs spinning the pedals of their bike oblivious of gears, and coming into the finishing chute after their run. So amazing! Then it was time for the first wave of the Sprint tri, which was accompanied by rain - first a drizzle, then a pretty heavy downpour.

I positioned myself by the transition area so that I could get a good idea of how everything happens, and get my fill of 'bike-porn'. Wow, some of the bikes that these triathletes have are incredible!! One guy was leaving the transition area, running with his bike, his blood-stained shirt wrapped around his hand. Never heard what actually happened, but some of the race volunteers were scrambling to figure out how to get a medic's attention, as they weren't right there -- his transition time was getting long.

I'm a mom, have a purse which carries almost everything, and had band-aids! I reached across the fencing and handed the triathlete about 4 band-aids in case he'd need more since it was raining, and wasn't sure how long they would have stayed on. I hung out at this spot until I had seen all 6 triathletes from our group leave on the bike. It was at about this point that I was happy that today wasn't my race day. The roads were wet and slick...

I got back to the picnic table where I had been sitting watching the Kids race, under a tree. Seconds later, I heard screeching, sliding and a crash, right in front of me; now even happier it wasn't my race day. The guy who seemed to slide further had what looked to be a very expensive bike, nice kit, aerodynamic helmet. Someone had picked up his bike and was wheeling it off the course and he took off his helmet and threw it on the ground. Guess his race was done. :(

I went to the car, trying to get a little more shelter as the rain was coming down hard and the lightening was picking up. Figured sitting under the tallest tree there probably wasn't the wisest decision. ;) I was stuck in the parking lot for about another hour due to the road closure, so I had my fingers crossed for all the hard-core triathletes going on with their race despite the conditions... trying to picture myself in their place only 2 weeks away! Let's hope for better weather on Aug 23!!

I feel much better about my upcoming tri having watched one first, so different than a running only event. I'm so glad that this was part of our clinic, even if only myself and two other 'spectators' showed up.

Yesterday I went out for a very humid and disgusting 3k run, then in the evening, I hit the pool with Terron! I love the Monday night schedule at this pool because half of the pool is dedicated lane swim, while the other half with the diving board is rec swim, and he's passed the swim test to be able to play on his own. I did 2650 meters, and managed longer, continuous sets than ever before! I guess practice and time in the pool really do help! :D

Today is Tuesday... I had high hopes of finally get a group ride in tonight with a bit of sunshine rather than a downpour, but the forecast is showing rain... again, and yes, of course sunshine for the rest of the week! I'm starting to take this personally Mother Nature.