I decided to do this one the week before - training makes a HUGE difference!!!!! I didn't train nearly as much as I did for any of the other three triathlons I did this year. I pretty much forgot how my lap timer works on my watch, took way too long to complete the events, lost my water bottle 5 miles into the 18 mile bike ride, and spent nearly the entire run in zone 5! Despite all that I had a blast. In large part that was do to a number of my family members also participating: Mom (who did the swim leg in the Danskin on a relay team completed her 2nd full triathlon), Aunt Kathleen, Aunt Margaret, Aunt Felicia, Cousin Courtney, and Uncle John (all first time tri-ers), and my Uncle Timothy (did the swim leg on a relay team), as well as Meredith O'Reilly. And we were all enthusiastically supported by my wonderful Stepan, our dog (Homer), my Uncle Gerry, and my cousin Elizabeth. Kudos to all the triathletes in my family - I like to think I helped to inspire you to reach for this goal though I know most of you signed up at Elizabeth's urging.
This triathlon was amazingly organized. It started at 7:30am on the dot and the waves were spaced 5 minutes apart - so unless you were Aunt Margaret, it was highly unlikely that you would be overtaken by subsequent waves of swimmers. The bike racks were numbered and each competitor had an assigned space for their bike and transition gear - so there was no mad scramble to cram your bike and gear into an advantageous position. The volunteers guarding the intersections on the bike route were usually cheering and seemed to be having a good time. The after race party was lots of fun as well except they didn't allow dogs into the beach club, so we had to hang out outside the fence. All in all a good race and one I'm looking forward to participating in next year.
I can confirm that everyone did wonderfully and for the most part (Uncle Tim!) did their triathlons with smiles on their faces. It was quite a blast having 9 people to cheer on, and I'd do it again any day. However--the triathlon was not perfectly organized as on the day of the event, NO shuttle buses ran (about 2-3 miles b/w arranged parking and triathlon site), plus the chip timers did not seem to be done too well--many of our family members, as well as other people, have blanks for parts of the triathlon where they should have a time. Still--I too was impressed that it started on time! And Margaret, I got passed by two waves when I did the Dilloman in July, so don't feel bad.
Posted by: Eliz on September 20, 2002 2:06 AMJenny, You are my inspiration. Most pictures taken of you in any of the triathlons you have participated, you have a wonderfully glowing smile. Thank you for getting me involved.
Posted by: MOB on September 20, 2002 12:15 PMHell, I spent the entire tri in Zone 5. But, I'm taking swimming lessons now and I've improved immensely. I'm on the hunt for a gently used, high-end, steal-of-a-deal road bike...so keep y'all's eyes peeled. Hey, Jenny, I DID NOT come in dead last and I DID the entire tri.!!!!
Posted by: Aunt Margaret on October 22, 2002 12:55 PMGolly gee!....thanks, Liz! LXO G.A.M.
Posted by: Aunt Margaret on October 22, 2002 12:57 PM