Tugaloo Triathlon--Spectator report! - TriathlonOlympic

Took pictures of pre-swim. Got enough of everyone.
Plopped myself down right at the ramp from swim exit that leads to T zone. Got drops of water and sand all over me.
Excellent positioning for pictures. Got everyone out of the water except for Ron because he was right behind someone. My phone rang about that time too so I might have been distracted from my task at hand.

Not sit RIGHT on the edge of the ramp so I dont get dirty.

No pictures of T1 because the zone was not close to the swim exit. I wanted to stay put so I could get everyone a swim exit picture.
I think Karl's picture is excellent. (pictures to be posted at a later date)

Tried to get everyone coming in on the bike or starting the run. I set up camp about 20 feet from the dismount line for optimum picture taking of bike dismount and run start.

This was where the most action and entertainment occured for me. It was amazing to see how far ahead the leaders were from the 'regular racers'. Those people are amazing.
Saw a guy crash off his bike at the dismount. His wife was video taping and one of his friends yelled "Did you get that on camera?!" as he was laughing. Then, everyone watching and other riders laughed too. It was hilarious. (he was ok)



Nothing.

I wasn't close enough to the zone to get good pictures of T2. Got distance shots of Karl and Steamy but that was it.

Got pictures of everyone starting the run. Excellent positioning for these, tons of flattering and unflattering pics of everyone. Steamy, I know you appreciated this. You can thank me later. :)
Got pictures of everyone finishing. This was fun for me. I would have to say being there for them was very rewarding and I had no regrets about not doing the race.

Nothing

Random snapshots. Hung out at the finish area and ate with Steamy. Didn't feel well after a couple cookies and Cokes. Listened to everyones race stories and told some of my own and stayed for the Awards so Steamy could get her First Place AG plaque.


I learned some things and had some funny observations as a spectator. The only thing I felt was a little wierd when Steamy and Ron went to set up their transitions. Can't really describe it, but I just didnt know what to do with myself. Maybe like empty nest syndrome? I probably looked like a lost puppy or something. So, I just did what I was supposed to do: take pictures. Felt instantly better and important.

Humorous highlights of the race:
1. Swim exit: people looked bad! I never really feel bad or too tired after the swim, some people looked like they were ready to die. Maybe they should practice, who knows. Rather funny to hear people yell at their SO's or families--"that sucked" or "shut up-leave me alone"

2. Steamy coming in on the bike, starting the run. Haley yells "YAYY Steamy, you're in a place position. You looke GREAT!! JUST KEEP IT UP and you'll place. You look GREAT! HOW DO YOU FEEL?" Steamy (says nothing, looks away) the look on her face "shut up, leave me alone." haley: chuckles to herself, then takes pictures of Steamys butt that I know she'll not like later. HA! lol

3. James starting the run. Haley says "Way to go James!! You look great! How do you feel?!" James, in a very serious tone says "my croch f*@#ing hurts." probably the second funniest thing of the day.

4. Funniest thing of the day: about 5 minutes after James started the run, I was sitting on my chair waiting for Joe and Deb to finish the bike. I look up and see this guy in shorts, no shirt, but with a funny looking hat on his head. I stand up and go closer to the run course, and yep...ITS HIS BIKE HELMET!!! I laugh histerically and take pictures of him. Its even funnier that he didn't realize he had the helmet on for at least 3-4 minutes. The last I saw him, he was holding it in his hand.

I had a lot of fun, and the fact that I didn't have an urge to do the race probably means it was time for me to take a break and recharge. 2 marathons, some 10ks Jan-March, and 6 tri's is probably enough for the year. I was probably happier watching, picture taking, and cheering everyone on than if I had done the race. I suggest everyone take the time to go and help a friend, it will help them and you more than you know. I didn't think about how it would help them, but they all told me after it was great to have someone there to cheer for them. Even Steamy's "go to h*ll, I'm hurting" look was served with love and I loved it.