Self support/cheering at IM

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2008-08-26 11:09 AM

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Champion
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Alabama
Subject: Self support/cheering at IM

Those of you going to an IM by yourself might enjoy this story.

Last year I went to IMKY by myself.  They have tables set up at the expo where your support team can make signs like "Go Mike".  They also have computers for an electronic sign on the run course where you can enter a race number and put a message for the runner to see when he crossed the timing mat at about 18 miles or so.  

Since I was by myself last year and feeling sorry for myself, I entered "Go Daddy!!  We love you.  - Jamie and Nick".  Then at mile 18 or so on the marathon course I saw the sign and was thrilled!  Only I forgot that I was the one who had done that!  I thought my wife and kids were watching on-line and had somehow injected that message for me via the internet.  I guess the fog of war had clouded my brain and I forgot that it was me who'd entered the message.  :-)  When I got home I told my wife thanks for sending the message of encouragement for me from the kids....she had no idea what I was talking  about.

~Mike

2008-08-26 11:12 AM
in reply to: #1628858

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Champion
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Carlsbad, California
Subject: RE: Self support/cheering at IM
Well, at least for me, being a member of BT means that you rarely get the chance to actually do a race alone.

There will always be a contingent of cool kids from BT doing the race. That's very cool that you went out and did the signs and stuff. I am certain that it made a big difference in the experience.

Are you flying solo again this year?
2008-08-26 11:12 AM
in reply to: #1628858

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Expert
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Portland, OR
Subject: RE: Self support/cheering at IM
Hehe! I did something similar this year at IM CDA.

Last year (1st IM) I had like 25 friends and family come to watch and they were disappointed to find out that someone else (a volunteer I knew) had already typed in a message for me on the Motivation Mile so they didn't get to. They made lots of signs and stuff and that was fun.

This year it was much more low-key just my husband and best friend so I typed a message to myself in the Motivation Mile and made myself a sweet sign Then I made it a game to look for the sign throughout the day to see if I could find it. Took me til mile 17 of the run but there it was and it made me smile.
2008-08-26 11:35 AM
in reply to: #1628858

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Self support/cheering at IM
That's a great post! I decided to go solo after my debaucle at Eagleman. My family was so high maintenance, that an athlete said to me, "Tell your family not to stress out the athlete before a race". I'm relying on my fellow BT members and the kindness of "strangers" to cheer me on.
Besides, this time, I won't have to run interference the night before the race of where we should eat. Oy vey.
2008-08-26 11:46 AM
in reply to: #1628967

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Self support/cheering at IM

writers2 - 2008-08-26 11:35 AM That's a great post! I decided to go solo after my debaucle at Eagleman. My family was so high maintenance, that an athlete said to me, "Tell your family not to stress out the athlete before a race". I'm relying on my fellow BT members and the kindness of "strangers" to cheer me on. Besides, this time, I won't have to run interference the night before the race of where we should eat. Oy vey.

BT members, and a number of fellow Triathletes are very supportive of each other.  I just wouldn't be demanding and say "Tell your family...", that's kind of rude, but I understood the point.

2008-08-26 11:47 AM
in reply to: #1628858

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Self support/cheering at IM
Hey, whatever works!  It certainly sparked you and made you a little motivated!

2008-08-26 12:21 PM
in reply to: #1628967

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Self support/cheering at IM

writers2 - 2008-08-26 12:35 PM That's a great post! I decided to go solo after my debaucle at Eagleman. My family was so high maintenance, that an athlete said to me, "Tell your family not to stress out the athlete before a race". I'm relying on my fellow BT members and the kindness of "strangers" to cheer me on. Besides, this time, I won't have to run interference the night before the race of where we should eat. Oy vey.

We will be cheering you on at IMFL for sure!!!

I worried a little about how chaotic it would be before IMLP with 5 kids...my husband was great at dealing with stuff and making everyone know it was my time and I got my way on most all matters. 

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