Spectators

My wife has been at all 3 of my tri's and brought our 3 boys along too.  I know what you mean about that bored look in their eyes also I know it's difficult for the wife with 3 little boys under 6 years of age getting bored.  At my last one I kept dropping hints about her not having to come, but she wanted to be there for me which I'm proud of.

If someday she decided it was too much for the 4 of them to make it out would completely understand, but I do love the hugs and high fives when I cross the finish line.

Meulen - 2011-08-23 9:13 AM I guess I'm lucky someone is almost always there. The only times there wasn't was when my wife was still on the course. People who care about you will be there reguardless if it's "fun" for them or not.....period! Anyway, try some cool destination races with other things to do, that would be fun for them. Also, suggest they sit by the bike out. That's always good comedy!!

Wow.  I disagree with that blanket statement.  I have a lot of people who care about me, I don't ask them to come to races very often (only asked 1 to come to my first HM and my mom and stepdad flew in for my first tri).  This is MY hobby, why should they be expected to be at every event? 

I am fortunate though that the vast majority of races I have my running club there for me. At this weekend's 13.1 I came to the finish which ran right by the beer garden.  With most being faster than I there was a crowd of about 10 of my teammates who all yelled at the top of their lungs for me.  Every single person in the beer garden turned to see what the ruckus was about.  Sure made me feel special (and a little embarrassed). 

Most of the time I have spectators, but not always.  For local races (tris or running races) my usually wife comes along bringing our Corgi but my kids only a few times.  It is sort of the same old same old after a while. 

My family comes to my IM races, usually everyone but sometimes not.  My youngest daughter (16) takes pride in having been the only family member at all 8 of my IMs.  Lake Placid, Cozumel, Arizona, Canada, Coeur d'Alene.  Some better places than others for spectators during the race, and things to do pre-race.  Canada is really boring for spectators, the others not so much.

I flew solo for my last race, and this weekend's will be the first my boyfriend has come to.  My parents came to one in July - I like having people there but I'm perfectly happy making friends there

The last one where I was solo, I kind of enjoyed the "me" time it gave me.

I don't think it is fair for me to ask my husband and three kids to get up before dawn and come to an event that is for me.  So my husband stays with the kids and I get to go and have fun.  It is what works for us.  Perhaps one day they will come to a race but if not, that is okay too. 

It's nice to have a reception or a crowd at the finish- the noise, the music, Mike Reilly shouting "YOU! Are an IRONMAN!"

Mostly though, I'm in my own little world. I don't see what is goingon around me because I'm pretty focused on what I'm doing and concentrating hard on doing it. Crowds are cool- they make you feel "pro", but the noise can be disturbing when you are trying to concentrate on getting through the discomfort.

I don't want or need friends other than participants at the finish line. They can't relate. I do like to cross the finish line and sit with other competitors though. I really enjoy that. At Steelhead they had a little "recovery area" just past the finish chute. Same with Vineman. No spectators allowed- only competitors. You could sit down, get a cool drink, put a wet towel over your head and just kind of be part of the "scene" wth the other athletes. It's cool: Thrown Room of the Gods.... 

Meulen - 2011-08-23 9:46 AM

COSkiGirl - 2011-08-23 10:42 AM

Meulen - 2011-08-23 9:13 AM I guess I'm lucky someone is almost always there. The only times there wasn't was when my wife was still on the course. People who care about you will be there reguardless if it's "fun" for them or not.....period! Anyway, try some cool destination races with other things to do, that would be fun for them. Also, suggest they sit by the bike out. That's always good comedy!!

Wow.  I disagree with that blanket statement.  I have a lot of people who care about me, I don't ask them to come to races very often (only asked 1 to come to my first HM and my mom and stepdad flew in for my first tri).  This is MY hobby, why should they be expected to be at every event? 

I am fortunate though that the vast majority of races I have my running club there for me. At this weekend's 13.1 I came to the finish which ran right by the beer garden.  With most being faster than I there was a crowd of about 10 of my teammates who all yelled at the top of their lungs for me.  Every single person in the beer garden turned to see what the ruckus was about.  Sure made me feel special (and a little embarrassed). 

maybe that didn't come across right. There are always times things don't work out, but yes, people who care about you should be making an effort if they know it's important to you.

So you mentioned a wife that was still out on the course.  Do you ever ask someone to attend your races that are not in the sport? 

My guys have been to a half marathon, but not to any of the tris I've done so far.  Same as some other posters - crazy to get young kids up at a ridiculously early hour and have them bored to tears.

It really doesn't bother me all that much and has become somewhat of a running joke.  They are always interested in how I did and want a call soon after I've finished.  It's just practicality.

I have a friend who competes in many of the same events and her family are usually there - we joke that they adopt me for race days.   

I'm with you here...I actually had a houseful of spectators for my first couple races.  It's great having a supportive family, but trying to entertain out of town guests (even if they're family), when you're nervous as hell and just trying to get your ducks in a row for your first tri is not cool.  I eventually put the ban on them and said, if you wanna come that's great, but don't bother me before the race...don't even look in my direction, I can't handle it.