TriSupporter

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for your Triathlete

So you've got just a few days to get your triathlete something. Lucky for you there is a lot out there and there is still time to order online and pay an outrageous amount for express shipping. But you're thinking, "What do I get?" Well I've put together a short list of items I think your Triathlete might like...this list is based on experience. Each item has proven to be the most useful of the gifts I've gotten Rianman over the years.

Spin Doctor Pro 3G Workstand

This stand is great. It's really stable and yet packs up easily in case you need to take it with you. Rianman isn't much of a mechanic but the workstand is still useful.

I got it at Performance Bike but they're sold out right now...sorry.

Fizik Arione Tri 2 Saddle

I got this saddle for the Motobecane because the original was, well, beat up. And this one had good reviews. He didn't transfer it over to the Specialized because that a pretty nice saddle.

You can get this at any number of shops including TriSports.

Garmin Forerunner 305 or 405

Rianman got the 305 last year and loves it. People have complained about the 405 but it is the latest so you may want to get that. You can get them just about anywhere both online and on ground.

Winter Gear

This includes gloves with mitten covers for running, base layers from Craft (Rianman's favorite), running and cycling tights that break the wind, full bootie, and a full face mask or hoodie to keep them warm while riding or running.

Stocking Stuffers

You can't go wrong with stocking up on Body Glide, Gels, Salt Tabs, Lace Locks, or even a pair or two of socks and some hand warmers.

So if you haven't filled the stocking or wrapped any gifts, get out there. You've got three days and counting down.

Are all Ironmans Created Equal?

I have to share this story because it I thought it was so darned funny.

Last Thursday Rianman met with Coach Ken to plan the 2009 season. They met at the local Starbucks and from what I understand covered the basics: goals and events and *maybe* a bit of BS. In talking about goals, Rianman was trying to convey the challenge of coming up with a goal now that he had completed the Ironman. "What else is there?"

He illustrated the difficulty by saying, "Look I did the Ironman. I'm just like Chris "Macca" McCormack. We're the same--we are both Ironmen. Once you do one, you're an Ironman." 

I have to interrupt here...in case you don't know who Macca is, Rianman just compared himself to the 2007 Ironman World Champion!! Winner of a gazillion Ironman races.

Me: "What?! You did not compare yourself to Macca? OMG, did Ken laugh?"

Rianman: "No. Why?"

Me: "Really? How could he not laugh?"

Rianman: "I was trying to make a point."

Me: "Did he get it?"

Rianman: "Yes. I think so. I was making a point."

Me [still laughing]: "Okay, I get the point too but really, comparing yourself to Macca is a bit of a stretch."

Rianman: "Anyway..."  and he continued the story.

So are all Ironmen created equal?

• They have finished the same distance.

• They all had to sacrifice something to accomplish the feat.

• They all had to push themselves both mentally and physically to cross the finish line.

• Certainly they all garner attention and respect from others. While Macca's fame is more global and achievements stellar, Rianman and others like him get stopped when wearing their t-shirts or hats and the average Joe is usually pretty impressed.

But, there is the obvious...Rianman didn't win the race or even his age group. He's only done one, Macca has won many more than Rianman even dreams of finishing. What makes an Ironman then? Winning the race or doing what it takes to finish the race?

Clearly an Ironman isn't just the person who wins the race. An Ironman is an Ironman because they have had to train their bodies and minds, had to give up the easy road to test themselves by swimming, cycling, and running 140.6 miles in under 17 hours. They are an Ironman when they cross the finish line. And so, I guess Rianman is right, he's just like Macca.

Watching Ironman Wisconsin

Last night on Versus, Rianman and I watched the one-hour IMoo recap. (Thanks to Susan for telling us it had been airing.) Rianman was like a madman trying to find it and set the DVR to record it. You would have thought he was going to be the 'everyday' hero they were going to showcase. If you don't know, these recaps always showcase the pros and several amateurs who have either overcome some life obstacle or have commited themselves to a charity. The stories don't always end well...they don't always finish, but they are usually moving stories and I've been known to shed a few tears during these shows.

As we were watching the show, it brought back a lot of memories...for both of us. In many ways it was a way for Rianman to see the race from the spectators eyes and yet when the commentators would say something about what the athletes might be feeling or going through, he was nodding in agreement. Maybe it was like an affirmation for him to watch this and to know that he did it...he completed the Ironman. He did what few people do. He did what many could not. He did something, as someone said on the show, that he didn't know HE could do.

For me, it was fun seeing parts of the course we didn't get to and to hearing Rianman say, "That hill was so tough." Or, "See, there was no way you could find a sign among all those signs." Or, "That was the loneliest part of the course."

I did enjoy seeing the pros. I do wish they featured more amateurs...even if they don't have some compelling story. Like Oprah says, everyone has a story...I'd like to hear more. And maybe interview some TriSupporters for their stories. We're important right!?!?

Anyway...I had fun watching it all over again...from the comfort of my family room. I've said this many times, spectating is hard work. But I'm happy to do it all over again...whenever he wants.

What he'll want to do before doing another Ironman is watch the recap over and over and over. I'm not sure how supportive I'll be of that desire. I won't be ringing my cowbell for that.