On Sunday, after Rianman's 19-miler in the heat, I took his water bottles and FuelBelt and dumped them in the kitchen sink for their regular spa soak with some Dawn. I figure if it can clean oil-coated sea otters, it can get the goop off all the plastic and stink off the sweaty straps and bands and stuff.
Well on Sunday night, Rianman asked if I emptied the FuelBelt pouch when I washed it.
Me: "No. I never do. It's always got gel packs and cash--why bother?"
Him: "I put my iPod in there."
Me: "Shit."
So on Monday morning I put the Purple Shuffle in a bag of brown rice (it's better for you) in the hopes of drying it out. Here it is before we took it out today.
Did it work?
Nope. Another Shuffle Bites the Dust. It's becoming an annual thing lately. A Shuffle a year - just another triathlete expense. They should just start carrying them at the bike and tri shops.
So Rianman's been wearing all things Zoot lately. Well at least the compression tri shorts, active short, socks, calf sleeves and who knows what else. He's been experiencing more than normal chafing as a result of the really long miles he's starting to put on--even around the leg band of the shorts. As a result, he's now a fan of Aquaphor for healing--we never really knew why it was in so many swag bags. Now we do.
You're thinking, "No TMI yet, TriSupporter. What's up?"
Well yesterday as we exited the Target store and walked towards our car in the 100 degree heat, he informed me that his 'frank' is also chafed--probably due to 'frank' placement in the compression shorts. Right about then I wanted to press rewind. But I couldn't. It was out there. And now, sorry honey, it's out for all the world to see.
I guess the lesson is for men to apply Body Glide or Chamois Butter to the 'beans' AND the 'frank'.
(Thanks to Lurch for providing the Frank and Beans euphemism. And no, you don't shave the Frank!)
Okay so Rianman saw these and now wants them. I really hope they are crazy expensive!
What a weekend! We arrived in Madison on Friday evening and settled in our hotel, The Edgewater (not bad but not close enough for me) and headed out to dinner a Sardine - highly recommended, make sure you check it out the next time you're in Madison.
After we left our orientation, we hit Marigold Kitchen our favorite breakfast spot in Madison; I NEVER leave Madison without visiting at least once. We then split up for most of the day so we could see our friends. We finally met up late in the afternoon with Joel, Steve, and Joel's daughter Kaitlyn. Saturday might meant sharing an Italian dinner with Kat and Stacy for Kat's pre-race dinner. Can I just say, Kat had a beer! Really. Rianman hardly had a beer all summer before IMOO 2008. Who's the stud? After dinner, we all headed back to our respective rooms for some good sleep before our 4 am wake up calls.
4 am again. We're up, showered and at the body marking station by 4:40. No, Rianman did NOT wear the extra small shirt. He wore the large and I pinned the XS to my shirt--the green didn't match the only shorts I brought--a kelly green pair--I wasn't going to wear any size in that color shirt! There were a lot of volunteers and at first, I thought, too many of us as athletes only trickled in. But then, then crush of athletes arrived and there were definitely enough of us. Oh, I have to say this...remember when we all questioned why were writing the age in 3 locations when NO other tri does this? Well, after about 10 athletes were marked, the captain informed us that in fact we were to write the bib number on the arms and the age or P for Pro on the calf. DUH!! So, sorry to the handful of athletes that will never find their photos.
Let me just say that body marking is the BEST. First, it's early and you're free to watch the swim start. Second, you get to use a really big Sharpie. Finally, you HAVE to touch some very, very well-toned, no, strong arms.
Once Rianman, Jodie and I finished our volunteer obligations which I must say I LOVED, we tried to find a spot to watch the swim. We headed to the top of the Monona Terrace garden and squeezed ourselves between others; Joel and his two daughters came out to cheer. It was of course a blast and invigorating and inspiring. It was made all the better when I reflected on how much less stressed I was than the previous year when Rianman was in that mass of arms and legs.
Jodie had her athletes to cheer so while she did a little cheering at T1, Rianman and I went to breakfast then the three of us took off for Mt. Horeb High School. Our whole day was essentially a redux of last year. Once there, we saw Monty, Chelsea, Kat, Trish, Laura, Beth and the memorable athletes we marked. It was warm so we felt for the athletes; there was no breeze and few clouds. It was a good 10 degrees warmer than last year and I think it made a difference. We had one guy stop and ask for salt tabs. He ended up laying down for 20 minutes. We were nervous for him but he said he felt better and started back on the bike. Rianman took down his number just to follow up. Add one more to cheer for.
Once we saw our athletes pass us twice on the bike, we headed back to Madison to sit ourselves at the Union--it's a great spot because you see your athlete twice in about 15 minutes and then again on their 2nd loop when they really need to see you. And, it is not so crowded (don't y'all go there next year). We did get to see Hillary Biscay pass by - she won last year and came in third this year. Very exciting. We saw our athletes pass by and all looked good. Monty was taking it easy but had a great attitude. Chelsea was kicking some serious ass while Kat and Trish ran together and met - how fun is that? We also saw the guy from earlier who needed the salt tabs--he was running and he recognized us! He looked great and we learned he finished!! We also cheered on a couple other KC Multisporters including Todd who I body marked.
(Kat and Trish running - I tried to get a better shot)
Once we saw Trish pass with her brother Tim running along side (Tim is a super supporter - holy cow, he ran all over town for Chelsea and Trish and when I say ran, I mean he actually ran. He needs to bring a bike next time.), we made our way back to the finish line to see them all cross. We also heard the unfortunate news that Monty had to pull out at 13.1 miles. He was cramping and eventually ended up at the ER on Sunday night. Lest anyone think becoming an Ironman isn't hard or dangerous or should be taken lightly is just wrong. This shit is hard. We witnessed the results of crashes, a guy vomiting just 20 yards from us, men and women crying, people limping and grabbing at leg cramps and side stitches, and the lonely looks on many faces as they walked by with 6 long miles to go.
At the finish line, we watched in anticipation and heard Mike Reilly announcing each Ironman. Let me tell you, that NEVER gets old. People are so happy to come into that chute and spectators are screaming and cheering happily and relieved to see their athlete achieve a dream; the lights are bright and the music is loud. We watched as Laura, Kat and Trish crossed as well as so many we watched and cheered all day. It was a great day and hope next year will be another great year, now that Rianman has signed up. Yup, we'll do it all again.
Congratulations to all the athletes--don't forget to thank your TriSupporters!
| Date | Event |
| May 23 | |
| June 7 | |
| July 11 | |
| Aug 22 | |
| Sept 12 |
| Date | Event |
| May 31 | |
| June 14 | |
| Aug 2 | Louisburg Cider Mill Century |
| Date | Event |
| April 20 | |
| June 15 | |
| June 27-29 | |
| July 13 | |
| July 20 | |
| Aug 24 | |
| Sept 7 | |
| Nov 2 | |
| Nov 8-15 |
