EDIT: I wrote this about a week ago, but forgot to post it.
I’m sure it adds to my odd-ball-status, but I genuinely love watching triathlons. So much pain, so much exhilaration, so much, uh, down-time.
On this day, I got up early to watch my coach race the Dickson Endurance Challenge, and judging from the roads driving into the swim, “challenge” was an understatement. I mean, gauging a road in your car can be misleading, but whenever you have to floor it to climb a hill, you know it’s legit.
The Dickson Endurance Challenge is legit . . . and it starts with the swim exit.
I am not even kidding when I say I was sucking gas walking up that hill after taking a few pictures at the swim. I’m guessing 500 feet of 4% grade?
While driving in, I noticed multiple aid stations along the course and they were all stocked with staff and supplies long before the anyone needed them. They were also gracious in giving me directions. I’m glad I went this year because I never would have made it on time for the start if I were racing.
Before I go any further, I would like to say this race is really well done . . . with one exception . . . the music. And I know you’re asking, why would you even bring up the music?!? Okay, I’ll tell you.
When I first got into triathlon it took me at least 9 months to explain it to my dad. He didn’t understand, nor really care and I totally get that. But, the first time he saw me race was at Ironman Wisconsin and the one thing he always talks about is the music. For months after the race he would literally start singing “Let’s get it started” out of the blue, followed by, “I loved that music at Ironman.” Why is that so important? Because I honestly think it gave him a multi-month shot of adrenaline and made him a fan. See, he was a spectator, just like I was today.
Anyway . . . so, yes, the race was really cool, but playing the entire side of Billy Joel’s “The Stranger” was a bit much. They almost saved the day, with Britney Spears’s “Work, Bitch,” but for some reason they played the G-rated version that doesn’t say Bitch. I don’t know.
Ah yes, back to the race. My coach won, and here are the pics I took, many with hard-hitting captions:
Follow me on Twitter @miketarrolly
