Today was the check in for IM Racine 70.3. This is the stomping grounds for my old favorite race; you guessed it, Spirit of Racine. Last year, they sold out to IM. My first reaction was one of uncertainty. This event has always been great, with the swim in Lake Michigan (not hidden in a bay somewhere, but out in the open). The run is along the lake on the road that overlooks the whole thing. It is just beautiful. You cannot help but notice, even when it is 99 degrees and 98 % humidity. Didn't seem they needed the help of the corporate giant event organizer. So from the moment of our arrival, my husband and I were scouting the whole thing out.
The check in was easy enough. Festival Park Expo Center. Just like before, only that was less chaotic than it has been in years past. The whole building where the expo used to be is now simply check in. Really overkill, in my opinion. You could run laps inside that building; with check in going on.
Outside was the expo under tents in the heat. Mostly, it was just the Ironman Merchandise Store. It used to be numerous vendors from all over the area competing for your business. There were always great deals to score along the way. Sad to not see that. Was always sweet to hear people bartering for stuff, instead of just paying way too much for logo driven products.
Despite all of this seemingly downer-this race is gonna suck crap above, I am pumped about this race. Above all of this, there was one very refreshing change. The people I saw coming in to compete and what they bring. First-timers, people with lower end road bikes outfitted with with aerobars, people just trying to be healthier. I had heard in the news that since the economy is dragging along, people are trying to be healthier and pursuing more active lifestyles. This is great stuff! There is a part of me that wants my ass to be royally kicked by the big guy on the 70's Schwinn he dug out the back of his garage. Nobody should stay home because they think there equipment isn't good enough. This sport is so beneficial to our health, anyone who can do it should.
When we were getting into the truck to head for home; Mike and I talked about our first time there in 2005. We didn't know if we belonged there and felt like we could be headed for a disaster. I don't question if I fit in there anymore. But I also don't question if anyone else belongs. We are all seeking to be more than what we were, and looking to become more than what we are today. We are all part of the same welcoming triathlon family, and the IM logo doesn't change that.
The check in was easy enough. Festival Park Expo Center. Just like before, only that was less chaotic than it has been in years past. The whole building where the expo used to be is now simply check in. Really overkill, in my opinion. You could run laps inside that building; with check in going on.
Outside was the expo under tents in the heat. Mostly, it was just the Ironman Merchandise Store. It used to be numerous vendors from all over the area competing for your business. There were always great deals to score along the way. Sad to not see that. Was always sweet to hear people bartering for stuff, instead of just paying way too much for logo driven products.
Despite all of this seemingly downer-this race is gonna suck crap above, I am pumped about this race. Above all of this, there was one very refreshing change. The people I saw coming in to compete and what they bring. First-timers, people with lower end road bikes outfitted with with aerobars, people just trying to be healthier. I had heard in the news that since the economy is dragging along, people are trying to be healthier and pursuing more active lifestyles. This is great stuff! There is a part of me that wants my ass to be royally kicked by the big guy on the 70's Schwinn he dug out the back of his garage. Nobody should stay home because they think there equipment isn't good enough. This sport is so beneficial to our health, anyone who can do it should.
When we were getting into the truck to head for home; Mike and I talked about our first time there in 2005. We didn't know if we belonged there and felt like we could be headed for a disaster. I don't question if I fit in there anymore. But I also don't question if anyone else belongs. We are all seeking to be more than what we were, and looking to become more than what we are today. We are all part of the same welcoming triathlon family, and the IM logo doesn't change that.
Comments
How true, how true. I just did a sprint tri this morning and I would guess that it was the first triathlon (either ever or in many years) for at least 25% of the field. I saw everything from decked out tri bikes to a hybrid cruiser with a pink basket on the front. Even on the clothing front, there was newbies wearing baggy swim suits (that they somehow managed to bike and run in) compared with the elites in their skin suits.
My only fear is that there were a few people who did not seem prepared (and even one person who said "I really should have biked more than 3 times"). As much as I love the new participants and encourage anyone and everyone to do a triathlon, I try to make sure they know exactly what they are getting into and what to expect.
Bib #811, I'll look for you!
Good luck!