Anyways, our teammate had been accepted to the NYC Tri. So since we were so close to the city this year we told her we would Sherpa her. She has been a Sherpa for us before and she has done an amazing job with her Sherpa duties, even being in charge of our parents which isn't an easy task.
Our job started on Friday, I met another one of our teammates who came from Texas to do the same (can't never have too many Sherpas), her an I met at my office and then we headed to downtown to meet up with J who had arrived from Philly, bags and bike in tow via rail transportation. We headed to the hotel in midtown, athlete check in and all that good stuff to get it out of the way early. Res met up with us after work so we could do the NYCTri underpants run... totally recommended.After that we then just went to dinner and hang out in general. Our hang out ended up piling up 14 miles according to the AppleHealth app.
It was funny to see that it was the first time in 6 months in the NY that we have spent so much time in the city at once. Typically we go in and back out. Sunday came and we left the house at 5:15. Have to love weekend traffic. By 6:15 we were parked at 72nd and Riverside Drive. Right where they came out on the bike to get on 9A. Awesome spot. We saw the pros and waited for her to go out. It amazed me (here is where the observations and tips come in) how many people don't pay attention nor read the rules of the sport. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm not perfect and I know I was once a rookie but taking 5 minutes to go over the rules can save you a lot. I know we all start somewhere, so this is not in a way meant to sound obnoxious. Take them for what they are worth.
1. Know the rules of the game. It is a sport afterall and we have rules. Rules state that any electronic device (cell, ipod, ipad, any of those) is strictly prohibited. I know a few people that leave their cells in the bike spare tube bags as a safety in case something happens. That's not a bad idea. However, don't come out of transition looking at your phone like you are asking Siri for directions.
2. Headphones: same as above, it is a hard transition and it is understandable. Socially it might seem like the right thing to do, run with music because you get in the groove of it and feel better. Give running without them a tri. Can't use them on race day, of course you can, but if you get caught there is a penalty. Obviously there can be 1000 eyes for over 4000 athletes on race day so chances that you get a penalty are pretty slim, but.... again follow the rules and also enjoy the cheers and the moment. (From USAT most common rules: 8. Headphones: Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race. Penalty: Variable time penalty)
3. Equipment: Know your equipment. Helmets are to use with the buckle to the back, not the front. Unfortunately I didn't catch the pic, but a few folks had helmets on backwards. It doesn't have a penalty to have it backwards, but definitely is a safety issue.
All in all, definitely was a blast cheering and sherpaing. We enjoyed seeing our TX friends and getting to cheer on all triathletes out there enduring a very hot day. It was good for a change to be on that side of the fence where you can take pics, cheer on awesome people and hang out with great friends.
Well... hope this didn't come across too harsh... and if you do anything... just be safe out there and have fun!.
Cheers!
2. Headphones: same as above, it is a hard transition and it is understandable. Socially it might seem like the right thing to do, run with music because you get in the groove of it and feel better. Give running without them a tri. Can't use them on race day, of course you can, but if you get caught there is a penalty. Obviously there can be 1000 eyes for over 4000 athletes on race day so chances that you get a penalty are pretty slim, but.... again follow the rules and also enjoy the cheers and the moment. (From USAT most common rules: 8. Headphones: Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race. Penalty: Variable time penalty)
3. Equipment: Know your equipment. Helmets are to use with the buckle to the back, not the front. Unfortunately I didn't catch the pic, but a few folks had helmets on backwards. It doesn't have a penalty to have it backwards, but definitely is a safety issue.
All in all, definitely was a blast cheering and sherpaing. We enjoyed seeing our TX friends and getting to cheer on all triathletes out there enduring a very hot day. It was good for a change to be on that side of the fence where you can take pics, cheer on awesome people and hang out with great friends.
Well... hope this didn't come across too harsh... and if you do anything... just be safe out there and have fun!.
Cheers!