I'm frequently a spectator at Kevin's triathlons. This weekend, he participated in a relay at the Greater Cleveland Triathlon with Russell Lee on bike and Joe Whang as runner. I thought I'd share my methodology and some tips for spectators:
1. you'll get up very early. have some "walking breakfast" items packed and ready to go: granola bars, bananas, drinks, etc.
2. pick up the New York Times (events are usually on Sundays - get the full Sunday edition)
3. bring a lawn chair, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, cameras, and wear a watch. be sure you can carry your own gear and be on the move with it quickly.
4. wear layers since it will be colder at 7am and warmer at 10am.
5. drop off the racers and their gear as close to the transition area as possible. they will be nervous and anxious to get set up. let them go do their thing, you park the car, and then meet up near the start.
6. be sure to have an idea of their estimated swim/bike/run times. this will help you estimate when to be at certain points for the best photos and cheering.
7. after you've wished them well and they've headed out for the start, select your best position for first photos and then a spot for your chair. the swim can be the faster segment for Kevin, so I don't open the paper just yet. this is just enough time to find the coffee truck or have that banana...
8. when you expect to see your swimmer exiting the water, get situated for the run out of the water and the transition to the bike. you can get some shots of the wetsuit peel-off, the hurried change of gear, and the departure on the bike if you plan it well.
9. then, you've got a bit more time through the bike segment to read your paper. especially if you're on an Olympic-distance course. find a spot where you can be shooting the bike arrival that might allow you to switch to the run course shortly thereafter and skip this transition observation - it's a quickie anyway. you'll also find yourself cheering for other participants and recognizing the jerseys of the people near your racer.
10. the run is always the longest segment for Kevin, so I usually have more time for reading and cheering at this stage. estimate when you'll expect your runner returning and be there well in advance to evaluate your finish photo position. if your racer or team is wearing a recognizable jersey, it helps to be able to spot them far away. check out the Authentic Films gear designed by Jamie Venorsky - it's easy to spot:
11. Most Importantly: always be aware of racers when you are the pedestrian and you cross the race path. Especially near the bike course. I often see people who aren't watching as they cross the path and the runners and cyclists come so close to collisions that I'm afraid one of these days I'll witness a horrible crash.
12. after the race...they will be hot, tired, thirsty, and hungry. and so will you. these triathlons always wear me out. go have a good brunch and celebrate.
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2 comments:
Nice post Kate. I remember talking to you and Kevin near the exit to transition, I was preventing people from going back in. I definitely remember the tri top. Very eye catching. I saw it each time it went by.
Hi, Eric, I think I remember you there as that lady crossed the path with her phone to her ear, yes?thanks for reading. I'll check out your blog, too - does your support team have any tips for a better spectating experience? it's hard not to enjoy those events, no matter what the weather or conditions.
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