SPECTATOR SPORT

Who in their right mind would go out and watch a sport that lasts for 17 hours!  Who would get up before the sun rises to secure a spot to watch 2700 people jump into an urban lake and swim 2.4 miles at the same time.  The sight of 5400 arms and 5400 legs splashing through the turbulent sea created by humans trying to complete the first of 3 challenges fighting off blunt trauma from a kick in the head or an elbow in the eye.  The spectators run to the transition shoot to watch the athletes try to re-orient to a vertical position after being stripped of their wetsuits and run to the changing tent to donne their form fitting bike gear.  We run over to the 112 mile bike course where we count 3 loops and look for our friends as we admire the beautiful shiny vehicles on two wheels and the buzzing sound they make as they whoosh by.  We scream every time we see someone we know and even harder on the next loop as we know that muscles are tightening as legs reach their limit pedaling in circles and stomachs are churning as the athletes try to keep their carbohydrate stores topped off.  The spectator looks at their watch and decides to wait just a few more minutes (at least 10 times to try and give everyone that last needed cheer) before running to T2 where the athletes hand their bike to a stranger who has graciously volunteered to valet park their most prized possession and off they go to change into their running shoes to carry on the final task of the ultimate test, a 26.2 mile run.  We find different spots on the zig and the zag to call out their names (which are marked on their race numbers).  We even manage to find time to volunteer for a 6 hour shift at a run aide station handing out water to the parched who are struggling to push beyond their limits to achieve greatness.  You can see the conflict between pain and joy as each athletes strives to achieve a goal that they have set to cross the finish line.  For some making it to the start is a victory, but for most reaching the finish before midnight is the final payoff!

As a ONE time Ironman Finisher and a FOUR time Ironman Spectator, I can truly say, that SPECTATING and VOLUNTEERING are no easy walk in the park.  I have always been just as fatigued, if not more, when on the other side of the fence.  Spectating requires endurance and patience for being on your feet, being able to persevere over the desire to sit, eat, or take a nap, to be alert and ready to give the athlete the support or the boost of energy they need.  I don't think most of us could complete the 140.6 miles if it were not for our spectators and volunteers whether it be that cup of water, that word of encouragement, that understanding of the pain we are feeling at that moment, that distraction from the voice that is trying to tell us to stop, that cold sponge, sip of coke, drink of warm chicken broth, a sprinkle of salt, or just a simple smile can turn a race around for an athlete.

It warmed my heart when I saw an athlete who was stuck inside of themselves and you could provide them with a smile to help them through that moment.  (Even, if you could not see it on their face.).

This year spectating was even more fun being part of ONE Multisport's famous aide station on the run.  Last year it was the boost of energy on the lonely side of the lake that kept me going to finish my first Ironman and this year I got to be part of planning and executing this great aide station.  Ironman selects groups to operate the aide stations and the Ironman Foundation donates funds to a charity of their choice.  This year the theme was ONE CARES and we were supporting an organization called "PEPPED UP" (http://www.peppedup.org/) who donate electronic devices to children fighting cancer to help them stay connected to friends and family and help the time go by during treatments and hospitalizations.  We dressed in our club color scrubs and had great music and it was a great big party.    I think we PEPPED UP our runners as well!

So, is IRONMAN a spectator sport?  Only for those who have the endurance and the guts to appreciate the beauty of the sport, respect for the challenge of combining 3 endurance events into one day, and are inspired by the story of each athlete behind the journey and the fight.  To those who dare to come see what it is all about to watch, to cheer, to track, or to volunteer at the race, do so at your own risk, because this is where most IRONMAN get their start.....it's a very contagious sport and as far as I know there is NO KNOWN CURE!