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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
support for 1st time IMer..

 
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staceyc123

Oct 10, 08 3:47

Post #1 of 3 (164 views)
support for 1st time IMer.. Can't Post
I need first-hand advice on what to do--my boyfriend is getting ready to do IMFL (his 1st IM). As I have not yet done a race of this length, I don't know what is/is not appreciated in regards to encouragement/cheering, etc...

With your past race experiences, what do you find as the best way to support him on race day?


(This post was edited by staceyc123 on Oct 10, 08 3:55)


Allan

Oct 10, 08 3:54

Post #2 of 3 (158 views)
Re: support for 1st time IMer.. [staceyc123] [In reply to] Can't Post
Here's my $0.02 .......

I like to see my wife and daughters at the halfway point of the marathon. Most of the other times it is difficult for them to be in a position to see me and have me see them at a crowded IM race. My daughters always yell "go daddy go" and avoid things like "you're looking great" and "you're on pace" etc. I like encouragement without any reference to my speed or place or how I'm looking and it is more important to me just to see them on the course supporting me.


Fix

Oct 10, 08 4:16

Post #3 of 3 (139 views)
Re: support for 1st time IMer.. [staceyc123] [In reply to] Can't Post
Before the race: Patience and time ... we are all self-centred and sometimes not very receptive to what happens around us. He needs to be relaxed and not to worry about anything. On the other hand, if he is worried, it can be good to have his mind taken off the race, thinking about something else. I always take a book or two with me to rest and let the time pass by. Some go to watch a film.

Night before: be prepared for a short night of sleep: not great sleep quality + early breakfast. It helps if you wake up at the same time. Hard because the adrenaline may not help you there. A nap maybe the best way for you to be ready to help him.

During the race:
- knowing where you will be. If you agree on a spot or places where you will be it's a target for him and it's easier to find you. For you, it helps if you know some estimated times (but don't push it too much: first race is a bit of a unknown), or having distincting outfit. White top and black shorts is not very helpful for spectators.
- Look happy and cheerful, even if you are worried, bored or tired (it's a log day). Smile!
- don't say 'you look tired', 'are you OK?'. 'how do you feel', 'if you are tired it's OK to stop' (my mum said this one)
- don't look at your watch when he passes
- know what he likes: some people like to be said 'you look great', some people hate it. It's a good test of your knowledge about him ...

After the race: it helps if he can enjoy the time in the finishing area, not worried about you waiting for him. Again an agreed meeting point helps and saying 'take your time, I'm fine' is good. For the rest, your call !

Be prepared to be tired at the end: it's a long day for spectators too. Enjoy without moderation.
“We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw