Thank you to you and your wife for so much effort on a long day!!! The races only happen b/c of people like you!
So bummed I never seem to meet many ST’ers and I obviously missed you guys, but THANK YOU SO MUCH for volunteering!
I’m DYING to hear the story about the camping thing. Sounds like you had something booked, but the reservation was lost or something, relegating you to camping? Just a theory!
Thanks for the terrific perspective from the other side of the race. Great pics also. I am amazed you guys managed that whole day. It makes for a really long day being there at the start and finish.
Double agreement on DQ’ing the participants that can’t keep it civil. Nothing is 100% perfect, I have foul ups in almost every race from one thing or another. But, it is absolutely criminal to take it out on people who are VOLUNTEERING their time and support.
Lastly, I think you captured the image of the one and only boat present on the swim course. Do you recall seeing more out on the water for the race?
I’m DYING to hear the story about the camping thing. Sounds like you had something booked, but the reservation was lost or something, relegating you to camping? Just a theory!
You are very welcome…our pleasure…seriously!
Dude…my blood pressure is climbing just thinking about THE CAMPING TRIP…it may be better for the LR but then again it was in support of IMFL so I could just post it here in this thread. Just not tonight…that is all I ask!
Let’s just say that I cancelled my own reservations…that’s all you get for now.
I am amazed you guys managed that whole day. It makes for a really long day being there at the start and finish.
I was most impressed with my 7 & 11 year old daughters for hanging in there with their crazy ass parents.
Lastly, I think you captured the image of the one and only boat present on the swim course. Do you recall seeing more out on the water for the race?
Actually I think that is a fishing boat that was cruising past. 
I don’t remember how many exactly were out there but I do remember commenting that it didn’t look like there were very many. Figured that was the normal deal at an IM. It seemed like there were more jet-skis and kayaks than anything. And of course the big FORD floaty (floatie).
Okay, revised theory…you had a reservation at the host hotel, but the room was so shocking that you demanded your money back (which they declined!) and you bailed anyway and went down the road, only to find there was nothing available. it was late, you had your kids, your last option was camping.
I’ll be looking for the post tomorrow. I’ve had nightmare travel stories, so I like reading them (though I’m sorry that you had one!).
Okay, revised theory…you had a reservation at the host hotel, but the room was so shocking that you demanded your money back (which they declined!) and you bailed anyway and went down the road, only to find there was nothing available. it was late, you had your kids, your last option was camping.
I’ll be looking for the post tomorrow. I’ve had nightmare travel stories, so I like reading them (though I’m sorry that you had one!).
Nope. But from what I heard I bet that happend to some people this weekend. Here are your final tidbits…
a. Two conversations with some friends at VERY different times several weeks ago: “WE are volunteering at IMFL.” and “WE enjoy camping and don’t mind sharing our gear since THEY have none.”
b. WE make plans way in advance and have reservations at the Naval base (Yes, they let Army guys on.)
c. THEY don’t make reservations because they think they are CAMPING with US.
Wow, this is getting good. I’m off to bed. I’ll look for something tomorrow!
Great report Mike. I have friends doing the race next year and I’m going to make every effort to come down and volunteer.
Hope to see you at Macon this year.
Great report and pics…
You must have very patient kids. I’m still amazed my wife is patient enough to stay out all day when Im racing let alone children. You must have raised them right.
Emotions always run high on the course, as you observed, and I believe thats what makes people act like they do when they probably wouldn’t act that way normally. I think a slap upside the head would do more than a DQ though…especially if they’re cussing in front of your kids.
If you get as much as you did out of watching IM you will probably be hooked after you do one…
Say hello to Smokey the Bear next time you’re out camping,
RT
One lady came through upset about her broken pelvis. Seems she was hit by a car a couple weeks earlier and was trying to race anyway.
Holy crap! That’s some toughness!
Emotions always run high on the course, as you observed, and I believe thats what makes people act like they do when they probably wouldn’t act that way normally.
That reminds of the saying that sports don’t build character, they reveal it. Personally, I think that behavior is unwarranted regardless of elevated emotions. But I think you have a point.
You must have very patient kids…You must have raised them right.
Say hello to Smokey the Bear next time you’re out camping.
RT
Two words…duct tape. Once they were asked if they were triorphans to which they responded, “No, we’re triathletes.”
Thanks for your sympathy on the campout…
Emotions always run high on the course, as you observed, and I believe thats what makes people act like they do when they probably wouldn’t act that way normally.
That reminds of the saying that sports don’t build character, they reveal it. Personally, I think that behavior is unwarranted regardless of elevated emotions. But I think you have a point.
Glad you found my report. We are planning our 2007 race schedule this week actually and we are thinking of doing Chattanooga Waterfront which I think is in your neck of the woods right?
He had a point about people being uptight or amped but still no excuse if you ask me. It just kind of made me shake my head when I thought about how far from winning or even a Kona slot some of the rude ones were…maybe that PB is REALLY important to them!