I eat clowns for breakfast
.
don’t those odd collars get stuck on the way down?
no, but the shoes do.
SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Hey, are we riding on Friday AM?
Zoe nice job. So you are the extremely fast triathlete from Ypsilanti. I’m from Ypsi too… You must have been speaking with my sister Monica West during the race… She was telling me that you all were in a pack most of the race. Congrats on your first place AG!
It was a perfect race day, that is for sure. It’s never rained on an Eliteendeavors.com race yet.
Jim & Joyce Rock!
There is a time trial start (one swimmer starts at a time- no crowded start).
This idea is interesting to me. Personally I am not intimidated (and never have been) by a group swim, but I understand how a smaller woman or a not-so-confident swimmer could be. With the time trial start, is there some sort of seeding done prior to the race, or is it a first in linr sort of thing?
I have probably 30 triathlons under my belt now. I have raced bigger events like Ironman, Steelhead and (the former) Mrs.T’s in Chicago as well as smaller events like Waterloo and the Howell Aquathlon. I know there are folks who have been aound the sport and have seen things since their inception, but from my perspective and experience Elite Endeavors matches up. They are still improving too. Somethings work (i.e. the new race finish arch and the improved fencing a the bike corral) and somethings don’t (hot dogs at the post race party!). But what I like is that they are not just going with what has “worked” in the past and showing signs of stagnation. I also like how they have included local vendors to display their wares (like Bikesport, the wetsuit folks, KET Chiropractic doing ART, Halo swim guy) that is really cool.
Bernie
It was self seeded. It worked well last year. I took a bit of time to get every one in the water.
Thanks - yeah, it was your sister - she has the most effortless looking “bounce” in her stride - thought there was no way I would catch her with the elephant stomp I had going. And you had a crazy-fast race yourself - go Ypsi!
Eric - yup, to Hell on friday, probably the 76 for me.
You’re probably right slowbern. The time trial start really doesn’t go too far in mitigating swim crowding. The crowding simply tends to come later in the swim- and in that- is somewhat diminished.
I think the key concept here is to make the start less intimidating for beginners. Functionally, it is easier for beginners to start individually but they do still occasionally bunch up. It is still a good margin better than a big wive start in the eyes of most entry level athletes though.
So you are the extremely fast triathlete from Ypsilanti.
You sandbagger. I think there must be something in the water out there in Ypsilanti with as fast as y’all are!
Bernie
Big props to Elite Endeavors, you can always count on a well run / well organized event. Unlike some of the other race management companies that put on a lot of races with no volunteers, little organization and numerous mistakes.
Good to see a competitive field at Waterloo. The roads were in good shape, the weather was ideal, nice challenging course and the post-race food hit the spot. I also like seeing Jim Donaldson in the finish chute shaking hands with the finishers…asking them how they enjoyed the race. To me, that’s important…and I will be back for sure.
I also like seeing Jim Donaldson in the finish chute shaking hands with the finishers…asking them how they enjoyed the race. To me, that’s important…and I will be back for sure.
I am not a marketing guy, as you know, but it seems this is the single best way to give your customers the product they want. “Hey, racer, you looked great out there. How was the course?” That kind of personal touch is great. I can remember one year that I did the Mohican Pineman, and Shannen Kurek of HFP (sorry the name may be misspelled) was involved at every level of the race. The Pineman was a pretty small event for a 1/2 and full iron distance, but it was nice to see the director flipping burgers on the grill.
Good race yesterday by the way!
Bernie
I got a bit trounced by the bikers. The old guy division was loaded. It doesn’t get any easier as you move up the divisional ladder.
They just need to make the run a bit longer…and I would have a chance.
My man DS Trainer is right on as to big props to Elite Endeavors- their races are leaques ahead of some of the other race management companies. Further, they listen calmly and politely to any complaints you do have- really would be nice if all races were as good as theirs
Elite Endeavors- their races are leaques ahead of some of the other race management companies. Further, they listen calmly and politely to any complaints you do have- really would be nice if all races were as good as theirs
Indeed. As has been mentioned, there are always little things here and there. But it seems to me that that Joyce and Jim take the attitude that the racer comes first. Their race venues are pretty good from what I’ve seen, and they have improved their races every year. I never worry about the quality of the race when I sign up for one of their events.
By the way, Deeg, you had a pretty good race yesterday too. My wife kept saying that she couldn’t believe that was your first time at Waterloo!
Bernie
Bern,
I think you got your Deeg’s mixed-up.
Could be, it wouldn’t be the first time. Thanks. Come to think of it, maybe it is the first time I’ve gotten my Deeg’s mixed up!
Bernie
Make the run longer? Are you kidding? 
I am pretty bummed to have missed Waterloo this year, but I am getting old and need my rest. What would be the point any way, when Joe, the Matt’s, and Richard show up?