A Great Day to be a Triathlete in Athens
On Sunday, August 29, over 1000 triathletes, family members and spectators gathered for the first triathlon in Athens in almost 20 years. The event was a huge success. The race sold out (and had a waiting list), raised over $60,000 for the Cancer Foundation and was a lot of FUN.
The Athens Tri provided some of Athens most experienced triathletes an opportunity to race on their home turf. It was also a terrific opportunity for beginners to try the sport. The morning of the race there was a lot of nervous energy in the air but by the time the race was over there were smiles everywhere you looked.
My race went relatively well. I knew there were faster swimmers in my wave so I started toward the front hoping to follow in the wake of the leaders. By the time I rounded the last buoy, I sighted off the white pole at the finish (great tip Kim). I put my head down and pretended I was Andy Potts. The next time I came up to sight I ran head first into a kayak that had drifted into the middle of the course. I think I may have said a choice word or two. The captain of the ship said “sorry man” and I dove under him and swam to shore. Coming out of the water I heard Arlene and her sister Sumer cheering me on. One of my goals for this race was to cut down on my transition times. With a determined focus I ran through T1 and headed out on the bike course. It helped to have ridden part of the course. I think I had my fastest average speed in a sprint tri . I came into T2 and headed out onto the run course. I had watched the movie “Facing the Giants” the night before the race. There is a scene in the movie where the coach talks about “leaving it all out on the field”. I kept telling myself to ” leave it all out on the course”.
I ended up sharing the masters podium with teamate and training bud – Murphy (he was first) and had some good transition times (for me). It was also cool to have Coach Dooley handing out the awards.
It was a blast racing with so many people you know. Teamates/ Clubmates and friends all cheering each other on. After the race it was like hanging out with your friends at a big festival.
I think it is safe to say that this race is here to stay for awhile.
Congrats to all the finishers – especially the newest triathletes in Athens.
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Comments
Glenn, what an outstanding race. I think with a result like that you can say you left it all out on the course
) Congratulations!
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