Spectating...Tips from the Pros

Sunday June 3 found me with a with a variation in my usual long run routine....June 3 was the Play-Tri Sprint and Olympic Triathlon and there was cheering to be done.  My circle of friends is filled with some pretty incredible people and I find myself busting my tail just to keep up with them.  I am not sure I would have had half of the experiences (or fun) if it weren't for them.  Example: Drum and That Pink Girl were racing their hearts out in the sprint distance...and Mary, Alicia, DK, and Elizabeth would be venturing into new territory and trying their hand at the Olympic distance.  Time to make some signs, dress in "visible from space colors", and grab a pink tambourine!  These friends give me so much energy and inspiration daily, cheering for them is the least that I can do...seriously.

So here are my tips to make your next cheering adventure a successful one:

1. Bright colors are essential--it is much easier for your athlete to spot you if you are dressed in colors that are "visible from space." The more people in bright colors, the better.  I knew I was one the right track this day when a sleeping Mr K cracked open one eye, looked at me, and said  "Oh wow...you are jarring."        MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

2. Catchy signs--have a great inside joke or one liner that you share with your athlete?  Slap it on a brightly colored sign...bonus points for glitter.  And be sure to make some generic signs while you are at it.  Not every athlete will be lucky enough to have their own cheer squad and they will appreciate the word of encouragement or laugh along the way.

A special thanks to Stephanie for this catchy sign

                                   

3. Hydrate--this is Texas and it is hot out there...not just for the athletes.  Make sure you pack contains proper hydration for the support crew. 

4. Be loud--I grabbed a bright pink tambourine for this occasion, but any random cowbell or egg shaker will work as well.  Some of my friends are lucky enough to adorn gypsy-style jingle skirts. Also, yell at the top of your lungs.  There is nothing worse than running your heart out as you pass a silent crowd.  See an athlete that looks whipped?  Yell!  See a young kid working as hard as they can?  Cheer louder! See a girl about to pass a guy (aka "chick him") at the finish line? Cheer your loudest AND shake your tambourine! 

5. Wear your running shoes--you never know when your energy and spirit can be of help to your athlete on the course.  Sometimes just jumping in with them for a minute or two can provide the spark that they need.  And jumping in during the last mile on a steaming hot course can be just what they need to propel them over the finish line.

Coach Rainbow Brite to the rescue!

Mary's Frunner Bubble of Love

 6. Show your athlete how proud you are of their accomplishment!  Congratulate them when they are finished....but beware....they will want to hug you....and triathletes are pretty soggy.

I can guarantee you that I took away more energy, inspiration, and memories than the athletes did that day!  I would like to issue a sincere thanks to all of the athletes for sharing their race day with me.



As always...a special thanks to Mama C for providing many of the pictures that bring this blog to life!