A Fun Day at Timberman 70.3

This was the first Timberman 70.3, in which my role was limited to spectating and volunteering.

Kasia and I arrived at the “Timberman (Gunstock) Headquarters” just in time to celebrate MajorTOM’s second place finish in the sprint race. After meeting his family and friends we spent the next couple of hours visiting vendor booths at the expo and meeting our teammates who were getting ready to race the 70.3 distance the following day. We stopped at Dick and Rick Hoyt’s booth to chat a little with these amazing athletes and to get their autographed book “It is Only a Mountain.” Needless to say, we both look forward to reading it.

Kasia, TOMasz, Rick & Dick Hoyt

Sunday morning started very early. At 6AM we were getting briefed on the kayak duties and shortly thereafter I was paddling my kayak against a strong wind to the second turn-about marker. Despite an uneasy lake conditions athletes largely stayed on course (I only had one “hang-on”). It took almost two hours for the last swimmer to be out of the water. It was nice to see that he was greeted by a sizable crowed chanting his name as he exited the swim course.

There are still more athletes out there

After shedding off the wet clothes it was time to enjoy the festivities, chat with other teammates who turned out to cheer our TOMs, and watch the professional athletes who delivered an exciting race.

The Two Amigas (D. Ficker & K. Major)

The Three Amigos (B. Andersson, S. Lessing, M. Lovato, & the forth "tenor")

We were afforded the opportunity to admire TOMahawk’s new artwork and assumed “strategic” positions to watch our teammates.

Kasia waiting at the finish line

Can you guess whose legs those are?

A strategy session

For a few, it was their first Ironman 70.3. TOMboy, TOMmomma, and Mrs. TOM-a-Lot had great races and with a smile on their faces crossed the finish line. TOMb came very close (I think) to his personal best despite some less than perfect weather conditions. And, of course, MajorTOM had a spectacular sprint race the day before, when he took a second place in the M24-29 age group and was 24th, overall. Congratulations to all. It was really fun watching you.

TOMboy and only 50 more yards to go

TOMb checking on his stellar performance

TOMMomma and TOMboy - finished, at last

By 3:30PM Kasia and I were on our way back to the Upper Valley. Another race was a history.