My summer holiday this year revolved around spectating and supporting at IMC. Turns out it’s the last one and it did not disapoint. I was pretty excited when I got the green light to head up a few weeks ago. I was kid-free for the weekend so despite 13+ hours of driving and no sleeping-in, this really did feel like a holiday.
I was excited to support Liz as she had done for me years ago. To watch the other athletes, to take pictures, to yell and cheer and clap. I was a bit apprehensive that being around this race would make me sad and ultra-envious that I wasn’t racing and in reality have no plans to “go long” in the near future. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself relieved not to be getting in that water with the other 2500 athletes. I really did enjoy my day of chasing athletes, riding my bike and eating an ice cream cone when others were feasting on gels and warm, flat coke. Maybe it was because I am not race fit, or maybe it’s because I’ve lost my racing mojo, I’m not sure. Either way, I did enjoy my summer holiday immensely.
I loved seeing the families out there supporting their loved ones with silly shirts and signs. I don’t think I’ve ever really noticed it as much before but it really blew me away how much these people get into. I hope that when my kids are older that they’ll do something like that for me, if I’m out there again. You can bet that if any of them do something like this, there will be shirts, banners and signs GALORE. I don’t care how embarrassed they get!
I’m so proud of Liz for turning her race around after 2 flats. To be able to put a smile on and enjoy the day when it could have gone entirely the other direction takes a mental fortitude that I’m not sure I possess! So kudos to you, ST. You did awesome. You’ve inspired me to improve while keeping the fun factor high and smiling while I do it.
A few photos to remember the weekend by.
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