A record crowd participated in this year's backwards triathlon. 24 folks made it onto the race course, including several first timers (Tina, Mary Nell, Susan, and Becky ) The weather was good, and definitely not as hot as some of our previous run starts. Mike and Dimitri were the first on the scene as Josh and I rolled in with our load of picnic supplies. Here's a pre-workout shot with the Gulf in our background.
It seemed a little odd to me that Mary Nell was trying on her swim cap. But what do I know?
And here's the whole crew before the start of our workout.
To clarify how we conduct the Nolhtairt, we had a pre-race, pre-run talk. Our "race" is really a timed workout. We allot 30 minutes for the run, 80 minutes for the bike, and 15 for the swim. The idea is that we turn around at the half-time of each discipline so that all will finish at about the same time. That's the idea anyway.
Do you notice something unusual about this photo? Who wears a swim cap, carries goggles, and arrives barefoot for a run? Susan and Mary Nell. They're going to be doing their first tri next weekend at Sand Key. So they were expecting to swim first - but they never got the emails as they signed on late - and the air head race director didn't clue them in. But they most wanted to practice their swimming so the confusion didn't cramp their style.
After an opening prayer by Kurt the run was off.
Mikey and Josh still having fun.
Notice the spectators (on the right) in awe of this display of running athleticism.
Here's my boy Mike Shane who's committed to doing Ironman New Zealand with me in 2015. Look at Mike's calf definition!
Mike, Kurt, and Drew trailing.
Here's Drew with Michele trailing. I named this picture "Mr. Consistent" after Drew who is now the only one who has participated in all 5 of the Nolhtairts dating back to 2004.
And here come's Michele, having fun fur sure!
Here's Denise giving the 10:10 hand sign (count 'em, 10 fingers raised!)
And here's Denise as she passes Alex, our videographer. Alex taped one of our early Nolhtairts and used some of the footage in the 10:10 Wellness Opportunity video. Alex's company, Voila Cinematic, produces wedding and special event videos. He's amazing!
My friend and occasional riding companion, Reeny Holdstein, came to join us for the bike.
Here's the A Run team (Josh, Mike, and Dimitri) coming - and going.
Here's team Forsman running stride for stride.
Here's first timer Tina and friend Roz. Tina's turned over a new leaf - and found exercise under it!
Here's our support crew, aka the hot brunette, about to roll onto the bike course as Jocelyn (Alex's wife) would get some cycling footage. Can't wait to see that.
Here's the bike start.
Gabi, our most accomplished triathlete, did a century ride the day before. That's 100 miles. She still had enough energy and power to pull the A bike team along the course.
And here's Gabi pulling Scott and others on the "breakaway".
The breakaway crew stopped for a St. Armand's Circle photo opp.
Josh rode his heart out to finally catch the breakway.
We were blessed not to have any major mishaps or injuries. Though Drew did find some sand after a bad turn near transition.
Certainly not as bad as his run-in with the pavement in 2007:
While most of us were finishing our bike, Mary Nell completes her run.
Mikey got some extra milage, over the Ringling bridge, before arriving a bit late.
I never did ask Roz about her shoeless return from the bike:
Gabi and Michele auditioned for a Yoohoo commercial as Boe and Carter make their way in from their "tandem" bike ride.
If I get any swim pictures sent to me I'll post them. The last shot I have is a panoramic of our transition/hangout area.
Thanks everyone for coming. Mark your calendars for Labor Day 2010. Same bat time, same bat place. I'll let you know when Alex finishes the video - hopefully I can figure out how to post it here on the blog.
Abundance!