REV3 Quassy, 2010

Since I've been so good about posting up my IMLP stuff, I figured it was high time I got around to doing the same for Rev3 Quassy, which happened back in June. June and July have been insanity around HFWT so apologies for the delay.
Anywho, we live near-ish the Quassy venue, about 40 minutes, so our personal experience with hotels is pretty useless...please feel free to add yours to the comments section. But, we have some good tips about other things! This is year 2 of the TheyTris participating at Quassy. Mr. TheyTri raced the half both years and I volunteered this year in transition. I can't say enough nice things about the volunteering bit...so much fun and great people to work with you should strongly consider signing up...makes for a fun day. Ok. on to tips:

General:

• Quassy is a great family venue. The amusement park will open during the morning so the kids will have a great time and you'll hear far fewer 'I'm boreds' at this race than nearly any other. 
• The park is open and therefore so are the food stands and bathrooms. This is great as you'll spend the bulk of your day on the Quassy property.
• While there is food, you can also consider bringing a cooler with food/drinks as the parking is very good right at the race venue and even if you have to make use of the satellite lot it's very nearby. 
• The bike and run courses are very windy and hilly. In 2009 it was not easy to get out on to course to watch people race as the bike in came down the huge hill in front of the park. In 2010 the course changed a bit allowing for exit by car from the top exit of the parking area without impediment to racers. If you have any intention of going out on to course and are unfamiliar with the Middlebury, CT are we strongly advise driving the course at least once before race morning. CT roads are not in any sort of systematic grid pattern!
• New England weather is ever-changing. Be prepared! In 2010 I got rained on, a sunburn and then nearly blown to Oz by crazy winds post-race (well, post race for Mr. TheyTri, some folks were still out on run). SUNBLOCK.
• Quassy is very conveniently located near I-84 which will speed you rapidly East to the larger town of Waterbury or West to the smaller, yet still very convenient, town of Southbury. In both places you can find most essentials. Additionally, at the junction of Rt. 64 and Rt. 6 (west of the venue), there is the small Middle Quarter Mall. Keep in mind, though, that this road is both bike and run course so getting down it will be a trick race day.
• Just in case: Waterbury Hospital is the largest hospital nearby. It is on Route 8 North off of I-84 EAST of the venue. 

Race Day:

• For on-site parking get there very early. Athletes and spectators can park in Quassy lot but it's first-come-first-served and I can assure you the athletes will get there darn early. If you cannot park in the Quassy lot, the satellite lot is under a mile away and there are shuttles. Don't fuss with the volunteers if they say the lot is full. No one wants an argument at 5 a.m. 
• Not all the food options will be open before swim start. Plan on eating before hand or bringing food. If you're coming from I-84 or the Crown Plaza hotel, there is a Mobile station where coffee can be had. There are not a ton of 24-hour options available near the race site so plan ahead. 
• The beach where swim goes off can get a bit crowded so stake out a good spot early. We'd suggest somewhere close to the chute to get a good pic of your athlete coming out of the water. Swim-start photos are fun but not very personal.
• For bike and run, if you choose to remain on site, a good spot is along the main road (rt. 64) to the right of the Quassy parking entrance. Both bike and run go this way and it's shaded. Stake out a spot and set up a chair. Just be mindful that you're not blocking the ambulance exit. If you choose to try and head out on course, please observe all posted signs and listen to officials and volunteers. (PS, speaking of signs, is that Body Marking sign not the most awesome sign ever? Stare at it a while. It'll come to you.)
• Enjoy the expo! They have a lot of nice booths set up
• Enjoy the park! Go ride a tilt-a-whirl! 
• After the race hang out for a bit and enjoy the cookout. Rev3's great attraction is that it feels like a big family cookout that just happens to have a triathlon going on. More than one friend of theytri.com has gone giddy because they were in line for the portaloo with Crowie or stood behind Matty Reed to get a hot dog. 
• Having said that, be respectful of the pros; they're there to race for a huge purse and race amazingly hard so they may not want to pose for snaps straight away after crossing line. In all fairness, in the 2 years we've been there we've never seen any of the pros being anything by amazingly gracious but courtesy is key! 
• Enjoy and have a fun time! We'll certainly be there in 2011 and we'll be at Cedar Point in Sept. 2010 and will file a report from there! 

IMLP 2010, part II

I lost my brain, as one loses luggage, somewhere along last weekend's epic journey. It was finally returned to me about 8 a.m. this morning so I'm finally ready to jot down a few thoughts about IMLP.

First off, I'm so proud of all our friends who raced and who did so well! From pro friends to first-timers, everyone fought through their personal barriers and crossed the line with a kind of joy that was heart-filling to witness and share.  Great job, everyone! 

Secondly, I'm equally proud of all the friends we had cheering on those racing. It's a long day and having so many great people around made it such a fun day for everyone. The community of people that have come into my life as a result of Mr. TheyTri's crazy foray into triathlon are a very special group. I'm grateful for them, no matter which side of the fence they're on. 

Last general thought is that this is the first race I've ever cheered at where Mr. TheyTri was not racing himself. It was a strange new experience to watch him watch others race. He looked like a kid. Giant grin on his face all day, his excitement both palpable and contagious. Nearly makes up for those 7-hour weekend bike rides. Nearly.

More specifically, a few more tips:

• Cell phone coverage in Lake Placid is complete and total crap. On AT&T I was on Edge network the entire time, making sending updates via text or tweet absolutely infuriating. BUT you can, from time to time, pick up wi-fi from outside some businesses (and homes, but you didn't hear that from us...be polite!). Other friends reported spotty service on both T-Mobile (though that was better than AT&T) and Verizon. 
• Downhill Grill that we mentioned last week is apparently not open at lunchtime on Sundays. However, Lisa G's, a few doors down IS open and IS great! Excellent place to grab a bite and still be near to course to watch for your athlete. Their back deck doesn't overlook racecourse but instead looks out to a really lovely waterfall. A little respite. 
• Dancing Bears on the west end of Main Street, just before the road bends toward Saranac Lake, is also good for a quick bite. 
• The distance around Mirror Lake is 2.7 miles. If you're game for a jog or walk, it's a lovely route. 
• The brunch buffet at the Northwoods Inn (official Ironman hotel) is overpriced and understocked. Breakfast the Monday after the race is a bit of a chore. Long lines abound. Be prepared.
• If you're a Starbucks addict, be prepared to stand in line morning, noon and night. There are a jillion other (good!) coffee places right on Main Street, however.

IMLP 2010, part 1

I didn't race (of course). Mr. TheyTri and I spectated. I don't say 'just' because spectating is an endurance event in and of itself! I'll write something up when brain is functional but until then, some photos:
http://gallery.me.com/katelavoie#100086

On the Road Again.

The time has arrived for my very own endurance weekend. We're heading north to Albany to then fly to Ohio for a family wedding on Saturday then flying back to Albany very, very early Sunday, to make the drive up to Lake Placid to cheer on our great friends who are racing.
It seems a little insane to be doing so much traveling in so short a period of time but that's what you do. We had so many people celebrate our wedding, we'd hate to miss celebrating with our family. We had so many people support Mr. TheyTri in his first full-distance race at IMLP last year, we couldn't miss being there to cheer on Holistic Guru and John and everyone else who'll be working so hard on Sunday.
I'm actually very much looking foward to returning to Lake Placid and I know Mr. TheyTri is psyched to be on the other side of the fence cheering everyone on. I know that everyone is going to have a great weekend.
It may not be SBR, but I'd bet I'll cry at the finish, too!

Ironman Lake Placid Guide

IMLP is one week away! Exciting stuff. Herewith some important tips to make your IMLP weekend experience fun.

GENERAL

• Prepare for any and all types of weather. Seriously...jackets, umbrellas, shorts, hats etc... In 2009 it pissed rain the entire swim and by the time the run came around it was baking hot. Be prepared!
• Scout a bit before race day. If you want to watch your athlete out on course on race day, drive the course first. The Lake Placid region can be tricky to navigate once roads are shut down so keep that in mind.
• Consider bringing one of those white pop-up shelters. Loads of people do it. Will give you shade/shelter and a place to store your stuff assuming you're in a group and someone can keep watch. Be prepared to set it up early if you do, unlikely to find space race day.
• How far are you staying from venue? Do you have to schlep all your stuff with you all day or are you close enough to run back to house/room if you need something? If the former, keep it simple. It's a long day and you don't want to be dragging a 60 lb bag around with you all day.
• There is a huge PriceChopper grocery store West of downtown on Rt. 86. It is a bit of a drive, maybe 5 miles, but the only real 'super' market. You'll also pass other essentials like drugstores, gas stations and banks on this drive out of town.
• Local Bike Shop: Placid Planet on the corner of 86 and Lakeview Street.
• The village of Lake Placid has a lot of nice shops and restaurants and you could happily spend a few days just there. But, if you have the time/inclination to explore a bit, drive around the bike course. The cute village of Keene Valley has some nice shops. Or hike at High Falls Gorge. Or check out summer activities at Whiteface Mountain. The Lake Placid/Ausabel region is also a mecca for fishing, should that be your thing.
• Just in case: Adirondack Medical Center is located on Church Street, which is just East of town and off rt. 26A (which, in turn, is between 73 and country highway 35/Old Military Road).

RACE DAY:

• Eat breakfast. It's gonna be a long day.
• You packed your umbrella, right? Camera? Batteries? Water? Cash? SUNBLOCK? Something to sit on? Cell phone? Cell phone charger? Good.
• Find basecamp. Sticking around Mirror Lake isn't a bad idea but you can also see 2 laps of bike and at least the first of the run if you head to the junction of Rt. 86 and Northwood Road. This is only recommended for mobile people (bike or swift walker) and we'd head back into town as soon as you see your athlete at the first run turn to assure also seeing them finish.
• SUNBLOCK and WATER (Seriously. I cannot stress this enough)
• Stewart's Shoppe, a convenience store, on Mirror Lake Drive/86, just a bit down the hill from transition, will be open before swim and has coffee. Blessed Coffee. They also have other sundries. Coffee can also be had in Expo area at their little cafe but be prepared for a line.
• Crossing streets anywhere near transtition/finish area is a giant headache. Plan ahead, listen to and obey volunteers and officials. Ignoring volunteers and officials is a HUGE pet peeve of Mrs. TheyTri. You may want to dash across the street to snap a pic of your athlete on their bike but doing so impedes and endangers other athletes. The volunteers and officials are there to protect ALL the athletes. Don't be an ass.
• TAKE A BREAK. Find a tree to rest under. Find a restaurant (Downhill Cafe a good spot...on both bike out route and run route). Go to hotel/house and take a short nap.
• Find a nice spot on the hill infront of the school to wait for the Finish. If you're in a group, put the fastest person at the corner of 86 and Lake Placid Club Drive (the road along Mirror Lake) as a spotter. When your athlete heads out on to the 1 mile out and back you'll have plenty of time to make it to chute. And please use good chute etiquitte when you get there! Courtesy goes a long way.
• Have a GREAT day best of luck to your athlete!

Please feel free to have a looksie at the google map I created to mark places of interest. And please make comments about your favorite IMLP viewing spots or Lake Placid area Restaurants, Hotels or Attractions!

New Manifesto on Running

I've signed up for the Disney Half Marathon in January along with a bunch of friends. Why did I do this? Glad you asked. I wish I had a reasonable answer. The fact is I really, really hate running. I do get some sense of accomplishment when I'm done, yes, but I pretty much loathe every second before crossing a finish line.
So, why then. If I know one thing about myself it's that I tend to opt for the path of least resistance. If I can find an excuse to not do something I don't want to do I'll gladly take it. This unfortunate personality trait has snapped into pretty sharp focus being married to an Ironman triathlete and being surrounded by other triathletes so often. I see what they all do to train and what goals they have. Being psyched for a "Charmed" marathon on TNT just isn't the same thing. I'd call it peer pressure but that's not quite accurate, no one has ever pressured me to do a race, least of all Mr. TheyTri. So, what is it? Inspiration? Perhaps. Envy? I would like to be as fit as the rest of them and holding out for the miracle pill seems to be a fool's bet.
So, I sign up for these races to set a goal for myself. Fear, as Mr. TheyTri says, is a huge motivator. I don't want to fail myself or the people I've signed up with. And by "Fail" I don't mean that if I don't finish in under 2 hours I'm going to be devastated. By "Fail" I mean "give up." I, frankly, couldn't give a flying you-know-what how long it takes me to cross the finish line. Crossing the start line is a win for me. Having a goal and working for it is a win for ME. That may not be a win for others but that's not my business.
So, my new manifesto, one I've put on my RoadID*, is "QUIT WHINING." This race isn't going to run itself. I have to go do the work. I have to push the "I don't want to" "The couch is so comfy" "I'm tired" "It's hot" out of my brain and just go. 10 minutes or an hour. Run straight through or Run-walk. Doesn't matter...just go.


*If you don't already have a RoadID, seriously, what the hell is the matter with you? Go. Now.

Scared You-know-what-less

We just bought a wireless electronic fence here at HFWT for TheyTri doggie. We were all excited because heretofore we'd hooked her to a really long lead when she wanted to go out and while she loved running all over the backyard, I didn't love having to untangle her from around the trees six times a day and we have lost quite enough skin to rope burns, thank you. Rather than spending a gazillion dollars on an in-ground fence we decided to try the PetSafe wireless system.
The system is very cool. And it works. Perhaps too well.
The little booklet tells you that if you have an 'excitable' dog you should set the zapper collar to 6. TheyTri doggie is certainly 'excitable' so we followed this suggestion. OOPS. First forray out to learn about the warning beeps and the thing ZAPPED the bejezus out of her. The poor thing yelped and jumped a mile (TheyTri doggie has a vertical jump that LeBron would kill for). Then she came running to me for protection. I felt like such an ass.
Now she is afraid to go into the yard. Mr. TheyTri and I are dragging her around trying to get her used where the boundaries are. She's getting a little braver each time. But this morning she clearly had to have her morning poop but was literally scared...well, you know. I had to remove the collar and walk her on the street around the neighborhood before she relaxed enough to go!
I'm sure she'll get used to it but it's stressing me out! (what doesn't?)

Trainer has emerged from the Tricave. No Versus on TV in the basement!

My life needs a taper week

So, up and at 'em this morning. Well, up anyway. Here's where I warn you that I'm about to complain. A lot.

Life has been so hectic for  the past month with work and travel I hardly know which end is up. This morning Mr. TheyTri is out on his long run then off for a swim. We then have to coordinate picking up one car at the shop and dropping the car we borrowed from my in-laws back off. I have to shop for my goddaughter's birthday party, which is this afternoon 2-hours away and then drive to said party.  I need to arrange for MIL to come let TheyTri doggie out for a nature break at some point. Add to that tidying up the pig sty of a house I'm sitting in, home repairs that have been mostly ignored since May and the mountain of laundry that needs to be put away and more sitting in piles to be washed and I'm a bit overwhelmed.  Oh yeah and there's that constant barrage from work. And I need to go for a run because of that Disney 13.1 I convinced six other people to register for but cannot seem to motivate to get off my rump to train for.
When I have 'free' time all I feel like doing is staring vacantly at the TV. Sigh.  I know this is one big, long whine but it needs to go somewhere so here it is. Why is life so damn hectic? Is it such a crime to want to relax?

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream....

Now, whacked-out anxiety dreams are fairly common for me. I actually find them kind of humorous sometimes but last night's takes the Tri-cake (see photo).
The HFWT and tri-twitter regulars had all rented a house in Lake Placid. It was race morning, which, for some reason, didn't start until noon. It was 11:48 and I was frantically trying to get everyone out the door to get down to transition because none of them had checked in their bikes or left their gear bags. But they were all just chit-chatting without a care in the world and I was the only one having a heart attack. And then my camera broke.
Then I woke up...laughing at myself.
How's that for bonkers?!

Moving Day

Hi All! I've moved my blog from here to, well, here because it's easier to manage. The theytri.com site isn't dead, i just need to buckle down and sort out how to make that a real, functional wiki site that isn't needlessly complicated for people to contribute to. 
I'll make an honest effort to post more regularly. But if my high school journals are anything to go by, I may lose steam after a month or so! 
Hope you enjoy.