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.

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!