4th ITPMAN in the books

This is more a story of perseverance in directing a triathlon race. This is my second year as race director for the itpman triathlon. I think this is more a test of mental toughness and sleep deprivation. I have been working my ass off to make this event happen with success. With my name attached to it near the top, I have great pride in making it successful. I feel like I have 500 people depending on me and my team to ensure a great triathlon race experience.

We have consciously chosen to develop an "ironmanesque" experience to differentiate ourselves from the other local sprint triathlons. I think there is a place for the down and dirty cheap races and the more upscale ones. With the race taking place in Darien, CT it became obvious we had to go the upscale route. We work feverishly to get great prizes, food, entertainment, etc. There are many times I would love to organize the down and dirty, no nonsense triathlon.....maybe some day.

This race has taken over my life especially during the last two weeks so I am thankful it is over and that it went flawlessly. I can get back to focusing on training and life.

There was a huge threat of a tropical storm hitting Friday and Saturday and even Saturday morning the forecast was 100% chance of rain Friday and 90% chance race day. It was looking bleek. I started receiving emails after emails about the weather, canceling the race, refunds, etc.

Long story short, the rain pretty much subsided Friday morning so we were able to set up the race site all day Friday without rain and the rain stayed away for the entire race. The cloud cover made for ideal race conditions.

Of course there were a few things that I wish went better but I guess I can trade that off with the things that I didn't expect to go as well as it did.

I know for one thing that I really don't like is MCing the event. I feel like I need to turn that role over to someone else next year.

After a two hour nap, I'm off to bed again to catch up on lost sleep as I have a 4 hour training day tomorrow.