Have you ever just watched the behavior of triathletes and trisupporters before a race? When I was recently at a triathlon, I decided to do something I really had never done with any purpose before – just be an observer. I wanted to see what people do and how they act before a race and had my camera at the ready. I decided to make my focus trisupporters and their triathletes. I then went back to other photos I have taken with the same theme. Rather than write paragraphs about it and bore you with my verbiage, I decided to show you in pictures. I think they so speak for themselves anyway….
we get up at dawn so we don’t miss a moment and then let you chill…
we hold your hand when you’re nervous…
we help you into your gear…
we hold your gear while you do whatever it is you’re doing…
we get dressed up just to show our support for you…
we have silly t-shirts made to show you how proud we are…
we even get the dogs in the act to show their support…
we stand in the rain on a Sunday morning when we’d rather be curled up in bed…
we make signs to cheer you on…
we stand alone on the road just waiting to get a glimpse of you fly by…
we wait patiently in the sun for you to run by…
we find ways to entertain ourselves (no matter what age) while waiting for you…
we are beds for your kids when they need a nap…
we scream at the top of our lungs just to make sure you know we’re there…
it’s so nice to get the acknowledgement that you see us…
and, we worry when you’ve missed your projected race finish time…
Next up: A pictorial of the things trisupporters do for their triathletes behind the scenes, so to speak…
– THE TRIWIVESCLUB
WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PICTURES OF TRISUPPORTERS SUPPORTING THEIR TRIATHLETES
Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
ok. I just thought you should know that this may or may not of made me cry a little. It’s really touching and I connected with it on BOTH sides of how important it is to have loved ones supporting you unconditionally and to support your loved one in completing an amazing feat – good race or bad. <3 this is my fav post.
I have to say I think it’s my favorite piece, too and I got such pleasure out of putting it together. So glad you enjoyed it… Thanks Lindsay.
This article gave me warm fuzzies… I have witnessed every single one of those things at my boyfriend’s races. My favorite this past race was seeing a guy start his run at the very last minute (he barely made it, time-wise) and his Sherpa walking next to him and saying “I wish I could give you my love to warm you up and make you stronger for the rest of the race!” Such a heartwarming moment!
I have to say that this is one, if not the, favorite piece I’ve written. Love to hear about those moments. I usually try and give that type of motivation, but I will admit to shouting “run through the pain” at his last race when he started cramping! Please don’t think bad of me…