Iron-Week!

It's that time of the summer again- the week when Ironman Lake Placid invades the village. Since even a couple of weeks ago, Iron-people of all ages could be spotted biking, running, and swimming the loops to prepare for race day. This week, it was absolutely crazy! The town was filled with 1000+ racers, as well as their families and friends. I have learned that it is really difficult to get around LP this week because of all the road and pedestrian traffic.

I did however, have to get around, as I had not only skating and driving school, but volunteering as well. When I spoke at the Kiwanis club meeting a couple of months ago, I was asked if I wished to help for Ironman. My response- of course! I have always volunteered- in fact, my first Ironman volunteering experience was only a few days after I moved to LP 5 years ago. This time, my job was totally different.

Whereas I worked ON race day the past 5 years, this time I got to work on the days leading up to the race. The job was packing up the athlete's belongings in a numbered bag, writing the number on their hand, and holding onto the stuff while they swam. Afterwords they could come and claim their bag. Best of all, it was free!

It was a fun job to have- the Ironman participants are very appreciative of the volunteers, and were very cheerful. Must be all those endorphins from the constant exercise!

So on Friday and Saturday morning, I worked from 6:45-10:00 am. Even though it was early (I am not really a morning person), it was worth it.

Although it was nowhere near the length of the Ironman race, I personally participated in a triathlon a few weeks ago. It was actually a last minute race- I was expecting to go to the gym for one of my favorite workout classes, only to find out that it was canceled! So after telling my partner in the event that I wasn't doing it, I tracked him down and asked if he was still willing to swim. Luckily he agreed.

I would have done the entire race, but since I am a really bad swimmer (think doggie paddle) I asked my friend to swim for me, and it can be like a team race. After he came out of the water, I rode my 12 mile course (remember, it is a mini-tri) and came back. My friend had "officially" signed up to do the run portion for me, since on my mountain bike I was slower than most of the road bikers. But I decided to run anyway, and did so without injuring myself or others. Good thing :)

Anyway, I really respect the Iron-people, and their dedication and strength in their sport. One skater that I know of, Katherine Bertine, actually became a triathlete after her skating career. She is now a contender for the 2010 Olympic Cycling team! She also wrote an interesting book on her experiences in show skating, "All the Sundays yet to Come". Just proof that there can be a possibility for competing in different sports after skating! I want to do Ironman one day, hopefully after my skating career is over, before I blow out my knees!

Hope that wasn't too long winded- I should have a couple of photos from the swim start tomorrow. Anyway, here are some I took today:

Enjoy!

LP SKATER