Guess what I just did?
Yep, I signed up for the Square Lake
Half IM in just under 3 weeks
Signing up for this Half IM had to come with a little of an attitude change. Most races I enter, I’m in the race to PR. In these past few months, I PRed at the LTF Tri, I PRed at the Apple Duathlon, and I PRed at the Indoor Tri. That’s pretty much always my goal. But I knew if I were to sign up for this Half, that attitude would have to change.
I’m at that point in my training where I can safely go the distance without hurting myself, but I haven’t put in enough time to be able to PR.
So come race day, instead of killing myself on the bike, I’m just going to focus on finishing the race and having a good time! This idea took 10 days to fully accept as my official game-plan. It was hard for me to swallow this and not be thinking about a PR.
Here’s where all of you come in: I need your help for ideas on how I can make this race “fun” for me and for the other racers and spectators. What can I do to be crazy? I’m thinking about ideas like wearing water wings during the swim (but I think that particular idea would get me disqualified). What can I do/wear to ensure that I have a fun time? Remember, I’m not necessarily going for time, so if it slows me down a little, so be it. (Things to remember: I’ll finish the swim in the middle/back, I’ll stay in about that position during the bike, and I’ll probably be able to pass a lot of people during the run. I thought I should mention that incase your idea has something to do with passing or being passed.)
Any and all ideas will be considered! Thanks!!
How about some training wheels?
ReplyDeleteI like the training wheels idea, but you'll have to verify that the extra wheels won't disqualify you. How about borrowing a 'PeeWee Herman' style bike with handlebar streamers, big chrome fenders, etc.?
ReplyDeleteWait, you need help figuring out something crazy to do? I don't buy it. :)
ReplyDeleteSquare Lake is in Stillwater and I know Lumberjack days has passed, but what about doing the run (any maybe bike?) in a modified Lumberjack costume? Maybe flannel shirt with sleeves cut off? And some cut off denim shorts? Stillwaterites love their Lumberjacks. Sure to get a smile.
ReplyDelete-Mindy
Your promises are no good. We are THROUGH!
ReplyDeleteDrag is always an option. Does Pharmie have a running skirt you can pass people with?
ReplyDeleteI suppose you could wear a shirt on the bike & run that has your name at the top on the back - GAS - and below says "I dare you to pass me".
ReplyDeleteWear a bikini on the swim..
ReplyDeletebaseball cards in the spokes of your tires so that you sound like a motorcycle.
ReplyDeleteI say you should have a horn or some other cool noise maker (maybe those hand clappy things on your bike and every time you get passed, clap really loud and honk your horn. :-)
ReplyDeleteA shark fin for the swim.
ReplyDeleteA horn (ahh ooogah) for the bike.
A beanie/propeller hat for the run.
Don't forget to high-five the spectators.
Maybe you could wear a woman's swimming suit!
ReplyDeleteJust go be yourself. I am sure you will come up with something.
ReplyDeleteAfter you finish, you should go and cheer on the people who are less gifted than you. It won't matter what you wear or how goofy you look but your support will mean a lot to those who finish near the end.
Trust me on this...I know.
"Super Duper Steve in a Speedo"
ReplyDeleteSpeedo for the swim
Superman costume on the bike
Superman costume and a cape for the run.
Instead of Superman, however, you are Super Steve in a Speedo.
I think your bike tricked out with this spokey doke things - the round plastic things that go on your spokes and then move when you ride, making an ungodly amount of annoying noise. And I like the running in a skirt idea.
ReplyDeleteYou´ll have so much more fun not trying to pr. As for the idea. Maybe put your sunshine shorts on and everytime you hear someone passing, stand up. Or tell them to look out as you have to go pp.
ReplyDeleteTwo ideas...the first would be to have something to hand out...food items where the other competitors are watching for you..like candy? or cookies? I don't know. Something that you could carry..even on the swim!
ReplyDeleteThe other idea is completely disguised. We had a guy at the oly I did last May that was covered from head to toe as the grim reaper. It was totally fun and everyone would stop and pay attention to him as he went by. I can find a picture if you want. It turned out that he was a race director for another racing company. Too funny.
I can't wait to hear what you come up with...I need to think on it some more.
ReplyDeleteHIM distance is too fun to pass up!
Steve I got nada for you man, sorry.
ReplyDeleteFat girll tri-ing is usually enough for people to take note.
Hmmm, how about a sign on your back that says something like "whistle if you think I'm cute" or "do you think I'm sexy?".
ReplyDeleteHalf ironman distance is a long way to be wearing the bowl full of sunshine but the running skirt, er man skirt may work. Good luck!
On the bike and the run wear a shirt that says "Race Official - DO NOT PASS!"
ReplyDeleteAlways good for a laugh followed by a Gatorade shower.
no bells or ringers, that scares the crap out of people. Remember that no matter where you are on the course some folks will be in it with their game face on and may not want to get honked or "enlightened" by you.
ReplyDeleteOutfit will be key. I like the idea of womens bathing suit/top...maybe a
helmet thing on the run that has those tubes that come down the side so you can offer drinks to others that you will pass on the road?
I dunno I know you will come up with something.
Sounds fun!
Julia
What about "Scooba Steve"??
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of great ideas already. I like the drag idea - you can pull it thru all the segements - bikini, running skirt, etc.
ReplyDeleteGo for a Kilt!
ReplyDeleteMore manly than a gal's run skirt. Wear a shirt that says, "I know you are just dying to ask..."
When I did Hood to Coast last year there was a team of guys that all wore kilts and they were called the Road Kilts, HA!!!
Try some of the on-line bike wear companies to see if they have those kilts. I will do a search as well.
That's the best post that I've read all day. It says so much about you as an athlete to just focus on having fun. I spend alot of time at the back of the pack, and there's alot of partying that goes on back there. Slow down a little bit, and you'll fit right in!
ReplyDeleteI think you should consider doing the bike and run portions of the race with your signature tighty whities and suspenders outfit (over tri shorts or whatever).
ReplyDeleteNo suggestions can't wait to see what you come up with...
ReplyDeleteI have an extra Women's TriSuit. If you want it, it is yours to wear. Just post pictures. Please.
ReplyDeleteAccording to a recent thread over at beginnertriathlete, using a snorkel during the swim is allowed. You could attach something real funky to a snorkel!
ReplyDeleteDude, signing up for a 1/2 IM for fun? I'd say that's crazy.
ReplyDeleteHow about a speedo and suspenders?
ReplyDeleteI still like the shirt I saw on the tv show according to Jim. On the back of the shirt it said "Beware the thunder from down under"
I love the bikini on the swim (you can put it over your wetsuit if need be), run skirt on bike and run Pink would be best, but I have a black one that I hate and will send you if you want. They can be a little pricey.
ReplyDeleteThen on the back of your jersey you could write (in puffy paint of course!)
"Which one of you grabbed my butt on the swim?!"
Whatever you choose, you will have a blast and look adorable! Can't wait for the pictures!
I love the bikini idea and the Super Steve idea and the Race Official idea and so many of them are great!!
ReplyDeleteMy idea was to attach fairy wings to the back of your jersey/running top.
Whatever you decide I'm sure will be hilarious!!
You need to go over to Marcy's Blog and look at today's trashy pic. You could do the Borat look
ReplyDeleteI like the speedo and suspenders and knee high socks with the head band.
ReplyDeleteIf you can write on the butt of the speedo, 'SPEEDO STEVE' that would be even better.
I want to see some pictures of your final choice(s).
Damn, I want to be part of this race. Are you coming down to IM WI this year to cheer on any friends? If you do, I want you to wear 'this' outfit so I can recognize you out there on the course.
Dye your hair PINK. I think I am going to when I do IMKY 09. I mean it Steve, look for some Manic Panic hair dye and dye your hair pink, or purple, or blue or green! Or just shave a mohawk!
ReplyDeleteCome on, I DARE YOU!
:)
I like the running skirt idea :-)
ReplyDeleteI have an extra I'd be happy to send you :-)
"Double fisting brats." You mean weiners. I know how you are Steve.
ReplyDelete