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THE IRONMAN SPECTATOR



The ironman spectator has a huge positive influence on race participants and is extremely important to their success on ironman race day.



I played the part of ironman spectator as I took the "Ironstruck" road-show to the 25th edition of Ironman Canada in Penticton in August and I'm glad to say that of the 130 copies of my book "Ironstruck....The Ironman Triathlon Journey" that I took with me for signing at the expo, I came home with only six.

However, more satisfying than even that was actually meeting people who were taking some of my ideas and inspirations into the race with them. People I had talked to online, but never before met.

I sure wasn't used to being a spectator along a course that I had raced on 10 times over the years. It was a course I had left so much of myself on over the years.

ironman-spectator

I learned quite a lot from spending the day, and much of the night on the course cheering on the competitors. I saw the race from a different viewpoint and was able to see how others reacted to the race and how they supported everyone.

Many spectators were up an hour before the start gun in order to land a prime viewing spot for what was to be the biggest mass swim start in Ironman history.

Then while the runners were out on the bike course, people were writing out chalk messages up and down the run course in recognition of their favorite triathletes.

All the restaurants were full along main street as the bikers began coming back into town hours later and from that moment on, the procession of bikers and runners would go on late into the night.

It was amazing to see just how much support the spectators provided for 'all' the participants. It was also special to see how they stayed out there hour after hour to cheer everyone on.

I'm glad I had a chance to see the race from another point of view, and came to a major conclusion.

You have to be 'tough' to be a spectator during an Ironman event.

This is especially true of the spectators who spend the entire 17 hours out on the course and at the finish cheering their favorite triathlete on. It can be quite an emotional and physical drain.

I think for the first time I really appreciated just how important the families, friends, volunteers, and even strangers are to an individuals success in the Ironman.



Ironman Spectator Back To Ironman Race Day Page

Ironman Spectator Back To Ironstruck Home Page



 

IF YOU ARE THINKING IRONMAN, THIS BOOK IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND




DOWNLOAD MY TRIATHLON BOOKS ON KOBO

If you enjoy using a book "reader" then visit Kobo Books and you will find all my books available at excellent download prices.

I have just sent my fifth book to the printer. "Ironstruck...The Ironman Triathlon Journey" is the Flagship and first of my books and is a "must read" for anyone who is on an Ironman journey of their own. Click on the book cover and visit my bookstore and see all of my books.

These are recent testimonials from to new Ironmen and what they had to say about "Ironstruck" and what it meant to them.

First Name: John Country: United States

Ray,

"I just completed my first Ironman in St. George, UT. Your book, Ironstruck - 500 Ironman Questions and Answers, was invaluable in preparing me to get to the finish line. I didn't get any surprises during the race, thanks to the info you provided in your book.

Also, your advice about pushing big gears over the tops of hills to gain more speed going down was spot on. I made the bike cut-off in large part to this advice.

Thanks again for a great book and insight!"

First Name: CeesCountry: South Africa

hi Ray,

"About 5 years ago just moved from Holland to SA Port Elizabeth I was a spectator of Ironman SA and said to myself I want to do such an event myself onetime.Looking for more info I came across Ironstruck and had a lot of pleasure in reading your stories and I want to compliment you the way you describe these. I also wrote you an email asking you some questions and got response. I know its years ago but I just want to tell you that this year I finished the 70.3 East London 7.10 hrs and Ironman SA 13:10 hrs.And will do it next year again and 12.5 hrs will be my goal.rgds Cees"