PMS and Danskin Despair

[tri4Him]

Apparently, I hit a nerve in saying some tri's dont have the same feel as a Danskin....By no means am I implying the rest are all unfriendly, just that Danskin is something special. It is a wonderful first time experience to enter the tri-world and build confidence. But let's be honest...some tri's out there are pretty dog eat dog! When Mark Allen in Triathlon Magazine encourages athletes to thank "one volunteer" while racing to make "your" race better, I think there is a definite problem with the focus. We should be out there thanking THEM ALL! Touching the lives of others is much more the reward than winning the race, and makes the "victory" all the more sweet. Have FUN ladies!

[Lise]

Hi, t4h--I wouldn't want any woman to be discouraged to try *any* triathlon she sets her sights on. My experience is that the volunteers and race organizers are generally very friendly and supportive. Some of the other competitors may not be--OK. I stay at the back of the pack anyway! Back there we're pretty encouraging of each other. I always enjoy thanking volunteers along the way. They pour out the encouragement.

I was considering volunteering at IM Wisconsin next month, just to be a part of all the excitement. Then I realized it might take more than one 3 hr drive to Madison, and nixxed that idea. If I don't do Accenture next year, I may volunteer for the kids' tri the day before. So great to be a part of all the energy without the anxiety of competing.

[KnottedYet]

Today (Packet Pickup Day) was such an incredible blast! Even if I don't do Danskin next year, I think I'll try to volunteer.

Betcha I could volunteer for Packet Pickup day, and still race on race day.

The volunteers ROCK! And they were all so nice to me and my friend, as we each had no clue what we were doing as we negotiated all the lines and paperwork and racking the bikes.

HUGE APPLAUSE for ALL volunteers EVERYWHERE!!