The whistle blew and immediately it was clear that this would be a highly, highly competitive race. The swim was led by John "Stats" Staudenmayer who quickly established himself as a force. Jack "Walden Pond's Better" Ahern was noted to be sporting a wet-suit, which proved to be a brilliant tactic, as it allowed him to conserve energy for the later events. All contestants noted the frigid waters and one or two were glad to escape with their lives.
On the near side of the pond, anxious loved ones awaited the first swimmers. The transition to cycling was quick and the leaders were clear: Staudie, Mark "LARP" Hamin, Ashley and Brad "The Minnesota Twins". The South Africans were well represented in Stella "Artois" Lensing; the German-Canadians, in Ralf "Clusters" Schiffler. And Bayron Millian looked to be a force. Several fans were cheering for the cross-cultural team of Mark "BBQ" Corner from the CS department and Sarah "Honeycomb" McMullen from Larp. Would Sarah's awesome running 'skeels' be enough to overcome Corner's strong swim and bicycling prowess?
As the bicyclers returned from the 5 mile loop, it became clear that there might be some technical difficulties as several cyclists veered Left, instead of Right, at a crucial junction. The organizers were humbled (and vowed better logistics in Year Two). Notable developments: Eric pulls out of last; Lee fights hard on her less-than-perfect bicycle; Brian displays his competitive spirit; Beth and Jocelyn maintain their commitment to work as a team; Anna-maria shows that mathematicians are more than just math-letes; Ralf begins to surprise; Christiana's bike fails her; and Jack shows that his strength lies with the two-wheeled machine.
And then the run, the final 1.5 miles through dense and difficult Amherst terrain. It is here that Yaser, fresh from a war zone, decides to kick some proverbial butt and overtakes several competitors in the final stretch, leaving Brian and Eric to eat dust. Jack stunned all by overcoming a second-to-last place swim with a strong finish. At the finish line, the fans cheered and celebrated as the 'Thon-ers came in. The party afterwards was fun and all were happy to learn that Jere was alive (especially Linda).
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Question: Are flotation devices allowed?
Yes, but you must bring your own (and it will slow you down...)
Question: Is there a place to change between events?
No, in a real triathlon (so we're told) you usually wear all clothes or quickly put on additional clothing (e.g., for support).
But feel free to change if you would be more comfortable-- there is a little shed at puffers if you are shy.
Question: Is there a bike rack?
Yes, and there will be helpers watching over your bike, sneakers, etc.
Question: How long do you think it will take?
There are at least two ringers and ignoring these outliers,
we estimate that it will take about one hour for the those
of us weak in at least one event.
Question: I am not a good swimmer and would like to skip that event.
You are welcome to participate and begin when the last swimmer comes out of the water.
However, you are declared
ineligible for the prizes (and the prizes are pretty cool).
Question: Where is the celebration?
At Lee's house, at 51 Butterfield Terrace in Amherst. There is plenty of parking.
We'll have food and drinks and fun prizes
for the winners (and some random other participants).
Question: How can you afford to pull off such a sophisticated event?
We are asking for a Metropolitan Museum of Art-like suggested donation of $5.
Question: Can I invite more people?
As long as they register with Lee at leemjennings@earthlink.net
And remember: "Failure is an event, not who you are."