To the world, Memphis means great music. To the world of triathlon, it means a great race. Team EXPERIENCETriathlon, along with triathletes from around the world, gathered in Memphis on May 20, 2007, for the twenty-fifth annual Memphis in May Triathlon to kick off the 2007 triathlon season.
The Memphis triathlon is in the park setting of Edmund Orgill Park within the mostly rural area of Millington, TN. The triathlon consists of a 1.5k swim in Casper Lake, a 24 mile bike around northern Shelby County and a hilly out and back 10k run with the finish line located on the levee. To most Midwesterners, the run is brutally hilly. It is not uncommon to see many racers walking up the hills. What a great venue for a tri event!
Team Experience Triathlon began the nine plus hour drive to Memphis on Friday morning, arriving in Memphis in time for dinner on Beale Street. YUM! Saturday morning started early with a group swim, bike and run on the course. Coach Joe and Coach Greg offered great insights and tips on the course. The team benefited from their expertise and knowledge of the course on race day!
With a 7:30 am start, team EXPERIENCETriathlon arrived at the race prior to sunrise. It was a rather cool morning with temperatures in the low fifties. Not a problem for those who brought their wetsuits because the water temp was a nice 74 degrees. By race time, the temperature had risen to the high seventies with clear skies and a slight breeze. It was the ideal race setting and a definite change from last year's weather in the high eighties with blazing humidity.
Off-season workouts paid off for the ET athletes with many recording personal records. Most of the athletes participated in a relay team while a few indulged themselves in the full triathlon. ET athletes crossed the finish line with huge smiles!
The post race barbeque and entertainment added to a memorable trip. Even Elvis made an appearance and offered helpful tips on post race nutrition and hydration! Later that evening, the group enjoyed the food and entertainment on Beale Street in downtown Memphis.
The Memphis in May triathlon is an excellent and well-organized race. ET athletes had an amazing experience and many will be returning to Memphis next year.
Enjoy all the Memphis photos at ET-Photo.
