William Faulkner wrote "Memphis ain't a bad town, for them that like city life." And as it turns out, it ain't bad for them that like to swim, bike and run either.
An enthusiastic bunch of ETers showed up at Coach Patty's house bright and early in the morning to begin the caravan that would land us at the starting line of the Memphis in May Triathlon. The group was a mixture of relay participants and folks completing the entire event, but either way everyone was ready to race. After a drive filled with amusing walkie-talkie chatter, everyone got checked into their hotel rooms and we went into Memphis for a group dinner.
The next morning started with the ET team acting as unofficial "lake scum skimmers" as we took our preparatory swim in the lake. Nothing says group bonding like snickering at one another as we try to wrestle our way into wetsuits. After the swim, the bikers in the group headed out on a ride to scout the course. We wrapped up race prep with a short group run.
Folks spent the afternoon relaxing, visiting the expo to pick up packets and shop, as well as going on drives of the bike and run course with Coaches Joe and Greg describing the course details.
Race morning broke with the team heading to the race site and getting what we THOUGHT was prime parking right on the road. Of course, Pat, who left with a head-shaped dent in her car might have an opposing opinion... And Jeff, who left with a car-sized headache, might agree with Pat. The pre-race hours were filled with transition set-up, body marking, and sun block application. That morning I think each and every member of the team felt gratitude for the PB&J sandwiches Sara and Rachel made for the team.
The talents and team spirit of ET was shining bright as people swam, biked and ran their way to great races. The team was gathered at the end to cheer everyone in, and secretly, I think the speed and skill was an attempt to get to the BBQ as fast as possible.
Not a group to let tradition die, ET celebrated success with a trip to Beale Street for dinner, drinks and celebration. As a group that firmly believes in a "no triathlete left behind" philosophy, we can proudly say we returned triumphantly to Chicago with the same number of athletes we had when we left!
Enjoy all the photos from our trip to Memphis at ET Photo.
