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May 19, 2005
Panama City, here we come!
No, we're not heading back to PCB, I'm just finally getting around to finishing this post. I started typing while we were driving up to this year's Gulf Coast Triathlon. Unfortunately with my cold, all I could do was just stare at my laptop screen. Like an idiot I took non-drowsy cold capsules instead of the night time ones, so I was forced to stay awake the entire trip. The trip from Central Florida to PCB is not one of the more exciting or scenic race trips you can take.
It is hard to believe we have been involved with the GCT for 20 years. At first it was just equipment like bike racks, buoys, cones, etc. Then in the early 90's we started timing the race. In the old days I was able to race the Gulf Coast Tri. It was a tough race for me because I would first set-up the bike racks, then race. Shortly after I finished I would head back to the transition area to take down the bike racks and put them back in my truck. There is nothing fun about tearing down a transition area right after completing a half ironman, especially when the pipes are baking in the hot Florida sun.
I have lots of fond memories of the GCT. I also have some not so fond memories that involve a couple of hangovers and a missing truck. Those stories are best told over a couple of beers. Gulf Coast Triathlon was always a party race. In the early days I recall wondering if the race committee would even be able to pull off the race after the serious drinking that took place on Friday during set-up. The race committee was great and the race always started on time the next day. Of course the swim buoys may not be set, but they still started on time.
The GCT has always been one of my favorite races to work with. Shelley and the entire race committee are awesome. This year was the smoothest GCT ever, both from the race execution side, and from the timing side. I'm glad because it is tough timing a race with a head cold. You do have to maintain a certain level of concentration while compiling results, and fortunately for me, the timing was almost glitch free...damn those relay teams!
This was the first time in years that Gulf Coast did not fill up and close registration in advance of the race. Although the participation numbers were down from last year, the number of finishers was only down about 30 compared to last year's count. A bunch of new half ironmans have popped up around the U.S. recently, so I'm sure that had an impact on participation. The Disney half most likely kept some athletes from racing too. The Disney half is not full yet either and it is this weekend. Hopefully this is not a trend, I'm sure it is just the result of supply outpacing demand.
Posted by Fred at May 19, 2005 03:20 AM | More in: Triathlon
Comments
I am a computer flunkie. I just learned what "blogs" are last night and yours are the first I've ever read. I actually enjoyed reading them. I knew a lot of hard work went into planning and implementing triathlons, but it puts it into perspective reading about your successes and frustrations. I especially enjoyed your yellowjacket story (although I'm sure you didn't.....). Your humor and frank explanation of a situation are wonderful. I did notice, however, that a few of your blogs were typed at 2 or 3 in the morning. No wonder you're so tired! =)
Anyway, thanks for the hard work and I'll keep checking the blogs. Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Highland at July 9, 2005 08:00 AM