Tags
bike, Canada, England, Europe, Henderson NV, HOT, IronMan, Las Vegas NV, Parys Edwards, races, run, swim, weather
As you may know the World Championship Ironman triathlon races were held today, Sunday, September 9, 2012 in Henderson, NV, just outside Las Vegas. It just so happened that they setup camp very near where I needed to be all week. So I have walked through the camp several times this week and have seen and walked along with the Ironman athletes, who have traveled here from around the world, for a few days now.
Today, after the races, I had an opportuntiy to meet and chat with a few of the athletes, including a winner!
However, as great as that was I must also mention an encounter earlier this week with an Ironman participant, Marco from Columbia, I believe he said to me, it was a little hard to think at the time!
So, I’d been walking through this camp and it finally dawned on me that I might be able to get air for my bike tires at their maintenance tent. (I may as well ride it.) Suzy Q is just about out of gas, the bike, which I haven’t named, YET, is still sitting up and the weather is really nice in the early morning now.
Anyway, I stopped by and asked if I could come by and pump air into my tires and they said sure. So, a few minutes later I’m back with …..Shelly? umm, maybe, I don’t know, a name will come to me eventually, The Bike.
The lady I had spoken with earlier, handed me the pump and pointed out a good spot, where I would be out-of-the-way. However, no sooner than I get to the spot, only a few steps away, Marco, is reaching for the pump. Now, he doesn’t speak much English but believe me.. That’s Okay, because, my words were all but lost. He had finished with the tires before it occurred to me to ask his name. He was perfectly nice, considerate and respectful, it was not a pickup, and he didn’t hit on me, he was just being a gentleman, AND he just happened to also be gorgeous along with his Columbian accent. So Thank You again Marco. Hope you did well in the races!
Unfortunately, I didn’t think to get Marco’s picture but today I did get several pictures of the triathletes I met. Now, I know this sounds strange, but I was tempted (but didn’t, that’s the important thing to remember) to take pictures of calves! (just the guys). Rarely, I think anyway, do we think of men as having nice legs, but have you ever noticed the calves of cyclist or runners … beautiful. Great definition and muscle tone, very lean.
So today, like most days in Vegas, the weather was … great, if you don’t mind a little heat. It was 104 degrees but could easily have been 110 or 112, clear, calm, relatively low humidity, as always, it was beautiful here.
However, as I spoke to the triathletes, I asked them all the same first question – So how was it? And they ALL gave the same one word response – HOT.
First, I met Frazer at the Coffee Bean, when he came in with his Bike, boy would I love to have one of those! Frazer came in with his family, an absolutely adorable (three years old, is my guess) young son, and his wife (I assumed). Frazer told me he was from England, a small town just outside of London. He explained that his medal which I had asked if he would put back on was for participation and not for winning. I thought that Frazer described the desert heat perfectly. He said, it was really nice this morning and then suddenly WHOOSH (as he falls back slightly to demonstrate how the heat here just seems to hit you all of a sudden). But all was good and I think we all enjoyed having Frazer and his family sitting nearby and chatting away at The Coffee Bean. Nice Guy, great English accent. Thank you Frazer!
Frazer from England with his Medal & Cool Bike – Ironman 2012 Las Vegas
I took two for good measure.
Frazer from England with his Medal & Cool Bike – Ironman 2012 Las Vegas
If you know Frazier, please send him a copy.
Next, I met Kim from Canada, who had just loaded her bike in the car. She said the heat made the run the hardest. The event called for a 1.2 mile swim in Lake Las Vegas, a 56 mile bike through Lake Mead National Recreation Area that included several steep climbs and then a 13.1-mile run through Henderson’s scenic residential areas with views of the Las Vegas Strip. (per http://ironmanllv.com/) So by the time they got to the run, I’m sure the sun and heat was in full force.
I mentioned my dislike of running more than two miles, no matter what physical condition I’m in because I just become bored with it. So Kim then shared with me that the run was a loop that they ran three times. Sun, Vegas heat, same scene three times, 13 miles, I’d definitely need head phones.
Anyway, Kim was very nice and I really enjoyed our little chat. Thanks Kim!
Kim from Canada – Ironman 2012 – Las Vegas, NV USA
Kim from Canada – Ironman 2012 – Las Vegas, NV USA
If you know Kim, please send her a copy.
Next, there was Myron from Calgary, Canada. Myron was also packing to leave and shared that he hadn’t had a good day. So sorry to hear that. Most of us think you all are awesome just for trying. Better luck next year.
In any case, Myron, put on a great smile and gave me some very nice pictures.
Thanks Myron!
Myron from Calgary Canada & his bike – Ironman 2012 – Las Vegas, NV USA
Myron from Calgary Canada & his bike – Ironman 2012 – Las Vegas, NV USA
If you know Myron, please send him a copy.
Lastly, but certainly not least, in any way, there was Parys Edwards born in Zimbabwe but living in England, the Gold Medal Winner in her age group. I was able to chat with Parys for a couple of minutes and found her to be very nice and likable right from the start. So unassuming, you would never know the champion she really is just by meeting her. It seems she has left a very big impression all over Europe, as well. And, as for me, well how do you not like anyone who things you look like you should be racing in any Ironman event! I’m won over. Thanks Parys!
Of course, HOT was the word of the day but Parys also expressed what a great job the City of Henderson and I’m sure Las Vegas, as well, did in preparing for and running this event. It seems many agreed with her as that is all I heard around town this week, not one criticism. So way to go Henderson & Las Vegas. And way to go Parys. All the best to you in the future. I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more about you as you continue to conquer the world.
Parys Edwards, Gold Winner in her age group & Friends – 2012 Ironman, Las Vegas, NV USA & World Champion – look her up!
Parys – Front Left
Parys Edwards, Gold Winner in her age group & Friends – 2012 Ironman, Las Vegas, NV USA & World Champion – look her up!
Parys – Front Left
Parys Edwards, Gold Winner in her age group – 2012 Ironman, Las Vegas, NV USA & World Champion – look her up!
If you know Parys, please send her a copy.
Hey, it’s late eveyone.
Thanks for reading ~ XXXX
The Lady Tea 