How to be an Ironman Spectator

[jared]

I found this article on Ironman Triathlon Tips titled - How to Spectate an Ironman

This is a great article because as Ironman triathletes, we want family, friends, and fellow triathletes to come watch our race but for some reason we have our minds somewhere else in the days coming up to the race.

Items required for spectating:
Lawn chair, blanket, pillow – something to sit on or lie down on
Laptop, iPhone, netbook, other smart phone – something to get online with
Food and water
Money for buying beer, food, coffee, water
Camera
Map of the course
Start list with numbers

A book to read
Binoculars
Noise making device – bell or something to smash together
Flag and sign to cheer on your crew!!
Sunscreen
Stop watch
Skateboard, rollerblades, bike – something to navigate the run course effectively and watch from multiple locations.

Aside from watching your friend or family member come across the finish line, you definitely have to watch the swim start. Don’t even think of sleeping in, 2000 people throwing themselves into the water at the sound of the gun is something that will spark your adrenaline and get you going no matter how tired you are. Getting a good vantage point is hard, though, so stake your spot early and have some binoculars handy.

I would also add the following:

Sunglasses - When you’re out there squinting to see who’s coming in the distance and it’s sunny all day, you need sunglasses.

iPod if you’re by yourself

music player with speakers if you’re with others

megaphone to be heard by participants better (this was great for IMLP)

Phone numbers of other spectators you’re there with

Any other good ideas for spectating an Ironman? Check out the post on Ironman Triathlon Tips for more suggestions on spectating.

[Eric]

I would also like to add that just as the athletes should be prepared for all weather conditions so should the the spectators. Spectators should have lots of water, sun screen, and hats that provides protection from the sun on very hot days and for those rainy/cold Ironmans, which I have had the misfortune of participating in two of them, spectators should have warm clothes, rain jackets, rain boots, and any other type of foul weather gear that will keep them comfortable throughout the long day.

[Damon]

And I definitely stress that spectators need to eat and drink while they are out there. It can actually be easy to forget.

Play some games. Think of funny things to say to the athletes and make them smile. Women should not be afraid to flash athletes!

Damon

[Ashley]

Likewise, men should not be afraid to flash athletes ...