This weekend is Ramblin’ Rose Rock Hill – our third event out of six!  Rock Hill is a small town about 35 minutes south of Charlotte. Since this event is so close to my house, I’m working the triathlon all weekend long.  Today was packet pick up.

Ramblin’ Rose is really designed as a beginner’s triathlon, so we have a lot of newbies.  We encourage people to pick up their packets on Saturday so they have time to ask any questions and address all their concerns.

Like… where the heck do I put all these race numbers?!

Over 200 women picked up their packets today!

All of the triathlons that I’ve done did body marking the day of the event, but we offer to do it when you pick up your packet… It just makes things less crazy on race morning.  It won’t wash off unless you scrub it in the shower!

We also body mark the athlete’s name on her arm. 

I assisted with body marking, which I had a blast doing.  It was so fun to meet everyone, answer their questions, and boost their confidence.  YOU CAN DO IT!

However, after 5 hours of marking arms, legs, and calves (lots of up and down squats), I was beat.  Body marking is hard!

A big part of Ramblin’ Rose body marking is helping the athletes figure out which swim start they should be in – we rate swimmers on a scale of 1 – 10, with 10 meaning you can swim 250 yards if 4:00 or less and 1 meaning you’ll need 11:00 and may use a variety of strokes.  I spent a lot of timing talking women into higher numbers.  Historically, we find that women undervalue their swim times (especially considering that most people are faster in races), which leads to a lot of bottle-necking. 

Up next…

Our Rock Hill shirts are so pretty – a nice silver/gray.  They were a huge hit!

Two of our Blog Amassadors stopped by – Crystal from Tri Foodie MD (an accomplished triathlete who often places at the top of her age group) and Asheton from Smasheton (a fast runner and fitness fiend who’s completing her first triathlon tomorrow).  Both of these ladies are planning to gun for first place overall – should make for interesting spectating!

Best one-liner from today:

“Are you writing my name on my arm so you can identify my body?” … I think the lady was serious.

Whew!  It was a lot of work, but really fun, too.  It’s awesome to work in a field that is my hobby, too.  Go triathlons!

As far as my workout goes… Henry and I went on a hike this morning.

And then I somehow summoned the strength post-packet pickup to hit the gym and swim for 30 minutes.  My tri plan called for an “EZ SWIM,” and I loved chilling out in the pool and lazily swimming laps.  Good times.

Tomorrow is race day!   Wahoo!  Go ROSES!