Rev3 Williamsburg... Why YOU should race Rev3!!

Rev3 Rocks... and PR, BABY!!

 I had an amazing race in Williamsburg!!!  The last time I raced the 70.3 distance was Ironman Raleigh

Running is fun?

70.3 and it was a terrible day!  (Well, not terrible in the fact that I was able to get out there and race, but terrible in that I walked most of the half marathon.)  I finished with a time of 6:36:change.  (I'm not looking up the exact time, just know that it was respectively in that ball park.)  I completed Williamsburg in 5:07:23!!  I ran the entire half marathon except the part where my left hamstring completely cramped up.  It was simply a great day for me all around!

Trepidation

Swim Start

The most daunting portion of a triathlon for most people is the swim.  We all love to bike and run, yet we seem to slog through our swim workouts.  Swimming can be a tedious endeavor.

 Rev3 Team was front and center at the swim practice handing out samples or Triswim, Foggies and spraying folks who were practicing in a wetsuit with Trislide.  (These are all fantastic products created specifically for swimmers and triathletes by SBR Sports, INC.)

Mr. Opdyke with Team Rev3 

The big question on each participants mind was whether or not the swim would be wetsuit legal.  The Rev3 race director Eric Opdyke was readily on hand answering each nervous athlete's question before the pre-race meeting.  Jonathan Williamson, the swim coordinator and jack of all trades, was on hand giving the water temperature updates and reassuring athletes that they could race in a wetsuit if they wished, but the points and placing would be nullified due to USAT wetsuit rules.  Eric and Jonathan also announced that there would be an open water swim clinic for those who wished to attend during the swim practice.

Having the race director, swim coordinator and Team Rev3 on hand created an incredible sense of ease for nervous athletes with pre-race jitters.

Expo-losion

Sean English

No one throws a party like Rev3.  Sean English and Stu Stacy were both rocking the mics with constant updates about race details and the music was pumping throughout the expo creating a party atmosphere.

The Rev3 Adventure team had both an adult's adventure race and family adventure race taking place.  Kids were racing Trykes and athletes were milling around the Rev3 MultiSport Store.  (If you forget anything for race day Hannah Heisler has got you covered!  You can even pick up some sweet Rev3 Water Bottles.  Those things were clutch on the 56 mile bike!!)

Sometimes the most difficult park of a larger race is packet picket up.  Not Rev3!!  You grab your packet and its on to get your chip.  Tim and Lisa take you through the computer timing sign in in about thirty seconds and Viola!! your registered and race ready!

Oh, and did I mention the HUMONGOUS HDTV at the expo??  People can see past race footage, interviews with pros who have raced previous Rev3 events and interviews with people just like you and me!

Race Day

Yes, we all know that race day a triathlete wakes up SUPER EARLY... I'm talking 3:30am after having gone to bed around 9/10pm, if you could actually sleep!!)  

Rev3 staffers were on hand to help sleepy-eyed athletes find their areas in T2.  Ashley Quinn was

The Best Staff in the Business!!

escorting groggy and nervous athletes towards the charter buses that carried them to T1 and swim start.  She even held a bus so that friends could ride together.  Nothing is more pleasant in the morning than seeing Ashley and her awesome smile greeting you!  (Quick plug, if you are thinking about racing Cedar Point and your child enjoys triathlon, Ashley has organized a Revvie... Knoxville was a huge success, this girl knows what's up!!)

The busses brought athletes to T2 and Sean "The Voice" English was keeping the vibe light and giving constant swim updates as athletes prepped their bikes. Thanks to Fat Frogs Bikes for being on hand for last minute mechanical issues!  

At go time, Sean led the athletes in a moment of reflection, and respectfully stated he understood that folks might be of different faiths, but it is important to reflect on what we are able to do.  The anthem was sung.  (This was a highlight for me because I was able to blend two of my passions in one day.  I sang the anthem and raced!)

The bike course was well-serviced with incredibly pumped volunteers.  I know "Bahston" Bob and Tracy had something to do with the festivities and cheerfulness of these awesome volunteers.

Perhaps the most mundane part of the race could have been the run.  When I looked at it online it was simply 5K loop that the 70.3 athletes would complete four times.  One would think this might get a little boring!  It was far from it.  Each time spectators and families were cheering you on with new signs and Sean English was updating the crowd and cheering on athletes the entire time!  (The man spoke for nearly 72 hours straight!)  

And the pinnacle of the entire experience... YOU, the athlete, can run across the finish line with your entire family... and wait for it... you get the Finisher Photo FOR FREE!!!

One More Thing...

Glow Runs!!  Rev3 Glow Run two days before the race!!  The community comes out and there is a 1 mile or 5K option.  It is fantastic!!

Final Finisher Celebration!

Oh, and the Final Finisher Celebration!  The Final Finisher at each race has his/her picture at the finish line with the entire Rev3 Staff and Team!  Sean cues up some spectacular music as he/she is escorted by the Sweepers to a BLOCK PARTY!!

The experience at a Rev3 event is unparalleled!  It is fun for the whole family!  So if you are on the fence about a destination race this summer, sign up for a Rev3 event!  (If you do two or more you might even qualify for Knoxville Championship in 2015!!)  If you comment on this blog, like/comment on Facebook, retweet or tweet to me I might even throw in something that will sweeten the registration deal if you're on the fence.

Come and #rocktherevolution!!

PR in the books!!