Well, it’s back t reality today. Kinda. My body is a bit off due to lack of sleep/jet lag and my brain still wanting to work at 30% capacity, but we’re getting there! 
So be patient with me here. I wanted to share a recap of the race but I think I’ll let my husband go more into that when he returns. Instead, I’m going to talk about the fuel. Sure, I fuel my husband with pre and post workout/training/race day eats, the support crew needs to get in fuel as well!
I most definitely have “race” day food, and actually I often joke to my husband that we Sherpa’s gotta pack like we’re racing, fueling when we can and hydrating when there’ a place to rest. Depending on the race distance, it could be anywhere from 4 to 15 hours out there.
Let me walk you through a shorter race (Olympic to half ironman).
4am: Wake up, make coffee (extra strong) and food for husband
4:30am: While husband preps his bike, bottles, etc. I pack the back pack and bottles for me. I usually throw in food that is going to sit well in my stomach. Sorry, not a lot of veggies or anything messy. Usually a Gluten free sandwich of some sort, a protein shake or premade smoothie, bananas, bars , etc. Simple food.
5 –5:30am: we roll out.
6am: Arrive in transition and Husband takes any remaining calories (gels, pre race drink, etc. ) Sherpa hydrates. I like to bring a drink for the morning like coconut water or kombucha (if the local grocer there have it). But I also try not to drink too much because there are not a lot porta potties available pre-race. Probably a good thing too. Haha!
7am: Race begins. I’m usually off trying to keep track of swim course, photography, tracking swim time, etc..
Once they are off on the bike I have a good 1-3 hrs. Like I said, depends on the race distance. This is where a Sherpa should fuel! I usually grab another cup of coffee, eat my banana, bar, or smoothie/protein shake, etc.. I try to get updates from the bike course as well.
As soon as I hear that the pros are on their way back in, I run to T2 and set up shop. Bust out the camera, check my watch, monitor the splits, text updates to family, etc..
Now for the run. If it’s spectator friendly, I’ll run around from point to point trying to snap pictures and track splits. Lots of running myself! Then it’s off to the finish line for the last 10 minutes.
At the finish line you wait… and sometimes wait more. Anticipating. I get nervous, anxious, etc. That’s when my kombucha comes in handy, no joke! Gingerade to the rescue! If no kombucha, I bring a sprite or gingerale.
Note: if it’s an ironman race, you’ll have plenty of time to actually find a decent lunch. But always pack a sandwich or wrap, just in case!
Post Race: Once the husband has finished, I usually go hang out with him in the athlete tent. Give him a big hug, kiss, and get him refueled. I always bring extra food in case his stomach is not liking the post race food (which is rare). Once he is done cheering everyone else on in, we sit down and talk about the race or talk to others. This is when I ask him to go steal me some fruit, chips, more drinks/water from the athlete tent (haha) and I eat my oh so tasty sandwich. Yep, no take advantage of that post race athlete food. There’s always plenty! Oh and if it’s a fun post race (like Lavaman) they’ll have beer and a BBQ. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the people and scenery!
So you see, Sherpa fuel is important too! Dense calories are sometimes needed, especially if it’s a longer race! You gotta be ready to run at any moment and you need food that doesn’t cause any GI distress, especially if you are a nervous wife like me at times.
Happy back to reality Wednesday!
Cheers,
LC
Loved this post and your photos too! You are an amazing support to James, and hearing some of the behind the scenes was interesting to read about! I haven’t commented lately but know that I am always popping in and just think you are such an amazing woman…Welcome home and enjoy connecting with James again! 😀
same to you friend! i always read. know that i am there supporting and cheering you and mikey! thank you for all your love!
Usually I’m the one racing (running, no tri’s for this girl. ha!). But have had a chance to watch and cheer for my mom and dad who both started triathaloning (is that word?) after my youngest sister got married, sort of as an empty nester thing. We all come out: kids, grandkids, cowbells and signs. It’s so much fun! I loved reading your side of race day. The way you support your husband is probably so important to him:) What a great way to demonstrate your love.
oh too fun! wish i was there to join in the cheering!
I LOVED reading about your ‘day in the life’ sherpa-style on race day. It made me feel like I was right there with you. I love how you talk about waiting in anticipation at the finish line, I would be a GIANT ball of nerves waiting for the hubs too! You are such a good sherpa wifey! LOVE!
i am getting better and the nerves. Letting God control them.. kinda. haha. Love YOU my sherpa sista!
You are such a cute & supportive wife!!!!
We support each other, it’s TEAM effort, yes! xxoo
It would be a joy to follow in your Sherpa-eating footsteps some day! Find me a man like James Cotter, and I’ll happily oblige! 😉 Oh heck, I’ll happily oblige without the man!
This was such a fun post–I really enjoyed experiencing “a day in the life” of a race. I can definitely relate to needing a kombucha cure-all handy–it eases my stomach better than anything else!
James is so lucky to have you, Lindsay! <3 xoxo
Well i’m lucky to have him, he puts up with my crazies. LOL! you know, the woman crazies! haha. And yes, I will be finding you a Texas man or Kiwi man so that you can move here!
A Sherpa’s gotta eat too!! Your fuel is just as important if not MORE important, if you’re tired and not fueled, you won’t be able to fuel the husband!! I love these photos, you are quite the race photographer..especially the one of husband getting onto the bike!
i like to think of myself as paparazzi! haha
I am going to try my first tri this summer – terrified- just a sprint, but I need to recruit my friends to sherpa like you. You are such a fabulous supporter. Your husband is a lucky guy!
oh yay! i’ll come sherpa and bring the bites!
You are THE BEST sherpa partner ever!! EVery single meal planned and prepped! He is definitely one lucky man!! I can’t wait to read about all the race details! 🙂 Where are the healthy bites though?! 😉
oh i am the lucky one. I love being there! And yes, can’t wait till he shares the details with you all too! hehe
I really enjoyed this post, Linds! I have to admit, I was always curious about what you do the whole time. 🙂 [And, I guess, what you eat!]
haha, i feel like i eat like i am racing! or maybe that’s just the race inside my head going on with nervousness!
loved this post! What a great perspective of the man at work!
haha, so true! hey, when are you going to back to austin to visit?
Yea I’m gonna need to teach my hubby your sherpa skills! lol awesome job!
You are such a good wife 🙂 He looks great! I hope you guys had fun!
oh well he’s a good man, so makes me want to be a good wife!
we had a wonderful time!! Lots of friends to see too!
You are the best Sherpa EVER! That man is so lucky to have you!
nah, i just like it. 😉
p.s.
How are you?
I once at flamin’ hot cheetos while my husband (then boyfriend) did a sprint tri. That’s almost the same, right? Haha. In my defense, I wasn’t living in the US at the time, and I really missed those cheetos!
You two are such an inspiration! It’s great that you’re so supportive of him, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s such a race rockstar. 😉
I’ve heard from others how tiring it is to follow an athlete around a race! It’s almost like a race in itself knowing that you need to be at certain points by certain times!
I didn’t realize this was in Hawaii– that’s awesome! To you previous comment, YES I should totally consider this race someday!
Sherpas most definitely need fuel too! After all, you are the one that keeps all the magic happening behind the scenes :-).
ahh nah, He’s the magic maker. I’m just the food maker. Still important though! xxoo
p.s. Making your bites this weekend!
These are such great tips!! I’m always SO nervous when my husband races. Before the race, I think his nerves wear off on me. During the race, I’m so afraid something will go wrong for him and waiting at the finish line is just torture!!
ditto! sheesh, we need to be sherpa buddies! hehe
you’re amazing! and the hubby too!!
being at one of those races sounds so much fun, bet the energy there is insane!!
it’s one of the reasons i love it!
YOu are a rockstar team mate! What a fun look into day off race happenings!
ahh thanks. He’s my rockstar!
Hawaii is one of those places that I have always wanted to visit! That sure is an early morning you had. I totally loved this take on WIAW, it’s always fun to read the life of someone else 🙂
your sherpa food looks an awful lot like my post-race food bag! Downside of being allergic to everything that they have for athletes post-race is that I get to pack food for everything pre- during- and post- race. My car generally resembles a small grocery store! 😉 Love the WIAW spin on sherpa food. Soooo loving all the pics of the hubs training camp! Wishing I was heading to Hawaii for epic camp this weekend but I will live vicariously through you and James’ photos instead.
You make the perfect team! 🙂 I’m so glad he is back to racing!!! BTW… that kombucha looks amazing.
me too friend. thank YOU for your prayers! love them and YOU. p.s. Cheers to local kombucha
Love this post! I’m totally a sherpa for my triathelete (not pro.. lol) boyfriend, too. Right now he’s in California (a 6 hour airplane ride!!) to train with some of his buddies down there. He wants to qualify for Kona. 🙂
no way! we need to do a sherpa training camp together. hehe
sherpas gotta EAT! love it. and the kombucha – it looks so cool in a mason jar!!
it’s amazing! love the local farmers market kombucha! well minus the $$
I’m so impressed…I could never do a race like that!
Love this post! James is super lucky to have ya 🙂
i’m pretty luck to have him.
Phew, amazing! I can’t believe you’re up and at ’em at 4 am. I guess it’s worth it though:)
This is so interesting to learn more about. Fuel of an athlete is so cool to see.
Looks like it was a whirlwind but such an amazing time! Glad you’re home safe and sound!
This is so cool! I’m glad you did a recap of you and your eats on race day. It’s neat to see…PS: like I said in my text, I think you and the Hubs need to set me up with a hottie triathlete…HA! XOXO
i have a feeling i can find you one.. maybe in… HOUSTON?
I absolutely LOVE THIS!!!
When we go to the pro race in MTL or anywhere for an extended period of time, I’m always the food sherpa who ensures I have enough packed for the both of us 🙂
oh man, i bet you are the go to woman for that! LOVE IT!
This is so interesting. I honestly never thought about it from that perspective. Though, to be honest I didn’t think about it from any perspective at all. Just didn’t think about it. Food and racing. I don’t race. I think about food though. 🙂
haha, i get ya! but trust me, you’d work up an appetite being sherpa. You’re like me. 😉
LOL at “shorter race”
You peoples!
Thanks so much for sharing this insight I really am interested in what you do on “opening night” …
opening night.. you mean the night before? p.s just read your post. You’ve got a team of support! we all do. God is covering his HANDS on you. xxoo
Me no write so good today…(0:
What I meant is that we often get a glimpse into the Sherpa life during training for the events but I never saw a blow-by-blow of the actual event (aka “opening night”)
And thank you, lady.
Feeling prayers when I reach out.
that still didn’t sound write! LOL. What I am saying is that It is interesting to see the day of re-cap like you did here today.
Phew.
*embarrassed*
oh gotcha! i’m gonna have the husband write that. One day.. soon i hope!
Glad you got back safely and the race went well! Looks like so much to do and be ready for! Your husband is lucky and blessed to have such a great Sherpa! Welcome back! 🙂
i’m lucky to have him! next time, come to hawaii with us!
HEHE Yes please LOL!! No one ever has to ask me twice about Hawaii hehehe 😉
So cute!! 🙂 Now I know what my fiance was going through during my races (though I wasn’t doing anything near this strenuous!) and why he was saying he should’ve had a better breakfast before my race too! Ha. Wow girl, looks like an AMAZING experience! I can’t wait to go next time 😉 (I’m gonna hound that one in until it comes true!)
you know it! I’ll just stow you in my carry on!
I love this recap and play by play of a sherpa’s role – and eats – during race day!! You are so amazing and such a supporter and fueler and STRENGTH for James, I just love to see this all unfold. You are the best!! (and how fun would it be to sherpa a race together?!)
yes yes let’s sherpa race together. Or we’ll race then sherpa, ya! love you! catch up soon, k?
Fun fun read! I truly believe that being a spectator is often harder than being a racer. We really could not do it without our support systems. You are awesome and it really is a team effort. 🙂
it’s the only team i ever want to be on! love it!
Wow. It’s amazing how much work there is behind the scenes 0.0 It’s great that your husband has such great support 😀
Welcome home! I bet it was awesome to get away and watch James race!
This is a cute post. I think Sherpas/cheerleaders have it harder! They always have to be ready so they don’t miss their athlete. You’re smart to pack easy on the stomach and quick foods. I guess you’ve had some practice 🙂
it was a TRUE blessing! i love watching him race and race with JOY! gosh, missed it so much this past year
Wow. You are incredibly organized, but I can see how that’s definitely the way to approach it. Fuel is so important for this sort of thing. Gotta keep everyone strong and healthy! 🙂
it’s the only thing i am some what organized with. LOL!
I can imagine being nervous waiting at the finish line! When Kyle ran his marathon, I was anxious for sure. Nervous he might not come around the corner for some reason. Crazy, right! Your hubs is very lucky to have a sherpa like you 🙂
oh i know. You just want them to have a great race and be happy. it’s that kind of anxious
I love your sherpa posts. They will come in handy when I get to sherpa for my hubs who is doing his first Ironman race this summer.
oh how exciting!! wish i could come sherpa with you!
Please tell James that he “needs” to race Ironman Coeur d’Alene so that you and I can sherpa together!
Aw you are great!! You preped right for you and your hubby! Looks like you had a great time!
I love this! I think that Sherpas have one of the toughest jobs and you need the fuel!! So happy for James to be back racing and for you too! Love all the race pictures. I want to see more and hear more!! 🙂
I’m sending this to my hubby =) It’ll be good for him to know come July 28 =)
oh i so want to be there with him to sherpa YOU! and guess what, that’s actually my 30th bday. I have a feeling youre gonna have a great race!
Awesome! You guys sound like you make the perfect team. 🙂
Aww nervous Cotter! Haha! I love how supportive you are of your husband and how important it is for you to document his accomplishments. 🙂 You two are too cute! And hey, Sherpas do need fuel, too! All the worrying does work up an appetite! 😛
I guess I never thought about how much work you’d be doing too – definitely need that fuel girl!
LOVE it all – the food & pics & fun & beauty!! So happy that you were able to go Lindsay!
thank you friend. means a lot!
If everyone had a sherpa like you in their life, the world would be a better place. I’ve been loving simple foods lately because my stomach has gotten a little picky with the veggies and the spices. And I think I’d be a wreck if I was waiting at a finish line, so simple-stomach-settlers would be a must for me there.
PS – thank you for making me miss Hawaii 😛
i sure could use your muffins on the course. …. just sayin
I love this take on wiaw! I was nervous with you for when you described the finish line… the waiting would drive me nuts! You’re so prepared… he’s one lucky guy!
i know, i’m such a wreck sometimes. gahh..
Oh my gosh i would be a nervous wreck spectating such an event! I like ur tips for eating food that doesnt bother ur GI! I now want to go to Hawaii even more then I already did, your pictures are awesome!
you should! you deserve a hawaii trip!
EEEEEE see all of these racing pics gives me chills! So proud of you little sherpa! And Mr Cotter is kicking some serious booty! Tell him I am inspired! You two are just the cutest!
he is my inspiration too! and YOU!
I love it–a sherpa’s gotta eat, too, that’s for sure! You guys clearly have your system down pat and it’s working for you both.
Glad you enjoyed your time away–rest up!
What an AMAZING experience that must have been for you and your husband!! Wow, Hawaii?!?! I’m so impressed. He is lucky to have an amazing wife to help him fuel with the right stuff, and in the right way. Yum yum
Oh, and I hear beer is a great post-race fuel. haha, I’m in!
I LOVE this!!! As a triathlete (baby ones – up to Olys – maybe a half IM one day) I can totally respect and understand this. I always tell anyone who comes to watch about how to plan — now I can just send them this once I get back to racing. I LOVE following you & the hubs and ya’lls adventures! Ya’ll are SUPER cute!
i hope you get to do a half! i know you will love it Melissa. I’ll come sherpa!
If you come to be my sherpa — I am TOTALLY down to do one once I get better. I’ll have a professional sherpa 🙂
Such a fun post to see things from YOUR side of the race. Can’t wait to hear how it went from your hubs!
so proud! Congrats again to James and to you for being such an awesome Sherpa. I’ve played Sherpa for Jason a few times during his tris and it’s definitely a lot of waiting around and then rushing up to cheer as they zip past 😉
i know, all for those moments. But worth it. right?! xxoo
your hubs is so awesome!! and uhhh can you come prepare, cheer, feed, and snap pix of me at my next race?!?! 😉
anytime!! Love it!