The Tour de Dos and Don’ts

Sure, it takes a lot of time, energy and willpower to train for and participate in a triathlon. Even harder is figuring out how to make watching one of these boring races into a fun spectacle. For ideas, you can look at telecasts of the Tour de France—which ends this Sunday—where spectators dress up as doctors, devils and mimes. You can also learn what not to do by looking at the Tour’s onlookers who go too far, injuring themselves and riders, and even getting into physical altercations.

I’ve run in a few local races before, including last year’s Eppie’s Great Race, and I’ll be running again this weekend. During race day, I always appreciate the enthusiasm of spectators. Sometimes, I even feel like they’re supporting me, even if they’re just cheering specifically for their family members. With two different triathlons taking place along the river this weekend (Eppie’s Great Race happens Saturday, July 21, and the Sacramento International Triathlon happens Sunday, July 22), here’s my—admittedly personal—take on how spectators should act, from an athlete’s perspective.

Do:

Hold out a cup of cold water or sports drink for me to grab. It’s always helpful to properly hydrate the racers.

Don’t:

Hold out a cup of hot coffee. The perils of this were once highlighted in a Seinfeld episode.

Do:

Cheer loudly and support racers with words and phrases of encouragement. This always feels nice.

Don’t:

Blow a vuvuzela or whistle or shake a cowbell. This is really annoying and best saved for a professional sports game.

Do:

Give a racer a high five. It’s a bit awkward to do in the middle of a race, but running, swimming and biking are such solitary and boring sports, a simple high five makes you feel like you’re not alone out there.

Don’t:

Run next to a racer while shirtless or wearing a stupid costume. Save it for Bay to Breakers.

Do:

Spray a water gun if it’s a hot afternoon. This helps runners and bikers cool off more effectively.

Don’t:

Spray a water gun if it’s a cold morning. Sometimes long-distance runners get cold, and this leads to extremely uncomfortable nipple chaffing. Enough said.

Do:

Run next to a racer during the race to show encouragement.

Don’t

Get in the way of the race course. You could hurt someone, or even get hurt yourself.