Pandemonium Massage Therapy: Looking Back on This Year's Races...PART ONE

Every year I volunteer at the major triathalons throughout New Hampshire. I have been doing so since 2003, with no intention of stopping. I really enjoy working on athletes and its always a chance to see familiar faces and meet new people. These athletes inspire me...some are professionals, and its a shame we all can't make our living doing what we love, and others are what we call the "week-end warriors" moms and dads, husbands and wives, people who race on the weekend. Some because they love the challenge, some because it makes them feel good and some to say they did it. The amazing part is I get the spend part of the day with them, learning who they are and where they come from, and trust me they come from all over the world.

I help ease the aches and pains of pushing their bodies to the limit and I am proud of the fact that they wait in line for a chance to have my hands touch them and assist them to recovery. (Racing is hard work, its hard on your mind and hard on your body).

I work at the Timberman at Lake Winnipesaukee, the Big Lake in Alton, Black Fly in Waterville Valley and the Mooseman at New Found Lake. My wife joins me, not a a LMT, but as a photographer and as a coordiantor of athletes and LMTs. It is also nice mini-vacation for us, sans three little boys. Here are some of the year's highlights:

TIMBERMAN DAY ONE:

(This picture is actually from day two). This is John Young of Salem, MA. He is the coolest guy ever. I met John a few years ago at what I think was his first race. John is a little person and he is the most inspiring person I have ever met. John teaches high school math and races all season through out New England. You can follow his racing adventures on his blog: http://teamcompmightyjy.blogspot.com/

The first racers have come in...

this guy looks mighty comfortable...

and the line begins to grow...eventually it will wrap around the tent...

the bike area...total and complete (and contained) insanity..

This woman is my Aunt Amber, she and my mom (her twin) encouraged me to do what I love... Here we see two future LMTs in training, helping Amber work out their dad's sore muscles. You can find Amber at vitalkneads.com

happy campers...or at least they will be when we are done with them

John gets on the bike...he cut TWENTY SEVEN MINUTES off his time from last year.

David Heller, I look forward to seeing him every year. His son raced this year as well.

TIMBERMAN DAY TWO:

Out of the water and onto the road...

The finisher's medal...so cool

I see this woman every year as well as her husband...she is also a massage therapist

Chrissie Wellington...The top female Triathlete in the world, get off the bike and beginning her run. Follow her adventures at http://www.chrissiewellington.org/blog/ (and by the way her blogs are hilarious)

Andy Potts- Top male Triathlete in the world.. His mom raced too, she was first in her age division.

John Young showing his support

Chrissie crossing the finish line... she is by far the most humble person on the planet. Chrissie will wait at the finish line and hand out medals to EVERYONE!