First Annual Funtathalon Recap
The Wisconsin State Journal ran a full-page recap of the First Annual Funtathalon. Missed it? Not to worry. The Drafter blog has exclusive rights to the story.The day started well before the canoes and kayaks hit the water. Master blowers, Nurse Sully and Counselor Queen Bee were clearing the path for the skaters. “That’s not my match.com name”, noted Counselor Queen Bee. Billy Boy was also armed and dangerous with a leaf blower, clearing the bike course and rechecking route arrows. The Legend and family tested the waters of Lake Mendota, getting in some barefootin’ sets before sunup.[wpvideo 4xjWiDK0]
The medical tent was buzzing with pre-race activity, and negotiations with race officials for medical conditions started the night before the Funtathalon. Footer, of team LRST 2.0 (Lake Ripley Ski Team), served double duty as the official race Physical Therapist for the geriatric division. Speedy and Ninja treated knee maladies with frozen peas and Kinesio Tape, respectively. Octane had his calf dressed with the latter.Race officials approved two last minute additions. Special K of Team Divockuf failed to properly taper for the event, squeezing in a 100-mile run the week before instead of peaking for the Funtathalon. There was nothing our team of medical professionals could do for her. FishNBoots stepped up, well tapered. Over the past 4 weeks, he accumulated 7 miles of bike training. After signing his medical waiver, FishNBoots remembered that his primary care physician ordered an EKG at his last physical, which he forgot to schedule.
Team 10/10 was a team of one until last week, when fellow ISU Cyclone agreed to join Keez as part of their Tinder agreement.As 10 teams entered Lake Mendota, they were welcomed by the Aquatic Course Marshals. The MasterCraft, manned by Dub and friends, was anchored 1.5 miles south of the boat launch towards Spring Harbor, serving as the turn-around point.
A standby emergency boat, driven by The Legend and accompanied by Harrison, Spencer, Phoenix and 2 dogs, was thankfully not called upon to rescue anyone.
The only tip over occurred before the race began. Team Space Cartographers scrambled to change water craft after Kermit rolled his kayak, losing the team baton before the race began. Divers were unable to recover the baton, but course officials allowed the Space Cartographers to proceed once a replacement baton was secured. Despite the late start, Kermit optimistically approached the start, “I’m in my natural habitat.”



