Montauk

Anthony did his first half ironman last week in Montauk - a lovely beach town at the end of Long Island. It was a big weekend. He'd been training a long time and finally we were there. And the weather was perfect on Sunday - mostly cloudy, a little cool - it had rained like mad on Saturday.

It was kind of strange accompanying him on this journey because we were physically in the same space, but not at all going through the same experiences. His was one of subdued tension, anticipation, methodical planning and then rushes of adrenaline and energy on race day. My experience was one of waiting, watching, and then exploring. Phineas and I would run over to the transition area hoping we were in time for a glimpse and a shout of encouragement and then... we'd explore the town.

Away from the race, Montauk was sleepy and mostly empty. Except for the fishermen - the surfcasters. That was the other big contingent in town. Guys (mostly) in waders and yellow slickers, trucks or SUVs with poles on top or in the front. Lots of goatees. Some hard lined faces. Most of them seemed to be on their own despite the prevalence of guys dressed just like themselves standing next to them doing the same thing. Kind of like the ironman in that way.

Two entirely different orbits that weekend. And Phineas and I dipped into each one just long enough to see what was what.





















Me and the little guy - thick as thieves...