Last weekend, NYX Endurance witnessed an unforgettable race at the Oregon 70.3, with 16 incredible athletes participating. It was an absolute thrill and an outstanding weekend. The city of Salem truly knows how to rally behind and support a race, making it an exceptional experience for everyone involved. Restaurants proudly displayed special shirts, demonstrating their unwavering support, while the sheer number of volunteers was awe-inspiring; they were everywhere, ready to assist.
The event took place in a spacious park, offering ample parking, a sprawling grassy transition area, and a magnificent amphitheater serving as the finish line. As if that wasn’t enough, there was even a surprise appearance by a llama at the finish, adding an extra touch of uniqueness to the race.
Our NYX coaches, Alison and Julie, were actively present, meeting up with athletes the day before the race and offering unwavering support on race day. The NYX tent stationed at run out and mile 12.7 were visible landmarks for our racers. Throughout the day, our coaches cheered on the athletes from the run course while playing our spirited NYX OR 70.3 playlist on speakers, creating an uplifting and motivating atmosphere. The abundance of NYX kits on the course fostered a strong sense of community among our athletes.
The swim leg proved to be fast and downriver, guaranteeing personal records (PR) for all participants. Water temperatures of 72 degrees made it wetsuit legal, setting the stage for an ideal swim. Athletes marched to the starting line in a friendly parade, forming new friendships along the way, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement, onto the bike course, which was mostly flat, though some murmurs of discontent arose concerning the occasional rollers on the way in and out of town. Nevertheless, the course was beautiful, offering a great opportunity for another PR. The only somewhat challenging point was the 180-degree turn, which tested the skills of some athletes. The cool morning temperatures were a blessing until around 10 AM when the heat started to rise. Despite this, the mostly flat run course along the river provided plenty of shade, a welcome respite as temperatures climbed to the high 80s. Spectators lined the run course, encouraging and supporting the runners, even though the turnaround point was a mile away from the transition area.
Our tracking devices were abuzz all day, indicating the constant movement of athletes as they persevered through the course. Witnessing our athletes pushing through pain and digging deep to find their inner strength, leading to elation at the finish line, was a true joy for our coaching team. There’s nothing quite like being there in person to experience these triumphant moments.
After the race, athletes returned to the NYX tent to cheer on their fellow racers still on the course. We packed up and celebrated once our final athlete crossed the finish line. Sunday night culminated in a team Chipotle feast, allowing us to relive the memorable day, capping off a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
At NYX Endurance, we cherish these opportunities for team races as they bring our athletes together, enabling them to bond, share living spaces, and support each other wholeheartedly. We take immense pride in being more than just coaches; we are community builders, fostering a close-knit and supportive family among our athletes. Together, we celebrate victories, push through challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime.