Made it...so far.

The month played out like this: The city of Philadelphia entered a labor strike starting 4^th of July weekend. Our event, Stampone Law Women's Philadelphia Triathlon was slated for the weekend of July 12-13. Questions were streaming in from all over, "Will the pool be operating? Will trash get picked up? What does the venue look like? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?????" Through the days leading up to event weekend, all we could do was plan for what we could control. The city was gracious with us in stating, "Please make a plan if certain services and venues are not available," and we did. What we didn't do was hit the PANIC button. We never hit the panic button. We act. Swim caps didn't arrive, we acted. Finisher medals got lost in shipping, we acted. Plan, adjust, act, move forward.

Next up was Red Bull Surf + Rescue in Ventnor City, NJ....THE DAY AFTER WOMEN'S PHILLY. Yes, that's correct. As we were planning for Women's Philly and spending 4 days of building out and ultimately executing a fantastic all women's race in Philadelphia, we were also preparing to execute a world class lifeguard race for Red Bull. Even though we had done this race in the past (in Atlantic City from 2015-2019) this event was different. New city, new format, and NEVER had it been done the day after one of our own events. This challenge was an opportunity for us to grow as producers and planners. Challenge accepted. Our team did a tremendous job and the event was extremely well received within the niche of the ocean lifeguard community. As a 9 year veteran on the NWBP, this is NOT an easy group to impress. I've been producing events on soft sand for two decades and it never gets any easier. The crew was LIGHTS OUT perfect in efficiency and professionalism.

Now the hard part. The life stuff. The very next morning after putting a full weekend in Philly then a LONG day on the beach in Ventnor, me and my family boarded the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to spend time with my closest friend and his family as we remembered/celebrated the passing of his son last summer. As you can imagine, this is a heavy moment, but one to be shared with those you love and support. That was our family's role, just to be present. I've been through some sh*t in my life and nothing even comes close to this. The perspective it brings, if you allow for it, changes everything about you in everyway. I share this because nothing else really matters. Races? Please.

Immediately around the corner was the Challenge New Jersey Triathlon (New Jersey State Triathlon) with set up beginning on Thursday in Mercer County Park. This event requires a massive about of logistics, set up, equipment, and dedicated personnel who are willing to work in the stifling heat. In addition to that, we also supplied all of the timing equipment to Sportstats who timed the event. NJST is a well-oiled machine, and we're honored to be a preferred vendor.

The culminating event of the month was Diplo's Run Club in FDR Park, Philadelphia. We were hired to provide the following: Receiving, organizing and transporting of shipments from around the country to be delivered to event site. Manage and build the start and finish lines, manage and build the aid station, and set and manage the course. In addition to those tasks, we also provided 6ft. security fence for the musical festival which operated throughout the weekend. This was a unique experience and we learned a lot working with two amazing groups, Mascot Sports (DRC) and the Bowery Presents which managed the music festival.

Were there a few bumps and bruises along the way? Yup. Did we execute at a world class level? Indeed. I can honestly say we were not equiped to handle this type of workload a year ago. We needed this opportunity to prove to ourselves that WE CAN DO IT IF WE PLAN. With that, I'm really looking forward to the 15^th Annual CRDA Atlantic City Triathlon and take a much needed rest because the fall will be our busiest yet.

Plan, adjust, act, more forward...and rest easy.

MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL…

Delmo.