There’s a certain magic to race season. The early morning training sessions, the camaraderie with fellow athletes, and the thrill of crossing a finish line all combine to create unforgettable experiences. But what truly sets a race organization apart isn’t just the course or the competition; it’s the thoughtful details and the genuine care for its participants.
This is where EventPower LI consistently shines, creating a community and an experience that goes far beyond the race itself.
Recently, I signed up for their Olympic Aquabike event, and my experience reaffirmed why they are a standout in the local racing scene. From incredible swag to prioritizing athlete safety, EventPower LI proves it understands what matters most to its community.
The Best Swag in the Game
Let’s be honest, we all love good race swag. It’s a badge of honor, a tangible memory of our hard work and dedication. EventPower LI has a reputation for giving out some of the best gear, and this year was no exception.
I headed to packet pickup on a Thursday at The Runner’s Edge in Huntington, where the friendly faces of Carolanne and Chris greeted me. We chatted for a bit, and they handed me my packet.
When I got home later that night and finally had a chance to look through the bag, my eyes lit up. Tucked inside was a gorgeous, incredibly soft long-sleeve tee shirt—the kind you actually want to wear all the time. But the real showstopper was a vibrant, rainbow-colored towel that was both beautiful and functional.
This wasn’t just a throwaway item; it was a high-quality gift that showed genuine appreciation for the participants. This level of quality is a hallmark of their events. In previous years, I’ve received a stylish jacket and a cozy hoodie. EventPower LI understands that great swag makes athletes feel valued.
Prioritizing Health Over Everything
A couple of days after the exciting packet pickup, a vital announcement came through. EventPower LI had made the difficult decision to cancel the swim portion of the event due to high bacteria content in the water. While some participants were understandably disappointed, for me, it was a moment of immense appreciation.
Having gotten seriously ill from a bacterial infection after a different open water swim this past year, I know firsthand how miserable and dangerous it can be. The experience is not enjoyable, and recovery can be prolonged. EventPower LI’s decision to prioritize our health and safety, even when it meant altering a significant event, was a powerful statement. They told us the truth and protected us from potential harm. It’s this kind of integrity that builds lasting trust and loyalty within the athletic community.
When Your Body Says “Not Today”
As the weekend approached, my own health took an unexpected turn. Two nights before the race, I became violently ill. Projectile vomiting and a massive headache left me completely drained. I spent all of Saturday sleeping, trying to recover my strength. By Sunday morning, the day of the newly formatted time trial bike, I had to make a tough call. As much as I wanted to be there, I knew my body needed rest. My health had to be the priority.
It was a difficult decision, filled with a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out). That bike route is something special. It takes you over a couple of challenging hills out to the lighthouse, offering gorgeous views along the way. I had ridden it before during a 70.3 event and on training rides, and I was looking forward to experiencing it again. I wanted to finish my season strong, but sometimes, life has other plans.
The Biggest Win is Listening to Your Body
Missing a race you’ve trained for is always disappointing. However, this experience served as a powerful reminder of one of the most critical lessons in sports and in life: you must listen to your body.
Pushing through severe illness can lead to bigger problems down the road. The most significant victory isn’t always crossing the finish line; sometimes, it’s having the wisdom to know when to rest and recover.
My experience with the Olympic Aquabike event, despite not being able to participate, only deepened my respect for EventPower LI. They create events that are not just races, but complete experiences built on quality, community, and most importantly, care.
From the incredible swag that makes you feel like a pro to the tough, safety-first decisions that protect every athlete, they consistently get it right. And for that, they have earned a loyal participant in me for years to come.
