Chris_McCormack: Silverman Las Vegas

We are back in Los Angeles after spending the past 5 days in Las Vegas. We spend a lot of time in Las Vegas as some of our closest friends in the USA all reside in this town. It is always great to go out and catch up with them all, which we were able to do again this time. The Murphy Clan, The Oselands and now more recently The Classon family are our first point of contact when we hit Nevada and it is always wonderful seeing them all.

Thanks to Rob Oseland, we stay everytime at the Wynn Casino which is without question the best Casino on the strip. It is at the Northern end of Las Vegas Boulevard and is incredible. If you have not stayed at the Wynn you have truely missed out on an experience. It is just spectacular. Rob has been flat out this year working on the new Wynn development, "Encore" which is the new Tower that sits next to the current Wynn Casino. It is absolutely incredible, and I was fortunate enough to get a private tour of the new "Encore" Casino with Rob on this trip. It is set to be opened in mid December and I can tell you, it is absolutely amazing. It was bizzarr walking through a Casino that is not yet opened but to see the rooms and the suites and all the big budget things that come with a 3 billion dollar development was amazing. Guests will be truely spoiled. This project has been Rob's baby for the past 3 years and it was awesome to see the fruits of his labour.

Our purpose for our trip to Vegas was to compete in the Silverman Triathlon in Henderson. This is without question one of the toughest triathlon races in the world and I was excited to come back to this race after winning it last year. The finishers shirt says it all, with every finisher at Silverman getting a shirt that says - Worlds Toughest Athlete - . It is an exceptional event and these finishers shirts are tough to come by. Finishers wear this shirt with pride and are deserving. Of all my finishers shirts this is one that I always keep. This years race will be broadcast on Versus TV for 2 hours, and will be a great event to watch.The weather was cold and windy this year and made for a tough event and the TV special will show this. World Duathlon Champion and multiple Ironman 70.3 Champion, Paul amey joined me for this years race. I knew it was going to be a tough battle against Paul, but knowing that he had Ironman Hawaii still in his legs, gave me a definate advantage on this tough of course.

Paul and I exited the swim together and rode most of the bike together. Onto the run and I was able to clear out on the long first climb and never looked back. Paul is one of the best runners in the sport of Triathlon, and it was obvious he still had the Ironman in his legs as he began to loose a little time. I was able to stay strong and hold onto the win on a very tough day. Without question this was a very hard day at the office with the rain and wind on the very hilly course making it brutal. Frank Lowrey and his Team, who live for this race, need to be commended on a fine event and hopefully with time this race will grow into a season classic. The tough course seems to intimidate many athletes but as a multiple winner of this race I can only say, it is an awesome event to race and to conquer. Dave Scott greets every athlete at the finish line and will be the TV commentator for this years race. Check it out.

Silverman was wonderful, but the entire Las Vegas experience is always awesome. Emma and I grabbed the Elton John, Red Piano show at Ceasers Palace and enoyed a few nights out at the clubs and with friends. We are now back in Los Angeles and Emma and the kids are preparing to head home to Australia for Christmas. I am here in the USA until mid December and will be back home for Christmas. I have to be in New York for a few days which will be wonderful and will be in San Francisco for Thanksgiving. This year has gone incredibly quick and it is wonderful to just unwind. I am looking forward to touching back down in Australia and seeing my friends and family, before kicking off the 2009 season.

Anyway safe training everyone and I will write again in a couple of days. I have uploaded a few photos from our trip to Las Vegas including the aftermath and drive back to Los Angeles with Paul in recovery mode. He is going to kill me for putting that picture up, but anyone who knows Paul will find it funny.

Macca

Comments

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What a life you lead Macca. My girlfriend and I are going to Las Vegas in early December. We have not yet booked our trip but will stay at the Wynn. It sounds cool.

Enjoy your off season and kill 2009. You are a STUD!!!!!

Posted by: Jeff | November 11, 2008 at 05:39 PM

I still have my finishers shirt on and I do feel like the "Worlds Toughest Athlete" LOL

It was a ture pleasure to meet you and I must say you are incredibly normal and generous with your time. Thanks for sharing your blog with us.

Your girls are beautiful.

Sarah

Posted by: Sarah | November 11, 2008 at 05:44 PM

I have raced the Silverman twice, and volunteered the past two years. What Chris says about the race is true, no doubt, but there is a bit more. Chris, as we all know, has the reputation of being cocky, etc. The past two years I have talked with him about various things triathlon (see you at the Worlds in Aus!) and found him to be smart, open, and relaxed. A very nice guy and seemingly happy to be where he is. I was a fan of his, sure, but when I see him race or see him on television I will think of him as a man that has worked hard and deserves the time to travel with family, race around the world, and make a living at it.
Cheers mate!

Posted by: Robert Picardo | November 12, 2008 at 09:59 AM

Macca,

I've scoured the internet for any and every interview, race video, you have had. At one point you said that you wanted to be a role model for the young athletes, the way that Mark Allen and Greg Welch were for you. You have done that. You are my hero and role model. I dream to be a pro triathlete and a world champ, and I'm gonna go out and do it. I want to race where you have raced, and win where you have won. You are an inspiration, I hope one day I can meet you and tell you "thank you" in person. Good luck in 2009.

Posted by: Dan | November 18, 2008 at 09:45 PM