Tri, Tri, Tri Daddy!

Okay, so really we were yelling "Go, Daddy Go!" But he did try and try and try.This past Sunday Mitch competed in his first sprint triathlon. That's a 400 swim, 13 mile bike and 5K run. It was a goal he set for himself shortly after we moved here and he finally did it. He found one in Sullivan a few months back and decided to go for it. He trained so hard...early morning swims and the YMCA, and early morning running and biking workouts at the Wellness Center. Thankfully the weather has cooperated this winter/spring and he was able to do a fair amount of training outside. He is by nature super competitive...even with himself, and so he set the bar high. Even after he finished he came down hard on himself about what he could have done better or different. (Sigh) But Leah and I were so proud of him all the same.

He left for Sullivan a little before 11 AM. Ellen came to watch Kiersten for me, since the event was during her nap time. Leah and I headed out at 11:45 and made it to Sullivan by 12:15, we parked the car and headed into the Civic Center to watch the action in the pool. It didn't take the cheerleader and I long to spot Daddy and she was so excited to watch him jump into the pool. She cheered him along the entire way. Once or twice at the turn he was able to say "Hi" back to her. He was a bit frustrated with the swim, there was a lady in front of him that wouldn't let him pass, and he and a fellow male swimmer kept running into her and one another. He worried that it really slowed down his time, but he submitted that his time would be around 8:40 and he was pretty close to that mark, even with the inconsiderate swimmer.

Leah and I ran outside with him as he transitioned from swim to bike. She cheered and cheered and tried to talk to him while he geared up and hopped on his bike. Unfortunately for Mitch his bike is "lacking" so to speak. He is riding a Schwinn that belonged to his brother in the early 80's and his bike was clearly the oldest by probably a good 20 years. He knows he lost some time because of it, but a new bike just isn't in the budget. The average speed for most riders was 18MPH and his was only 16.6...plus it was a super windy day and they were out on RT. 121. Still, to Leah and I it seemed he was back in no time. We watched him ride in and he was off for his run in no time.

Thankfully, the event took place at a park so while Daddy was running his 5K Leah played on the swings and slide. We stayed planted pretty close to the road so we could watch Daddy and cheer him on some more. And sure enough we saw him, cheered him on towards the end. We tried to get back over the finish line to see him complete the event, but he was faster than we were! He ran his 5K in 26 minutes (I think). Of course right after finishing he started complaining about his time. I reassured him that he finished in under 1:30 and he seemed content with that. He wanted to finish in under 1:30 and really should have been happy with his performance...he didn't walk once, and I know I would have :)

After we got home we checked the website and his official time was 1:21...he did so much better than anticipated. But really, I think the hugs, kisses and happiness on Leah's face was all the reward he needed. So proud of our Daddy!!! ~"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10