Today J competed in another 1/2 Ironman triathalon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). Could you imagine a more beautiful day or think of a more gorgeous setting in which to compete in such an event (excluding a tropical location of course!)? Thankfully the sun was shining but I don't think it did much to compensate for the 60
degree water temperature. Luckily J (in the middle of the photo, waist deep in water with the black goggles on) was given a full body
wetsuit by a generous co-worker who also competes in triathalons.
Of course we brought the whole cheering section along. Once again waking them in the wee hours of the morning before the sun had risen and schlepping them in the double stroller through the state park along with anything and everything that we might need for a day away from the house and the car including, snacks, busy activities, blankets, jackets, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. And this time we came
prepared with signs so that there would be no mistaking who we were cheering for. Next time we'll be adding a cowbell for audio
effects. Here's our guy at the completion of his two lap swim around the lake prior to exiting the water. While J raced to the transition
zone, the Girls and I were off on our own mad dash to the bike mounting area to catch a glimpse of him before he headed off on his ride. Once on the course, we were able to see him pass three more times as the route looped out of the park one way, went back in the opposite direction and then back once again. I love that despite his seriously competitive spirit, J isn't so
in the zone that he doesn't make time to
look for, smile and wave to his Girls. At this point he was more than halfway done with the biking portion - his favorite and best sport of the
three events. As for us, what do we do in between sightings? We wait. And wait. And then wait some more. By the side of the road, no less. Just steps from the shoulder in a small patch of mossy grass. Then we welcome friends who've come to show their support for J and provide us a reprieve from the monotony of waiting.
His final turn on the bike as he heads toward the transition area.
The start of his run, dreading the 13 miles that lay ahead of him but still with a smile and a wave for his Girls.
Baby Sister anticipating her Daddy's arrival near the finish line. Holding her signs high, waving them around and chanting, "Go Daddy. Go Daddy. Go Daddy."
Finally it all caught up with her and just minutes before J came running down the trail and into view, Baby Sister fell asleep in my arms.
But she was quickly startled awake by my exclamation of, "Here comes Daddy!" J stopped long enough to grab her out of my arms...
and before she even knew what was happening, she found herself racing to the finish with him.
(A huge shout out of thanks to Miss A's Mom who caught such a precious memory in photo form.)
A post race kiss for his Knucklehead.
I couldn't resist adding this shot, taken after the race while we were waiting for J who was checking out his splits and final time at the results table. Love Baby Sister's body language. She's making it quite clear that she is officially
done with all the race business. It's as if you can read her mind, "Can we get outta here yet?"
Today J competed in another 1/2 Ironman triathalon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). Could you imagine a more beautiful day or think of a more gorgeous setting in which to compete in such an event (excluding a tropical location of course!)? Thankfully the sun was shining but I don't think it did much to compensate for the 60
degree water temperature. Luckily J (in the middle of the photo, waist deep in water with the black goggles on) was given a full body
wetsuit by a generous co-worker who also competes in triathalons.
Of course we brought the whole cheering section along. Once again waking them in the wee hours of the morning before the sun had risen and schlepping them in the double stroller through the state park along with anything and everything that we might need for a day away from the house and the car including, snacks, busy activities, blankets, jackets, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. And this time we came
prepared with signs so that there would be no mistaking who we were cheering for. Next time we'll be adding a cowbell for audio
effects. Here's our guy at the completion of his two lap swim around the lake prior to exiting the water. While J raced to the transition
zone, the Girls and I were off on our own mad dash to the bike mounting area to catch a glimpse of him before he headed off on his ride. Once on the course, we were able to see him pass three more times as the route looped out of the park one way, went back in the opposite direction and then back once again. I love that despite his seriously competitive spirit, J isn't so in the zone that he doesn't make time to
look for, smile and wave to his Girls. At this point he was more than halfway done with the biking portion - his favorite and best sport of the
three events. As for us, what do we do in between sightings? We wait. And wait. And then wait some more. By the side of the road, no less. Just steps from the shoulder in a small patch of mossy grass. Then we welcome friends who've come to show their support for J and provide us a reprieve from the monotony of waiting.
His final turn on the bike as he heads toward the transition area.
The start of his run, dreading the 13 miles that lay ahead of him but still with a smile and a wave for his Girls.
Baby Sister anticipating her Daddy's arrival near the finish line. Holding her signs high, waving them around and chanting, "Go Daddy. Go Daddy. Go Daddy."
Finally it all caught up with her and just minutes before J came running down the trail and into view, Baby Sister fell asleep in my arms.
But she was quickly startled awake by my exclamation of, "Here comes Daddy!" J stopped long enough to grab her out of my arms...
and before she even knew what was happening, she found herself racing to the finish with him.
(A huge shout out of thanks to Miss A's Mom who caught such a precious memory in photo form.)
A post race kiss for his Knucklehead.
I couldn't resist adding this shot, taken after the race while we were waiting for J who was checking out his splits and final time at the results table. Love Baby Sister's body language. She's making it quite clear that she is officially done with all the race business. It's as if you can read her mind, "Can we get outta here yet?"
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