Natalie's 1st Triathalon

You know how sometimes you hear about people who have their kids do activities that they wish they did or where doing. What about those crazy stories of parents pushing their kids to the limits because they, themselves, never got where they wanted to be?? Well, I hope I am not one of those crazy parents... but I must say, that I think it's pretty awesome that Natalie completed a triathlon and YES I wish that I was doing one too!

Our local Y is awesome. We love it for so many reasons and find ourselves there almost daily. The kids participate in so many of their different sports and I have really gotten into a good routine with the fitness programs there too. Plus, the Y creates and sponsors such great family focused, healthy living, confidence building events... like the Kid's TRYathalon.

Natalie has been in swim lessons for this past school year and has been doing great. She loves it and even hopes to try out for the YMCA swim team in the fall. Along with that, her and I have been doing the family trail running class through the Y and Natalie has done really great with her long distance running. When the Y offered this triathlon, I thought it would be a great way to celebrate Natalie's fitness accomplishments for the year and she was excited to give it a GO!

Got her numbers all marked up. I have no idea why they do this??? I do know from seeing other triathlon pictures, that the athletes do this - but not sure why. I am guessing since they can't wear their bibs while swimming, it helps to identify them?? On her leg, she was also "marked" with a 9 for her age. I wonder if they do that in triathlons too? Would I have a big 33 on my calf?
Starting off with her strong event... Natalie did a great starting dive and swam the 50 meters! The pool was full of cheering spectators and swimmers of all abilities. So much fun to be part of that energy!

Next, she biked into the trails that go behind the Y. She encountered her first "technical difficulty" when her chain feel off her bike in the midst of the race. Apparently, she found a volunteer in the woods to help her get it back on and get going. We never thought to practice putting a chain back on!! Guess, Natalie really competed in a Quad-athalon, huh!
On to the running part... I could tell that she was tired at this point, but she pushed herself and keep strong. I love that about her in her fitness. She doesn't seem to be the fastest or the strongest, but she seems to hold steady and give it what she's got. Sadie (who decided the morning of race day that she should have participated as well) joined Natalie for the home stretch of the run. I think Sadie was dealing with some "look at me, look at me" needs, but it was still cute to hear her cheering on her sister and wanting to run the last bit with her.

A proud finisher! Nice job Natalie!

And the award.... almost as good as the feeling of doing the race (at least when you are a kid). Natalie finished in 16 min 27 sec. Amazing!

I hope we can make this a yearly event for our kids and that they give the same energy, enthusiasm and effort that Natalie brought to the event this year!

(Maybe I'll even get myself to do a Triathalon too!)