Another New Experience

The girls have had awesome coaches at swim team this year. The head coach, especially seems to really enjoy the kids and goes out of his way to offer them learning opportunities. Along those lines, Coach Joe invited the swim team kids to attend a kids' triathlon workshop. Keegan and Kelsey went and decided to try the triathlon a couple of weeks later!

 So, last month, off we headed to a triathlon! Kelsey was in the younger group, who went first. Their distances were 100 meter swim, 2 mile bike, and 1 mile run.

They got to start the swim by going down this slide. Fun!

 Kelsey (and I) were a bit concerned that she would have a hard time with the swim. Instead, she (in the yellow cap) did great and actually passed a couple of people!

 

 The swim was first, then the bike ride, and finally the run. She has just parked her bike and is taking off running.

 Yea! She did it! She completed the entire course!

Then found a spot of shade on a hot, hot day.

(And waited for Keegan's race to start. :))

 Although it was explained the younger kids were going first, we didn't exactly understand how it would work. Therefore, Keegan stood out in the sun for over an hour, while the younger group ran the entire course.  Neat because she got to cheer for Kelsey, who ran right past her, but a better plan would have been for her to wait it the shade. Then an additional half hour waiting for her turn to start. Keegan, like her momma, is not a fan of the heat, so she started this race tired. In spite of that, and the fact that we realized too late that her bike's seat was low, she did a great job and completed the entire course - 200 meter swim, 4 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run.

 Wow! I was so impressed with these girls. To be brave enough to attempt such a challenge and to power through it even when they were tired and hot was a real accomplishment. All of the participants did a great job.

 And I have to give a shout out to the race organizers, RaceDayEvents. Everything was very well-organized; the course was clearly marked, there were adults biking along the route to provide security and assistance, if needed. (I am all about things being safe.) Very well run, all around.

 

Thank you to all the adults who gave their time so these kids could have this race. Thanks to Coach Joe for inviting us to be a part of it. And huge congratulations to Keegan, Kelsey, and all the kids who participated. Kudos all round!