On June 4, Andrew and Eli participated in Monona’s Sawyer Crossen Memorial Triathlon. Andrew had been excited about signing up, but the day before the event, he declared that he was not interested in participating. After some cajoling and light bribery, I’d about given up on him participating. But I asked him to pick up his goodie bag at the registration table. When we got to the registration, Andrew was a little mesmerized by the maps showing the routes for the different age groups. He traced the biking and running routes with his finger, intrigued.
And then when he gave him name to the registration lady, she gave him the run down on where to pin his bib and where to leave his bike, and when he turned around from that conversation, I could tell from the sparkle in his eyes that he was hooked.
The next morning, we met up with an excited Eli for the event. Here’s the boys getting pumped before the start.
Probably not a necessity for the 4-6 year olds, but they had ankle bands to record their times. And their bib numbers were written on their legs and arms just like real triathletes:)
Here’s a view of the Monona Pool, where they started with the swim. They had kickboards or swim noodles and paddled 40 meters from the shallow end to the orange pyramid and then down a lap.
They staggered the kids’ start and had lifeguards posted every few feet, and it looked like it went really well. They’re so cute!
There you can see the start on the far left and then they get out on the far right.
After the kids get out, they supposed to hop on their bikes and go up and down a few blocks (about a half mile). I ran around from the swimming viewing area to the bike transition area, and both our boys were standing there looking around, sort of watching the clouds pass by. So I helped them slip on their t-shirts and get their shoes on so they could bike.
I do so love five/six year olds. They’re so grown up, and yet, they’re really still such little people.
Here’s Andrew heading down the street. Training wheels and all.
Eli speeds on by.
Andrew ditched his bike and took off running.
Wisely, they had volunteers closely interspersed along the quarter mile run to keep the young ones going the right direction.
There’s my boy, running to greet me. He is 100% convinced that he won the triathlon. He was so proud of himself and jazzed about the whole experience. LOVE that boy.
What joy!
Our athletes post-race.
After the race, we hung out at the park and enjoyed snow cones and some of the treats from the registration bags. Andrew got to see Bucky Badger and the Madison Mallard and a couple other large creatures. Sylvia did a great job helping to cheer on the boys. And she loved playing on the playground. She’s been petrified of heights recently, but in this instance, she was a comfortable climber.
Wonder what she’s thinking there…
Oh, what light!
This picture now hangs on my living room wall in a 20×30″ float wrap. Makes me so happy!
After we got home from the triathlon, Andrew requested that I find him additional tri’s to participate in. There’s one in Middleton on August 20. Maybe we’ll sign up!