Michael's first Tri

I just can't explain how excited, nervous and anxious we were for Michael on the morning of his triathlon.  We had worked with him on swimming, biking, running, and the transitions between the sports.  He had all of the information he needed, now it was up to him to try his best. 

We arrived in Bryant about 6:20am - on a Saturday no less!  I'll never understand why all swim, bike, run, and multi-sport events have to be at the butt crack of dawn.

Getting ready, Dan pinned Michael's bib (519) to his spandex.  How many 8 year olds do you know that will willingly wear spandex?

 Once his bib was in place, we headed over to the body marking station.  It's been 4 days and he refuses to wash the number off. 

 Next, we headed inside to get his timing chip.  He liked this part, too.  Luckily, we had to give this back or I'm pretty sure he'd still be wearing it.

 All ready and an hour or more to wait. 

 Getting closer to time.

 Pre-race instructions...notice which kid is NOT paying attention?!?!

 Headed to the queue line for the swim start. 

 Just a few seconds until he starts his journey.

 His swim went great.  He was the 4th kid out of the pool (out of 16).

 He flew through T1 and had the fastest time in his age group.  He's headed out for his 2 mile bike ride...on a road...without a parent.  Pretty sure I was way more nervous than he was.  There were a ton of volunteers and he was right behind the pace bike (and adult luckily) so there was no need for mother hen to be quite so nervous.

 Returning from his bike ride, he seemed to be in good spirits and not too worn out.

 T2 was flawless.  He ditched the bike and helmet and was out the back of transition and starting his run in less than one minute.

 Off to run his 1/2 mile.

 Almost there, buddy...just a few more steps and you're a triathlete!!  Forever!!

 Done.  17 minutes flat. 

 Dan picked that child up and hugged him and spun around like the most proud papa on the face of the planet.  Wait, he was! 

Dan telling Michael how proud he was of him.  We both were.  He ran a great race. 

Overall, he took 6th place out of his age group.  They gave awards 5 deep, so he wasn't far off of getting a medal on his first race.  That would have been awesome, but it may be best that he didn't.  He now has something to work toward.

He definitely has the bug.  There are 2 other races near by this year and he wants to sign up for both.  We're excited that he's found something he loves to do.