Tri-family fun

2 weeks ago was the Eagle River Tri, which I did. It was my third year doing it and each year I think I’ll be able to spend more time training; it doesn’t happen. This year was no exception… I didn’t do any swimming and very little biking to prepare. My training has been focused on running – I’m hoping to do a marathon in August. So, my only goal going into it was to beat last years time, which was about 1:31.

When the results came in I was toward the very bottom of my age group. The only 2 below me were one that was a few minutes slower and one that didn’t finish. However, here is what I LOVE about individual events like a tri – I was extremely excited. My overall time was 1:27:17! I was on a high for the next week… it felt really good. Although, now I’ve got a new time to beat for next year, and of course, I have great plans for training.

Actually, I think what contributed to a somewhat dramatic improvement this year is general fitness level. My running is definitely taken up a notch this year and so, overall, I think I am in better shape and able to push myself a bit more. I also think that with this being my third year, I’m more comfortable with the course and pacing myself in swimming. Also, I knew I could push myself a bit harder during the bike since the run was my best event.

However, the real fun came after the race. The boys participated in the kids version of the triathlon – 1 lap in the pool, a 4 mile bike ride, and then a half mile run. I stayed with Connor; Amanda stayed with Andrew. They did great! Connor was smiling and waving at people as he ran; they really enjoyed it, which is the point. Several of their friends at school were also doing including their cousin, Kiera. It was really a great thing to be a triathlon family and I’m sure in a couple years the girls will be jumping in, also.