Lexi's Mini Triathlon!

 Our kids have been so good about going to all of our races, cheering us on, and being such good sports about it. They are always asking about when they get to race and we've kind of put them off a little bit. This year, we tried to find a race for each of them. We found a mini triathlon that sounded perfect for Lexi. When we told her about it, she was so excited! She kept talking about it and counting down the days.

 Finally, the big night came. Friday, June 28th was one of the hottest nights of the year, and she was racing in over 100 degree temps! Good thing she got to get wet first! We got her all signed in, and she even got to get a number written on her arm in permanent marker. We helped her set up her transition area and then we had to just sit and wait. They had the bigger kids go first, so she was in the very last group to head out.

First, the little racers climbed to the top of the obstacle, then slid down into the water. They jumped out and ran to the transition area to get on their bikes. Lexi did not want to wear her helmet on the slide, so we helped her put that on and her shoes and socks, made sure she got a good drink of water and sent her out on the bike course.

 

 Marc ran beside her while she was riding her bike. This actually turned out to be a good thing, because her training wheels got stuck several times in the cracks of the green belt. Her confidence on the bike is still a little shakey, but she did awesome! The boys and I had cowbells and enjoyed cheering for her.

After the bike ride, she ditched the helmet and ran as fast as she could. She looked phenomenal! Definitely a little runner in the making. Once again, Marc stayed with her until just before the finish line. It was about the perfect distance for a 4 year old, especially when it was so hot outside.

We were so proud of our little squirt as she came running into the finish line! She was pretty proud of herself as well. She was absolutely beaming as she showed off her medal and was congratulated by everyone.

 No, we're not trying to turn our kids into professional triathletes, but we want them to find ways to be active and enjoy themselves! There are starting to be so many options for kids, and for the most part, its doing things that they don't have to have special equipment or training for (with the exception of swimming lessons as they start swimming for part of the race). We just want to encourage them to get out, exercise, and do their best.