Tyler and Bryce's Triathlon

Tyler and Bryce have been asking us since last year when they could do a triathlon. They were definitely the ones who were most excited about competing in one. They wanted to train for it and asked constantly how many days away it was.

We found a race through the city of Nampa's Recreation Department that looked challenging enough, had the best price tag, and seemed like it would be fun for them. It was an inaugural race, so the first year it was being put on. We picked up their race packets the night before, drove by the pool and race course, and got a better feel for what to expect.

Saturday, July 20, There was an information meeting at 8:00 in the morning the day of the race. I felt like we needed to be there, Marc felt like it was a waste of time. We agreed to go early enough as to not miss anything, but finally felt like to be there at 8 was probably too early. In the end I was glad I listened to him.

The swim portion started in a small outdoor lap pool. The distance varied with the different age groups. They started with the older kids since they had further to swim. They only had 3 lanes open (could have easily done 4-5) and they waited until all 3 kids had completed the swim and had cleared the transition area before they let the next group of swimmers go. So, we waited at the pool for a LONG time.

Finally, it was time for the boys to swim. They were in the same heat, and the first in their age group to take off. The swim was 25 yards (one length of the pool). Tyler really attacked it with a front crawl, Bryce surprised us when he swam most of it on his back and was quite a bit slower than he can be on his front. They were quickly out of the water and getting ready to get on their bikes.

The bike and run course was pretty short. I knew I wouldn't have time to see them out on the course at all, so Lexi and I ran to the finish line. We were glad we ran, because Bryce was already coming into the finish line when we got there!

Tyler had run into bike trouble, his chain wouldn't stay on. Marc didn't realize that the start of the run was so much closer, or he would have just had Tyler get off early and start running. Instead, he lost a lot of time waiting for the chain to be put back on only to ride it a few more yards!

Both boys were pleased with how they did. It was fun to watch them push themselves and succeed! We thought the course for the 6-8 year olds was a little too easy, but that's ok. The race was well organized for its first year and one that we will probably do again. So proud of these boys and all their hard work!

 This is Tyler, Bryce, and my cousin Christy's son Josh after the race: