Lighting Candles: Nate's Triathlon

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Nate's Triathlon

When Nate told us that he wanted to sign up for the triathlon after swim team wrapped up this summer, I was shocked. He has never liked being the center of attention, especially in a sporting event. So although shocked, I was thrilled. He and Scott practiced bike riding and running during the remainder of the summer and they both thought he was ready.

He never appeared to be nervous and as the triathlon grew closer, I was amazed at how nonchalant he was about the whole gig. We left the house on Monday morning and he still appeared very unconcerned. Here he is waiting for his heat...

He wouldn't smile for me and then proceeded to tell me his goggles never worked and they weren't going to work for the race. I turned to my mom, who came up to watch him compete and asked if that was normal for him to have a ridiculous wild hair right before the race. She said it absolutely was. Note: He also hated the markings on his body. Scott told him they would have a special marker, but instead they had a big ole Sharpie. And he was not happy about it!

I was so proud of him, even before he raced!

Waiting to swim...the race starter gave them about 47 more instructions than necessary and I could tell he was confused. But he did fine and hopped in the water when it was time.

I had expected him to do freestyle, but Scott had told him he could do whatever stroke he wanted. His best is breast stroke so that's what he did. I still kinda thought he should do freestyle but I refrained from shouting that when he was doing his turns. I didn't want to be THAT parent. The other kid in the lane with him started out doing freestyle but then switched to breast when he saw Nate doing it:)

After the swim, he was off on his bike.

There was a big hill and turn right out of the transition and it seemed like it took him forever to get up it. But he did and pedaled on.

He kept looking behind him on the bike and I thought he was going to fall. But of course he didn't.

Photo credit: Caroline Strong Photography

Then he was off on the run...still looking like he hadn't really done anything to physically exert himself. Youth.

And here he comes up to the finish line!

Y'all know I was screaming at the top of my lungs FINISH STRONG!!!! Because I just can't help myself. I love that Scott and Lila are on the other side of this picture.