Because I was only swimming, I put in a longer warmup than usual, about 12-1400 yds. I was seeded in the first heat which was made up entirely of relay swimmers. For some strange reason, I had more butterflies than any other race this season. Maybe it was the fact that it was just a swim, so there was no excuse to hold back. Maybe it was all of the people inside watching- they can't watch that easily in the open water. Maybe it was swimming next to a guy who beats me in practice....or the chance that some high school swimmer is there I don't know about...in other words...ego. Yeah, that's it.
Now let's see how interesting I can make a 425 yd swim sound- The first 100 felt great, 2nd not so much, work hard on the 3rd, and hang on for the 4th. That's about it.
I was the first out of the water, ran out to Nick, tagged him, and watch him ride off in first place.I later learned that he actually stopped twice- once due to a puddle-covered pothole that rattled him, and another because there was no one around and he was afraid he was off course. He even started taking his cell phone out of his baggie, until someone came by. What he didn't know is that his dumb parents didn't have their phones with them so we couldn't have answered anyway. Without looking at the results, I'd guess he came in with a split of about 49 minutes for 14 miles, which comes to about 17 mph, including stops. Given that it's his first ride ever over 8 miles, first race, it was raining, he's 13, stopped twice, and had the big black pedals with sneakers, he did a fantastic job.
Leah took the handoff and charged into the 3 mile trail run. Chirstine went with her to help her confidence. I heard she stopped to walk about six times, for only 20 seconds each. When she emerged from the woods, headed for the finish, she looked great. Strong the whole way. Check out her form:
All done!
It was really fun to involve the whole family. After they warmed up and had a bit to eat, they were actually enthusiastic about the experience, and have asked to do it next year.
this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO cool! Poor Nick feeling lost and scared about pot hole. Don't blame him a bit! HE really moved it though! impressive! And Leah's form is impressive! these kids look way better out there than we do. what's teh deal? Congrats Steve. Nice job getting your gang out there for a really cool day. good memories for you all..
ReplyDeleteAnge, I was just going to say that about Leah's form!!! Kids just get it! What happens to us as we get older???
ReplyDeleteSo impressive today, Steve. Your kids are AWESOME! Poor Nick waiting for another rider to come by... that is the price for being first--you can't just follow everyone on the course! It was great to see you and I'm sure we'll see you at some point this winter. We should get all the families together and do something fun. Maybe a race? Just kidding... something though!
TEAM TENNEY - TERRIFIC RACE. WE THOUGHT THE RAIN MAY HAVE STOPPED YOU BUT WE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. LEAH LOOKS GREAT AND NICKS TIME DOES SOUND VERY GOOD. WHAT A GREAT FEELING TO DO A RACE TOGETHER. HOPE THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING. GREAT JOB! JOAN AND ROGER
ReplyDeleteLeah is one speedy 9 year old!
ReplyDeleteReally nice swim. I think your ego is safe!
I did not know who Leah was, but as she ran toward the finish line on Sunday, I was struck by her great form. I called to my husband to quickly turn and look at her because she was young and had a great style. The MC announced her name and I said "That figures. Its Steve's daughter. I should have known!" Congratulations to all three of you. What fun to enter as a family. We did it too. I swam, my husband biked and my step son was the runner.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun family event! I would love to do something like that someday. Well done to everyone on your team. Sounds like you're going to have some awesome training partners in the near future.
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