Why it is fun to try a tri…

Triathlons bring out all kinds. All shapes and sizes, and all ages. They write your age on your right calf before the race, I’m not exactly sure why, but I believe it is to teach you humility as a 60+ year old goes flying by you halfway through the race.

Somewhere in the middle

Anyhow, I do love the Nike tag inside my hat that says, “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” The oldest person to complete our triathlon was 79 years old. Can you believe that? I hope I am still walking at 79…much less swimming-biking-running!

Emma and I had a little discussion when we were going to pick up my race number on Friday.

E: “Mama? How old do you have to be to run a triathlon race?”
M: “I don’t know, Peanut. I’d guess 14 or so.
(I hear nothing from the backseat and then whispered…)
E: “Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen.”
E: “Oh! Well that means in 8 years I can run a race with you. Because it is almost like I am six already, right?
M: “Yes (smiling) I would LOVE to run a race with you. I’ll be 44 then.”
E: “Oh. When I’m 30, how old will you be?”
M: “61.”
E: “Can you run when you are 61?
M: “Um, I hope so…I guess we’ll have to see.”
E: “When I’m 60, how old will you be?”
M: “I’ll be 91.”
E: “OH! Gosh. When I’m 91?”
M: “I’ll be…uh, 122.”
E: “Um, Mama…you probably won’t be here when you are 122.”

You are probably right kid, I’ll be pretty lucky to make it to 91, I think!

We happened to find the youngest athlete on Saturday, he started next to me…

The youngest

And as for that lesson in humility…he finished only 10 minutes behind me.

Sigh.

I better step up my training. I’ve got four years until Em is out here beating me.

Triathlete in training

11 thoughts on “Why it is fun to try a tri…

  1. That really is something to look forward to – running with your “baby.” And evidently, only 4 more years to go based on that 10 year old runner!

  2. That would be so cool for you guys to do the race together. I can’t imagine doing it at 10, but actually I can’t imagine doing it at my age either. However, I have to admit you have inspired me. What a sense of accomplishment. I ran a half marathon many years ago (way before children). I have to say it is one of my biggest accomplishments, eventhough now I would be lucky of I could finish a mile.

  3. Cute convo! I’ll look for that post in a few years!! :)

    My daughter loves to run…we have been wanting to get her into a program but with Riding, Tap, GS and 4-H…not a ton of “free” time left!

    I would love to run…even a lil bit. I am hesitant to start, never having “run” before. Does the body really adjust well to it??

  4. I think it’d be great if you guys ran one together! I can’t believe how big Em is getting & that she’s already getting ready to turn 6!!!

  5. I love it. They always know how to keep you training, whether they realize it or not. I have a similar goal with my 7 year old daughter. We plan on running the Disney Princess Half-Marathon the week before her 15th birthday(you have to be 14 to enter). My goal is to be able to keep up with her….

  6. Wow, 79 and 10. What a range! Great job with the tri and thanks for sharing the adorable conversation with Emma. I stopped going to the gym during the day because I was tired of the 70 year olds lifting more weight, running faster, biking farther, etc.

  7. J did a good job getting us hooked up so we could see ya. You did good…. I am very proud of you Bean.
    Love Ya

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