Triathletes Again!

 My girls continue their love for a healthy lifestyle.  This was the third year for the Sturgis Youth Triathlon now known as The Dave Locey Memorial Youth Triathlon.  Olivia wanted to compete again and Mia was now old enough to do so too.  The only hang up was she was not allowed to wear a life jacket for the swim portion.  With some encouragement she thought she could do it.  She had swam a full 25 yards at her last swim lesson a few months back.  I took her in to practice the night before and she clung to me or swam to the wall all the time.  I wasn't so sure how it would turn out, but still encouraged her to try.  The race day was Saturday, June 20th.

Miss Melanie helping Mia get ready

Mia, almost to the finish

In perfect Mia fashion, she didn't disappoint.  She was the last one out of the pool, but made it all the way down on her own.  

Climbing out after the swim portion.

heading out on her bike in the transition area.

She made up some ground in the bike portion.  The event is untimed and is to encourage children to have fun and enjoy being active, but as parents we take note of how they finish.

Coming in from the bike portion.

Heading off for the run

Strutting her stuff as fast as she can.

Crossing the finish line

Refueling at the snack station.

Chilling with Papa post race.

Olivia's age group was next.  We weren't worried in the least about her performance.  We knew she would try her hardest and do great.

Swimming strong.

She was first out of the water for her heat.

Heading to her bike.

Heading out.

And she's off.

And shortly later she's back, passing kids from the heat that was before her heat.

Off on the run portion.

Here she is trying to catch up with our good friend Lukas.  Lukas wasn't about to let her pass him, so it kicked him in gear too.  They both did fantastic!

coming in strong for the finish

Finish line shot

Post race picture of Mia, Olivia, and Lukas. 

Andy always times the girls.  Mia came in just shy of 9 minutes and Olivia right around 17 minutes (the distances are farther for Olivia's age group).  We are thrilled to see them have so much fun with these events and will be heading back to Goshen for the triathlon there in mid July.  Thanks to the Community Pool and Sturgis Elks for hosting such a fun event.  Oh, and Mia's picture made the front of the sports page in the Sturgis Journal on Monday, June 22nd.