Wildflower triathlon

WILDFLOWER TRIATHLON

Last weekend we camped at Lake San Antonio.  Andrew competed in the Long Course.

A wonderful friend let us borrow their small camper so that we could be more comfortable.  It made the trip much easier!

Joshua learned how to build a fire: 

On the last morning Joshua built the fire all by himself.  

He is growing up.

There was so much to explore.  Rocks, trees, plants, scorpions, sticks and pinecones to collect.

On the morning of Andrew's race he got up early to get ready and set up his things at the event.

 

We set off a little later.  The event was about 2 1/2 miles away, to far to walk so we took advantage of the shuttle boats they provided.

...we had about a 1/4 mile walk to the boat ramp

Then, we had a freezing, but VERY exciting ride on the

boat.

Once we found a good birds eye view we ate breakfast while watching the beginning action.

All the competetors were seperated into age groups and were sent off at 5 minute intervals.  Excitement, anticipation and challenge was in the air.

We made eye contact with Andrew to let him know we made it and were there watching.

He swam 1.2 miles, staying in his expected time, he came out of the water full of energy and headed off to transition to his bike.

He rode 56 miles in the hot, dry sun.  The hills were intense and long.  But the elements did not keep him from completing in the time he had trained for.

Next he ran 13.1 miles.

We had fun seeing him at each transition.

Because we had time to spare between each event we enjoyed hanging out at the playground, 

listening to music, 

refreshing our selves under the shade 

and eating ice cream (over priced ice cream!)

face painting

 and watching other competitors.

This was Jeremy's 3rd day with out a nap so by the time we were waiting for Andrew to finish the race he was ready to lay down anywhere!  As a bonus he could see the runners better by peeking under the fencing.  :)

Andrew finished strong.  Understandably tired, but not beat.  Muscles sore, but not depleated.  He was very happy with how he raced and his finishing time.

I'm just glad he came back healthy and strong.  The emergency helicopter flew overhead quite a few times and I would just cringe knowing that someone was hurt and being carried away...all the while I would hope that it wasn't Andrew and that he was okay.

I have to tell you that it is quite inspiring watching all the competitors.

One gal was blind and completed the course with another person giving her cues.  There were a couple other people who had a part of their leg missing and had a special kind of prosthetic made for running.  Despite these difficulties that stood in there way they conquered through and were champions.

We met some great people who camped at the site next to ours.  They had two kids with them, a 3 1/2yr old and 8 year old.  The kids all played with each other and really bonded.  

One of Andrew's coworkers was competing the day after his race so we got to watch and cheer her on as well as the husband of the family camping next to us.

That same family brought fishing poles and were kind enough to let our kids have turns casting:

The water was freezing but that didn't stop the kids from testing it out.  I guess when you're hot and determined nothing will stop you!

All in all it was a great weekend.

I was very exhausted every day.  But I took naps when I could and kept it as low key as possible.  

As we drove away the kids commented that this was "the best time ever".

They loved star gazing at night, collecting and throwing pine cones into the fire, experiencing new things, seeing deer walking past our camp ground or resting in the field not too far away, and just being plain adventurous.

Now, three days later I'm finishing up my last of the 50 loads of laundry.  Okay, so it wasn't 50, but I'm sure it came close.  :)