Triathlon

When all is said and done, what really matters to Sam is the medal.

So on Saturday, September 19th Sam entered his first triathlon. It was held in Kirkland at Houghton Beach and there were about 57 participants ranging from the ages of 12 to 4. We were so thrilled Ashley called and told us of this event. Her 3 oldest Selah (8), Nina (5), Rollin (3) all participated. We were especially grateful that Nina hadn't quite grown into Selah's old bike and that it was a perfect fit for Sam. There are few things better in this life than an actual 10 speed bike. Sam loved it. We borrowed the bike on the Thursday before the race and he rode it non stop. In fact, on Friday morning Dave and I were coming home from our run and at 7:02 a.m. there he was in his mustard colored Jackson Hole sweatshirt, blue athletic shorts and his rain boots riding down the road. He claimed he was coming down to greet us. Likely story, I think he was trying to make a getaway to the nearest trail to ride and possibly ditch school altogether. It's actually rather heartbreaking for Dave and I, this bike matter. Sam loves to ride his bike. We really do get our moneys worth but just a few weeks earlier we told him he had to "earn" the new bike with 100 of his chore tokens. 100! Crazy talk actually, that's like 100 days. So for 2 weeks we've been trying to see how we could save face and still lower his payment in tokens to possibly 50. If Dave were out of town I think I may have even lowered it to 25. He does need a new bike after all and his birthday is still 6 weeks away. Not nearly enough time to learn the tricks of the new bike and really enjoy it before the dreadful 9 months of a Seattle winter weather set in. Just the morning of the triathlon Sam's prayer consisted of 3 things: He prayed for the rain to stop for the triathlon and Micah's birthday, that he would be the best and that he could keep Selah's bike forever. Well 1 1/2 out of three ain't all that bad. It did stop raining for Micah's birthday so they were able to play outside on the princess bouncy house, He wasn't the best but he was darn close. He came in 8th out of 57 (and as Aidan with his positive outlook and non-competitive spirit would say--only 7 guys beat him!-- Jason too echoed this sentiment, however, his reminder was a little more shall we say sarcastic. But Uncle Jason really is a little more competitive and in all honesty rarely if ever had 7 guys beat him in a race--hows that for your ego boost for the day J.D.?)

Here it is pre--race. I love this picture, It actually looks like he's a getting in the zone.

These two pictures are also pre race. He is freezing in the one to the left and getting a little impatient with his mom and the non stop picture taking. The picture on the right is a bit silly but the woman behind Sam is carrying a backpack obviously from the Seattle Art Museum (in which SAM is the acronym)

The kids started out swimming 50 yards although it wasn't really a swim and it was no where near 50 yards. It was a splash through water and I would judge the distance about 25 yards. But they're young yet and we're still learning the ropes of this triathlon gig. After the splash/swim they run to their bikes for a mile ride.

Sam looked good, getting out of the water but couldn't find his bike. Once he found his bike he put on his helmet and then started running at full speed out of the bike area without his bike. Dave's yelling "Go get your bike!" Fortunately the ear tubes put in as a child worked, he heard his dad, ran back, got his bike and rode. Here he is below with Selah right in front. Can you see the coveted bike? I'm actually surprised he didn't covet Selah's new bike as it is red.

He rode well, parked his bike and turned on the speed for the 1/4 mile run. He was focused. So focused it seems he forgot to take off his bike helmet. His time was exactly 13:00 minutes. Look at the form! :-)

We are very proud of him not only for doing so well but really for doing his best. Unfortunately his mother has a slight competitive spirit and thought his coming in 8th when all the other kids ahead of him, except one, were older, was pretty grand! And I called all friends and family to tell them about it.

I love this picture.

And now this picture below is for Jaclyn. She may think she's a pretty good volleyball coach but the Novelty Hill Ward volleyball team pictured below only lost all 3 games to Sammammish 2nd ward (who I might add all of their players I think competed in the Olympics at one point in their lives) by small margins of: 25 to 20, 8 to 25 (yikes!) and 13 to 25 (ouch). Just a thought about the uniforms. Why is it that when the men play basketball they can wear actual playing shorts but when the women play volleyball we have to practically dress in winter wear? Anyway--Go team--next week Redmond 2nd. We may just have to fly Jax out to coach.