These are the most recent pictures I have of my dad. They are from the end of Feb when my parents came here to visit for Adeline's first birthday.
Last May, Patrick participated in his first sprint triathlon. It was in Mt Gretna, Pa. It was a 500 yard swim, a 15 mile (very hilly) bike ride, and then a 5K run. My dad really enjoyed watching Patrick compete, and I started the prodding..."Dad, YOU could do this!" He was hesitant, but I saw the spark in his eye.
My dad is one of those guys that is always in decent shape without really trying. When he goes for a physical, the doctor always tells him his health is like that of a man 20 years his junior. If you saw what he eats, you would be in awe. Patrick and I did a bike-a-thon with him several years ago to support the MD brain injury association. My dad never pushed his bike up a single hill, but Patrick and I pushed as much as we rode. This course was INSANE! Um, those were NOT "rolling hills" they were MOUNTAINS in disguise! But, a triathlon was a whole new concept for him to consider. He knows how to swim, but has only done it for recreation. He was not a runner...never really tried it outside of playing sports. I could tell he wanted to try it, so I put the icing on the cake, "If you do it, Adeline and I will come home early to be there." That was when I thought Patrick was coming home at the end of June. He started training and was very gracious when I backed out of our agreement, really not wanting to voluntarily be apart from my husband for 2 1/2 months.
This picture is of my dad and Patrick heading out for a run in Feb. My dad has trained with diligence. He has stuck faithfully to the plan Patrick printed out for him, and oh my how he has improved. On Saturday, at 58 years young, he is going to participate in the 5th annual "Got the Nerve" triathlon. His first ever, and I AM SO PROUD!!!
Dad, so sorry we can't be there, but I will be rooting for you the whole time (and calling mom every few minutes for updates). If any of my readers happen to be in the area and get some good pictures (or video) of him, I would be SO VERY grateful. There is already going to be a paparazzi there for him, but if you see him, give him an extra "Whoo hoo!" from me.
...and of course, I'll post again after the event. You're going to do great dad! I love you.
12 comments:
That is awesome Dad!!!! Good luck!!
We are sorry we will be out of town and will miss the big event. I am duly impressed and awestruck.
That is awesome!!!
I wish we didn't have plans for Sat morning - I'd love to watch the event...and grab some pictures for you...sorry :-(
Terrific!! Wish I lived there so I could take pix for you. Have fun!!
That is awesome! Good luck to your dad! Can't wait to hear how it went for him.
How is the weather? Will the water be chilly for his swim?
I'm really impressed. I'll be waiting to hear how it went and I'll be cheering from Michigan!
WOW. That is just awesome!
More MI cheers coming your Dad's way! :)
Who-hoo! That's awesome that he's going to compete. Can't wait to hear the results. Go Lynn's Dad! (It would sound so much more personal if I knew his first name - BUT YOU GO ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF LYNN'S DAD!)
Lynn,
I know your dad will hear you cheering him on in his head the whole way to the finish line. What an accomplishment to train for a race like that - way to go, Glenn!
Good luck Glenn! It was great to have met you when you visited Korea in Feb! Lynn better give us the results, I'm sure you'll do great!
That is so great! Good luck to your dad. What an accomplishment it will be.
That is very impressive. Your dad must surely have his parents' genes. I remember when your grandma told me, oh maybe 8 or 9 years ago, that neither she nor your grandpa were on any medication for anything. I was already on blood pressure medication at that time, and I remember how amazed I was. How old would they have been then? Certainly in their seventies.
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