Can you guess where we are?

It was a chilly morning, and we, the spectators, were bundled up as we sat by the road.

We are watching my dad in his THIRD time participating in the Got the Nerve Sprint Triathlon.  They changed the course this year, so we were not able to get any pictures of him on his bike (although we did pass him in our van while honking and cheering).

Almost there, dad, keep running!!!

Woo Hoo!!!  I love this shot (thanks Patrick).  How did he do?  Well, he's in a new age bracket this year (since he turned 60).  He placed THIRD in his age group!  AMAZING!  The funny thing is, if he was still in the younger age group, he would have placed second, and only been about a minute behind the winner.  He was almost 12 minutes behind the guys in his age group, so he's got a lot to work on for next year.  ;o)  He was just thrilled to place and beat his times from previous years.

Way to go, dad!  We are SO proud of you!!!  Adeline is still talking about going to "paw paw's race."

The triathletes

Two years ago, Patrick completed his first sprint triathlon.  My parents came, and I encouraged my dad (who is just naturally in shape) to do the race the next year.  He did....and I missed it because we were in Korea.  I told him I would come home if he did it, but then Patrick had to stay longer than we thought, and I didn't want to voluntarily be apart from him for 8 weeks.  So, I broke my promise and extended my time in Korea.  Dad understood.  This year, I was proud to watch both these important men in my life compete.  Here are "the girls" getting situated....my mom and grandmother stayed with the girls close to the transition area where they could see the guys take off and come back from each event.  I ran around trying to get pictures and occasionally checking in with them.

Camille slept most of the time in the arms of my 88 yo grandmother.  They were both happy with this arrangement.

Patrick coming out of the water...

Dad taking off on his bike...

Dad starting the final stretch...the 5K run.

Patrick approaching the finish line (still smiling).

He did it!!!

Congratulations Dad and Patrick!!!  You both trained hard and did a great job.  The women in your life are so proud. 

 FYI...both guys beat their previous times.

Dad's race times are in!

The results from my dad's race have finally been published, so I thought I would give you the run down of his times for those of you that are interested in such things.

500 yard swim:  13 min, 56 sec

15 mile bike ride:  54 min, 49 sec

5K run:  27 min, 41 sec

Total time (including transitions):  1 hour, 40 min, and 29 seconds!!!

  Great job, dad!  I can't wait to watch you compete next year!

I'll blog some pictures after some of dad's paparazzi email them to me.

The Race Begins

He's racing....right now...as I'm typing!  He just got out of the water.  I am SO excited!  I'll post the results for you in the end.  Go dad!

Okay, I'm coming back to add to the post I started earlier this evening.  He finished!  I'll post his times tomorrow after the results are in.  I talked to him briefly.  He was tired, but I think he was feeling good about how the race went.  I'm so proud of you, dad!

Dad, I'm so proud of you!

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.