And Now For Something, Well, 2/3 Different

I wanted to quote Monty Python in my title, but today's event wasn't "completely" different. Lex still suited up and got in the pool for a race, but when she got out, she had to run to her bike, ride that for a couple of miles, then get off and run a half mile. She was NOT happy about that last part. More on that later.

It was great to see lots of people bring their kids to Midland's first kids-only triathlon, benefiting the fibrous displaysia foundation. I'm still not sure I know what that is, exactly, but we were glad to help out. It was also nice to see lots of Midland Dolphin and CUDA families there: the Kiekhafers, the Woodburys, the Carpenters . . .and lots of kids I didn't recognize with Dolphins shirts on. Dolphins were well represented.

Kali Dent, one of the Dolphin swimmers in the 13-14 age group, really did well. Not only did she take first in her age group, she won an extra special prize: lunch with two of the Great Lakes Loons players! I hope they get to go someplace nice.

This was Lexy's first experience with a triathlon, and I am impressed by how well she did. The first event was a 25 yard swim (one length) and they organized the kids in heats of six, from youngest to oldest. The girl from the previous heat had not even gotten out of the pool yet when Lexy finished. Lex then jogged out of the pool area, over to the transition area to don her shoes, helmet and number for the bike ride. I watched her jog her bike out of the transition area and make her way into the throng of kids already in motion.

When she arrived back it was time to rack the bike, ditch the helmet and start running. Well, jogging. Ok, walking. She did her best. Too bad the triathlon didn't have more swimming, but you can't have it all! She managed to finish 6th in her age group and 51st overall, out of 264 entries. My hat's off to her.

Results available here: http://www.trikidstry.com/

Afterward, she enjoyed some of the activities they had set up on the football field, and by the time everyone had finished, the sky was starting to turn black and we could hear the thunder in the distance. They wasted no timing giving out the prizes, including the Grand Prize bicycle, gave all the kids their applause, and we headed for the cars. About a half hour later the skies opened up. How nice for it to hold off until they were done!