One day early in the summer Hannah said she wanted to compete in a triathlon. I am not sure what prompted her and she doesn't remember either, but I immediately found one that was nearby and far enough in the future that we had enough time to train. It Mesa Sprint Triathlon and it was perfect. Hannah kept up her running from track and added miles. She would often run with me but would also run alone. She swam quite a bit on her breaks when lifeguarding and when we could, we swam together. She would ride a couple times a week with Chuck. I would usually go once a week with them and on occasion just she and I would ride. She took to the bike right away and was already a natural swimmer and runner. I let her ride my racing bike while I rode my older bike (with down tube shifters and all). She never really cared about changing gears. She said she liked the gear she was in. Maybe next time, she'll use the gears to her advantage and shave off some time.
Prior to the race she asked Chuck what her strategy should be. He said, "Go until you think you are going to throw up." She wasn't impressed with that. After telling her this is her first race, it is about getting experience, having fun and finishing, I told her she should race at a slightly uncomfortable pace but not so uncomfortable that she would wear herself out. And I told Chuck he needed to give better advice. (insert eye roll)
Hannah had a great race! The swim was done in the pool. It was 400m serpentine style with athletes starting every 3 seconds. Since she's a fast swimmer, she started before me. The bike was 12 miles, 3 laps of the 4 mile course. Just as I was headed out, she was finishing her first lap. I tried to catch her but couldn't. I thought she saw me and that she was trying to not let me catch her but she swears she didn't see me. The run was 3 miles. It was more of a cross country course, but that kept it interesting. Hannah finished 1st in her age group, even beating everyone in the next age group and finished 16th overall among the women. I was pleased with my race (other than the people that think they can swim but can't and get in your way) and my time. Everything worked out perfectly. Melissa joined us as well. Other than our Saturday runs and a couple of bike rides, we did not train together much. I am not sure she'll do another one. She struggled with the swim and had to borrow a bike. But other than the swim, which she did finish, she had a good race.
