First Aquathon

Collin competed in his first aquathon this morning.  The distances were a 100 meter swim and a 2 mile run.  There were 80 kids signed up so this was a small race which was really nice.

As with the last race, he wanted to use my transition mat to set up his stuff in transition.  "I want to use what I used before because it worked".  He helped me pick out and pack his race gear the night before.  Aquathon's are easy to pack for because we did not have to think about what he needed for his bike.

It was a little more challenging to get him out of bed this morning than it was for his last race.  We finally got him moving and made it just as the transition area was opening.  Before putting his things in the transition area, he had to get marked with his race number (528) and race age (9).  He liked that they used a marker because he knew this would not easily wash off and would stay on for a few days so he could show his friends.

"I am ready to go mom.  Where is the transition area?"

His gear loaded up for the race

Putting his things in the transition area

The timing chip on his ankle

Listening to the race director give the announcements and talk about the race

After the announcements, he walked over to the pool to line up.  Dad went to watch him while I stayed back at the transition area so I could get pictures of him running out and getting ready for the run.  Dad said he was really strong on the first 50 meters of the swim and then could tell he was getting tired.  This might have been his first time to swim 100 meters without stopping.  Out of 18 boys in the 8 - 10 age group, he was 15th for the swim.

Glad I was waiting for him near the transition area because he forgot which row to run down.  He found his spot and had trouble putting on his first shoe but then quickly put on the second shoe and was off running.  Out of the 18 boys, he was 4th.  That's fast!  He did not take time to dry off or put socks on which really helps him start the run quick.

He is out of the water

Running down the steps to the transition area

"Where are my things mom?"

He had a little trouble putting on that shoe

The run was a 1 mile loop they had to run twice.  He looked really strong each time Dad saw him.

Starting the run

On his second loop

I waited for Collin at the finish line with Mimi.  I did see a few boys in his age group come in but he was not too far behind them.  He was 9th on the run which gave him a final finish in 8th place.  Great for his first aquathon.

Crossing the finish line

Getting a finisher's medal

Sitting in his transition spot waiting for the awards

Mimi was glad to be there to watch him race

He did not care if he won anything or not.  He had a good time but did tell me that he want to only do duathlons or triathlons because he really likes to ride his bike.  That is no surprise at all.  When we got home, we signed him up for a triathlon at the end of July.  He said he would like to do at least one a month.  I told he we would see if we could fit that in with the other sports he will be playing throughout the year.

After the race, we all went to breakfast.  Collin was still a little hungry after eating 6 small chocolate chip muffins at the race finish.  Plus, he wanted to visit with Mimi a little before she had to leave.