So a little over a month ago, right after I decided to ask for help with getting into shape, I had a co-worker ask me if I wanted to participate in a “triathlon”. I put it in quotes since it was a 5K run, followed by an 11-mile bike ride, and finished up with 125 yards swimming. I looked at her as if she had lost her mind. I smiled and walked away whistling, If I Only Had a Brain. This co-worker was relentless. Every time we passed in the hall, she reminded me of the event. She even sent an e-mail. When we had a little time to talk, she explained that it was called PossAbilities. It was aimed to show that people with disabilities can compete. She then added that we could have a relay team. I spoke with my wife, and we signed up. Our daughter even wanted to join the kids race – ¼ mile bike, ¼ mile run, and 25-yard swim. We were now triathletes.
We joined up since we were both getting in shape. We had a good friend who rounded out the team with her biking. So I would do the run, our friend would bike, and then my wife would take us over the finish line. We each had our own reason. I must admit that my oldest brother had a lot to do with it. He has been doing a number of 5Ks of late and recently signed up for his first half marathon. I did my own marathons over 20 years ago. It was now time for me to take inspiration from my brother and get out in public.
We went out to Loma Linda last night. There was something special about going to the field last night with our daughter to get our bibs and shirts. She was giddy, scared, excited, worried, and totally stoked. She loved seeing her name on the list, getting her bib, shirt, and goodie bag. It was now the night before and the nerves start setting in for her. I just hoped that I would be able to make it through the 5K without croaking.
This morning we woke at 5. It was pitch black outside, but the light coming from our daughter was enough to brighten up any morning. The time had come.
I must say that while it was a small event, it did take me back to the start of the London Marathon. All these competitors standing around talking, supporting, wishing the best to each other. Many of them, while they physically are running against the person next to them, they are really running against themselves. My wife, friend, her husband, and I walked our daughters bike to the kids’ area. Then we just meandered and took it all in. My co-worker and a group of teachers met up. It was a great morning.
The adults went first. I have to admit I was quite pleased with my results. For not having raced in decades, I completed in 34 minutes. The comradery out on the course was great. I ran in, switched out the chip and off our friend went. I forgot to mention she had done a 62 miler the day before. The bikers had it the hardest – one big hill three times. Our daughter stood poised to grab the chip and ran it to my wife. The only down side was that I had to get her to her race and miss my wife’s race.
Funny enough, it was the kids’ race that had me the most excited. Our daughter and I ran over to the bike area. The kids all lined up by age. I went away to check on a few things, but I could see her looking around. I walked back into her vision and saw a smile. It was both a smile of relief and excitement. I started to hate these things since I always end up with some dust in my eyes. Here was my little girl about to go into her first competition. I could see the run of emotions going on in her head. The horn went and all faded as she concentrated on the task ahead.
I met up with her at the end of the bike part. A great volunteer grabbed her bike and helmet. I had the joy of running part of the next stage with her. I had to break off at one point to short cut it over to the obstacle course, yes, you read that right. I wanted pictures of that part. We then ran to the pool where I met up with the team and we watched her swim. I ran to be on the other side of the finish line to see her cross. Her time mattered not. She completed it. I am actually thinking this is something that she might want to do more of, and that we can do together until she is standing waiting for me to cross the line – it shouldn’t be that far away.
It was a great day. I cannot thank my co-worker for being relentless in getting me to say yes. I thank my wife and fellow teammate for doing it with me. I thank my brother for being the inspiration. I didn’t start off properly the first time I wrote about getting in shape. I did it alone. Now I have a huge team of people. We work together at this. This time, because I am doing it right, I got to see the excitement in our daughter’s eye as she held up her first medal. I didn’t croak.
So until next time, thank you for meandering with me tonight.