"TRI"-ing it with the Joneses

This weekend each member of the Jones family participated in a triathlon.  (yes, William too!)  Bobby and I were registered for the Enka Triathlon at Biltmore Lake, and this past week we learned of a Kids Triathlon Friday evening at the same location.  We asked both boys if they wanted to participate and got a resounding "yes!"

William's inaugural triathlon was a "micro" - 20 yard open water swim, 1 mile bike and 1/3 mile run.  Parental assistance was welcomed and encouraged as the goal is to introduce kids to the sport of triathlon and just have fun!  William did fabulous, grinning the whole way, and was thrilled to receive a Finisher's popsicle. (Kuddos to dad who assisted with the swim and Thompson who cheered him on every step of the way.)

Thompson opted for the most challenging of the three youth triathlons, the "sprint" - 75 yard open water swim, 4.4 mile bike and 1.0 mile run.  He raced against nine other boys aged 9-14.  This was by far the most challenging tri he has participated in to-date.  He was second to last out of the swim and was able to pick up a spot on the first bike lap, but a side stitch got the best of him in the run.  Nevertheless, he was the fastest 7-year old in the field!

We are also super proud of Thompson's friend Abby and her brother Charley for completing their first triathlons.  It is always great to have friends join in the fun!  Charley participated in the "micro" tri with William and Abby took 3rd in the girls "sprint".

As for Bobby and me, we had a great morning.  Our first triathlon of the season was definitely a challenge - 750 meter open water swim, 17.5 mile bike (with hills!) and 3.1 mile run - and our 35-39 age group is a competitive one.  As we tell Thompson, the goal is to try your best and have fun.  Finishing is an accomplishment in and of itself!

Avery - 2:10:46
Swim 18:01
T1 1:03 (6th fastest of women)
Bike 1:17:46
T2 1:01 (25th fastest of the women)
Run 32:57
43rd female overall (63 participants)
9th 35-39 female age group (11 participants)

Bobby - 1:52:11
Swim 17:16
T1 1:19
Bike 1:05:54
T2 1:01
Run 26:54
69th male overall (103 participants)
13th 35-39 male age group (14 participants)

And to conclude the day: family movie night.