It was Ted’s first Olympic (Intermediate) distance triathlon and he was a STAR!

Setting up

The weather was just perfect.  It was foggy early in the morning but quickly burned off as the sun radiated it’s warmth over the lake.

We arrived at the event by 6:50 am (start time for Ted was 8 am) and transition was already crowded. The ATCEndurance team had the music playing and were busy setting up buoys, finish area, tables, and all that goes on with these events.  Hard work but they did it just fine!

Ted found his spot in a crowded transition and began strategically placing his gear to make the change from one event to the other as quick as possible.  He got his body marked then we both ran around a bit so he could get his heart rate up and warm up. 

With about 10 minutes to go before the introduction speech, the wet suit went on as Ted tested the water and stretched his swimming muscles. 

It was time.  8 am sharp the horn blew and the men’s intermediate were off. The women’s intermediate went off at 8:05, the sprinters were out at 8:30 and 8:35 am. 

Ted had a GREAT swim and came into transition at just under 35 minutes (unofficial time as I was keeping track on his cell phone). 

Trying to get that darned wet suit of his body.

The bike didn’t go so well.  The course was 2 loops and he did the first loop feeling good, the 2nd loop he lost his energy a bit.  1:21. 

It was during this time I ran around around the park, smelling the delicious aroma of breakfast at the camps.  I saw the first biker zoom down the road.  The organization was so well done.  Keeping cars away from athletes, keeping athletes on the right course, and keeping the many, MANY spectators off the race course. Hats off to ATCEndurance for putting on such a terrific event.

Transition from bike to run was slow since that nagging stomach cramp he gets showed up. He had to stand up, stretch, let it ease a bit before getting his sneakers on for the run. 

The pain!

The run course is a 3 loop course for intermediate distance.  The first loop is ok, the second is the toughest and of course the third loop (knowing it’s your last one) goes a bit better.  He ran 6.2 miles in 57 minutes.

Lets finish this thing!

I was almost in tears when he crossed that finish line. Amazing!  So proud!  His first INTERMEDIATE distance triathlon and he went into it, pushed through it like a pro.  No stress, no nerves, just making his way to the finish. 

Congrats to Ted. GREAT job!

Print Friendly, PDF & Email