Pnut did her first triathlon this weekend. Watching her cross the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life. Not because she won, she didn't. Not because she was doing a sport that I love. I was proud that she started and proud that she finished.
Pnut was terrified at the start. I thought didn't think she was going to do it.
This wonderful volunteer was trying to get her in the water. |
Another wonderful volunteer. He walked with her the entire way. |
I'd like to say she raced through the bike, but she didn't. She took her own sweet time. We talked and she waved to everyone cheering for her. She showed no sense of urgency. About half way through some of the volunteers started to radio back to someone that we were the last ones out there. I could see on Pnut's face that she was unsettled by this. I tried to explain that what was important was that she was doing it and having fun. She seemed ok with it but I know she was a little upset.
When we got back to transition they were taking the fences down. All the other "competitors" were finished. I asked a volunteer where the run started and he looked at me like I was crazy. He said something like "Well, they went out that way." Kind of like, the race is over, why are you still here? I almost asked Penelope if she wanted to stop. I'm so glad I didn't.
We did the run. She was exhausted and cold, but she did it!!!
I hope Pnut remembers how she felt crossing the finish line. I hope she remembers how proud she was. I hope she remembers to always be brave!
Congratulations to her! What a great accomplishment for her and I can only imagine how proud you are! I probably will cry if Julia ever does anything like that :)
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I volunteered last weekend at a local Kid's Tri & it was so fun watching them! It was pretty cool watching the parents reactions when their kids cross the finish line.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation to both of you!