Owyn's First Triathlon

Ever since Jack's Ironman last month, Owyn has been talking a lot about triathlons. 

He does triathlons when he is outside - pretend swimming, followed by real biking and running around the cul de sac. 

He does triathlons when he is inside - pretend swimming (wearing Daddy's Ironman swim cap) and pretend biking (a couch pillow is his bike), followed by running around the circle of our upstairs for several laps.

Owyn was thrilled to learn that there would be a kids' triathlon at Mercer Park, and that he was old enough to participate.  So we signed him up a couple of days before the event, and he did it.  His first triathlon.

HE LOVED IT!! 

He is still learning how to swim, but it was in very shallow water so he was able to touch the bottom and walk when he needed to.  Despite the fact that he could walk across the pool faster than swim, he was determined to put his face in the water and "float" periodically.  He ended up putting his face in the water several times.  We were so proud of his swim, and actually shocked that this was our same boy who last fall refused to put his face in the water!

Owyn can't wait to start the swim!

Getting last minute directions

Owyn is at the back of the pack here,
but he quickly made up time and passed a few.

He was off to the transition to get his shoes on for biking...




He ran to his bike and started pedaling so fast that I had to run across the park to get any pictures of him on his 1/2 mile bike ride!

He smiled the whole way

And he kept pedaling for the entire 1/ 2 mile!

Finally he was off and running for the last 1/2 mile lap.  Owyn felt so good on his run, and it was a very hot day, that he didn't stop to walk at all.  A first for him! 

All smiles and running well at the halfway point

He ran through the sprinkler that was just before the finish line.

Happy at the finish line!

Owyn got a great medal at the finish!

Owyn's support crew
(not pictured - Mommy and Grandma Spurgeon)

Owyn's neighbor and friend, Henry, who also raced today.

Owyn had such a great time today doing his first triathlon.  He is hoping to find more to do, and can't wait to try this course again next year.  We are so proud of his determination to keep going, and of his big smile and pure joy through the whole event.

Congratulations, Owyn!