Mighty Mite Triathlon

Gary competed in the Mighty Mite Triathlon in Forest City, Arkansas on Saturday. He had never done this race before and we were a little concerned that it was a "point to point" race which means you do not start in the same place that you finish. This makes it a challenge for spectators to see any part of the race. After we trekked over a half mile from the parking area at the State Park where the swim would commence, we realized that as soon as the first swimmer exited the water that the park would close until all the swimmers had left the water. That was not good news. We needed to hurry back to the car and either head to the bike transition area or the finish line or we would miss the race!! We luckily caught a ride down the hill to our car with the race photographers (not a good lesson for the girls in getting in car with a stranger!!) but saved them walking another half mile to the car. We decided to stake out our spot at the finish line in downtown Forrest City. Not sure what goes on in downtown Forrest City and why they chose to highlight it at the finish, but all was well. The racers hit the water in order of their numbers, so the first person that crossed the finish line was not necessarily the overall winner. We were anxiously awaiting Gary's finish and the girls decided to join the group of volunteers at the finish line. They were great helpers providing water and gatorade to the racers as well as cool towels and finisher medals to the beginners. This definitely helped to pass the time. Gary finished in 1:07:49 which was first place in the master's category (over 40 years old or as Gary calls it the "old man category) and he was pleased with that. Turns out his category was the fastest and several that finished ahead of him placed in the overall top 5! Not sure we will do that race again as a family since we did not get to see much of it but glad we could support Gary in his racing without having to travel too far!

Great job Gary!!

 giving daddy one final good luck hug before hitting the water

 the girls were making a friend at the finish line

 gary on the run

 coming through at the finish line

 caroline took pictures with her camera too

 anna volunteering at the finish

masters champion!