Memphis in May Triathlon weekend

It was a big triathlon weekend for Gary. The Memphis in May triathlon was held this past weekend in Tunica, MS. There was a sprint distance (400 yd swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) on Saturday and an olympic distance (1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6.2 mile run) on Sunday. Gary was registered for both as he always loves a challenge. He has been training a lot to have a good showing this weekend. We decided to take the girls with us Friday night so they could watch Daddy on Saturday for the shorter race. They love staying in hotels and were excited for the race as well. I am not a huge fan of Tunica. I think I am still reminded of my days as a staff auditor at Arthur Andersen having to audit the casinos and doing cash counts in the middle of the night!! The races were right outside of our hotel at Harrah's and it was very convenient.

Gary did well both days. On Saturday he won his age group and was moved to 2nd overall in the masters category (over 40 years old). On Sunday he came in 5th in his age group which was equally as impressive due to fatigue from the day before, twice the distance and a large field over nearly 1,000 racers.

The girls enjoyed watching Saturday. I then drove back to Memphis with them and took in Anna's last soccer game, a great win and my nephew Graham's first birthday party. The girls then spent the night with my parents and I headed back down to stay with Gary for Sunday's race. I felt like I had run my own personal triathlon on Saturday. A full day indeed.

A great weekend of racing for Gary!!

One funny story.....about midnight on Friday night Gary and I were awakened by the girls in the room next door. They were having a GOOD time. They were very loud and playing music and watching TV. We called the front desk and asked them to have them quiet down.  It took an hour for security to tell them to quiet down. Meanwhile Gary and I are literally lying in bed staring at the ceiling unable to sleep. About 1:30 - 1:45, Gary decided to beat on the wall to have them be quiet. No response. Then he called them. They said they were not being loud but finally settled down. I think we have definitely arrived at being OLD when we have to call people to quiet down in a hotel.  The girls slept through the whole thing!!

The girls were up early for the race. Caroline was still asleep in this picture I think holding onto her bagel from breakfast.

Gary linig up in order for the swim.

Nice CLEAR water to swim in...but doing a great job.

Headed out on the bike.

Great finish!!

Ready for Sunday's longer race. Love the pink swim caps they were assigned to wear!

So proud of Gary!

He's off!

Zack and Lauren were troopers driving down for the race. It was great having fans!!