This past weekend was incredibly exciting! My 17 year old daughter, Sarah, competed in the Coliseum Health Systems Rock n Roll Half Iron Man in Macon, GA....Sarah's first Half Iron Man which consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike, and then a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles), a total of 70.3 miles!
After training 4 to 5 hours everyday for the past 12 weeks, this was an amazing accomplishment. She finished in less than 7 hours and placed first in her age group. Well, she was the only one in her age group. Most kids her age wouldn't put the time and dedication it takes to train for something like this.
What I find most amazing is whenever she finishes a long race, this being the longest, she is NEVER out of breath after crossing the finish line! She carries on a conversation as if she's simply relaxing on the couch...blows my mind away everytime. Oh to be young and in tip-top shape.
Here's a recap of the event:
It's 6am and were at the park with over 500 participants. Sarah's getting her body markings. Race numbers go the arms and thighs and your age on your calf. It's interesting to know all the participants' age. Several were in their 60's!
Getting ready for the swim portion. 1.2 miles in a lake. I prayed for her the whole time while standing on the shore and seeing nothing but little dots and flailing arms.
My heart is always relieved to see her emerge out of the water! Even though there are small safety patrol boats surrounding the course, the worried mom mode always kicks in.
Now for the bike portion of the race...56 miles! It's a good thing she had her spare tire changing kit with her. She had a flat tire along the way, but thankfully the man that was behind her stopped to help her change it...he was dropping out of the race anyway and asked Sarah if she would tell them, at the next water station, to go back and get him.
Looking good! Now on to her favorite part of the race!
My hubby was trying to keep up with her while filming her. She was just beginning the last portion of the race, a 1/2 marathon, 13.1 miles. She's loving this!
The smokey smell of BBQ cookouts drifting through the air, the soothing sound of live music in the background of mounting claps and cheers of friends and family, cow bells clattering...ahh all of this adds to this memorable event.
She came in sooner than we expected; we were talking to some people when we spotted her coming in towards the finish line. She was sprinting with with full force energy. My hubby was barely able to keep up with her while trying to film her cross the finish line!
Yea! She finished in less than 7 hours. They'll send her her official time in the mail. She looked wonderful and said she could run another 13.1 miles! She's truly inspiring and incredibly amazing! Do I sound like a proud mom?
Here she is with her trophy. It was the cutest guitar along with an adorable guitar case.
I don't mean to boast, but this is one amazing child and we are so proud of her! She's a hard worker and incredibly dedicated and focused. I believe the Lord has huge plans for her!
