Lorelei's First Tri

This past weekend Lorelei participated in her first triathlon! After watching Evan's race in Mexico Beach, FL, Lorelei got motivated to do her own tri. We found a kids triathlons in Tallahassee and after a month of training with Evan, Lorelei was geared up and ready to participate in the Red Hills Kids Triathlon. Here are a few pictures from Lorelei's 1st Tri!

Getting Lorelei ready for the race.

Pep-talk and high-five from Coach Evvy.

Waiting for it all to begin. Notice how the race staff wrote 'My 1st Tri' on her calf.

We were a little worried about her swimming because, although she loves swimming and is a great recreational swimmer, she didn't have the stamina to do the 100 yards required for the race (yes, it's a LOT of swimming!). We got her in the pool a few times before the race, but had accepted that she might be resting on the rope a lot during the competition....however, she surprised us all and swam her heart out. Notice Lorelei in the middle lane wearing purple goggles.

Stopping to say 'hi' to her friend, Gracie.

Coming up for air.

She was the last kid out of the pool by about 20 yards, but she never gave up!


All of the coaches and parents cheered her on as she finished up her swim and climbed out of the pool.

She actually made up a lot of time during her transition and running/biking. 

  I guess all Evan's training paid off!

Evan had Lorelei practice her transitions by spraying her with the hose while she was 'swimming' and then get up and run to her bike to put on her shorts and shoes with she was wet. Lol. She had a blast!

The volunteers at the tri were so nice and helpful. This girl stayed with Lorelei through her whole transition and helped her get dressed before she left on her bike.  

After biking 2 miles, Lorelei had to run a 1/2 mile. She was such a trooper. Even though she came back from her bike all red in the face, she switched gears into the run so smoothly. When she ran past us, she gave us the biggest smile.

When she rounded the corner for the finish line, she began to pick up speed. Notice the team of purple shirt people in the background taking her picture. That's our 'Team Lorelei'.

Crossing the finish-line with a smile. 

 Yeay!! She did it!

I knew Lorelei was going to have a small crowd of cheerleaders at her race, so I decided to make 'Team Lorelei' t-shirts in her favorite color (purple) and put the name Lorelei calls each person on the back. They turned out great!! We got so many compliments on our shirts, that I have a feeling the next kids tri - we won't be the only group with team shirts out there. :-)

We were all so proud of our Lorelei, but I know Coach Evvy was exceptionally happy to see her finish. Now we have 2 triathletes in the Sanders family! 

Lorelei's friend, Gracie, crossed the finish line only a couple minutes after Lorelei. They were too cute together. 

After the race, Lorelei requested frozen yogurt from Fuzions. She was a little tired, as you can see. She took a long nap later that day. 

As you  can see, we had a long day, but it was a lot of fun. Lorelei plans to do another Red Hills Kids Tri in September. Go Lorelei!!