I’m not sure how many adults would attempt a triathlon – even a mini one. Ask me to swim 200m, cycle 5km and then 1km back to back and I could probably do it. Probably. I’m not sure that I would be able to muster much enthusiasm for it though. I certainly know that I wouldn’t relish it. I know that some people do.
After Jasper’s first fun run a couple of months ago, he started training for this triathlon. He’s so competitive that we’ve felt it needs to be positively channeled and so he’s been for some runs, he cycles to school and he’s been building up his laps in the pool and practicing to improve his stroke. It all came together today and I couldn’t have been more proud.
I am awoken with a start at 6:15am with a small crisis at hand. Jasper has cut his finger with the scissors, there’s blood everywhere and Jason has found him vomiting and sent him in to me for a mummy hug, shivering with shock. He might not be able to do the triathlon Jason relays calmly.
An hour later we have all calmed down. We’ve had our hot cross buns for breakfast as it’s Good Friday and Jason and I are fortified with our morning coffee – a double shot flat white each. I find some waterproof dressings and the damaged digit suitably seen to, we’re on the road in plenty of time.
On arrival Jason takes the kids and sets off to get Jasper registered while I park the car, literally, about a mile away. Maybe even more. There’s a pretty good turn out by the looks of the parking situation and some of the adults are just finishing up. I meet Jason and the boys in the transition zone. They’ve registered already and Jasper has his bike stowed and is receiving instructions on how to change into what and when.
There’s still an hour until the race starts so we head down to the beach. Jasper checks out the swim course and watches the ‘very tiny’ group start while Harley is happy collecting shells and burying his feet in the sand. “Would you like to try it next time Harley?” I ask. “Nope” is the reply. The patterns in the shells appear far more enticing to him that the reason everyone else is here.
The group gathers, the course is explained and the siren sounds. They’re off! Jasper finds himself a little trampled as the group rounds the first marker. But as he emerges on the other side he’s more or less clear of the pack. He finds his rhythm and moves along nicely, making good pace and popping his head up now and then to ensure he’s on course.
He makes great time as he comes up the beach and takes off along the track to his bike. By the time Harley and I get there he’s already off on the bike leg. We wait at the bend nearby and see him coming along a few minutes later. “Go Jasper! Keep peddling! Good job!” We all cry our encouragement to him and the other kids coming along. Some are going hard, some look exhausted already and some look really strong. I can tell they’re all doing their best.
Jasper approaches and then he’s gone. The 5km ride sound far but I know it won’t take that long and I don’t want to miss him at the other end. We sit Harley down in the shade with some treats. He’s been really good this morning. Playing happily at the beach, cheering Jasper on heartily and patiently waiting during all the in-between bits.
I make my way down to the other end of the official areas where the cyclists will dismount and come in to the transition area. I only wait a few minutes before seeing him round the bend in the far distance. He’s coming along quickly and I shout some encouragement. He manages a smooth dismount and he’s off through the transition area, back to Jason & Harley to deposit his bike, swap his helmet for a hat and a quick sip of water before the run. I can barely keep up with him along the way!
Another smooth transition and he’s off again. He’s a good runner. He love to tell anyone who’ll listen that hes’ the fastest kid in his Year 2 classes. He looks strong this morning. We pause to negotiate treats with Harley and all of a sudden Jasper is back, heading towards the finish line.
Oh no! He’s missed a loop. “Jasper, turn around!” Jason yells, “stop!”. There’s some confusion that he’s gone the wrong way and missed a section. But the confusion is all ours. An official shouts across, he’s done the loop and is on the home run. Jasper sprints off to the finish line. I make it down there as he collects his medal and a bottle of water and strolls out of the official area with a big grin on his face. He’s done it.
“Well done. I’m so proud of you” I gush my congratulations. Daddy & Harley offer their congratulations, high fives and hugs and we apologise for the confusion at the end. He was just so fast! He grins again.
After some water and a minute to catch his breath we take some photos of him with his medal. We missed the finish line! No worries, after finishing his first triathlon, albeit a mini one, he jogs off to race down the final leg again. A few people yell “no, don’t stop!” as he gets near the finish line and I lift him over the fence so he doesn’t confuse the electronic timer by going over the line again. “Don’t worry” he offers ” I already finished once”.
It’s hot today. Somehow we’ve managed to coincide with the first reasonably hot day of the year. We’re all a bit hot and have definitely had enough sun and not enough water. We’re also ready for something to eat.
We find some shade and a food van and sit down for some refreshments whilst listening to the band playing. A while later they call all the kids to the podium for a photo and then to announce the official winners.
It’s time for us to head off. I trek back to the car to bring it round to pick up everyone, plus Jasper’s bike. We had, somewhat ambitiously, contemplated heading to Lego Land for the afternoon but as we’re driving back through Jebal Ali back towards the highway, Jasper asks if he can have a sleep when we get home. We scrap the idea of afternoon activities. I think we’ve all had enough excitement for one day. Two minutes later, Jasper is fast asleep.
Would I Return?
Yes. Although I’m not sure I’ll have a choice. I think they’ll be another Race ME event on the horizon soon.
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