Triathlon Hero

Early Sunday morning arrived pleasantly, and each of us was in a good mood. The kids didn't put up any kind of fuss. Even Mari woke up in a happy mood. Then again, she always wakes up happy when I sing to her right before she opens her eyes. So sweet.

Anyway, we loaded up the car and were on the road at 6:15 AM. Everyone was kinda zoned out and there I was jamming out to Jock Jams blaring on XM. We pulled into McD's and even after I ordered it, I was mad that I didn't pull over to Whataburger instead for taquitos. Oh well.

We found the place and had to park a few blocks away. We trekked through the the mighty winds and the clouds threatened to pour down rain.

We settled in near the bike area. Here's a picture of Mari playing in the wind. See how her curls are flattened out? She loved swatting at it, then clapping afterwards.

Here she is, the superstar in the flesh. This is just before the start of the race. I was so excited and nervous for her!
Pushing through that last bit of the swim. Looking great after that 300 meter swim!
Alright, she has her biking and running gear on, ready to power through that 11 mile ride.
This kid is 12 years old and this is his 3rd triathlon!!! Here he is finishing strong.
Alrighty, she finished the bike ride and is pulling her hair back to run the 5k. She made up some SERIOUS time on the run portion.
Here I am yelling at her. I ran the last 400 up the hill with her. You can see Zeni in the blue shirt in the background. She also ran with is. It was so hard to tell her motivation words without choking up. And for those of you who are creeped out by my Vibram 5 Fingers, don't look at my feet, because here they are in action.

Finishing strong. I love this photo (good job, Don!). She has so much strength, poise, and grace. RAIDER POWER!!!

Woot!!! 1 hour and 48 minutes. Amazing!!!
Her motivation, these awesome kiddos. Love them and we had so much fun hanging out with them. Thanks Sam for letting us watch them. They were such a help with our garden.

Sisters. And look at my hair...I had the keratin treatment done and even though it is still wild and crazy and ridiculously wind blown, my hair is looking pretty good. This is just a was straight from the shower with no product. Woohoo!! Lovesit.

And I love my sister. Ever my hero.