Finally a Triathlete - and a Sad Note!

Well, 3rd times a charm! I finally was able to conquer the swim and fully finish a triathlon. I've got all of the details in my race log. The swim was extremely slow...I swam to shallow water a couple of times to gather my composure but I did finish. The bike went very well and I actually had the 23rd quickest bike and the 13th quickest run of the race. Now if I can get that swim better I might do pretty well. Anyway I finally feel like a triathlete!

On another note I was conflicted with even racing today. I received a call yesterday afternoon from my father telling me that my Uncle Ed had passed away unexpectedly earlier in the day. He was only 60 years old. He and I had a close relationship and shared our interest with high tech things and athletics. He was so excited about me getting into triathlons and I'm very sad that I can't share my race today with him. But, I knew that I had to race today as that's what he would want me to do. As I considered bailing out of the swim today I thought of him and I felt that he was with me on the swim helping me get through it. I'll miss him greatly as he was like a second father to me.

This one was for you Uncle Ed!