Run, Ella, Run! (And swim and bike....)

A long, cold wait. The water was warmer than the air.

On Labor Day Ella made us the proudest parents ever! She has been begging to do a triathlon all summer and she finally got to! (We won't talk about the last time we tried to have her do one. Let's just say her parents feel like jerks.) It was in the Murray city pool and it was FREEZING! The swim was 75 meters, the bike was 2.3 miles and the run was .6 miles. Not too bad for a seven year-old. I was so nervous about her swimming on her own, because she just started learning this summer and hasn't done it a whole lot, so we kept reminding her, "When you get tired, just use the rope." Well, she didn't forget. It was so cute, she swam about 10 feet straight for the rope and then slowly pulled herself along, swimming here and there, not wanting to get out of the water. She was second to last out of the water out of everybody...and I am not sarcastic when I say I am so proud! :0) I was just relieved to have the swim over with. Especially since after that she booked it on her bike ride, going up 5 super steep hills and passing kid after kid, then coming in smiling and started her run passing even more coming in 36th out of 63. Not too bad!! My little girl is so amazing. I love you, Ella!

Actually happy to finally get in the water. The anticipation always makes you more nervous.

Here she goes! She just wanted to stay in the water where it was warm.

Transition 1. I wish we could have helped her, but she did it all on her own.

Pass her, Ella! Mommy and Max cheering her on as she heads out on her bike.

Starting the run she grabbed a banana and drink. Not because she necessarily needed it, but because that's what Dad does in his races.

My gold medalist!