Inspired, Encouraged, Challenged and Proud

Paul, Suzanne and I were at Lake Nokomis for the Life Time Minneapolis Triathlon by 5:45 a.m. yesterday. Paul and Suzanne participated in the event.

I was their cheerleader.

Our friend and fellow dinner group member, Joe, competed in the event last year. When he told us his intentions to give it a go again this summer, Paul was inspired to start training for it himself. Here we are with Joe and Char before the event started yesterday.

When Paul shared with Suzanne his plans to enter the triathlon, she said, "I'll do it with you, Dad." So, they both registered for the Sprint Race. Her encouragement helped him immensely. He researched training schedules, met with a trainer a few times to get advice and pointers, and day by day faced the challenge to get into condition.

The Sprint Triathlon started with a .4 mile swim in Lake Nokomis, a 15 mile bike ride around the parkway and a 3 mile foot race around the lake.

Watching all of those people swimming around that lake yesterday morning was quite the sight.

Paul and Suzanne entered the Friends and Family section so they could experience as much of the event as possible together. Their segment wore yellow swim caps. Here's Suzanne in line waiting to enter the lake. She's the one with the turquoise waistband. Paul was already in the water at this point.

And here she leaves the lake.

I waved and cheered for Paul as he went past me, but the picture didn't turn out.

Nick and Ellen joined me along the parkway and we watched them go past us on their bikes.

As you can see, Paul went by us in a blur! The weather cooperated, with a light breeze and a good cloud cover.

Josh joined us at the finish line. So did our friends, Pam and Dave. We all cheered them as they went by.

I am so proud you, Paul and Suzanne.

What a great bonding experience for father and daughter.

We are truly blessed.