Joey's Tri

Last Sunday, Joey did his very first tri. It was a good day for it, nice and not too hot. His wave started at 10:15 so I got up at around 7:30 so I could shower and get some donuts for breakfast (not the best for a tri, I know, but it is something that he would eat -- guaranteed). The whole family got up early but not cranky which was a good sign. I got all of Joey's gear ready the night before, even pumped up his tires. All we needed was for Joey to get dressed.

As Joey was putting on his very athletic looking attire, Timmy suddenly decided that he wanted to do a tri too. I have talked to Timmy about this months before and after asking him several times, he said he did not want to do it so I didn't register him. On the morning of the tri of course, he decides he wants to do it. There was a lot of whining and tears involved and we tried to explain and comfort him and promised that he'd get his chance next year. It was all very difficult and the tried and true method of bribery calmed him down for a few minutes. Enough time to get us out of the house and into the van.

We got to De Anza College (where they were holding the kids tri) in plenty of time, and thank goodness for ample parking. Joey got registered, got his goody bag and t-shirt and his body marking. Then, we were off to transition. This event by the way, was being immortalized by Ben using his camcorder. We set up his transition area and I gave him his race instructions then it was time for photos.

Ben, Joey, and Timmy in the hot beginning of summer sun.

Joey in his transition area, with the sun still in his eyes. Ben and Timmy are just waiting for me to get done with taking pictures before we go to the pool.

The course for the 9-10 yrs. old age group was 100 m. swim, 4 mi. bike, and a half-mi. run. The length of the pool is 25 m. so he needed to do 4 lengths. Joey is not a good swimmer. He can doggy paddle, kick really well and tread water. I know I should be ashamed, having a swimming pool in our backyard and me having taught kids to swim in my former life, and yet my own children do not know how to swim a proper stroke. Well, this will be our goal for the summer.

Anyway, before Joey did the tri, we went to the Y so I could see if he needs help with swimming. I made him swim the 25 m. length of the pool (our pool is only 10 m. long) and he did so with no problem. He "swam" with his head out of the water propelling himself forward with his powerful kick. It wasn't pretty to watch but it got him from pt. A to B. I made him do 200 m. and it was NOT a problem. Now, it was race day and Joey's age group was waiting at the "bleachers" watching the older kids do their swim. Ben noticed that Joey started to look very nervous, scared even. He was watching the kids do the proper freestyle, and then the backstroke and/or breast stroke when they got worn down. He also saw a few waves where there were last place kids, who kept trying to finish the course, be the sole person in the humongous pool. Oh, these kids struggled to the end and were given the loudest applause from the audience to give them the encouragement they needed. Still, I think Joey did not want to be the center of attention like this, especially if he did not know how to swim "properly."

Joey waiting for his wave to start. He is sitting right next to the girl in the pink bikini, he is the one with goggles on his head.

It was his wave and the kids got in the water. He shared a lane with a girl who, like him, was not a great swimmer either. He did 2 lengths and got out of the pool.

Joey approaching the end of the first length.

I could see that the volunteer was trying to encourage him to finish the course but he kept shaking his head. He got pulled out of the pool and a chair was brought out for him to sit on while the paramedic attended him. After a few minutes, I was beckoned over and I walked over with Timmy behind me. I could so totally tell that this was "Joey drama." I knew he could have finished that course EASY. I think he was just afraid to finish last. This was so not cool. Meanwhile, he paramedic was asking him where it "hurt" and Joey was just pointing at random, unrelated parts of his body. The paramedic guy told me to just take him home and make him rest. He said that Joey must be "overly fatigued." Overly fatigued my @$&!! He is 9, he is not overweight, he is an active boy who had a "good" breakfast and a good night sleep. No fatigue there. I gave Joey the option of going home or continuing the rest of the course (minus the swimming). Why wasn't I surprised when he chose to finish the course?! Meanwhile, this paramedic guy was shaking his head, looking at me like I'm the stereotypical Asian mom who is trying to push my child too hard. He looked at Joey with sadness in his eyes and he was staring at me like I was this evil mother who didn't know when to quit. I had to get out quick. Meanwhile, I talked to the officials and asked if Joey could do the bike and run and they said it was okay.

Here is Joey in transition, putting on his bike helmet.

The rest of the course was not a problem. No surprises there. In fact, he was pumped for the run as you can see below.

He "finished" and got his finishers medal and all that. "Officially" his time was 40:50, finishing 112/115. I tried to talk to him about finishing what he started but he was too distracted. My sister said I was being too hard on him and I should just let it go. Not easy for me since I finish my tris, often being last or nearly last. His cousin Ethan (6 yrs. old) finished his entire course and didn't do too badly 34/55.

Ethan crossing the finish line, you can see Joey cheering him on.

I have to teach this son of mine the importance of really "finishing," and why there is no shame in being last. In his effort not to draw attention to himself for being the last swimmer in the pool, I think he didn't realize he did just the opposite by being the ONLY athlete who did not finish the swimming course. Way too sad!

Next year, Timmy is going to do a tri -- even if I have to go in the water with him. They allow parents in the course for the little ones. He so wants to do it after seeing his big brother and cousin do their tri. Also, next year, if Joey does not finish the swim, he will not do the rest of the race. If there is something he would learn from this experience, its to finish what he starts. Hanggang sa muli, until next e-time...