Moose-athon

Moose did his first full triathlon last weekend...and boy did he pick a doosy! It was a 1500 meter swim in Bartlett Lake, 24.8 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run. Both the bike and run were uphill all the way up with no reprieve! These "hills" were actually being called mountains they were so steep! Bartlett Lake Triathlon is called, "the toughest most beautiful triathlon in AZ!" And Moose chose this one to be his first! Mom and Dad brought up their camper and we were able to spend the night up at Bartlett Lake. Kelly and Robert came up too to help us cheer Moose on! I even made us shirts :0) The back says "Team Moose".

He did fantastic in the swim! He was one of the last ones to start but quickly passed many of the swimmers. He finished with 20-25 swimmers still in the water. Look at that stud!

This is after the swim, headed back to transition where his bike was. And changing out of his wetsuit...

Then, off on the bike! We saw him off at the transition station and then hiked up to the spot where they do a turn around. Here are some pictures...Check out that hill!

Unfortunately, Moose's bike wouldn't switch into the lower gears needed to make it up those steep "mountains". He went as far as his bike and body (and the race director!) would let him before they drove him back to the transition area. He pushed himself so hard he didn't even realize he had pulled his left hamstring. Because of his injury he couldn't start the run.

We are all so incredibly proud of Moose! He made it through the swim and 20 miles of the grueling bike! Butch, a friend we made and a fellow competitor who does about 6-7 triathlons a year, said he would never do this race again because it was so difficult!

Moose is already scouting for his next race...and I don't doubt he will finish it. And who knows...maybe he will attempt this one again sometime in the future. And just for kicks, here is a picture of Moose just 11 months before this race. What a difference!