Go Parker!

At the urging of Matt Maughan, Parker decided to enter his first mini-triathlon...his schedule never permitted him to practice (he and I had high hopes of me trailing him in the car as he rode his bike along the country roads, and then running...but we couldn't coordinate our timelines)...he did go through the swim course once so he knew what to expect...and he has a stocky mountain bike, as opposed to a speed bike....but none of that deterred him and he was excited to give it a try.
The girls sacrificed their Saturday sleep-in time and went to cheer him on. (He had to check in at 6:30 am)
No reason for this picture....but just too cute to not slip in.
Parker was thrilled with his 'tattoo' entry number.
For the swim part, each individual had their own starting time, every 15 seconds. Our friends were set to start earlier than Parker. (Bishop, Justin, Matt, and Julie)
Julie about to start.
Justin was just finished with the river part and then went on to the lap pool. The race consisted of swimming 200 meters in the river pool, and then you had to run over and swim 200 meters in the lap lanes. Then, you hustled over to the bikes, dried off, put on the mandatory helmet and biked for six miles. After parking your bike, you ran for two miles.
Matt running to start his laps.
Parker in line waiting to start. He did some warm-ups and tried not to feel nervous.
Tate is always willing to spectate his siblings events...as long as the snacks are readily available.
Parker, about to hit the river.
Parker's race has begun!
Finished with the river....on to the laps.....run Parker!
Swim Parker!

Parker fumbled a little with his helmet.
Ready to go... with us coaching and cheering from the sidelines....he said we weren't that embarrassing.
Julie, about to turn the corner and cross the finish line.
Go Parker! One more lap!
Justin.
Bishop.
Gun it, Parker! You are almost done!
The race was over and they could all relax....but first they needed to give us a glimpse of the gun show.
Parker completed the race in 46 minutes, 46 seconds. He placed seventh in his division.
Matt placed second in his.
Julie beat Justin and the bishop :)
Afterwards, we took Parker to lunch so he could refuel.... he had a great time and now wants to do the duoathlon in October...run 2 miles, bike for 19, and then run for 2 more....Bryce said he might do it with him.