Parker the Swimmer - No, Ham, Yes!

Well, Parker's swimming form has gone straight downhill lately. We signed him up for his first two swim meets and he had a blast. His 90 second times across the pool were about 45 seconds slower than the next person, but he sure had fun. He stopped along the way occasionally to smile and grin a goofy grin. Halfway down the pool 100 people were cheering him on, most of whom surely thought he was going to drown.

When I finally pulled him out of the pool at the end, we "high fived" and talked about the great race.

First question to me was how did everyone know his name. Just told him that everyone knew he was a star.

Conner Powers Through His Second Triathlon

Great day for Conner at the local triathlon. It was his longest race to date. The race consisted of a 150 yard swim, a 4 mile bike and then a 1 mile run. We had practiced a bit in the weeks leading up to the race so Conner was confident he could swim, bike and run the distances, but had never done them all together.

There were 125 kids in the sold out event and I think most kids had a blast, including Conner.

For the swim, Conner decided that he was going to do backstroke the whole way so he would be fresh for the bike and run. The swim went well as planned and he took off to the transition area to bike.

Four loops of the bike course at a very consistent pace left him with energy to spare.

A quick drop of the bike, a gulp of drink and he was off to run. His plan was to run / walk the course depending on how he felt. He ended up running the entire way and included a great 100 yard sprint at the end. He told me later that he had run the entire distance in practice and so about 1/2 way through the run he just decided to tough it up and keep up the pace.

He was definitely tired at the end, but very happy with his 12th place finish. 33 minutes is the time to beat for the next race in July!

Parker was really impressed with Conner's race medal, but

decided that he didn't want to compete in a triathlon just quite yet. Maybe next year!

Kira Posts a 20 Minute PR in latest Tri!

Today was Kira's 6th triathlon and her third Tri for Fun Triathlon. The course was in Pleasanton CA at Shadow Cliffs and consisted of a 600 yard open water swim, 12 mile bike and 5K run. Two years ago Kira and I did the event in just over two hours. Last year we knocked it down to 1 hour 50 minutes and this year Kira's training paid off big with her 1 hour 30 minute time.

Mom and Conner were off to a swim meet so Parker and I were Kira's sherpas and cheering section.

There were close to 1,000 athletes and probably half were doing their first tri. Kira looked like a pro from beginning to end.

It was unusually cold this morning so biking and running required a little more layers to keep warm.

The swim appeared to be non eventful with Kira finishing about 2 thirds of the way back in her wave. Lots of breast stroke, but got it done!

The bike portion surprised me a bit as Kira came in quite a bit earlier than I expected. Bike training at UCSB has paid off!

The run course was fairly hilly. Wearing the Forward Motion gear helped a lot as her cheering section increased dramatically, especially on the run.

At the end, she finished with a huge smile on her face and ready for the next tri in July. I will be joining her, so I'd better start training!

Conner has an Awesome Swim Meet

Conner is off to a great start this swim season. At the opening event, the Marlins held their own time trials to test all swimmers. Conner improved times on freestyle, back stroke, breast stroke and medley.

At today's first swim meet, Conner swam in five events and scored his first ever win, placing first in the 25 meter breast stroke event.

Mom thinks his strength improvements are key, dad thinks his technique improvements are key, either way, Conner is off to a great start to his swim season!

Donuts With Dad

In preparation for Father's Day, we were invited to Parker's school for the "Donuts with Dad" celebration.

A good time was had by all. First up was hanging around the class room, taking in the sites and activities. Next up we participated in a treasure hunt, looking for stuff to fill the treasure chest Parker had built and decorated earlier in the week.

After collecting all our booty, we headed back in for donuts and OJ. Hard to beat a sugar donut!

Filling our faces with donuts was great for a minute or two. After that, it was play time and then I had to leave.

Can't wait for Sunday.

Parker's Preschool Graduation

Graduation ceremonies, even in preschool! Parker was very proud of his accomplishments and performed well at the Tassajara Learning Center graduation ceremony and celebration. Good fun was had by all.

We will miss the preschool dearly. Parker had a wonderful time over the last few years.