A bad string of firsts

JB finished her first international distance triathlon today and I got a taste of what it is like to sit around in the heat and wait. It is interesting to watch a triathlon given that when you are racing you cannot appreciate the viewpoint. I saw some interesting "swimming" including some classic doggie paddle and tarzan swimming. That was rather startling.



JB did a great job. I was a little worried waiting for her to come out of the swim but eventually she emerged with her pink cap all askew. She headed out on the bike which I thought she would blaze through. I was joined by a friend who entertained me during the wait. I sat anxiously as her expected return time came and went. After what seemed like forever she returned, one of the last bikes to come in and off she went with a smile on the run. I waited an hour and 10 minutes and then decided to walk the run course in reverse. I passed one competitor in what was otherwise a quiet course. About a half hour later I found JB running with a guy, grateful she had company in the heat. I ran the mile and a half in with her.



As it turns out, JB had a flat tire on the bike. Curses, I knew I should have showed her how to change her tire. She made friends with the goats until the race truck came along. JB's firsts are not ones for the record book--she had a medical emergency in her first triathlon and now a flat in her first international. Makes me nervous for the half-Ironman relay she has entered in September.