The Heart of the Valley Triathlon was once again held on Memorial Day at Osborne Aquatic Center in Corvallis, OR. For those of you who haven’t yet heard of this event, take note: This Tri-It is the perfect length for beginning athletes and designed to maximize fun.
* Kids swim 25 meters in an outdoor pool.
(Kick boards and life vests completely acceptable.)
* Then kids (and parents) run to the ‘transition area’ where athletes switch to their bikes.
(My seven year old grabbed his shirt, bypassed his socks and jumped
on his bike in record time. My five year-old slowly and meticulously
dried each inch of his skin, neatly placed each sock on his feet, and
then tested the wind direction and speed to determine if he should
wear his polar fleece jacket. (Ok... maybe I’m exaggerating;
but just a little. I love that kid, but he’s like molasses. Each
decision is pondered with such precision. Me: “You’re doing
great, honey! I think you look fabulous in that coat. Go ahead and
get on your bike now, sweetie. You are RACING!!!” Him: “Thanks
Mom!”)
* From there it’s .25 mile around the local Middle School (on the sidewalk) and then back to the transition area to park the bike and head out on the run.
(My seven year old ran with his bike helmet on as he didn’t want
to take the time to remove it from his head. My five year old
removed his helmet; fully and carefully reconsidered the polar fleece
decision and then ‘paced himself’ on the running trail.
(Kick boards and life vests completely acceptable.)
* Then kids (and parents) run to the ‘transition area’ where athletes switch to their bikes.
(My seven year old grabbed his shirt, bypassed his socks and jumped
on his bike in record time. My five year-old slowly and meticulously
dried each inch of his skin, neatly placed each sock on his feet, and
then tested the wind direction and speed to determine if he should
wear his polar fleece jacket. (Ok... maybe I’m exaggerating;
but just a little. I love that kid, but he’s like molasses. Each
decision is pondered with such precision. Me: “You’re doing
great, honey! I think you look fabulous in that coat. Go ahead and
get on your bike now, sweetie. You are RACING!!!” Him: “Thanks
Mom!”)
* From there it’s .25 mile around the local Middle School (on the sidewalk) and then back to the transition area to park the bike and head out on the run.
(My seven year old ran with his bike helmet on as he didn’t want
to take the time to remove it from his head. My five year old
removed his helmet; fully and carefully reconsidered the polar fleece
decision and then ‘paced himself’ on the running trail.
* The final run (a short 300 yards) brings the athletes to the middle school track and across the finish line. Runners have their name read over the loudspeaker, receive a medal around their neck, and are given a gift certificate to the Corvallis swimming pool and Dairy Queen.
Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Both my boys were all smiles!
I should mention here that earlier in the day there is a race for adults
as well. I volunteered during that portion of the event, but my running
was limited on Monday to (fittingly) chasing my own kids (camera at
the ready).
Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Both my boys were all smiles!
I should mention here that earlier in the day there is a race for adults
as well. I volunteered during that portion of the event, but my running
was limited on Monday to (fittingly) chasing my own kids (camera at
the ready).
Three cheers for AA Sports who run this great family event!!! The staff was professional, helpful, and provides a huge service to the community in making this healthy, family fun possible. The kid’s race cost just $20 per child and included snacks after the race and a T-shirt. It’s clean kid fun, for sure!
My five year-old woke this morning and immediately asked when he can race again. Sorry to say this event is passed for the year, but never fear: There’s a similar event planned by AA Sports in July on July 31st at Blue Lake Park. Start. Click here to find all the details.
My five year-old woke this morning and immediately asked when he can race again. Sorry to say this event is passed for the year, but never fear: There’s a similar event planned by AA Sports in July on July 31st at Blue Lake Park. Start. Click here to find all the details.