Caleb, the Birthday Triathlete

Every year our little town hosts the Hillman Triathlon. The night before the race there is a mini triathlon for kids age 7-13. About a week before the race I mentioned to Caleb that he would be old enough to do the race (as it fell on his 7th birthday) and asked if he would be interested in doing it. At first he was hesitant, especially about the swim portion. Caleb has spent a ton of time at the pool this summer and is quite comfortable in the water, but he's never had actual lessons. I took him to the pool and showed him that he was capable of making it across the pool and back, and after that he agreed to sign up for the race. Next came the race "training," which consisted of one bike ride and one run to show him how far he would actually have to go.

The birthday/race day came and we headed down the street to the pool. After setting up his transition area with his bike, towel, and shoes, he went to get body marked. He was number eight.

The little girls wave started first, then it was time for the 7-10 year old boys. Caleb looked so young compared to the other boys! I could tell he was somewhat nervous, but he was also very serious and determined. I wish I had captured the look on his face when he started to swim. I've never seen such determination and resolve. It literally brought tears to my eyes.

Waiting for the swim to start.

Almost time!

And he's off!

Caleb's swimming technique consisted of a dog-paddle type stroke under the water, then coming up for a breath, then going back under to paddle and kick with all his might. He had to grab the side about half way down and rest for about one second, but then he was right back at it. After one lap (50 yards) across the pool and back he had conquered the swim portion of the race.

Done with the swim, yay!

Caleb exited the pool and ran out to his transition area. He dried off quickly then put on his shoes and socks. Putting the shoes on and tying them took him quite a while, but he was determined to do it himself and wouldn't accept help. Velcro shoes would have been a good idea! After a few minutes though he finished up and moved on to the bike.


The bike portion consisted of two half mile loops around a large neighborhood block. It was kind of hard to just let him go off out of my sight and not be able to see if he was doing OK. He did great though chugging along on his little dirt bike.

Amanda and Joshua were Caleb's personal cheering section, complete with signs they colored themselves.

As he wrapped up the bike and moved on to the run I quickly asked Bill if he would run with him. I just felt like Caleb could probably use a little motivation to keep running. The run was one time around the half mile block. Caleb and Bill set off and we anxiously awaited their return. As they reached the end Bill dropped off to the side and Caleb crossed the finish line cheered on by many onlookers, neighbors, and friends. I was so proud of him!

Crossing the finish line!

Post-race hydration

We waited for the 11-13 year olds to finish their race (which was twice the distance as Caleb's), then it was time for the award ceremony. Caleb got a special surprise when the race director called him up to the front, had him stand up on the "podium," and everyone sang Happy Birthday just for him. I could tell he was a little embarrassed by the attention, but I think he really thought it was pretty neat.

"Happy birthday dear Caleb. Happy birthday to you!"

After that he received his finisher's medal. No, he didn't win, but as far as he was concerned he'd just won Olympic gold. That medal has definitely become one of his treasures.

Shortly after he crossed the finish line I asked him if he wanted to do it again next year. He hesitated and replied, "Um...I'll have to think about that." However, the satisfaction of a well-run race must have displaced his tiredness pretty quickly, because by the end of the night he was already making plans for the next time. We may have created a triathlon monster!