I convinced Jacinda (friend, college roomate, cousin) to do it with me. After talking, we decided to ask our dads to come along too, and do the race as relays. We decided it would be fun and memorable and a great dad/daughter event!
Let the pictures tell the rest of the story...
The swim: 500 meters.
This is our wave (about 20 people? There were 400 participants total).
The water was FREEZING. The air was FREEZING. We were FROZEN.
This was the most discouraging part for me, because we weren't even able to swim. It was so cold most people were just doggy paddling, some riding the rope, just trying to get there and back. About halfway back I was able to put my face in the water, and cruised right along. I kept thinking 'you should have done this earlier', but I absolutely could not.
Let me say it again, it was cold!!!
This is our wave (about 20 people? There were 400 participants total).
The water was FREEZING. The air was FREEZING. We were FROZEN.
This was the most discouraging part for me, because we weren't even able to swim. It was so cold most people were just doggy paddling, some riding the rope, just trying to get there and back. About halfway back I was able to put my face in the water, and cruised right along. I kept thinking 'you should have done this earlier', but I absolutely could not.
Let me say it again, it was cold!!!
I hate this picture (obviously), but wanted to show the action. Here I am running to my dad. I strapped the timing chip around his ankle, and off he went:
Here is my dad coming back in after 16 miles. He did wonderful!! The day before he seemed intimidated and unsure, but when he rolled in on his bike he looked so proud. I had no doubt he would do amazingly well, but to see a smile across his face made me so happy. It was a great experience for him:
We switched the timing chip again, and then off to run. We didn't plan it this way, but Jacinda and I did it all together. It made it much more fun, and we were able to push each other. There we go, off on our run, 3 miles:
And here we are finishing. Our time was 1 hour:35 minutes, even better than the goal I had in mind. More than a time, it felt great to have just done it.
We did it! It was a great experience!
And some extra photos...
Jacinda and I, trying to warm up:
My loyal friend, Angela, there to cheer me on:
My sisters also part of the cheering squad:
Dallas, Maleah, Layla, my mom, Madeline, Lydia, Anna, Noah, Asher, and Canaan also were there. They braved the cold and the early hours to come. THANK YOU!
Good job, Dad! I am so glad this is something we were able to do together. It's a great memory to hold onto. You rocked it. I knew you would!!And now I can check an item off my bucket list. It was fun (but cold)!
I will for sure do it again, but not in the frigid temperatures.
I'm glad to have it behind me, but loved every minute of it.
