Mike Tackled the Lake Norman Triathlon!

On Sunday, August 23nd, Mike tackled the Lake Norman YMCA Triathlon. It was a 750 meter swim, followed by a 15 mile bike, followed by a 5k run. This, from a man that had surgery on his lower back in 2002, surgery on his left elbow in 2007, and a double surgery on his right elbow in 2008. This man cannot be stopped! I (we) are so very proud of him!

Mike and our friend Scott, gearing up for the big event (~ 6am).


Out for a quick warm up before the swim.


Quick dip before the heats were announced.


Chit-chatting before the start. Was glad to see Mike smiling!



And they're off (~7am)!


Mike's childhood friend, Patrick, joined me to cheer Mike on. Love his sign! We waited behind this wall of flags for Mike to come out of the water.




After Mike finished swimming, he had to run quite a distance to get to the transition area (to get ready to bike). I ran next to him and cheered him on.



Next stop: biking! Mike had to dry off his feat, put on his socks and clip-in bike shoes, and helmet. He decided to ride shirtless, because he had such a hard time getting his shirt on during the New Bern triathlon.





Last leg: the run! Mike had to drop off his bike in the transition area and change shoes from his clip-ins to his running shoes. He also took off his helmet and grabbed a shirt. Mike is a self-professed "non-runner" so this was the hardest part for him. Just knowing this made me even more proud when I saw him start this part of the race. A 3-mile run on its own is not something that he ever looks forward to....and for him to do it AFTER a swim and a bike....amazing.





Sound the trumpets! Mike crossed the finish line STRONG and came in under a goal time that he'd set for himself. HUGE, HUGE congratulations were in order! (~ 8:35am)





Aunt Dana and Uncle Brad watched the boys while I cheered on Mike. They were huge sports -- arriving at our house at 5am so that we could drive up to Lake Norman. They even helped the boys make signs (love the 1st 2 that Miles made....how cute are they?!) Thanks so much, Dana & Brad! We love you!





What a race! The energy at this event was amazing! I'm so excited for Mike for all that he accomplished and more excited than before about doing one myself. Wahoo!