Moving from sideline to finish line
It was a successful race for the father-daughter team of John and Kylee.
Parents of high school athletes stand up and cheer their kids on with exuberance and gusto. But what if they could compete right along with them? Would they be up for the challenge?
John, of Saginaw, gave it a try with his daughter Kylee, a middle school swimmer and cross-country athlete, during Greater Midland Races’ Be Greater Indoor Tri on Feb. 25.
“Doing the Tri with my daughter was so much fun. Cheering her on while we were racing alongside each other was a blast – and much better than cheering from the stands,” John said.
Held at the Greater Midland Community Center, the race consisted of a 20-minute swim, 20-minute bike and a 20-minute run.
Each participant has different reasons for signing up.
“My motivation was strictly to do a fun event with my daughter. I originally only signed her up. But as the date got closer, I thought, ‘What the heck, why don’t I try this? What is the worst thing that can happen? I have to hang on the side of the pool for 19 minutes? I have to walk on the treadmill?’ So, I signed up,” said John.
Even though he hadn’t gone swimming since his childhood, John had fun and was thrilled to spend time with his daughter.
“It was a great father-daughter event. I am so proud of her.”
Pretty good start to becoming a greater triathlete.
“My advice is don’t let your fear of failure stop you from trying something new! Take on that new challenge,” John said.
