2014 Daybreak Triathlon

Holy PROUD and bragging wife. If you want to puke, I don't blame you! And don't say I didn't warn you! Super mushy post ahead!

My husband is a rockstar. Oh, he plays the guitar and sings pretty well too, but that's not what I'm talking about here.. Jake completed an Olympic triathlon in 3 hours and 13 minutes! Holy smokes! Seriously, still in awe almost a month later! What a stud! For those of you who aren't familiar with a Triathlon, it starts out with a one mile swim in open water (well, this one is open water), followed by 22.05 (ish) mile bike ride and ending with a 6.2 mile run (or 10k). Seriously? the 10k run alone freaks me out.. let alone at the END of swimming and biking!

Jake has been training for a few months.. He didn't necessarily follow a schedule, just tried to get in a swim and run every couple of days. He didn't ride his bike until the night before, and I think if he could change anything, it would've been spending a little more time on the bike. But still, to do all of that in just over 3 hours? Amazing! I am so proud!

I have watched him complete two triathlons before this one, although this was his fourth overall. I think it's safe to say it was the best experience for both of us! The scenery, the closeness to home, the views and the course were amazing! It was nice to be able to see him at all transitions, and throughout the swim and run.. It was also really nice for family to be close enough to drive out to support him!

Our friend Jayme convinced him to do this one with her and I am so glad she did! It was fun for Jake to tell her all about it and give her a few tips as this was her first (Olympic).. They did a little training together, but I think it helped both of their nerves knowing they had each other. She did amazing as well, I'm so proud of her! She is 37 and the mom of two boys. Her motivation totally inspires me!

We woke up at 4:45 am that morning, got ready, got some food in Jake and headed to Daybreak. We were there just as the gorgeous sun was rising. The atmosphere, the adrenaline, the buzz.. it was amazing and I tried to take it all in with Jake. You could just feel the excitement and anticipation in the air.. It was a high I hadn't felt at any of his other triathlons. It truly was an incredible experience!

 

Such a gorgeous sunrise. Daybreak is a beautiful place!

I love this man!!!

Wetsuit time! What a babe!

Minutes before he climbed in that chilly water!

 

 He finished the swim in great time, and seeing him come out of the water and run down to the next transition area had my heart pumping like crazy!!

And he's off!!

Running from the lake to 1st transition

Stripping his wetsuit!

 

Getting his biking gear on..

Almost ready!

And he's off again!

We went back over to the swim exit to look for Jayme. She started a few minutes after Jake so that gave us some time to watch both! That was neat, and I was excited for her to see she had lots of support there too. Her husband and two boys were there and her sister and nephew showed up while she was biking.

Go Jayme!
 

 The last stretch was the run and it was twice around the lake. Same transition area, that was really nice! We got to see them both finish the bike and then throughout a lot of the run since it was a double loop around the lake. By this time another one of our friends Nicole had shown up, so it was  a lot of fun for Jake and Jayme, and us spectators who were able to see them!

Here come's Jake!

Go baby, go!!

 

 

Beginning of the run

 

What a babe! SO dang proud!

Here comes  Jayme!

  

Jayme's started her run! Those are her boys and nephew waiting to slap her hand, so sweet!

Almost to the finish line!

SO close!

 

HE DID IT!

Proud wife!  

 



Jayme and Jake! Daybreak Tri 2014



Love these people!

 

Being there, watching these athletes get prepped, compete and finish was so inspiring.. it MAYBE has me considering trying out the Sprint distance, just to get a taste of it! :) Did I just put that in words? Oh boy!

Big congrats to Jake and Jayme. I am so proud of you guys! You're both amazing and absolutely inspiring! Thanks for setting such a good example for our friends, families and especially the kiddos :) A big thanks to JoLene and my mom for coming out and supporting Jake, it meant so much to him! :) Until next year!