Rychen's Half-Ironman Triathlon

Rychen has many marathons and even a 50-miler under his belt, but this past week he took it to the next level as he completed his first long triathlon event. It was comprised of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run, which he finished in just over 6 hours, in the hot Nevada sun.

The swim was in lake Tahoe. We all stayed the night in a motel close-by and left at 5 am. Rychen started at 6:30 am. The kids and I shivered as we waited and watched from the "beach" as Rychen swam through the course, about 40 minutes. Then he transitioned to his bike and we drove by him on the early miles of the bike course several times cheering him on. The kids really got into it.

When we reached the finish line over an hour away, we had some time to shop and watch other competitors, waiting for Rychen to get to the second transition area (at Sparks marina). It's always nerve wracking waiting for an athlete to come in! Rychen P. was afraid he got lost or had a flat tire, and asked to say a prayer. (aww, gospel parenting success!) pretty soon afterward, he came in. I asked how he felt and he replied, "like I've been on a bike for 3 hours!" 

....but he still had 2 hours of running ahead of him!! (WOW)

As we waited for Rychen to run, we watched the winners finish their race, as well as the Ironman triathletes get off their 112 mile bike ride and into their marathon leg! (Can you imagine!?)

Oh I should mention it was almost 100 degrees out there.

Finally Rychen came across the finish! Alive! I doused him in water and pointed him in the direction of the pizza tent. Melan and Ethan came to congratulate him as well.

 - Sorry these pictures are out of order... 

Before he went out on the run, we were able to run out to him and he gave the kids hugs :)  It was really sweet.

Finished!

He took a few days to recover and a week later was back out with his competitive edge...at the Pocatello Marathon!