It Runs in the Family: Triathamom and Big Cottonwood 2018

Twenty years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine running, particularly on purpose.  Twenty years ago, it would likewise have been hard to imagine raising a teenage daughter.  Yet here I am twenty years later developing a mother-daughter tradition of racing with my cute teen.

 Two days before school started, Brooklyn and I participated in our second annual Triathamom.  (You can read all about the first one here.)

I was a bit nervous going into the race because we weren't fully trained.

I needn't have worried.  Brooklyn did awesome.   Here we are just starting our swim.

And here's Brooklyn cheering through the run, even though it's her least favorite part.

Persevering through the last brutal hill with some encouragement from Daddy Jason.

Victory!  Now time for some tasty treats.

This bagel was well-earned.

Because all moms need photos with their (grown-up) babies.

Many thanks to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles for making the drive down from Logan to support us in our race.  Your cheers are always our favorite.

Afterward, we enjoyed a celebratory brunch at the Ridge Market Cafe.

And just for the record, here's a print out of Brooklyn's results.  She finished twelve minutes faster than last year.  Nicely done, Buttermilk!  And well done Triathamom.  I'd highly recommend this event to any woman looking for a triathlon experience in a supportive environment.  I love how Triathamom draws women of all abilities, ages, and sizes.  The mantra this year was "my race, my pace."  No matter what your pace, Triathamom will definitely cheer you on.

Speaking of continuing athletic traditions, in September Talia ran her third half marathon.

She rocked the Big Cottonwood Half for the second time, racing again with her amazing coach and running buddy, Tara.  You can read all about their first race here.  Training may be hard, but running with Launch Team makes it so much easier.  Here they are enjoying Creamies after a challenging round of hill repeats.

And here's the team in our neighborhood at the summit of our "U" run.

Back to the Capitol for some more refreshment.

Here's Talia at the expo the day before her big race.

The entire group met bright and early on race day.  (As in 4:30 am.  Whenever the alarm goes off on race day, I wonder why we pay money for such torture.)

Talia with her running buddies Tara and Eva on the bus.  It makes me chuckle to see Eva's little sister Erin sound asleep.  

So what's up with the pillows?

These crazy girls actually ran with these pillows for five miles just so that they could have a pillow fight in front of the race photographer.

Don't know what the goofballs are doing in this picture, but it's pretty entertaining.

Isn't this how everyone behaves during a half marathon?  Triple decker piggy back rides.

When I met up with these racers at mile ten, Talia picked up the pace and bolted for the finish.  In fact, she sprinted through the finish line so quickly that the race photographer missed her.  At least we have a couple great pictures of Tara.

Thanks Tara and thanks Coach Rayna for yet another terrific season.  Talia adores Launch Team so much that she can't wait a whole year to do it again and hopes to train with you again for Vegas in the spring.

P.S.  Talia ran her race in 2:08, finishing eleventh in her age category.  So proud of you, ReddiWip!