Another Racer in Our Family

Getting his race number

Showing off his medal!

Nervously running with Daddy!

Ready to race!

Walking with Aunt Leslie

James is not the only racer in our family. Aaron has also participated in some races. He is not a strong swimmer, so he has not done a triathlon yet. He has ran in several races, though. His very first one was in Galveston, TX in April of 2010. He ran in the "Little Lone Star" race. He was a bit nervous, so his daddy ran with him. We were very proud of him. We were especially proud that he ran, even after falling earlier in the day and scraping up his leg!

Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake

When you win a lottery slot to Ironman Hawaii, you must prove yourself in order to keep your slot. You do so by completing a 1/2 or a full Ironman race prior to arriving in Hawaii. James had already planned to race the Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake race in June, so completing it will hold his slot for Kona.

On June, 26, James's race day will begin at 6:30 am with a 1.2 mile swim around Buffalo Springs Lake. After he exits the water, he will get on his bike for a 56 mile ride through the Texas countryside. There are 8 challenging hills on this "out of town, farm to market" road course. After his bike ride, he will then run a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) along a "partially shaded, tough, scenic course". There are three different challenging hills on this run. When he finishes in less than 8 hours, he will receive a medal and the satisfaction of knowing he is set to compete in Hawaii!

BSL is a great place to practice for Hawaii. The average race temperature is around 90 degrees F, but back in 1994 they had record breaking temperatures of 113 degrees F! Should that be the case, the boys and I will be cheering for him from our air conditioned hotel room!

Workouts

James's grandmother is very sick. He went to visit her this weekend, and took a break from training. But, it was training as usual yesterday. He rode his bike for 3 hours and then ran for 20 minutes. Today, he got up at 4:00 am and went to the gym. He swam 2000 meters and ran for 30 minutes.

Fans Around the World

We are very excited that we now have visitors to our blog from 8 countries and 4 different continents! Thanks to everyone who enjoys our blog!

Taking a Break!

"Fuzzy Wuzzy" is the kindergarten bear. The kids take turns bringing him home and then they write about their adventures with him.

Rylan and his "teachers". He even got a certificate. It says "This certificate is awarded to Rylan Garris for being cute and making our Wednesday nights so much fun!!!"

Daddy and "Fuzzy Wuzzy" eating a hot dog!

Sometimes you just have to take a break from all the training. Last night, we had the end of the year celebration at our church. We ate hot dogs (junk food!) and just had a good time as a family!

Ironman shopping

Rylan and Daddy dreaming about a new bike! (Anyone want to donate one?)

Rylan trying on a race belt.

For long distance runs, many runners like to have a "race belt". This allows them to refuel with the calories and electrolytes that their bodies need to allow them to run longer.

Rylan was a big help in picking out a race belt!

Finish Line at New Bern

Feeling good after the race!

Finishing strong!