In all of my races, none make me the most proud as the ones where I get to race with my family.  Whether it’s my wife, kids or parents, it truly is a special time to have the family involved with triathlon as most recently published in USA Triathlon Magazine.  On Aug. 5th, I raced Ironman Boulder 70.3 with my dad rounding out one of his last races in the M65-69 age group.

 We brought up the whole family this year, and among a few days of manning the tent for PowerBar, race day came sooner than later and we were both ready to race.  The day before, my parents celebrated their 44^th wedding anniversary over some Fondue up in Keystone so the race was a fun way to top off the weekend.

 After we set up our bikes in transition, we both sat in the car and talked about how we were looking forward to race.  Before long, 7:15 hit and my dad was on his way in the water.  45 minutes later I was swimming wondering where I would catch him on the course.  My swim went well and led the M35-39 out of the water and was feeling great!  I confidently hopped on my QR CDO.1 and Challenge Tires and was on my way.  I was leading until about mile 30 or so and was passed by one other person in my wave.  I kept on pushing through the quick, 2 loop 56 mile bike course.  By the end of loop 2 I finally saw my dad sporting his PowerBar Team Elite racing kit and slowed a bit to encourage him.  He was clearly enjoying his race which gave me more energy in return.  I finished the bike in 2:14, a good time for me on this course for sure!  I came into T2 with a few others and went out on the run.  I felt good, not great, but good.  This 2 loop run is not very shaded, but made sure to wear a hat vs. a visor for holding ice.  My run was a little slower than last year but I still enjoyed my race almost the entire time.  In the last ½ mile I caught my dad on his 1^st loop and we both yelled out “Rock N Roll!” to each other and I finished in 4:08 – good for 3^rd in my age group which is always fast.  I was happy with my time, but as for the place?  Well, that’s how it goes sometimes, but I did my best.  I was proud to race along side fellow Timex teammates, Brian Schaning, Dave Erickson, and Christine Anderson – always great to see the Timex colors out on the course!  Only 3 races left:  Vegas, Malibu, and Kona.  I can’t believe the season goes so fast!

 My dad later found out that he placed 5^th in his age group and proudly went on the podium.  We were so proud of him…look out M70-74 next year!