Evotri Youth Triathlon Sunday

Okay, back to a little regularly scheduled triathlon talk!

So, I had really high hopes for the Evotri Youth Initiative this year. I started a blog here, and contacted 28 different coaches in 5 school districts to recruit new triathletes. But I found that the whole concept of "summer training" seemed to scare a lot off. The coaches were afraid that they'd have to do something, despite my insistence that I would take care of the workouts. The 42 kids I had express interest managed to find excuses of why they couldn't make it--many legit, but excuses nonetheless. And then, to top it all off, one of our most dedicated awesome kids from last year got a nasty injury and has had a boot all summer--poor girl...ugh. So I was kind of bummed out.

But, I keep trying to remind myself, that this is why everyone in the world is NOT a triathlete. It is not easy. It requires hard work and consistent dedication. And to that end, I have three very persistent, talented, dedicated, all-around awesome girls who are making it to the starting line this Sunday.

And I'm so proud of them.

Brittney is a runner who is wicked talented. She's put a lot of time in on the bike and done awesome at the open water swims we've held this year. She has a borrowed road bike to ride on courtesy of some awesome people and I have a feeling she's just going to smoke this course. She's a super coachable kid, and is always willing to put in extra time and effort to make herself better and encourage others.

Ashley is a repeat from last year, and she's so excited to do her second triathlon! She bought herself a nice bike because she enjoyed the sport so much and really wants to continue it (yay! one of my goals) and has bounced back from an injury requiring surgury and a wheelchair this winter. Ashley always has a smile on her face and approaches each workout with determination. I can't wait to see how she does Sunday!

And Madison is a freshman from another school district that joined us this year. Here's a girl who doesn't know me, doesn't know Ashley or Brittney, and just pours her heart and soul into training. I am SO PROUD of Madison! She has come so far from our first open-water swim. I know she'll do so well this season in Cross Country (even if it is for our rival high school!) and I can't wait to see all her hard work pay off Sunday!

So there is one more thing we're doing--a pasta dinner tomorrow. We're going to pick up packets and then meet for some pasta, garlic bread, and other goodies and talk about race day. It will be fun to celebrate all the hard work the girls have done and live vicariously through them as they get to experience a race. I can't wait!

Last but not least, I have to say HUGE UPS to my triathlon big bro and sis, Eric and Aimee. They have been phenomenal this year and not only have trained for major races themselves, but given their time and energy to training with these three girls. I simply can't say enough about the selflessness of these two people. There is no way I could have done this without their help.

No way.

I know the girls appreciate everything you guys have done, but that pales in comparison to how much I value your friendship and your help this summer. Thanks for everything. To the millionth power.

Now, onto race day...and can I just say how excited I am, despite the fact that I'm not racing?! This is going to be awesome. I'll report after the race Sunday with lots of pictures and stories!

GO GET 'EM, LADIES! :)