Tri My Best

Carter did a really cool triathlon today.  The Tri My Best Triathlon pairs able-bodied kids with kids that have a disability so that they can complete a triathlon together as a team.  The race is not timed - the focus is on working together as a team and completing the race.

Carter was nervous about who he might be paired with.  He was unsure if he'd be able to help his buddy do everything (there were kids with physical disabilities and some with more mental challenges).  But I asked him to try it anyway because he would definitely be able to do it and he'd feel really good about it afterwards.  He agreed but was still hesitant.

Carter was paired with an awesome boy named Cohen.  Cohen is 6 years old and is going into first grade.  And though he still has some issues with nerves in his legs and has to wear braces, he's overcome so much and was able to do the race with very little assistance.  Carter really only had to give him some encouragement.

The swim was 50 yards.  Cohen wore a puddle jumper but was able to swim the entire length on his own!

Each team also had an adult buddy who helped the disabled child if they needed it (especially with their equipment - many of the kids had adaptive bikes and wheelchairs).

The bike was 0.75 miles.  Cohen had a regular bike with training wheels.  Cohen was all smiles whenever we saw the boys!

The last part of the race was a 0.4 mile run around the Vanderbilt indoor football field (it was a really cool place to finish the race!).

I'm super proud of both boys.  Cohen did an amazing job (when he was born, his parents were told he may not survive, and if he did, he'd never walk).  He ran so hard - it was unreal!  I'm so proud of Carter too.  He was still a little shy with Cohen, but I heard him giving Cohen encouragement and was so kind to him.  He even held up right at the finish line to make sure it was Cohen that ran through the tape being held up :)