You don't need vision to be a Visionary

Memorial Day weekend,  I took my 9 year old Beau to the USA Para-Triathlon National Championship which was run in conjunction with the Capitol of Texas Triathlon.  We did the Expo Sunday and then watched the race Monday.  The whole experience was wonderful. 

The event sold out with 3000 participants registered.  Professionals, amateurs, first timers and the para-athletes, it was amazing.  But the best part by far was watching my son as he cheered on the para-athletes, running up to high five and hug them as they came across the finish line.

First the expo, Sunday May 26th

"em dot" IronMan logo

As we pulled into the parking lot of the Palmer Event Center I noticed the signs of triathletes every where.  Stickers on cars, 70.3, 140.6 and "em dots" everywhere.

Every other car had a bike rack sporting a bike that cost more than my first car (some more than my current car)  We parked and gawked at the bikes.  I pointed out the different brands and features to Beau as we walked to the center. 

There were thousands of people there.  Most picking up race packets.  Beau was alert to handicapped athletes but he never pointed.  We made it thru the line of racers and started working the booths.

Exercise equipment, supplements, publications, gear, rehab, other events, lots of cool swag.  we got bags, t shirts, water bottles, samples of energy bars, drink mixes, even got a free 15 minute massage.

I was surprised at the absence of vegan options.  Egg Whites and whey protein dominated the offerings.  As did aspartame in the drinks.  There is a need for a vegan line of food & drink products for athletes.  Soy protein, cocoa and natural enzymes...make a note, call Cliff Bar.

We came we saw we snacked and scored 6 logo giveaway backpack bags full of goodies.  It was a productive day.

Race day, Monday May 27th.

We got to the race about 7am and everything was in full swing.  With 3,000 racers and their family and friends it was really crowded by the time we got there. 

The swim was underway and Beau wanted to jump in Lady Bird Lake.  He wondered why they were swimming so slow.  I explained that it was a long distance race.  The athletes were swimming 1,500 meters.  Beau normally swims 50 meters at a time. It took him a minute to get that.  15 laps in the big pool. 

We checked out the transition area and then headed to the finish line.

The music was cranking.  We staked out some seats on the top of the bleachers and Beau and I wondered around.  He then spotted his first hand crank bike.

After watching the bikes and then the transition to wheelchairs for a while Beau said "It's really sad that these guys got hurt and have these handicaps, but its so cool that they can do everything we can do"  I told him some of them can do more than I can do buddy.

Then he really surprised me.  As first Para-athletes started coming thru the finish line Beau lept off the bleachers and ran to the back of the finish area.  I was late in responding and ran after him but he was already in among the finishers, high fiving and hugging.  I stopped and watched.  He is compassionate and his energy (boundless, overflowing and mostly positive) is often directed outward.  He is a loving, giving kid.

One of the blind competitors, running with a guide tethered by a rope, took off his wrist band and gave it to Beau, it said "You don't need vision to be a Visionary".  That opened a conversation about the word vision for the rest of the day.  I am so proud of my son. 

We ended the day stopping by a field of flags planted in honor of those who lost their lives in defense of our freedom.  It was Memorial day after all.

A great weekend with the people I love. 

I think I'll run in the CapTexTri next year.  Maybe Beau can volunteer. Make it a father son thing.