Will can tri!

Will has been watching Taylor and me race in bike races and now triathlons, so naturally Will has been itching to have a go. There was a kids tri put on by one of the international schools here, so we registered Will. When we asked Will if he wanted to do a tri race he said, "Ya, but you have to let me win!" 

25 meter swim, 400 m bike, and 350 m run. We talked a lot about what would happen in the race, just to prep him, and he made clear to me on one specific point--I had to pump my fist in the air and shout, "GO WILL! GO WILL!" over and over and over throughout the race.

I also had to make sure he understood that not everyone can win, and that's ok! This is something to do for FUN! He was like, "NO, that's not how it works. If you don't win, you lose."

He's very competitive, and often gets super upset if he doesn't win games he's playing, bike rides, races up the stairs, you name it. He doesn't take a loss very well. I tried to explain to him that not being the first in something doesn't always mean a loss. I also explained to him that there were older kids in the race, with longer legs, and bigger bikes, and that he might not cross the line first.

I didn't know if he got the point. So I was a little bit worried about how he'd take it. 

 Getting ready for GO time.

 They ran the 4-6 year olds, and 7-8 year olds at the same time (7-8 year olds were in the next lane), so I was never sure his actual placement on the bike and run.

 Just chillin' with his kick board,

 checking out his placement.

 They wouldn't let parents in the transition area to help. Seriously??? He's 4!  However, they did have volunteer helpers who did a great job.

 passing a fellow friend on the bike. Will is on the red bike.

 Passed the friend.

 He's looking back to rub it in.

 In transition...

 To the run. 

 "I'm going to catch all you suckers!"

 He caught all of them in that pack.

 Good form!

 This kid has determination

 and grit! "GO WILL! GO WILL!"

It was hard for me to continuously yell out, "GO WILL!" over and over because I was trying to take photos, and because I kept getting choked up about it all. I was so proud of him for wanting to do this. A couple days before the race he wanted to leave the house earlier for school so he could have time to "practice" biking before the actual bike ride to school.

On another day he wanted to practice and had me hold a mock bike and run race. I was impressed with his desire and efforts. We have been talking to him about 'practice'. If you want to be good at something you have to work for it.

 FINISH LINE!

 When they gave him a medal he was happy, but also confused, "They gave everyone the gold medal?!"

Is it good to give out finishers medals to everyone? Or just top 3? I don't want him to learn that he can always get 'the gold medal' even if he doesn't win. Does that teach that no matter the effort, however great or small, you will be rewarded? Does this promote mediocrity? Sometimes I over analyze.

He was super happy with his medal, and at the end asked to do it again because he forgot to put up both his arms as he crossed the finish line…

Will, you're one awesome kid!