Toughman!

Okay so my dad does triathlons. Last year was a weird year for our family and Dad had to drop out of the half Ironman that takes place in St. George. It was a sore spot for him and Mom and we were hoping that 2016 would be a better year. Unfortunately though, Dad couldn't sign up for it because we were out of work and it just didn't seem like that's what you should spend money on.

Well Utah County does it's own form of this race, but it's called a half Toughman. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run just like the half Ironman. Dad signed up for this one and we have all been watching him train and getting quite excited. The swim for this one takes place in Utah Lake which is kind of a gross lake to begin with, but just as we were headed up to Provo for the race we found out that Utah Lake had been closed. There was a toxic algae bloom going on and it could make you sick!

The race organizers tried everything to save the swim, but it just wasn't to be. Dad was a bit disappointed, but he was going to do the race no matter what. They ended up having everyone run the 1.2 mile distance and then do a slip n slide before transitioning to their bikes. Dad was only one of five guys in his wave that did the slide! Can you believe it? They all passed up a slip in slide! Crazy.

The Preslar ladies came down with us to Provo to cheer him on at the finish line. Emma, Cara, and I all sat and made up cheers as the finishers came in.

Dad did a FANTASTIC job. He finished just under his goal time of 5 hours. (With a swim, he would have hoped to be under 6.) He was pretty surprised to find out he averaged over 21 mph on his bike. He scared all of us little cheerleaders waiting for him because he got the dry heaves just after he crossed. Mom sat with him and got him moving and he bounced back quickly after that.

I promise his name is on here. He placed tenth in his age group!