The Olympic Triathlon competitions start next Saturday. My forever-twenty-nine-year-old dad rocks triathlons. In fact, he often beats out many younger participants. This healthy hobby is mentally and physically therapeutic for my father. It has also become a family affair. Occasionally other members will join him, like his lovely little granddaughter (above). What a great way to get children interested in a healthy lifestyle!
When I suggested we do a family-and-friends triathlon in the yard the girls were PUMPED. They reassured me they didn’t need help setting up the course because they’ve seen Grandpa participate 101 times. The event quickly turned into what I would lovingly call a game of “Calvin Ball.”
Below are 7 tips on making your family-and-friends triathlon
into a memorable adventure:
1. Give the participants a number. Use watercolor pencils to write numbers on the arms of the participants. Another option is to safety pin or tape a paper number to your child’s shirt.
2. Get the neighbors involved. An Olympic events is always more fun with spectators and additional athletes to compete against.
3. Let the children make up the rules. Give them the traditional triathlon guidelines (swim, cycle, run) and let them roll with it. In our version of the game we decided to ditch our bikes for a Trunki Triathlon.
4. Be an overly excited fan. Cheer like a maniac when you’re child pulls off amazing jumps, a fast lap, or a huge splash.
iPhonography Tip: Push the photo button down and hold it, when your child is flying through the air release the button. The phone snaps the shot upon release. It is a great way to get some fun action shots.
5. Make it educational & competitive. Have the children keep track of their course time and add the different runs together.
6. Participate. Don’t sit on the sidelines, get up and participate.
7. Cool down. Remember the importance of keeping cool. Make sure your athletes have water on hand. Want to do something special? Serve ice cream in the swimming pool afterwards. Make it memorable, get in the pool with them!
Let’s Lasso the Moon Tip: Shad and I love throwing coffee in the fridge after breakfast and saving it for a coffee float later in the day. It is the perfect combination of cool and “not too sweet.” YUM.
How are you and your family celebrating and preparing for the Summer Olympic Games? Let’s chat in the comments!