about eight weeks ago, I decided I wanted to complete a triathlon before I turn 42 in August of 09. While this is a long way out, I am also pretty out of shape and knew I could not get it in before football camp opened. Once that happens, my weekends are mostly taken. So I set a date for next year while I keep training through football season and winter. anyway, you can read my blog from the first entry in May if you are interested in a fat 40 year old making this decision and commitment.

So, I come back from vacation to a note from my brother who offers to come down an run a super-mini with me in august - its designed for beginners and local to me - about 30 minutes away in Chapel Hill. Its early enough in the football season that I will not be spoken for on weekends just yet (although a week later and I could not). My brother and I could run together in the same age class although I do qualify for Masters-clydesdale and he is just masters (he is in shape and has run Tri's before). My 9 year old son heard me talking about it and he wants to try the tri. He has shown interest in doing a Tri for more than a month and has even been working out with me. He is already in better shape than me (he plays sports and is very active). My question is this - is it possible for the three of us to go together? I will, of course, reach out to race officials and ask but wanted to find out if this is generally acceptable or not. I was at White Lake, NC this year and saw a father running with his 10 year old son. I just don't know how they signed up class wise so they could go together. We don't care about trophies or series points or anything like that - we just want to participate.

Your thoughts and input would be appreciated.

Oliver

Triathlon is an individual sport but I wouldn't think a Race Director would even Marshall a small race meaning that you should be able to stick together without and issues. The only thing I encourage you to do is try and stay clear of people who are seriously competing. Three riders or even runners abreast and chatting could pose a serious danger if they're not paying attention. Good luck and be safe.

thanks and I agree on staying out of the way. Its a race designed for beginners and I have no problem staying out of the way of folks looking to win. I might get there one day, but not there yet. They can all start ahead of us and I am happy to keep us in single file in the slow lane.

Its an indie sport, but my brother is likely doing it with me to encourage me. He could easily dust me. I want to be near my son as he is only 9 and would want to make sure he went the correct directions and didn't get confused in his first race. I am also looking into youth specific events for him. I am just tickled at his interest.

Thanks for the support. I am certain to have more questions as I get closer to race day.