Triathlon Triumph.

I remember the first time someone called me an athlete.  I don't think I'll ever forget it.  I've always been active, but most of the sports I was associated with when I was young were considered more "artistic" than athletic (stupid).  I was a gymnast for a while, a competitive figure skater at one point, I danced from the time I could walk until the time I graduated from college...those types of things.  But, it was when I was having some issues with turf toe while I was in training for running my first marathon that my sports medicine doctor said while I was fretting in his office one day, "Colette, don't worry too much about this.  A lot of competitive athletes get turf toe.  We'll keep it taped and iced and you'll be fine."  I had never been called an athlete before.  Ever.  It was such an amazing feeling!  I was an athlete!  A real one!  I'm to the point now, in my life, where I don't ever not want to be considered an athlete.  I'll always need something active in my life.  Right now, it's running.  Later on it could be swimming or I think sand volleyball would be really fun to pick up, or surfing!!

Anyway, today I got to witness some fine athleticism.  Gianluca competed in a triathlon today...I'm totally hooked...  I want to compete in a triathlon!!!  Of course, at this point in my life it's completely and totally unrealistically expensive and will not fit into my budget at all.  I chose running as a hobby and sport because it's easy to do on your own or with a group and it's something you can do anywhere with little "gear."  Also, aside from the shoes that need to be changed out a couple times a year, it's really cheap!  Triathletes spend a lot of money...

I'm still inspired though.  It was so much fun to cheer Gian on.  It also was fun to watch a bunch of sweaty Italian men run past me consecutively.  The scenery in Italy is one of my favorite things about this place...

Peace, Love and Travel,
Reba

Go #307!!  Via via via!!

Getting his numbers put on.

A friend, Mauro from swim team.

Gun show.

Pre-race with the fan section.

A smiling face in a sea of blue caps!

1st leg!

Here he comes!!  Fresh out of the water.

Prepping for the 2nd leg.

The empty space once all competitors had started the biking portion.

Gian is first in this line.

Done with the 2nd leg!!

On to the 3rd!!  The last portion is a 5K.

This guy came in 1st place...I'm sure you can see why.

High five (batti cinque) right before the finish line!!

"Eeeww gross, no hug."

This will do.

Family pic with the self timer!  Success!