Swim.

Bike.

Run.
That's what was happening with nearly 300 athletes at the Casco Bay YMCA's first ever triathlon this past weekend.  And yep, they could not have asked for better weather.  Or a greater group of people...volunteers and athletes alike.  As the race progressed, two things were abundantly clear: 1) There were definitely far more female athletes than male and 2) nearly every single athlete was beyond excited to be participating and even smiled or struck a pose as the camera lenses were fixed on them.


Photographer Sharyn Peavey and I had both agreed to donate our time to capture the event for the Y. And yes, even though this was a volunteer effort I was still a little nervous about shooting with Sharyn.  I get that way with new people sometimes.  Feeling like I won't stack up.  So, I stalked her site and blog a little to get to know her work.  She is simply amazing, so that didn't help any.  But really, the second I met Sharyn with little Lucia strapped to her back....ok, she is freaking adorable and sweet as can be.  And Lucia.  Can a four year old really be that content throughout four hours of mommy doing her thing? Well, this one can.

Alright, back to the ahletes...can we just say, how inspirational?  I love swimming, but I absolutely despise running.  Not to mention the old adage about never forgetting how to ride a bike....well I am not really sure how great my balance on two wheels is these days.  So, I think my part in a triathlon will have to stick to the behind the scenes work.  Although, these two girls sure made their day look like fun.  Competing as duathletes (meaning they did run, bike, run) #4 Nora Gross and #14 Ashley Stone started this race together....
...and they ended it together. They finished strong.  They finished with smiles.

Another important aspect of this race was the crowd support.  Volunteers lined the race route cheering the athletes on, as family and friends set up lawn chairs and held up homemade signs to show their support as well.  This little guy's sign had to be my favorite:)

For most competitors, this was their first triathlon.  And while some completed the duathlon portion and others created teams to form a relay, the important things was that they crossed that finish line.  

A finish line where volunteers were waiting to adorn the athletes with a commemorative medal and offer an icy cold water bottle for replenishment.

And to finish the race off, everyone cheered as first time triathlete, Angela Wheaton crossed the finish line.  Angela had volunteered to be the last place finisher to ensure that no one was left out on the course.  So really, last place isn't a bad thing after all and it definitely had a few inspired volunteers asking: How do I get that job?