We did it. All of us. Me, Chuck, Joanna, Matt, Jen, Tierney, Ashlyn, Anderson, Sova, and Chuckie, ages 4 – 44, all completed our first triathlon. I knew it was going to be hard. Not because I’d have to swim, bike, and run, but because I’d have to ride through the spot where Michael had his accident during the previous year’s Mini-Mussel triathlon. And, boy, was that ever hard.
The kids triathlon was Friday evening. We went early and did our packet pick-up. That’s when the full weight of the weekend started to hit me. Posted all over were stories about Michael (and Lanlin Zhang who had died the next day during the half-ironman event). All the volunteers and race staff had memorial patches and all race bibs had “We Remember Michael Coyle and Lanlin Zhang” on them . When one volunteer handed me my packet with my race #, Mike’s race #, she said “We are all so happy to have you here. We are all thinking about you”. I truly felt the honor of being able to wear his bib.
We headed over to get the kids set up for their race. It was so amazing. We all had our Team Coyle shirts on and so many people came up to us, welcomed us, and offered words of condolence, support, and love. I really started to understand when people talk about being part of the Mussel Community.
MusselKids: Swim. Bike. Run.
Team Coyle Kids cross the finish and get their medals. Mary Eggers, a professional triathlete friend of Michael’s was the announcer this year. It was an honor to hear her call Team Coyle across the finish line.
After a pretty sleepless night it was time for our race. It was amazing. Not only did the five of us race, but we had a few more Team Coyle members out there as well. We had an amazing cheering section – family and friends that came to support us, not to mention all of the people also competing and shouts for Team Coyle from the crowds of people watching the race. Words cannot describe the amount of love and support we all felt the entire weekend. The race started with a few words from the race director and a moment of silence. Tears.
Chuck did break the bike course record. So proud of him!
And I did what I came to do. I brought #629 across the finish line.
And Chuck going back for run #2 with Jo since he loved it so much the first time (not!)
Finish Together – the shouts and cheers at this point with Mary announcing us through were powerful
More:
Finger Lake Times article (with photos) here
Syracuse Times article and video of Chuck (who did break the previous course record on the bike) here
Mary Eggers (professional triathlete, coach, and friend of Michael’s) blog here (brought me to tears)
The next day, Sunday, was the actual one year anniversary. Kristin and her brother had a brilliant idea and set up a softball game and party for the family and Mike’s longtime friends at Adam and Amanda’s house. Tears, stories, and a competitive sports game - I think Mike would have loved it.
I can’t imagine having spent that weekend any other way. I love you, Mike. I hope we made you proud.
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