Ironman!

This summer at Scout Camp, Heathen #1 had a phenominal week!  He came home exhausted but very happy with himself.

This year was the first time he's been old enough to compete in the Ironman competition - the age requirement is 14.  For being one of the youngest competitors, he did really well - he finished in 4th place!

The competition starts with a swim across the width of the lake - approximately 3/4 of a mile.  The swim is followed by a one-mile run.  The last segment is a one-mile canoe paddle to the finish line.

The way the course is laid out, parents can watch the swim across the lake.  Then the run takes the scouts out of sight into the woods.  Then everyone just stands around watching the edge of the lake waiting for the canoes to come into sight.  It is a VERY long 20-30 minutes until the canoes start to arrive!

Heathen #1 did a phenomenal job!  He came out of the swim in 2nd place.  He's never been much of a runner, which is the segment of the competition where he dropped behind a bit.  But he held his own in the paddling.

Considering that he was competing again 17- and 18-year-olds, he did a GREAT job.  I was so proud of him!

Well done, Heathen.