Heroes Part 2 or my CapTex Tri Report

I posted about Heroes on Friday because of the upcoming TNT event I was to attend. Let me say, I met a lot of Heroes this weekend. This is the first year that I have attended the CapTex Tri and not participated as an athlete. I was there strictly as a coach and support person. I think this made all the difference in the world.

I left The Woodlands at about 6:00 AM Sunday morning with my three participants following closely behind. We had to be in Austin by 10:00 AM as I had to attend a mandatory coaches meeting. I actually took my bike and all of my triathlon gear with me. I don't know if it was just out of habit or if I really hoped to find some way to participate in the race on Monday. We arrived in Austin about 9:00 Am which gave me time to check into my hotel room, unload my car and freshen up from the drive.

After a rather uneventful meeting, I went to packet pickup to help Chad, Andres, and Angela get their packets. I ended up being the go to person for anyone TNT related as problems arose almost immediately. There were problems with one day USAT licenses to people trying to switch races. I was able to help or find the right person who could help.

Next was our "Inspiration Dinner". The last time I was in Austin, I was the featured speaker at the dinner. It felt so different being there as coach. The whole dinner was great and a true testament to what heroes these participants were. Collectively they had raised over $900,000.00 to find a cure for my type of cancer.

Race day was next. I have participated as the Honored Hero, the fund raiser, and now the coach. I have to say, my favorite is the coach. Once the race started, I moved over to my spot which was about 2.5 miles into the run. From there I was able to cheer for bikers and runners. I saw a group of disabled vets participating, many missing arms or legs. I saw professionals competing and I saw everyday people competing. I was there to help anyone of them that might need anything. I saw many of my friends doing this race and enjoyed every minute of it. The greatest moments a came though as I saw each of my three participants pass by me on their way to the finish line. As each one passed, A new set of tears filled my eyes. I am so proud of them and their accomplishments. They are truly heroes in my eyes and I will never forget them. Thanks Chad, Andres and Angela. It was a great weekend.