We started race season a little earlier this year! Winter training consisted of treadmill running at our local YMCA combined with some early morning rides before school, an occasional post-school ride, and weekend rides on indoor trainers. Gavin and Brody were ready to hit the race course again! Dad found the Northeast Park Duathlon in Gibsonville, NC. This was the perfect race to continue our trend of incorporating a race with a vacation. Securing the bikes with our new Kuat rack, we headed to Disney for warmer temperatures, a change of scenery, and family time. To prepare for the race, the boys enjoyed some light training around our resort property.
We experienced a great time on vacation; but on the drive home, we were saddened by the sudden loss of the boys’ grandmother. The distance prevented us from being with her. Knowing how much she loved watching the boys race, the family chose to proceed with our plans for the race. It was bittersweet, but the boys dedicated their race to Gran.
The race afforded the opportunity to use some new equipment. Following months of indoor training, Gavin finally experienced the thrill of racing on the road with his new Cervelo P series 105 triathlon bike. Both Gavin and Brody wore their new Oakley ARO7 helmets. Although the morning was much colder than we anticipated, Gavin and Brody persisted until crossing the finish line.
With 132 athletes, this was the largest duathlon the boys have competed in. Gavin and Brody appreciated the experience of more competition at their age level. Brody’s struggle with the cold slowed him, but he finished 119/ 132. Gavin placed 5/10 for the males ages 15-19, but placed 18/ 132 overall.
The start of the 2022 race season brought some highs and lows, but we are looking forward to an exciting race season ahead!
Team AFR 