Diapers, dunes and a diva

She was not competing this weekend as she played the leading part anyway and, therefore, there was not really any reason to compete. She was on the island to support mum, who competed in the Tri-Ambla off road triathlon. She felt she had to. 1km swimming in a 15 degrees salty sea, 36km of dune- and beach cycling on an MTB, and 12km hilly off road running deserved support, she thought, and mental care. 

So there she was at the start lying in her baby stroller playing with her shoe laces. Dad was trying to entertain her, but she really couldn't care less. Well, the one time he offered some fruit juice, she did care. She always cared about fruit juice, but got it served only twice a day, which, according to her, was way too less for a lady with panache.

Just before the start of the race, when she was really entering the realm of boredom, she found out how to untie her shoes. She had never managed to remove her shoes before so dad was really surprised to notice that one of her shoes was lying on the road. Even though she had never done this before, she was also convinced that untying your shoes isn't that special, so therefore, it was a bit overdone to receive compliments for such a trivial deed.

She was a bit scared when the mass of black swim suits started moving, but the uncomfortable feeling was gone when dad pointed her attention to mum, who passed by. When mum dove into the sea, dad decided it was time for coffee and apple pie in the restaurant next to the transition area. She couldn't agree more. The apple pie that dad had ordered came straight out of the fridge, which was a total bummer. She had been looking forward to some bites, but once the first cold apple part went down her throat, she preferred cuddling with Ieniemienie. Dad was also disappointed, but finished his pie quickly. About twenty minutes had passed by in between the start and now, so mum could come out of the water any moment. Dad was lucky. Mum was entering the transition area the moment they left the restaurant.

dad and a diva in a baby stroller

After mum left the transition area for her journey on the MTB, dad decided to go back to the apartment, where they stayed for the weekend. The apartment was close by, but the walk was boring, so she decided to have a power nap.

Back in the apartment she saw that dad had changed. He wasn't wearing his grey shorts anymore with his army green hoody. He wore his compression socks, his silly athletics shorts and a training shirt. Dune running with me in the baby stroller is out of the question, she thought, so what was he thinking? Thinking about the answer wasn't necessary as dad explained to her that he would run for an hour (he explained he had to compete in a team, whatever that was) and that she would be in safe hands. The only thing she considered to be in safe hands was a sandwich with hazelnut spread.

A few minutes before they had to leave for the second transition zone to drop off dad and to cheer for mum, dad became clearly nervous as he was heading for the bathroom several times. A good example tends to be followed so she thought dad would appreciate it when he had to change diapers the moment they had to leave. Dad's big sigh confirmed her belief that she had perfectly timed her action just twenty minutes before dad's run. It was just a statement to make sure that she was really playing the leading part that day.

At the second transition area, she kissed dad good bye for his 12km run. After the many kilometers she had been running with dad (whilst sitting in the baby stroller) she was sure he would manage. She cared more about mum, who was fighting the elements on her MTB. It was mums big day of the season and definitely the toughest day since that day she joined the family. Mum was the one that counted today, not dad, he was just going for a workout.

When mum entered the transition area, she was quickly gone for her run. Most probably mum didn't notice her, but she actually didn't mind. She decided to enjoy the sun and was sure that if she would manage the next hour, mum and dad would definitely manage.

It was only one hour ago that dad left and there he was again. He looked pretty satisfied about his run even though he claimed to have missed one turn which made him run more than the required distance. Dad had seen mum on his way and she also had seen mum. Even though she did not intend to do so, she had cried for a couple of seconds when mum passed by. Mum gave all she got and her tears were a sign of pride.

The race day ended fantastically. After about three hours and forty minutes mum was heading for the finish. Together with dad she cheered. When mum passed by she initiated a high-five that was warmly welcomed. Mum was clearly relieved that she made it and would soon be back to direct all her attention to the one that really mattered. After all, triathlon is nice, but she is much nicer. 

On the way back to the apartment it was getting windy and a bit cold. Dad gave her her star spangled scarf which she folded around her neck as if she was a diva. There was no doubt, she played the leading part.