Theodor's competiton-fever! (Report of June 15th, 2006)

On the past June-weekend (10th/11th) it finally was time: Theodor was registered for his first triathlon in his still young athlete-career. Heaven was brightly blue, the sun was shining, when our little athlete and his two trainers and carers hit the road on Saturday afternoon for a one-hour-ride to the place where the competition would take place. Theodor should start at the M-distance, which means 2 kilometres swimming, 60 kilometres cycling and 14 kilometres jogging. Markus should take care of him and accompany him during the whole distance. A real challenge for the once lazy teddy!

Unhurriedly, the three of them picked up the documents Theodor needed for his competition the next day. Theodor almost was delirious with joy when finding out there was a pasta-party for the participants. Strictly observed by his carers he was allowed to stow away an adequate portion of the delicious carbohydrates.

Back in the hotel, the last preparations werde made: the clothes were arranged and stored in the designated bags for the different transition areas. The equipment was checked one last time, including the racing bike.

After that, our furry friend went to bed early with a pounding heart. Already at 6.30 the next morning night was over. Weather promised to get amazing - but that was a great danger, too: The sudden change in weather and the unfamiliar heat can press an athlete during a hard competition.

Breakfast was really silent, but after that the three went towards the starting point. The lake had a temperature of only 18°C. Lucky that we have these sexy neoprene-suits! Out three IRONteddys were early enough to make their last preparations unhurriedly.

At 9.37 there was a deafening cannon beat. After a short moment of shock almost 1.800 participants rushed into the water. In the following crush of arms and legs, viewers could not discover a trend in the competition. Not until the change onto the bike, Martina caught sight of Theodor and Markus. In front of our heros there was a hilly cycling-route. For the next 2 hours (until the next change), Martina had to wait for the arrival of the two boys.

But Theodor was aglow with happiness over when arriving in the transition area. He quickly put on his jogging shoes and started for the last 14 kilometres. As the route was composed of two rounds of 7 kilometres, this discipline was the best one for the viewers - which again demanded a great deal of our ace. With 32°C in the shadow every cooling was welcome. Some friendly residents had such a pity on the participants that they hung their hosepipes over their fences and spent a shower to the athletes.

After 3 hours and 50 minutes Theodor and his companion passed the finishing line jubilating. After some rest, Theodor was already able to think about eating. As reward he received a steak which he ate satisfied until the last small crumb was gone.

Just before driving home, the muscles were relaxed a bit. The way home was really quite - Theodor fell asleep with a satisfied mumble immediately. Obvious, what he dreamed of!