swimming, biking, running, and helping

With any big race come many emotional stories of endurance, hope, and pride. Several of my RWP/TFK teammates participated in the NYC triathlon a few weeks ago. You can read about what they did on Coach Adam's blog here. I'm not as hardcore as they are, so I was sleeping. But, a family friend recently shared a story with me about that day that is as amazing as the accomplishment of finishing such an intense race.

A few days ago, I attended a funeral service for the newborn son of a close family friend. The baby's death was truly a tragedy. He was very premature and wasn't able to leave the NICU. His entire family gathered at the hospital during the last few days of his short life to say their good-byes. On the way uptown, his grandparents got stuck in the middle of the NYC triathhlon. Traffic was completely stopped and roads were barricaded for the extraordinary athletes competing that day. My friends were understandably angry at the delay and overcome with grief at the thought of losing their grandson. A police officer on duty at the tri came to their aid, asking where they were going and what the situation was. The baby's grandfather is a fairly imposing man, and to see him broken with grief is a heartwrenching sight. Whatever the cause, something stirred inside the police officer, who motioned for the family to follow her. She escorted them through the triathlon and all the way to the front door of the hospital, where they were able to see their grandson just hours before he passed.

I love this story because it reaffirms my faith in humanity on the most basic level. Also, I am a social worker, and I love what the police officer did for this family in a moment of incredible need. One does not need to perform earth -shattering feats to be a hero(ine). Lastly, I think the NYC triathlon is a perfect backdrop for a story like this. In endurance sports, we always strive to PR, but this is proof that we can be our best selves outside the race, too.