Two and a half hours

… of running, biking, and rowing!

Joe’s mom, Deb, started out at 7 o’clock this morning for her triathlon to raise support and awareness for our trip. She said that she had the idea while sitting in front of her computer one night, and before she could rationalize the idea away, she posted it on Facebook so that she had to do it.

Today was d-day, and she set off with determination. Donna, Joe’s younger sister, rode behind Deb on her bike during the first stretch of the triathlon – a 5 mile run. After a quick stop for water and a few raisins, Deb hopped on her bike and was off again!

Donna holding water out for Deb as she rides past.

The kids, Donna, John, Joe, and Jen, drove ahead of Deb in a car and stopped to hold out water for the daring athlete. Every time the carload of supporters passed Deb, they cheered her on with love and adoration.

 

After 10 miles of biking, Deb hopped off her bike and jumped into a “splash boat” at Camp Luz. This was not before stopping to put on the appropriate safety gear, of course.

 

Donna, the ever-diligent athlete’s assistant.

Deb’s moral support.

The zealous kids jumped into a paddle boat to continue to cheer on their mother’s efforts, not to mention the picture-taking opportunities the paddle boat afforded.

At the two and a half hour mark, Deb pulled up to the camp’s boat dock, tossed off her life vest, and collapsed with exhaustion back into her boat. She had done it! Two and a half hours (15 1/2 miles) of running, biking, and rowing!

 

To make donations in honor of Deb’s courageous journey, please email the amount you’re donating to bulgariamst@gmail.com and then send a check to EMM with “Joe and Jen Horst” in the memo.