Claire's triathlon story begins this spring when she was invited to attend an Easter social for special needs families at the Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA. While at the social, we came upon a booth which had a pamphlet for an annual bike riding camp called "Lose the Training Wheels." I was hesitant about signing up Claire because she showed no interest in attending a camp to learn to ride a bike. Many years ago, she did try to learn to ride a bike. Like most children with special needs, she only rode with training wheels. The years came and went as did her desire to want to ride a two wheel bike. Claire is 20 years old. Why ride a bike? How about drive a car, listen to cool music, talk on her cell phone, or text her friends. My purpose for Claire to attend this camp was for her to try new challenges. I thought her lack of interest and fear might hold her back. Hoping she would get past the fear, the experience would instill a sense of accomplishment and build self confidence. According to Claire, the first day of her camp was tough. She was tired because she had to pedal 75 minutes on modified bikes with rollers. By Thursday, she was riding on her own. On Friday, she begged me to buy her a bike! 20 years of emotions ran through me. Failure was not an option for her any more! She did it. She tried something new and succeeded! Susan Hayden, founder of Rocketkidz foundation, happened to see the "homemade" video of her bike camp on facebook (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtFhVcpqWKk). Knowing Claire could swim, she invited Claire to participate in the annual Rocketkidz Triathlon held at Louisiana State University on 7-31-2011. In late June Claire began to train for the event by swimming two to three times a week, bike riding three to four times a week and attending circuit training fitness classes a twice a week. We invited many of our family and friends to come a cheer her along for her special day. Claire was blessed to have three shadows, people who assist race participants. Their energy and encouragement motivated Claire to succeed and finish her race! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlFamIvAh5I) That evening friends and family celebrated her achievement with a "congratulations" cake. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the wonderful blessings (fellowship, family, support, and love) this day would bring. By her expression and outward interactions, she appeared to feel that sense of pride that comes with conquering your fears! Claire experienced a sense of accomplishment that will carry her to a new level of life achievements. Praise God for this day! Way to Go Claire: 50 meter swim, 1.5 mile bike ride, 1K run - Time 33:18. '