Austin TX recreation: Running, cycling, swimming, parks, Fit City

Swim, bike, run — and get engaged

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By Pamela LeBlanc | Monday, June 8, 2009, 04:15 PM

For Drea Bjornson, yesterday’s Danskin Women’s Triathlon didn’t end after the swim, bike and run. She added a fourth discipline — engagement.

Moments after the 25-year-old Austin athlete finished the race, her first triathlon ever, she spotted a crowd of friends she didn’t expect to see at the finish line. As she moved toward them, they parted to reveal her boyfriend, Ryan Haire.

Haire held a sign that said “Congratulations Drea!” Below that, it said “Will you marry me?”

He dropped onto one knee, she said yes, and the triathlon became one she’ll never forget.

“I was still trying to catch my breath,” she says. “His quote was ‘Hit ‘em while they’re tired.”

Bjornson and Haire, a job placement specialist, met in college at the University of Miami and have been dating six years. They moved to Austin two years ago. She’ll head to law school in the fall and they plan to marry in about a year.

As for the triathlon, Bjornson says it won’t be her last, although it’ll be a tough one to top. Her goal was to finish in 2 hours. She smashed that, wrapping up the half-mile swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run in 1 hour and 46 minutes.

“I was hooked before the proposal,” she says. “Now I have really good feelings about triathons. It was an absolutely magical day all around.”

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By Kevin Huff

June 8, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

Pamela, My name is Kevin Huff, I am the owner of the Water Monster you mentioned in your article for the Danskin event. Our service is designed for any large outdoor events that require large amounts of water. Our tanks are 125 gallons with 8 spigots around them. At this time we can set up 10 tanks at one event, with the ability to do multiple refills. We also bring ice, tables, shade tents and provide trash service. One of our goals is to reduce the amount of wasted bottles that end up in the landfill. If you or anyone you know needs this service I can be reached at 512-563-1737.

Thanks, Kevin Huff

By James Sicily

June 21, 2010 2:49 AM | Link to this

Wow, that water monster is just too cool. I have an event each week where we could use up to 10 of these water providing devices set up. Very nice. And so green too, saving all that plastic.

Regards - James