During the race she was bungee corded to her daughter Crystal in the half-mile swim. During the 12-mile cycle portion, Oswald and her daughter rode a tandem racing bike with Crystal captaining the bike and her mom doing all of the pedaling. During the three-mile run, the pair held on to a tether as they navigated the crowd.
"Our moves may not be exactly in sync, but we'll be tied together to "tri" together," Barbara quipped the week before the race. "Crystal has led me through some difficult terrain as a sighted guide downhill skiing. I'm confident we'll negotiate our way through the thousands of women participants on Sunday."
Participation in the Danskin Triathlon is geared to raises awareness and dollars for breast cancer research. Oswald credits Team Survivor NW, an organization providing women cancer survivors hope and healing through fitness, as one of her main sources of support and inspiration.
"My mother died of breast cancer, I survived it, and I don't want Crystal to have to meet this challenge. I'd like to pass on the legacy of perseverance and tenacity not cancer," said Oswald, noting that athletic activity significantly reduces cancer recurrence.
Crystal, who will return to Georgetown University as a senior in the School of Foreign Service has only had three weeks to prepare while Barbara has been training for several months. Their coach was Dr. Leyton Jump, M.D. from Tenino. It was his tandem they rode last Sunday, and Crystal had her first lesson only two weeks ago.
"One needs good communication, the right tools, a positive attitude and most of all, perseverance," Oswald said of the team effort with her daughter. "[Crystal] is a good student; she'll do well, since the key to success is showing up!"[[In-content Ad]]