That’s one and that’s it.
When Clement Allen and his daughter Jamila Allen made a New Year’s solution in 2009 to compete in a triathlon, they didn’t know where their running adventure and connection to their family circle would take them.
“I was hoping she would pass away to prevent it and I wouldn’t have to do this and I could go back to my general life,” Clement Allen, 58, said with a smile.
Leave?
“There are years where I’m still thinking about it, maybe we’ll take a break,” said Jamila Allen, 33, a former Chiles High softball player. “I don’t need to let him down. We don’t love him anymore either. “
“Every year he asks, ‘What’s the career?”
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The “normal life” of the couple their respective professions.
Clement, a local from Augusta, Georgia, is an associate professor in Florida A. ‘s Department of Computer Science and Information Sciences (CIS).
Outside of work, his days and weeks for the past thirteen years have included triathlons (swimming, cycling and running), marathons (26. 2 miles) and road races such as the popular Tallahassee Turkey Trot in Southwood.
This father-daughter combo is a familiar sight that crosses the final lines.
They have also traveled nationally and around the world to participate in races, competing together in the 2018 Isuzu Ironman 70. 3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
Earlier this month, they finished Ironman Florida (2. 4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of motorcycling and 26. 2 miles of running) in Panama City Beach. Jamila finished in thirteen hours, 20 minutes, 59 seconds; Clement at 15:53. 18.
Nor are they in their age range, but the goal is to finish. The couple also launched other modalities on race day.
“I think as long as I cross the finish line, it’s fine,” Jamila said. “I fought in my lap times. He’s smiling, clapping. I’m more in one zone, I check to position myself. “
In April, Jamila was overjoyed when she ran her first Boston Marathon. The historic occasion returned to its classic Patriots Day position on the calendar for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began in 2019.
Allen his purpose through a time of less than 4 hours in 3:37. 36.
Neither Clement nor Jamila imagined that a New Year’s solution more than a decade ago would become a lifestyle.
However, it is.
It also strengthened their base of acceptance and support.
“I honestly didn’t know where this came from,” Clement said of her daughter’s preference for competing in a triathlon. We play together. “
Combining the solution with Google searches and educational advice from others, the duo signed up for the Freedom Springs Triathlon in Marianna in the summer of 2009. The fast quarter-mile distance of swimming, 10 miles of cycling and 3. 1 miles of running is ideal for beginners. triathletes, who were the Allens at the time.
“Jamila ranked third in her age group. I saw it in his eyes. She was hooked,” Clement said.
Clement is also addicted.
Together, the couple has seniors (double-digit weekly hours) and distances over the years. There were aches and pains, aches and pains, but they also balanced the fine line between maximum functionality and fatigue.
“I pay attention to my body,” Clement said. I exercise hard, but I don’t exercise excessively. I monitor excessive exercise. “
The duo finished nine Ironman races with the goal of achieving 12 over the next 3 years. That would generally qualify them as part of the national organization’s Legacy program for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
The occasion has been held annually in Hawaii since 1978 and is one of the most challenging, if not the most challenging, one-day sports races.
“I better get away with it,” Clement said. “That’s one of the reasons we do at least one (Ironman) a year. I told him I wasn’t getting any younger. “
The pair were identified for their racing prowess.
Clemente the Gulf Winds Track Club’s Men’s Triathlete of the Year in 2015; Jamila, the Gulf Winds Track Club’s female triathlete of the year in 2016.
Their race schedules are very varied.
They have participated in several Tallahassee marathons, Turkey Trots (also registered this year) and established local events.
They are also the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
The couple has been close. Clement coached Jamila in softball when she was young. The career brought them closer together as father and daughter.
And triathletes.
“It’s been a lot of fun and it’s beyond me each and every year we’ve done this,” Jamila said. “He tells me each and every year that he doesn’t get any younger. He says they want to win 12 (ironman races to qualify for Hawaii). Every year, we continue to check them.
“I love seeing him on the field. “
1-mile Turkey Gobbler Race: 8:00 a. m.
Turkey Trot 5K (5. 1 miles): 8:30 a. m.
Turkey Trot 10K (6. 2 miles): 8:30 am
Turkey Trot 15K (9. 3 miles): 8:30 am
Registration: Online registration will remain open until Wednesday, November 23. On-site registration on race day and package pick-up will take place near the start of the race on Esplanade Way (about 4055 Esplanade Way).
Price: November 14-23, $28 (shirt), $20 (shirtless). Race Day: $35 (shirt), $25 (shirtless)
Contact Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee. com.