Each week I plan out my training for my ½ Ironman, I have to fit training around my girl’s school, music classes, sport programs , playdates and my hubby’s work and travel schedule… frankly I believe I should win a prize for the logistical challenges of adding 7- 9 workouts to my week.
The reality is that my girls are actually joining me on my journey – it is amazing, but all 3 of us line up our mats in my basement for our weekly Yoga session and I have seen some of the best warrior poses from them. They are loving Yoga and I am loving that my passions are becoming the norm for them.
It brings a smile to my face every time I hear them talking about Tri practice as they play, and it warms my heart to see them out running, biking, and setting up challenging courses on our court for all their friends. I like the impact my crazy goal of a ½ Ironman has on them and I am proud of the type of role model I am being for them.
Being a role model wasn’t something I had really thought about prior to signing up for this race, or really much in the last 4 crazy years of my life as a Mom. But this month, I attended an event hosted by Dove where they released the findings from their Real Truth About Beauty Research. The stats presented were shocking and very sad, in my opinion – one that stuck with me was nearly half (47%) of Canadian girls between the ages of 10 and 17 have avoided social activities, like participating in physical activities, because they feel badly about the way they look.
I don’t ever want my girls to miss out in joy of sports, but most importantly, I want them to have the confidence and self esteem to always try. I was encouraged to learn from Dove’s research, that the % declines with a positive role model in their lives. And guess what, the majority of girls involved in the research claim their role model was, none other than Mom. This mommy is never going to win a triathlon, but when I do finish with a smile after completing 2km swim, 90km bike and 21km run , I know my girls will be cheering me on, and just maybe one day, it will inspire them to achieve their dreams, no matter how crazy they are.
