We recently celebrated my Mom’s birthday and it promises to be a great year because she also just retired from 40 years of nursing. She is very excited. I am very excited. Hannah, if she could speak, would be very excited.But, it is not all about me (actually, it’s not about me at all, it’s about Hannah!). This is my Mom’s first opportunity that I can remember to do what she wants to do, when she wants to do it. One of the things she has committed to doing is to walk/run her first 10k race - the Vancouver Sun Run in April. She is learning first hand the joys of training – and that it can hurt! But, she is persevering.
It wasn’t until having Hannah that I started really appreciating my Mom. Let me qualify that: I appreciated my Mom, a lot, but now it is on a deeper emotional level. Now I know how much she loved me and why she put up with everything I put her through and why she still loves me!
My Mom’s support for my training isn’t something I take for granted. I know it must be hard for her to see me run (and bike and swim) myself into the ground at times, and that she worries about the potential for injuries, immune system shut downs, and the suffering.
I promised that I would ‘just do one’ Ironman and see how it went. Every now and again she seeks reassurance and when we are joking around she might ask “After this, are you going to do something normal?” If I’m being a jerk, which I normally am, I refuse the bait and feign ignorance. What’s not normal about swimming, biking and running? But, underneath I know she just wants to make sure I don’t harm myself, or my relationships, with my OCD tendencies.
I also don’t take this year for granted. I am trying to cherish every moment, even when it is tough. I will never again have a year (6 months to go) when both my mom and I aren’t working, I have an adorable baby, and I get to train for my first Ironman. Sometimes I wish I could just stop time from going by so quickly!
So, here’s to you, Mom. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you, and I hope I can show you even a fraction of the love, support and compassion you’ve always shown me. Now get running!!
That's super cute. I feel the same way and started to appreciate my mom much more when I became a mom! How old is Hannah? I love the slideshow of pics.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to have found your blog! My little girl was born in August and getting back into shape is much more difficult than I ever thought it would be. I went back to work full time so finding time to work out has been a major challenge. I have done 2 sprint tris B.B. (before baby) and last night decided I'm going to sign up for another in June. I just do so much better sticking to a workout when I'm in training mode. I'm nervous though. I'm definitely not in the same shape I was when I began training last time! I haven't run in over a year!!! And I'm nervous about finding time for fitting everything in. All I know is that I want to be a fit, hot mama! I want to be a mom my daughter would be proud of sooooooo training will begin! If you can find time for IM training I *think* I can find time for sprint training! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - Hannah will be 9 months this week! I thank my lucky stars every day for having 'grandparents' in the 'hood.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous - you sound motivated to train and get back into it...so I think you'll make it happen. Let everyone in your life know your goals and don't be afraid to ask for help! A happy mom is a good mom, and a healthy happy mom is even better. You'll probably have more energy in the end! Don't be nervous - make training part of your lifestyle, just like eating, sleeping and everything else you need and like to do. The fitness, health (and body) will follow. All the best!
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