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With this year's triathlon season completed, I've been stalking browsing the race sites see if the 2010 dates have been posted. They've been up for about the last 2 weeks, so I put all possible events (no, I won't be doing them all, but haven't yet decided which ones I want to do!) into my training plan spreadsheet in a bold blue font. With an italic orange font, I've repeated the process with events posted on TriKids!
Gone are the days that I'm planning only my races, I'm having to consider and think about Terron's triathlon dates! How crazy is that?! There's already some overlap of days, races in different cities. There's no way I'd miss one of his events to do one myself, so while it hasn't come down to a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors... yet, we've done some negotiation.
There are 5 consecutive weekends of adult events starting June 6th, 2010, but regardless of which ones might interest me, June 20th will be Terron's day... no negotiation necessary.
He honored his dad 3 weeks after he passed away by completing his first triathlon, wearing a t-shirt we made together.
June 20th, 2010 will be his first Father's Day without his daddy around... when Terron and I were checking out the dates, and realized the significance of that date, he asked me if he could participate in the triathlon wearing the shirt again, then head over to the cemetery to tell his dad all about it and show him his medal. My heart still breaks for him.
Terron has also inspired Jay's daughter so much that she will doing her first triathlon on Father's Day too! There will be 3 triathletes in this household!
Seeing the reactions of people when they find out I'm doing triathlon is one thing, but when they find out that my 11 year old is too, I can't help but smile! Tonight was parents night at his swimming class, his instructor was impressed that he's so interested in triathlons at such an early age, and his swimming is improving! I love it! By the way, did you know that Lance Armstrong had a 2nd place finish at the age of 13 at an Ironkids event!
Runnerdude wrote a great post the other day about being a healthy role model for our kids... This time, I'm inspired by my kid. A caring, polite, funny, loving child that has suffered a loss greater than anyone his age should have to go through; yet, he's embracing his opportunity to re-write potential chapters of his life later on.
I know that since I started running, then cycling and swimming, I have an even greater motivation to take better care of myself, making better food decisions to fuel my body and take care of myself. With heart disease in his family history, we will obviously have to stay on top of his health more than ever. But, the fact that he's excited about being active in swimming, karate and triathlon, knowing that an ACTIVE lifestyle is a HEALTHIER lifestyle, makes me feel more confident that he understands the importance.
Triathlon seems to have become part of his own way of healing, and hopefully will continue to provide motivation towards a healthier and longer life than his dad. I'm inspired!
33 comments:
It's a great warm and fuzzy feeling to us parents to see our kids follow our leads. Sometimes it takes a while, but it's great when they do. I got that now too with Jared swinging the bells!
Can't wait to hear all about next year for the two of you-gonna be a great year!
Wow, that is so cool! You are such a positive role model for your son. I think that is a great way to honor his dad. Your energy is contagious!
What a fantastic way for Terron to honor his Dad!
Good luck choosing your races for 2010.
This is so touching. Props to Terron and his wonderful mom for encouraging and helping him through.
I'm not even sure what I'll be doing next week. Your (and Terron's) focus and determination are an inspiration to me!
Good luck with the negotiations - and I feel for Jay. Sherpa-ing for THREE triathletes. He might just have to succumb to the sport himself. :D
OH, I just love that, Mel. Good for Terron and what an example you have set for him and Jay's daughter too. You guys will have a great season, I have NO doubt. You tell Terron that I still use all of this training and racing as therapy and it's been 11 years for me. Don't know when, if it will ever stop.
Isn't it so crazy to think that you are planning T's triathlons for next year?? You have been such a great influence. I think you both inspire each other equally.
So awesome Mel, can't wait to read all of your and Terron's race reports!
Awesome Mother/Son team!!! Proof that kids live what they learn. I think you were meant for each other!!!
Very cool that Terron and Jay's daughter are both planning to do triathlons next year. Awesome!
I think it is fantastic that Terron is so excited to be participating in these events. I really hated athletics as a kid, but I wonder if things would have been different if I knew about Kids of Steel and things like that. Good luck planning your race calendar!!
really, we knew you were quite inspirational before the tri-fire spread to terron ;) how cool that jay's daughter is wanting to get in on the fun too! now, when will jay be signing up?? hehe.
Awesome (I can't say anything else, I'm all teary)...
your post brought tears to my eyes!!! I'm so thrilled terron has found something that he can put alot of energy into!! And you too!! You guys rock!
That is soooo awesome.
Here is another blogger that posted about their son and triathlon, if your interested, take a gander.
http://joelpstrickland.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-triathlete.html
You two rock! :-)
So, so cool. I love that you and Terron are inspiring others. That's awesome. And, what a great thing for Terron to do on Father's Day.
So very cool! You both are an inspiration! Good luck making the schedule work for the household.
is it awful that the only thing that makes me want to have a kid is being a role model to them and then seeming them go out and run ...yes it sort of is
You are such a great role model!
I'm so happy to hear Terron has showed continued interest in triathlons. And I'm particularly pleased to hear that he's also involved in karate. I think they both provide excellent opportunities to learn valuable life lessons. Kudos to you for leading the way to a healthier lifestyle!!
You know the Triathlon series' are all starting here in Melbourne :D
You could always compete all year round you know.
he asked me if he could participate in the triathlon wearing the shirt again, then head over to the cemetery to tell his dad all about it and show him his medal.
Wow, sistre, my eyes filled with tears when I read this line. That is one sweet little boy you have there.
You don't need me to tell you you sure are doing something right.
The world could use a few more Terrons.
Totally awesome, Mel. You & Terron have taken a devastating situation & displayed incredible strength & courage through it all.
You are raising an awesome kid! Good luck to both of you in your racing season next year.
That is so awesome that Terron wants to keep going with the tris - you guys are going to be quite the team!
It is amazing that you have helped your son to find a great outlet while dealing with the death of his father.
Trying to balance the atheltic schedules of my boys someday is BAFFLING!!
I think it's amazing that Terron has done a tri! I find it equally awesome that he wants to do another. What a fun way to be active with your child!
You're setting such a great example of being an active adult.
I can't wait to hear what 2010 holds for you. Coming down to Cali again?
Ever considered the Vancouver BC half marathon? My husband was looking at the marathon there. I think it's in the fall.
That's so cool about your son sharing the same passions as you!
i think the best thing we can all do is just live the example we want to set! my parents definitely did, just by working so hard and being honest, living by rules, being respectful, etc. in athletics it's such a fine line between pushing your kids and being too hands off. i hope to be the parent that inspires (and is inspired!!!)... i'm so happy to hear you both are finding strength in the active lifestyle.
After reading this post I am inspired too. Remembering my mom now in heaven.
i've been so MIA, but it's exciting to come back to your blog and see this about all your upcoming tris and terron's as well. how FUN! good for you two. i have no doubt you are an amazing role model for your guy ;)
This is awesome Mel! My 10 year old is always asking to run with me, and she has a Turkey Dash at school this week, and I registered her for the Turkey Dash 5K with me on Thanksgiving. She is SO in to it too, so I am very excited and after reading this...even more determined to encourage her along!
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