John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

"She's an athlete"

A few days ago, I was in a conversation with some new ladies. We were getting to know each other. 5 out of the 6 had "real" jobs. It doesn't matter that there where only 6 of us there. Believe it or not, I am kinda shy... at first. I sat there listening to them brag about dote on their kids and brag about share about their "high powered" careers. Three had nannies with them... and one of them only had 1 child (not that I have anything against nannies... hey, I think we need someone to love our children, even if you have to pay someone too).

Inevitably, the conversation circle came to me and I was asked what I do... at the exact moment Brock came up to me. I answered his question and turned back to the group and was asked again, "So, what do you do?" And before I could answer, Brock said, "She's an athlete" with his big smile and bright eyes. (Did I mention I am in love with my son?)

I felt their awkward smiles and confused looks and "clarified" his answer. But to think that my son thinks of me as an "athlete" really made my heart melt. And I guess to a 6.5 year old whose mother recently participated in a Triathlon... I am an athlete. It got me thinking.

I have COMPLETELY changed since April 2009. I am in the best shape of my life and I am continuing to change. I have challenged my body, pushed its limits, and search for new ways to strengthen it. I want to to attempt an Ironman... some day. But right now, I am happily competing in local races.

It is no secret that I would LOVE to be paid to train. I do not think I have worked as hard in any job I've held.... even when I had one of those "real" jobs. Certainly motherhood provided its challenges, but not the way my body felt after 27 miles (yeah, my total mileage for MCM was 27.3 according to my Garmin).

And all of my Negative Nancy internal conversation needs to be curbed! I can be in the best shape but if I cannot figure out how to think positive, be secure in my training/ability, and see the successes, it will completely halt my progress.

I know... I need to think of myself, the way my innocent 6.5 year old son sees me: I am an ATHLETE! (If I saw the chick below at the finish line, I would certainly think she was an athlete!)

Finish line of the Philly Tri - 6/26/11
Would you?

15 comments:

LB said...

aw how sweet! you ARE an athlete! :)

Cynthia said...

That serioulsy is the sweetest thing ever.

H Love said...

YES! You are an athelete...all the way around.

The Unexpected Runner said...

Your son is right! You ARE an athlete! And being a Mum, especially a full time Mum, is the hardest, most thankless, most rewarding 'career' I've ever had!

jamie@sweatyhugs said...

Great post! You are totally an athlete! NO doubt about that one. Love that your 6.5 year old proudly shared that too. :)

BigHappyFamily said...

Kids are the best, and always honest.

Erica said...

how sweet!!! you look great and of course your an athlete

Sarah K said...

That's awesome. Kids see things so much more clearly than we do.

Kelty said...

That is the cutest thing in the world!!!! And he's right! you are!

Elizabeth said...

Without a doubt, you are an athlete. :)

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

You are an athlete. And I love Brock!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

LOVE IT!!! Wow look at the picture, rock it out sister!

gba_gf said...

best photo ever!

And hellZ to the yeah, you look like an athlete, you talk like an athlete, you train like an athlete - you are an athlete*. As T says, OWN IT!

*you're sadly, just like me, underpaid at your "job"...

Unknown said...

That is awesome and yes, you are an athlete (I have the same mental block of thinking of myself as an "athlete" sometimes too).

SupermomE13 said...

You are DEFINITELY an athlete AND a great example to your kids, which is the best thing you can be. :)