Well, last year I decided that I was going to start training for triathalons to keep in shape. With a little gleaning of knowledge from the Dougherty's (thanks guys you inspired me more than you know)...I did my first duathalon last spring. I was pleased with how I did, since quite honestly it was my first competative race since running in my highschool track uniform! I was completely pumped to do my next race a couple months later which was a triathalon, and would require me to add swimming to my excersize schedule. I was delighted to find out a few weeks later that I was pregnant with our second child Eliza. However, heavy training was put on hold, and I determined to resume training for races after the baby came. My goal was to get back in shape quick enough after Eliza was born to do the same duathalon a year later (which would be 3 months after she was born). I had been saving up for a bike, and a month before my race I got my first very own road bike. Here's what I don't love: running...Here's what I love love love:biking. So, back to the story, race day came, and I didn't feel ready at all. Eliza was still up nursing twice in the night, and I had really only been running for a month, but I decided that I would do it no matter what and finishing the race would be my goal. To make a long story short, I came up over the last hill, and I spotted Marcus and the kids cheering me on, and I had a beautiful, triumphant moment. Children are a sacrifice, but mostly a pure joy. I finished that race seven minutes slower than I had the year before, but I figured my progression in life is much more deep and real than seven minutes in a race. I had a beautiful healthy baby at the end waiting for me. And that is is the real deal. Not many peple in that race sat down on the grass and nursed a baby after just crossing the finish line. It was a happy day. So, I guess my take home lesson is that as a mother of two little people I may not finish life's race first, I may not finish it in perfect style, but my friends I will finish it, most likely with a giggling baby on my hip, a frog catching three year old at my side, and a husband cheering me on.
13 comments:
ummm, (sniff, sniff...) this is lovely, Bec. And so are you. And I think the fact that you completed a duathlon with a couple-month old baby (even if it took you twenty hours) is amazing!
Way to go, you rock. Really I am so impressed I am almost speechless.
Hi Ramptons, This is Emily (Sherry). I've been checking in and am so glad you've started posting. I'm so impressed with you Becca. I'm out of shape and don't even have kids as an excuse. Good for you! I'm inspired. Thank you...
Run on you seriously hot momma!!! Run on!!!
Lydia
wow, inspiring Becca! I had no idea you did this. So cool.
That's my girl!! I've always known you could do anything you set your mind to, but more importantly that you would always set your mind on first things first. Perspective: life's all about it.
Geez Louise--That was a total cryer. You are so darn adorable. High Five for doin' the race. Nice skirt too.
Today I was being wussy about something and I said, "Well I'm just not cool like your duathalon-riverguiding sisters!" You are a serious hero. I'm not kidding! And that nursing picture was a melter.
Do Taylor and Anne have a blog? Put them in your favorites right know. Is the mother your mother? I need these links.
bec, you are great. I just love ya so much. way yo go!
i guess i'm signed on as rob, but this is actually sara.
You really are such a good example to me. What a wonderful mother you are and you really can do anything you put your mind to. Way to go!!! We miss you guys so much here!
"Not many people in that race sat down on the grass and nursed a baby after just crossing the finish line."
Well, I did.
Great post, Rebecca. Nice shots of the race, too. I was a little worried, however, when I saw the pic with the guy in the yellow jacket. I thought, "Whoa, am I really that bald?!" Then I realized---to my relief---that it wasn't me. {whew!}
But I also want to make one serious point: You write that "...as a mother of two little people I may not finish life's race first, I may not finish it in perfect style...." What you forgot is that along the way you will inspire others, like me, to take up or keep up 'the race' as well. Don't underestimate your impact on others.
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