Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Perhaps I hear a different drummer

Cries of the masses around me: "You're doing what?"

Me: "An Ironman. Yes. I am doing the Rocket City Marathon in December, and then starting in January I'm training for Ironman Florida '08."

The masses (with scornful looks): "You aren't going to be able to walk by the time you are 45."

Me: "I disagree. But either way, my heart will be in good shape, huh!"

The masses: "How are you going to do all this training? You have kids, you know."

Me: "Yes, I realize this. Don't get me wrong, it won't be the easiest task I've ever undertaken. But I believe it's doable. I will do everything I can do while the kids are fast asleep, like I do now. And all the rest, well - do any of us devote 100% of our awake time to our children? I'll have to make sacrifices. And yes, my husband and kids will have to make some sacrifices, too. But isn't that what we should be doing for each other anyway? If it were a job, or something to bring in money, would it be so out of line? Well, I believe my kids will benefit from my experience just as I do. Not monetarily, of course, but in lessons and examples that exceed handing them an extra $20 for a new video game."

The masses: "You are crazy."

Phil mentioned one time that one of the things wrong with America today is that parents think the only thing they are good for is transporting their kids back and forth to and from practices. I think he is right on target. Granted, J.T. and I do a lot of running back and forth. But hopefully our boys see that there is more to life than that. I believe that a parent should always be available for their children, and should give of themselves and their time, and include their children in the things that make up their everyday lives - not just when it's convenient or when it's required. I do not, however, agree with a parent making themselves a slave, or martyr, to their children. It should be a give and take. I should be involved in what my kids have going on, and they should be involved in what I have going on. And together, we will grow.

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
- Henry David Thoreau

14 comments:

Lisa said...

One of the coolest things I've ever seen was a couple, who did Staggerwing a few yrs ago, hand off their baby in the transition area. The sitter didn't show that morning. They were registered seperately and rather than NOT go at all, they opted to do it as a relay. She ran, he handed her the baby, and jumped on the bike. Kudos to you for being an example of a healthy lifestyle to your children. :)

TJ said...

absolutely. it's all about the give and take. everyone in the family has to sacrifice a bit. as long as they're on board from the begining you'll be good to go.

streak said...

Very good point and very true. I like to lead by example for all youths not just my son. Go Lana!

Trisaratops said...

Amen, sister!

And be sure to take good notes for me so you can tell me how to do it in '09, too. :)

Excited to follow the journey!

RunBubbaRun said...

Way cool... Look forward in following along your journey..

It will be tough, but if there is a strong will there will always be a way to get it done..

Great quote...

Bridgette said...

You are inspirational! While I whine about not having time to train for nothing using excuses like my kids & my husband's schedule, you just go for it. WOW Good luck & thank you.

Michele said...

It is going to be a tough but fun year. Looking foward to it.

Lance Notstrong said...

Yeah, it's interesting how someone who works late and misses out on time with their kids is a martyr because money is involved and someone who misses time because of training is a bad parent. I've had this arguement more than once and I feel like I'm a very involved parent.

Too many parents view their kids as their life and don't have a life outside of their kids. I don't think a person can really be "whole" that way.

Then there's the people who use the kids as an excuse to stay on "life's bench"......and then have the nerve to pass judgement.

Don't even get me started on all of this. There's not enough room in cyberspace for my opinions :-)

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

HI! I can't wait to meet you in November! Watching an IM is just as exhausting as doing one, so you will be ready for '08 in spades...
;-)
Jenny

Benson said...

Oh Yeah! I loved reading this. It reminded me of exactly what my family said when I told them I was going to do an IM.
No worries about wearing out or your age. I've been on the run (bike, swim, hike, ski etc.) since I was 10 months old and did my first IM at 43.8 years old.
U GO FOR IT LANA!

walchka said...

Super sweet! Glad to hear about another triathlete making the jump to the big stage. You are going to have a great 2008.

Phil said...

It is of little wonder that those who keep repeating the false statements claiming running has a degenerative effect on our joints are the same ones who have such a hard time pushing away from the table after a meal.

You are living deliberately. That has to have a positive impact on your kids. If nothing else, it will give them bragging rights at school. Their mother is definitely tougher than most.

qcmier said...

You can definitely do IM. Can't wait to follow your journey.

Stephanie said...

My mom said a funny thing when I told her I had signed up for my first Ironman: "Do they make the women go as far as the men do, or will you get to cut the race short?"

My husband and I have become the Scheduling Couple. He runs 4-5 marathons a year, I've done Ironman for the past 3 years, and we have an autistic son. Granted, I don't work in an office now, but I did up until a year ago. We just learned how to schedule everything - his runs, my workouts, Hayden's stuff. When it comes to IM training, you just learn how to flip a switch inside yourself and get it done. You'll do great.

And I agree with you about not being a slave to your kid(s). Yes, we are their caregivers, but at the same time, we have to be nice to ourselves. Around here, everyone knows that if Mommy ain't happy, then ain't NOBODY happy, so I better darn well get my workouts in !