As I am counting down the Top 50 reasons to Love Ironman Triathlon today will be an important one to discuss and something that really means a lot to me. Reason #47 is that it turns out my kids think it is pretty cool.
I started out competing in triathlon almost 30 years ago for a multitude of reasons - better health, the fun of competing, enjoying an active lifestlye but one reason that appeared out of nowhere was that my kids think it is pretty cool.
Now, don't get me wrong, they don't walk around the house telling me how great I am or what a wonderful athlete I am but it appears in the smallest of ways. I bought my daughter a t-shirt at a race one time that said, "My Dad can run faster than your Dad" hoping she MIGHT wear it. Well, she wore it right away to school and when school was over I asked her what the other kids said. Her response, "yeah Dad, the kids in my class agreed". That didn't hurt my feelings.
About 5 years ago, I would say my son was about 9 or 10 at the time, we were driving somewhere and I asked him if he thought I was crazy for doing Ironman and I can hear his reply to this day, "No Dad, I think it is pretty cool".
As I get older I am starting to appreciate that this will hopefully be part of my legacy to my kids - the pursuit of fitness, well being and a drive to do something extraordinary. I guess time will tell...
Hey Dan. I don't think we know each other. I saw this link on the FB WHS '82 forum so I wandered over to read your blog. I have a lot of respect for anyone doing an Ironman. The I saw the picture of your adorable kids and I was hooked. It's hard finding the time for that kind of training with a family and a job. Good for you!
I look forward to reading about your prep this year and your methods for increasing your strengths and minimizing your weaknesses.
Posted by: Tlm0000.wordpress.com | 01/27/2014 at 11:28 AM
Thank you so much for the kind comments. This year I am truly going "all in" to try to PR in Lake Placid. Taking my dedication and discipline to a new level. Stay tuned....
Posted by: Dan Williams | 01/27/2014 at 11:50 AM