Being the Influence

As a father to an almost 6 year old and a 2 year old I never knew what I was getting into. Before children I didn't know about late night feedings or your heart breaking for them being sick.  I knew love, but not this kind of love. The kind of love that you will do anything for and hold tight; tighter than you can imagine.  As I sit here writing this blog post. My two year old who has a cold and fever is snuggled up to me while my oldest is listening to country music dancing in our living room.  Being a parent has got to be the most enjoyably frustrating and loving experience possible.  

Triathlon has brought me to the best shape of my life.  I have gone from being an out of shape, out of ideas 30 something to an in shape 35 year old guy who  works hard and plays harder.  I take my kids everywhere and it shows.  They come to they gym with me so they can learn about the benefits of exercise. I have been their soccer coach so I can teach them about sports.  They watch what I eat, drink and try to get a taste of the protein shakes I make or the bananas I eat. I work hard at work picking up double shifts and working short days and it never goes unnoticed by the cherubs.  My wife though is their rock, she is literally super mom.  She does more with these young impressionable minds than I can possibly imagine. If you could put a picture of a woman in the dictionary of super mom I'm sure my wife would be the one.  We both have our strengths and weaknesses with our kids.

My oldest who turns 6 next month is in the stage of his life where he wants to be just like Daddy.  He wants to do everything that Dad does.  He wants to eat the same foods, play the same games and yes he wants to learn triathlon.  I have got to tell you this is pretty damn cool!  He has been in swimming classes the past summer and is again now until March.  I asked if he wanted to compete in the Kids triathlon in Sudbury, MA on May 17th and you should have seen his face light up. The kids tri isn't easy for a 6 year old.  It's a 50 yard swim, a 1 mile bike and then a 1/2 mile run.  I have come up of a training plan of sorts for him. Of course it's not serious, it's fun.  From now until May it will be my job to make sure that he not only finishes this triathlon but he has some great fun doing it! This is 100 percent his choice, I am just here to support his goal.  How cool is this though?  I wish I was interested in this sport when I was 5!  He already practices riding his bike almost every day up and down the hill in our neighborhood.  As soon as the weather gets better he will go on some "training rides" and "runs" with me.  Tomorrow, he will be hitting the pool with me. 

This is possible the best part of swimming, biking and running.  Your children developing a love of the sport at an early age.  I can't imagine ingraining this into him at such an early age. I can't wait to tell you all how he did. 

Until next time, Keep training!


Nate