Friday, August 18, 2006

After Her Father's Heart

A couple of weeks ago we gathered around the dinner table and KatGirl, my 11-year old daughter, asked,

"Daddy why do you do triathlons?"

"I do them to help save lives and fight blood cancers."

"Are those the only reasons?"

"I also do them because they are fun and they keep me strong and healthy."

... pause ...

"Daddy?"

"Yes, honey."

"I want to do that too?"

"Do what? You already have raced in a few triathlons. You do want to race in more, right?"

"Yeah, but I want to help fight cancer too."

(Leaning across the table to kiss her forehead.) "Then let's do a triathlon to fight it together."

She smiled and I smiled back.

It does my heart good to see my children wanting to follow me. It's really true that children watch what their parents do and setting a good example is the first tenant in parenting.

Since that dinner she and I have trained together and her older sister - a former high school varsity swimmer - has given her lessons on stroke technique.

This weekend KatGirl will compete in the Sara Lee Ironkids Triathlon in Allen, Texas. She'll swim 200 meters in a pool, bike 6.2 miles, and run 1.2 miles. Each are the longest distances she has ever raced.

I'll be there watching, cheering and letting my pride show for all to see.

Maaaaaaan, I love this sport!

Stay tuned...

(77 days to my first Ironman)
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22 comments:

:) said...

That is SOOO awesome! Take pictures and let her write a race report for us!

Be proud.

Cliff said...

Triboomer...

thanks for putting things into perspective..

in the previous i would raise (race?) money for cancer but i never link it until your post.

You are right...we are fighting cancer....

Lance Notstrong said...

That rocks Triboomer!!! Be sure and take lots of pics to post!!!

Bolder said...

i can only imagine what my life would be like right now if my father had done triathlons, and i was doing super-sprints at 11!

throw in the desire to raise money for cancer, and i am overwhelmed!!

i'm with the flatman, have her write a race report for us!!!

Iron Pol said...

It is cool when B-Boy talks about "racing" with daddy, and when he shows others how he stretches then runs. It's also cool that he talks about swimming and biking and running (and running and swimming and running and biking, he is only 2 1/2 after all).

I can only imagine the pride involved with having your child follow your lead by doing triathlons, and then put it into the fundraising category. That's really awesome. A child with such empathy can only come from good upbringing.

D said...

Awe! Please send your daughter my good luck wishes!

Donald said...

Very very cool. Good luck to her. Have fun!

S. Baboo said...

That is awesome. My whole family does triathlons with me. It used to be just me running around but now it's the whole fam and we are better off for it.

Last year my youngest son noticed that all the athletes corrected the race director during the awards cerimony to make sure the right awards went to the right people, it was a small - intimate race with a very inexperienced director.

My son said, "Triathletes sure are honest" I said that of the people I have known in triathlon triathletes represent the best of what society should be...I can't immagine raising my kids well in a different environment.

Papa Louie said...

She has such a big heart. God bless her. Remember to teach her transitions. Looking forward to her report.

Neese said...

aww. you are so right... a parents example to their children is so important. that is SO cool she will be competing in the tri!!! good for her and good for YOU!

Coco said...

that is awesome! What beautiful kids you have.

RunBubbaRun said...

That's totally awesome. Having your kids enjoy the same things you love is a great thing. Better yet, to want to help people with same passion you do. That's really touches the heart and makes everything worth while...

SRR said...

Lead by example. Very nice babe, very nice indeed.

Barb said...

Oh cool! I'm really looking forward to hearing how it goes! I'm sending her lots of good vibes and hoping she has a fantastic day.

What a great example you've set for her! Nice going, dad!

Fe-lady said...

Wow- way cool story and love the fact that big sis is right in there helping! I can't wait to see how she did and what fun she had!
What a great role-model you are for your daughters!

greyhound said...

Suh-weeet. And soooo cute. Make sure we get the full race report from her.

Maybe some day we can get Triboomer's Kat Girl and Trimama's Soapinator, head to head.

Veeg said...

Wow. You're obviously doing a lot of things right, Boomer. :)

Carrie said...

Can't wait for her race report!

jeanne said...

that is fantastic! plus, you made me cry!!

Thanks!

rocketpants said...

What a great thing to instill so early in your daughter! Looking forward to hearing about it.

Iron Jayhawk said...

Oh my gosh!!! this is making me melt.

I can't wait to see photos and hear all about it. :)

Tell her good luck from the Running Blog Fam!

Larry E Collins said...

I do believe Kathryn could do most anything. She's one incredible girl. Tell her Mr. Larry said "Go get 'em!"