In any adventure there has to be a "Day 1". I suppose that mine happened a few years ago when my wife and I learned that we were going to be parents. We were thrilled to start our most epic of all adventures – parenting, which is proving to be arduous, trying, joyful, rewarding, and full of love. That adventure requires a story of its own, but it is sufficient to say that it is my starting line.
The months of preparation for our first born left me with more pounds than desired (roughly 30 extra pounds) and no excuse of actually carrying a child. My wife and I made a deal and set the goal that once he arrived we would change our diets and get in sufficient shape to race respectably in a triathlon. I had no idea that I would be discovering a sport that would redefine balance, teamwork, and perseverance in my life.
That first year we shifted our diets from a seemingly healthy blend of mostly meat with sides of vegetable and starch (or as I call it the classic American blend) to one significantly more plant based. The shift in diet started off with small steps and gradually we found ourselves saying “maybe we could go vegetarian, but there is no way we can give up eggs”. As turned out our first born is allergic to eggs. It is amazing what you will give up once it impacts your children. Needless to say the eggs were removed from the house and “vegan” became an everyday word.
I attribute our ability to shed the pounds to our change in diet, but it wasn’t going to lead to a respectable race on its own. We encouraged, coached, and sometimes forced each other to do the hard work. We made time to get out together for swims that started feeling better and smoother, bike rides that started becoming faster and farther, and runs that always hurt like hell.
We are fortunate to have a close knit and athletically inclined group of friends which quickly became our own personal triathlon club. My closest training partners through high school soccer and beyond were all available and very excited to start this new sport with me and my wife. We are also fortunate to be living at a time where the triathlon sport is so accessible. It seems that new races are springing up all over and the sprint distance preparation is manageable even with work and family.
That first year we participated in one triathlon – The Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon – where the motto is “To Finish is to Win”. We were the mountain bikes in a sea of aerodynamic road cycles. I was the guy wearing bright yellow, Hawaiian surfer style, floral swimming trunks because the thought of swimming in only my spandex made me blush. A little under 2 hours and 30 minutes later we all won. The race was inspiring and bit me, my wife, and our entire team of friends. We all had all been infected with the triathlon bug.
Last years season was fantastic. We purchased used road bikes; I got over the spandex issue (when in Rome…); I placed 2nd in my age group at the Whately Police Triathlon; We recruited 2 new members into our club; My youngest brother ran his first triathlon at Buzzards Bay with me and my wife; and I started running under the 10 minute mile mark (although running still hurt like hell). There were many inspiring memories that I will draw inspiration from for years to come.
I am truly blessed and thankful to God. My beautiful wife and I are expecting our second child; Our fist child is growing, learning, and flourishing; I have a wonderful support network of friends and family; We all have our health; I have work that I am committed to (although admittedly sometimes too committed); After the holidays a few more pounds than I would like; and a brand new triathlon season.
So, today is another “Day 1” for me. Day 1 of my third triathlon season and day 1 of finding a new balance. A balance where work does not dominate my thinking and my time as it has these past years. As a man I find it difficult to let go of what I cannot control and to trust in God to provide; sometimes I feel that providing for my family is my most important role and financial provisions are all too frequently in the forefront of that thinking. Although this is important I need to make sure I have time to provide for my health, my time to pray, and time to reflect. Time like that only makes me better at everything that I do. To help myself with this I have decided to set another goal for myself. To finish my first 70.3 distance triathlon in September at the Pumpkinman Triathlon. The preparation will require some additional time that I will have to balance from some other part of my seemingly full schedule that is taking up more than its fair share. We will see if time for the blog remains.
Today – Day 1 – my closest training partner and I ran 4.25 miles in 37:41 and it felt great. I cannot wait to see what day 2 brings.
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