There are many special memories that a daughter will never forget of her mother. However there are none more burned into my memory then my first triathlon with my mother. I can’t deny that my mother has influenced my life in many ways, but in 2008 she completely changed the course. For years she had told me how she wanted to do a triathlon and my usual response was, “A race where you swim, then bike, then RUN! You have fun with that.” After years of having triathlon as a dream that she did not yet have the courage to achieve I decided it was time for a little mother daughter bonding. I picked out a race and said, “Mom we are finally doing this!” after years raising three kids and running a medical practice my mom had had little time to keep up here physical fitness. She told me, “No, no, no. Give me one year to get ready.” After that my mom signed up for a personal trainer and began her road to becoming a triathlete.
One year later we were standing at the edge of Lake Samamish in June decked out in wetsuits and neoprene caps, for those of you who don’t know June is not warm in Seattle. We were ready, ready to do the Issaquah triathlon. I think the thought “What was I thinking when I signed up for this!” was going through both our minds at that moment. But after the fist fight that makes up the swim start was finished and I had a chance to really feel the rhythm of the race my mind quieted and I realized I really could do this. For those few who decide to take on the challenge of triathlon it will be the hardest thing you ever do in your life. It gives you suck a feeling of accomplishment. And for me it gave me a purpose. I finished the race then found a spot at the finish shoot to cheer my mom in. That was it, we were hooked. I changed my major to exercise science. I started a collegiate triathlon team. I even became a triathlon coach. All because my mom wanted to cross triathlon off of her bucket list.
Triathlon has helped to create a bond between us that will last a life time. To this day my mother and I always do one race a year together. Thank you for helping me to realize my passion. I love you mom!
