Moms In Motion : Connecting Moms Through Fitness

Moms In Motion has come into my life at a crucial time for me and I would like to share with you the reasons why. My husband and I had our third child in December of 2001. There is no question that our family has been blessed because of her arrival. Our two older children adore her (the three year old is still thinking about that) and my husband and I have realized, once again, how much happiness there is in having a family. This year has not only brought us a lot of joy, but also many trials and sorrow.

My father, a healthy man and athlete himself, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow, during April of this year. My three brothers and I were devastated that this could happen to anyone in our family. In just the few months that have passed, he has already experienced great setbacks and defeats. Of any person in my entire life, it has been my father that has always been an example to me of commitment, courage, strength, and perseverance. It was my father that always taught me that I could accomplish anything and be anyone I wanted to be, if only I set goals and worked towards them. He has always showed great confidence in me and I am so grateful for that. Because of the person that he is, he will fight this new challenge with everything he has.

Another tragedy hit our family this year around the same time. My husband's parents separated and are divorcing after 36 years of marriage. This has caused my husband and me to lean on one another more and appreciate the good things in our lives. There has been pain and devastation for both of us and we realize we need to be grateful NOW for the things that we have in our lives NOW.

When my dear friend, shared with me her experience of training with Moms in Motion last summer, I was very impressed.

Immediately, I knew that I would benefit from something like that in my life. I have to admit, growing up with a very athletic father and three competitive brothers, sports was definitely part of my upbringing. I think my father tried to expose us to every sport he could. I played volleyball 6th thru 12th grade. During high school I played both club and high school volleyball. We practiced and trained year round. Those years of training were a very special part of my life. I felt honored to have had some of the best coaches in the sport and to have played with teammates that went on to the Olympic Team. As I reflect on those years, I recognize that the training was not only about the sport of volleyball, but of life.

I have looked forward to every Saturday of training with Moms In Motion with anticipation. What a great experience it has been to swim, bike, and run along side women with such determination. After our "first ocean swim", I broke down in tears as I was driving home. I sobbed as I was realizing what I had just accomplished for the first time. What an amazing and unforgettable experience to be able to share. There are many of you that I know and many of you that I do not, but I have admiration for all of you for your courage, dedication, and strength. This is truly an amazing experience. Thank you for this opportunity.

Dad, this Triathlon is for you!!!