Moms In Motion : Connecting Moms Through Fitness

If you ask ANYONE who has ever met me what they would think of me doing any sort of triathlon, they would laugh until their stomachs hurt! I myself have finally gotten over the shock after 6 weeks. Initially I said my goal wasn't necessarily to finish but to survive and I was actually serious. For me, joining Moms in Motion is the first thing I have done for myself since I became a mom.

9 years ago, I had a plan. I was going to be a career mom. I was going to have 2 children and life was good. My husband and I felt as if we were on a continuous honeymoon. And then 8 years ago the life I had known changed. I guess I forgot whose plan it was because God had other plans for me. One minute I was pregnant awaiting the birth of my first child and the next I was holding my son in my arms, never to hold him again.

Two years later after a couple more unsuccessful attempts to have a child, I was wheeled out of the hospital holding my beautiful son in my arms. I had never been happier, and promised to be the best mom I could possibly be to him. In making that promise, I made the mistake of thinking that I needed to give up everything for myself because he was my everything. What I didn't realize was that I could be a great mom and still have time for myself. That realization came when my son started kindergarten. I volunteered as much time as I could in his class. I wanted to be there all the time. I would be there all the time, even if it were just to drink my coffee.

That's when I met another mom, Lorraine. She too loved her children very much; that much I could tell by watching her and getting to know her, but she also took time out for herself. After seeing her son into class, she would be off on a run or go to swim, and I would just watch her go off to do her thing. I on the other hand always had an excuse, secretly hoping I would be called to school to help in the class. When Lorraine first mentioned Moms in Motion, I didn't give it a second thought. Then, I went to the meeting having no intention of joining for anything more than to start working out with a great group of ladies. I actually had friends laugh when they saw me there, after all, how could I possibly do a triathlon?

You had to swim and I didn't like to get my face wet in the shower let alone stick it in a pool or ocean! Lorraine was not only my inspiration, but she has continued to support me in all my weekly achievements, as have so many wonderful friends from Moms In Motion. I laugh today, because I remember the day I called Lorraine to tell her I swam 1 lap in the kiddie pool at the CO Club!! But she didn't laugh, she said 'that's ok, go out and try one more lap tomorrow'. And I did.

My husband knows how important it is for me and he has been so supportive. He has helped me to achieve my ocean swim by being right there beside me. He sees a happier, healthier Sharon. My son also knows how important this is for me. We talk about what I'm doing and he tells me to 'remember, the most important thing is to have fun'. I know now the time spent away from him isn't going to harm him in any way. On Saturdays when I come home, he asks me if I won? I tell him, for me it's not about winning. For me it's about finishing the triathlon and continuing on what will be a new healthy lifestyle so that I can grow old and watch my son become a man.

For me, I now know THAT is being the best mom I can be and THAT is how I want to be there for him.