Written By: Jeanie Chang
That's the theme of my kids' school fundraiser this year which is taking place this week. The school's theme is a take on the "got milk?" campaign and First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign. The Let's Move campaign focuses on raising a healthier generation of kids and solving the problem of childhood obesity. The timing of our school fundraiser really hits home. I just participated in and finished my first triathlon on Sunday! I'm thrilled and so proud of myself that I did it.
I had been training diligently and somewhat intensely the past month after school started and I think it really has paid off. I signed up for the triathlon along with three other friends and even though we all didn't want to admit it, there was some healthy competition between us. My goal for my first triathlon: do my best, complete it and finish in above average time. The results surpassed my expectations!
I ended up coming in first of my three friends which I honestly never expected. One of my friends had been an aerobic instructor, another had done a half marathon and another had been working out for years and happened to have a triathlete husband who was training her. Above average time indeed. I completed the triathlon in one hour, three minutes and 45 seconds which put me in 115th place out of 510 participants! I had a goal, worked toward that goal and completed that goal. There's no other better feeling!
My point is to teach my kids to never say never and don't use the word "can't." It's like the little engine that could - "I think I can, I think I can." That's so true. If you really put your mind to something and set a certain goal for yourself, don't you think you could reach that goal? Wouldn't you want your children to believe they could reach the goals they set for themselves? I'm sure you do!
My kids knew I was training for this triathlon and I hope they understood that without training, I don't think I could have completed one. Maybe I could, but I definitely would have suffered physically. Even with all the training I did, it was tough. Halfway through the 9 mile bike, I was thinking - can I do this?
I told my kids that crossing the finish line felt so incredible because I had worked toward that goal. We all know that it takes hard work to be successful. Sure, there are some instances where success comes easy, but generally success has come to those who really worked for it and had a goal in mind. I love this quote: "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." I grew up hearing that day in and day out and I have found it true. My father said this to me for years and as much as it annoyed me, I'm finding myself saying it to my own children.
So, let's move it and get goals for our children and with our children! There's no greater joy than seeing your children reach success after setting their own goals and working hard for it!
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