Movin’ Along

It was New Year’s Eve one year ago when, after a few glasses of wine, I contributed to the family-wide list of resolutions a promise to complete a triathlon event that year. My commitment coincided with leaving my job after a decade, a decision I’d made so I could spend more time caring for our twin boys. I had envisioned days on end in libraries, music classes and playgroups. I soon realized that the time would include hours upon hours training in the outdoors.

At first I was intimidated as I studied complex training programs, then relieved to find books promising “triathlon training in four hours a week!” Finally, like with motherhood, I followed instincts and the natural flow of daily opportunities. I recorded workouts on the back of envelopes as I jotted down a grocery list. I prized the time when creative scheduling allowed me to train alone, but otherwise, the children watched the world speed by from the comforts of the running jogger, ski sled or bike trailer.

A year later, I am surprised at how my goal took hold of me, became such a focus for the “non-mother” part of me. But I shouldn’t have been surprised at all, for the physical activities of training are perfectly aligned with the physical demands of raising toddlers. I don’t mean that constantly hefting 25-pound boys to my hip has given rise to sculpted biceps, rather, the momentum behind athletics and early parenting is both about learning through action.

I recently heard that it takes a thousand repetitions to build muscle memory. As the new year begins, my days are marked by consistent, repetitive motion. The goal of completing the Ironman is preceded by countless muscle twitches - thousands of foot strikes, pedal cycles and arm strokes. In addition to teaching my body to perform, time spent in the woods brings me closer to understanding the life-changing journey of motherhood.

As it is with the children. In these early years, Carson and Austin’s job is to play hard in order to learn about their bodies, environment and interests and how things work. It is the everyday maneuvering of utensils into mouths, feet into boots, and toy trains across a track that wires their brain for knowledge.

This year’s resolution is not so much about the peak event – whether that is the Ironman or the day the kids use the potty – rather it is to strive for joy and learning in the everyday process. It’s for more reflection as I run the snowy roads, and more discovery as the kids shuffle along the driveway in their strap-on skis. So, like mother, like child, we’ll keep movin’ along.