Inspiration and Dedication

My son Simon said to me this weekend, while shopping at Sports Authority for Annie, "Man Dad, you are easily inspired..." I was looking at Speedos at the time and was explaining how I didn't want to look like an old man in skimpy shorts while working out. The day before, I purchased a the book You are an Ironman and have begun to seriously consider competing in triathlons locally this coming spring and summer. This is after completing my first half-marathon two weeks ago and planning a trip outside to compete in the San Diego Rock & Roll Half.

The statement embarrassed me. I was (and am) worried that I seem too flippant; going from one interest to another at too great a frequency. I want, at the same time, to set a positive example for my sons and to satisfy my desire to achieve a level of fitness and athletic success that I've never before achieved.

Simon assured me that his statement "wasn't a bad thing, it just was..." and that he thought it great that I could get "so into" something so easily. What he doesn't know is that this willingness to throw myself into something has taken a long time to develop--and I still do it with some (a bunch) of trepidation.