Since my injuries from when I was hit by a car earlier this fall have me sidelined, and knocked me out of any competitions for the remainder of the season (World 70.3 Championship & IM Arizona) I will talk about life without training and my transition from athlete (sitting on the Injured Reserve list is not all that fun) to Cheer Mom.

Back at our Team Training Camp earlier this season a few of you were quite surprised to learn that my youngest had taken up cheerleading. I was just as surprised, and honestly believed that this was just a phase that she would outgrow. Eight months later I am preparing to head to our first ‘official’ cheerleading competition this weekend. Funny how sometimes our life really does not go as we had planned.

Anyway, I survived the dress-rehearsal. At our team-parent meeting we learned how to apply the make up and do their hair. Needless to say, I felt like I was in preschool learning how to cut, and I was the kid who the teacher had to spend extra time with to figure things out. You know what I mean, like when the teacher is going over instructions and then specifically looks at you to make sure you are really getting it. I think I ‘got it.’

Through this down-time I have been forced to not only provide lip service with the notion that “Yes, I know I am not only defined by the races I do or the training I accomplish in a day, but that I am a mother, wife, friend, and I have other interests” but to actually BELIEVE it. Talking the talk is so much easier than actually walking the talk!

So in the meantime, I am enjoying the new sport that has come into our life. I am glad to watch my youngest find her passion, pursue her goals, and work hard in her pursuit. Every parent knows just how much pride and joy there is in watching their children emulate the discipline, perseverance, and tenacity it takes to be the best that they can be. The lessons I have learned through being involved in sports have shaped who I am today and it is exciting to watch my youngest child build character through her own adventures.

I will miss my Ironman buddies and the race-week festivities when November 23rd rolls along, but there is always next year!