I am a sometimes-triathlete, sometimes-public health researcher, and, now, all times father. Thus, it’s only fair to disclose that my writing frequently mixes the three, and sometimes you will find a view on malaria prevention analogized with my baby’s ear infection, opinions on poverty contrasted with tips on keeping your suit and tie free of spit-up, or my new German-made Kevlar racing tires compared with my daughter’s baptism. Yeah, its a strange mix.
But the main focus here is on raising a daughter. I want to be there for her when she needs me, and in the background, watching her grow, when she doesn’t. But I do not want to give up my lifestyle of international research, education, and athleticism. Having worked in Honduras and Mexico, and completed part of my graduate degree in Tanzania, the travel bug bites me hard, and often. This Ironman triathlon, this 1.2 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run, has come to represent some sort of independence, some sort of ability to have individual goals and aspirations while still raising a healthy child. This is not a blog meant to inspire, not meant to tell a “if-I-can-do-it-you-can-too” story. Rather, it’s a take on the evolution of independence and adventure, on the influence of family on personal decisions.
I want to complete an Ironman. I want to be a good father. I want to see if it’s possible to do both. I hope it is, because if one has to go, I know which one it will be.
Just the fact that you’ve written down your Ironman goal is a good start … they say you’re more likely to achieve goals when you write them down. I want to do an Ironman to (maybe I should add that to my “about” section in my blog
. I have set it as a long term goal to complete in my 40s. I am 32 now. I know this seems bizarre and far off, but I am in baby making mode now…although I did recently get my black belt in karate.
Anyway, if your daughter sees you training for and then completing an Ironman, that will teach her a lot! I say go for it!!!