18 holes of Iron Man.

One of the reasons why I chose to run marathons, triathlons and now an IronMan, is because I want to show my family that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Training hard, dedication, research and experience pays off, and that’s a powerful message, especially for my 4 year old.

I chose sports that are similar to my professional career. Long haul, endurance activities that entail sacrifice and responsibility, but also pay off, big time. The time and effort that I put in doesn’t go without consequences. From injuries to discussions at home due to schedules, I deal with obstacles and distractions every day, and I must overcome them all.

And I don’t know if my behavior is driving Isabel, or if it’s just in her, innate, because yesterday she played 18 holes of putt-putt (mini-golf) with a determination that I never expected from her. With dedication, courage, and patience she navigated every hole, hitting the ball with her version of the technique that I taught her in the first few minutes, and never stopping to look back. Not even when her mom and dad, in the midst of a meltdown from our 2 year old, asked her to leave at the 10th hole. She kept going, and so did we as her support system.

For the last year, Isabel has been enrolled in a Montessori program. They teach her through projects to be independent, to solve problems and to be organized and methodical.

I’m not sure if she is “special” or “different” than other 4 year olds, but she is definitely even more special to me now. That image now will live in my mind during my countless hours of training and racing, and will take me to the finish line. Her smile when she sank the bole 18 times, and her sense of achievement will get me to finish my own “18 holes of IronMan.”