Competitive Spirit

I always thought of myself as non-competitive.  I've decided that for me, as a competitor, I'm so bad that there is no point in getting excited about trying to beat anybody. I better just be having fun.  My girls however beat people regularly.  I was actually quite surprised by this.  I was also surprised by how competitive it made me feel.  I find myself pushing them to push themselves harder.  I'm trying to find the middle of the road between the crazy competitive mom, who drives her children to hate the sport, and the mom who just wants everybody to have a good time, but really isn't interested in how they do.  I want to be supportive and help them reach their potential, but still love the sport.  I didn't think it would be so hard to keep myself from becoming monster mom.  I have seen a few of these moms, and it isn't pretty.  I have given the girls permission to bring me up short when I am heading for the ditch on that side of the road.

Mads has gotten the running bug lately which is bringing some challenges.  She is in good shape and finds that running feels really good.  I want her to know that feeling, but to be able to be reasonable with it.  She has been running more than she should lately and then comes home and plays on the Wii Fit, which is definitely more than she needs.  I'm trying to encourage her to take rest days.  I know that she wants to stay in shape and in her mind that means that she has to be exercising every day, I remember thinking the same thing in college.  It is hard for them to trust their older out of shape mom in this area.  She is starting to get some hip pain which I am sure is from overuse, so I hope that she will listen to her body, if she won't listen to me.

My goal for my kids with sports is for them to be comfortable playing different sports, and to develop an active lifestyle.  My dad is in his mid 60s and rides his bicycle regularly for 50 miles at a time.  He can hike, or swim, or do any activity with the kids without getting tired.  He can't beat them in a 100 meter race, but he can ski the day with them.  I want them to be active and eat wisely so that they will be in reasonably good health.  I want them to feel good, and be able to do the things that they want to do now and throughout their lives.  I want them to be able to run a 5K race with their grandchildren.  They are all in better shape than I am, which is my own fault.  I haven't made staying in shape a priority, so getting over the out of shape hump is my biggest obstacle.  It is on my to do list.  I know my daughters have questioned why I push them so hard when I am not the one who has to run 3 miles in 100 degree weather.  I heard them, and it is true.  I have to lead them by example, and fortunately my dad is a great example to them.

God has given them many athletic skills and I hope they will use them for His glory.  They are getting a taste of what exercise can do for you physically and mentally.  If I am wise I will keep them along this path without killing the joy of it.