Today, my husband is competing in a sprint triathlon, which highlights the impressive training and skills needed to transition swiftly between events. The meticulous preparation and physical endurance required for such an event are commendable.
Last year was his inaugural triathlon, and we learned just how crucial those transitions can be—almost as significant as the race itself. If he spends too long removing his wet suit or fumbling with socks, the difference between placing first or third—or achieving a personal best—could be at stake.
While I’m not a triathlete in the classic sense, it struck me that mothers engage in their own unique triathlon each day. Our version typically lacks swimming, cycling, or running, yet it’s a sprint filled with transitions that can significantly impact our day.
Morning Madness
Take yesterday, for instance. My morning began with the challenge of preparing the kids for school. We managed to have a nutritious breakfast while rushing to don our ‘race gear.’ With homework completed and lunches packed, we were ready to hit the road.
Navigating through neighborhood construction, I weaved us through obstacles like cones and school buses to achieve a personal record of sorts—shaving three minutes off our usual time. This was a promising start, and I was already planning my transition from mom to executive. Just as my boys were about to leave, I noticed a familiar look on my youngest son’s face: he had forgotten his lunch.
In a split second, I recalibrated and decided to have a sandwich delivered to school rather than risk my time. After a quick goodbye, I was back on track, albeit not as smoothly as I had hoped. I began mentally preparing for the day’s meetings.
Unexpected Challenges
Realizing I had time for a quick coffee run, I ordered ahead to avoid the line. My day continued relatively well—until my boss unexpectedly dropped by for a chat. What I anticipated would be a brief five-minute conversation turned into a lengthy 45-minute discussion that made me late for my 11:30 meeting. Panic set in when I remembered I hadn’t ordered my son’s lunch.
I scrambled to call a colleague, frantically searched for the school address—I should have saved it as a favorite—and finally ordered the sandwich just in time to deliver it during my son’s lunch hour. Afterward, I rushed to my meeting, which unfortunately ran past noon, leaving me locked out of my office during lunch hour. Luckily, a teammate was there to help.
Afternoon Hustle
Typically, this is when I catch up on emails and refuel. I quickly munched on a hard-boiled egg, an apple, and some string cheese while gearing up for the rest of the day. With a 4:30 meeting looming, I needed to transition back to ‘mom’ mode to pick up the kids by 5:45 for soccer practice.
This part of the day demanded immense stamina and focus. I was exhausted but pressed on, leading my meeting with positivity. At 4:29 p.m., I packed up and rushed to my car. Unfortunately, I was running behind and picked up my oldest son a minute late. Just as I walked into the school library, he asked about his brother.
Panic washed over me—I had taken the wrong route! This error meant my youngest would have to wait, affecting our soccer practice schedule. I took a deep breath and plotted a new course, hoping to shave off some time. Despite my efforts, we arrived 10 minutes late for pickup. Thankfully, the coaches were understanding.
Evening Wrap-Up
We quickly ate, changed, and made our way to practice. I switched gears to chief operations officer of the household, stopping by Target for some essentials. The adrenaline was surging as I saw the homestretch approaching. To save time, I picked up dinner instead of preparing a late-night meal.
Finally, we made it home, and I crossed the finish line of my daily race. Reflecting on the day, I realized sprint triathlons may not be my forte; perhaps I’m more suited for the marathon—slow and steady sounds appealing.
In conclusion, motherhood is a triathlon of its own, filled with obstacles and transitions that require skill, stamina, and adaptability.
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