I played team sports my whole life but I am most grateful for the individual sports/activities I did like skiing, running and hiking. Team sports have a limited shelf life but instilling an activity you can do until your old and gray? Priceless.
One of the great things about living in a small community is the cost of recreational sports are very affordable. Bode is wrapping a fun rec soccer season and it’s the perfect fit for him. Low cost, low stress, show up, play for a month twice a year, and be the superstar (none of these things would happen in competitive soccer).
Both of the kids will be doing a lot of challenging hikes this summer so I encouraged them both to run track to get in shape. I told them I didn’t care if they did the track meets but Bode wanted to do the first mini-meet that was held at our local high school. His chosen events? 100m, 200m and the long jump.
Here’s what you need to know about Bode: he isn’t fast. He has these short Borowski legs that just aren’t equipped for top speeds but he doesn’t really care. He had a 5K a few weeks ago for a school fundraiser and when I asked him if he should start training, he replied, “No need. I can already run a 9.5-minute mile.”
Impressive.
All teasing aside, I actually really admire him. He’s fearless with trying new things and he doesn’t really care if he’s not the best; he’s just in it for the experience. I was always driven to win and if I wasn’t the best, I didn’t want to do it. All or nothing. Field hockey, basketball and baseball–I am regretfully talking about you. It is only as I’ve aged and have been unable to perform at high levels that I’ve realized the value of being part of something, even if you’re not No. 1.
Bode gets that.
Several of his friends are doing track with him and they all performed about the same level, which made for some good parental bonding. Our text conversations:
Me: “Last is the new first! Eli came in last place in his 100m heat and Bode and Henry tied for last in theirs.”
Jenn: “Ha, Yes! I’m so glad they’re all in this together.”
Sarah: “LOL, way to go boys!
Ben: “Ellis just broke the trend with a second-to-last finish.”
Here’s to the losers who are actually winners because they’re not afraid to play the game.
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 