Dear NaysayerHi there! It’s Virginia, Swim Bike Kid blogger, back to ramble a bit.

Today I got an email from an awesome mom of two little ones who is becoming a triathlete. She’s amazing! What she asked is something I thought I would share here because I think it pertains to so many things about being a mom (or dad). Here’s the question….

“Hi again, was curious, when you started this journey Virginia, did you find that you had mixed reactions from people?
Its interesting…the ones that I thought would ‘get it’ or be supportive/show encouragement – haven’t. They have been somewhat blasey about it saying that its ” full on, hard training and how am I finding the time (or energy) to do this with 2 babies at home..” or they just say nothing at all.”

I think any of us who are triathletes have experienced this. THE NAYSAYERS! (insert the sound of a crowd chanting “boo hiss” here). Blast the stupid naysayers! In case this isn’t a word you use a lot, a naysayer, according to Merriam Webster’s dictionary is, “one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something.” I really get annoyed with the naysayers!! But, I think that many of the naysayers are pretty jealous. Maybe they don’t THINK they can do it (of course they can). Maybe they are too lazy to try (which can be changed). Maybe they are just negative (OH WELL!). Who knows what is wrong with the naysayers, but I believe it is critical to completely block them out. MORE than that, I believe it is critical to teach your kids to completely block them out. I don’t know about you (though I think I know a little about you if you reading this), but I want my kids growing up knowing that they can KICK BOOTY in this world. I know that by seeing me tri, they get that lesson. I want to say it, scream it, and live it for them. KICK BOOTY! DO IT ALL!     NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!

So, today I came up with a great response for the naysayers. Next time you get grief about doing a triathlon, simply say (with a great big smile), “You know what? I know you can’t understand because you haven’t tri’ed yet. I see a triathlon in you. To get started, try reading  Triathlon for Every Woman by Meredith Atwood. It will teach you to just keep moving forward!”

2 Responses

  1. Thank goodness I haven’t encountered any yet. Some confused looks definitely, but no naysayers…Blocking out other people’s issues and focusing on your own goals and happiness is always good advice!

  2. I love your final response :).

    You know, people have opinions about just about everything when it pertains to SOMEONE ELSE. It’s hard to hear negative voices when you’re so dang excited to jump in and tri. Just remember, this is about YOU and no one but you. Interestingly, as you get into tri-ing, you might find your circle of friends changing up a bit.

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