On the eve of another Mother's Day weekend, I look forward to the inevitable tokens my kids will bestow upon me -- usually comprised of mysterious clay sculptures, fresh picked dandelions, handmade cards and priceless hugs that make the day truly special. We will likely engage in some type of outdoor activity, and if I'm feeling up to it, I may even squeeze in a Mother's Day run, complete with kids on bikes and dogs in tow.  As my kids have grown older and are now into their own sports and extracurricular endeavors, I find myself typically more relegated to taxi driver, referee, and child therapist, where there are seemingly less and less hours for my own hobbies and goals.  This is what makes my Triple Crown attempt that much more of an exciting challenge in my life.  I will have to find the time to prepare, prioritize my schedule, and hold firm to my own self-discipline and desire.

I think back over the years to various ways I've squeezed in time for fitness beginning with the baby gate that didn't keep kids contained, but rather kept them away from my treadmill while I ran and fended off sporadic attempts of the little ninjas to get "inside the wire."  I even tried the familiar baby jogger once or twice until I realized that after having a full day of at least one gooey finger attached to you, I really just wanted some freedom, away from the kids, to celebrate my own individuality and discover a place where I could be the girl I remembered, before she turned into Mom.  (I promptly returned the jogger and returned to my happy solo runs.)

Not that Mom isn't a glorious title -- it is my most treasured role and one that I place above all other responsibilities.  However, I believe that in order to be the best for my kids, I have to take care of myself as well. Telling your kids to set goals and work hard to reach them doesn't mean much unless they see you model that same dedication.

A few years ago, my kids and I sat atop of a mountain and waited for my husband, Andy to finish the Pikes Peak Ascent.  As we looked down upon the beautiful scenery, the kids noted how very far down he must have started and how steep it was on those last sections to the top. They saw the agony and relief of the finishers and we discussed why people would push themselves to complete something so demanding as a 13 mile race up a mountain.  Essentially, it came down to determination and a desire to be the best you could possibly be.  This year, it will be me working my way up the mountain.  Due to that memory, this goal is not lost on my kids.

As much as I will treasure my Triple Crown race finishes, it will pale in comparison to the example I will have set for my children.  Years from now, I want them to remember their mom as strong, fierce and dedicated not only to furthering her own mind and body, but also to teaching them that you should never give up on things that matter the most to you.  I will never give up my desire to be fit and healthy, and I will never give up my desire to be the best role model I can be for my kids.

I love those little munchkins dearly -- even though it means I've sacrificed the consistency and speed of my past workouts. I will cherish my experiences and reward myself for work well done on the running path.  However, I always remember that in the end, there are no race medals in the world that can compare to a genuine dandelion bouquet.