The kids have figured out that if they do field events in Track Club, then they don't have to run so much. Geniuses. Ricardo and I did the same thing in our track careers. The only difference being, uh, well, Ricardo excelled. Me, well, let's just say I have a lot of "Spirit Awards".
Lucy's decided long jump is good for her. She's pretty good at it. This year, they are in a new age division and have more options, so Max decided to try high jump.
It helps that Ricardo coaches high jump. Remember this? So, Max not only gets to avoid excessive running drills, and try a new sport, he gets to hang out with his Dad. It's a win-win-win situation for the kid. I jog while they practice. It's a big fat fun cardio vascular family event.
The other day at practice, I was jogging by and noticed Max's perfect form as he jumped. It might be a good time to point out that the last time I high jumped was 7th grade. So, even remembering what perfect form is, well, I don't. But I'm reminded of it as I watch Max. I mean, yeah, he's my son and all, and he's super perfect.
Ricardo sneaks a moment without the kids around to quickly affirm my suspicions, "Baby, he's got it. The kid's got it." Yeah, I thought so.
Since I was out of town last weekend, I missed the actual track meet. But Ricardo kept me posted. It's usually Ricardo who has to hold me back from building the kids up too much. But he kept texting me and keeping me updated.
In one track meet, Max won his age group. In the time it took to wait for his medal - which he refused to leave the track meet until he got that darned medal - Ricardo had deduced that not only had he won the meet - he was tied for number one....in the nation.
We are so excited for Max. Even Lucy is bragging on him. I am excited to see him jump soon. I find myself in a delicate position to keep him motivated and be proud of himself, and to never be satisfied.
Yesterday he showed his medal to his class. And since I'm ALWAYS up at the school, I was there volunteering, I had to egg the kid on to explain how well he did. Later, when school was out, he had his friend over, and I said,
"Hey, did you tell Johnny about your high jump medal?"
"No. I'd rather not."
This all makes sense to me as it seems there was a guy at the writer's retreat, who was so quiet all weekend. But when he went to share his work, it was impeccably brilliant writing. And although it was not a competitive environment at all, everyone sitting there knew it: this guy wins.
You know how there's trash talkers at any sports game? It's the quiet ones you should really worry about. This guy walked by all the trash talkers. And then stepped up to the plate and knocked one out of the park.
Ricardo is the same way. As seen here. That seems to be the same type of stellar guy that Max is turning out to be. He'd rather not talk about it and just do it.
I'm a really good trash talker. I mean really good. I may not be able to knock one out of the park, but so far, I breed elite athletes.
That's how I roll.
Song of the Day: Jump by Van Halen
Your kids ooze talent. Seriously...