More than 10 years ago we started going to a small race in Marlborough created by a friend of ours. My kids were babies. Chris was just out of med school and our triathlon family was in its infancy. Pete would push sand around the beach and toddle among the wetsuit clad athletes. Kate would go looking for frogs in a little area off the finish line. It was a tradition that we could come to cherish over the years. We marked our summers’ beginning and end by these races. Though out it all, we would build an extended family of athletes.
Peter would grow up around the distinct smell of bicycle tires and chain oil. At two and a half, he would proudly show his grown-up bicycle friends how he could ride without training wheels. As his dad would tinker with his bikes, Pete would always be close by playing with a set of Allen wrenches or spinning a wheel in a truing stand. He was being imprinted with a culture of health and wellness long before he even realized it. He felt at home with it. When Go Far started at the age of 6 it would bring wellness down to his level, something he could truly grasp and understand. It would become his winter, spring and fall, but summer belonged to triathlon season well before he could even race. I could see the glint in his eyes while he watched his dad race. I did my best to hold him back for as long as possible. It was a grown up sport after all. At 9, I finally allowed him to relay the run portion of the race. He had caught the triathlon bug. As ten approached, we reluctantly threw the bicycle leg into the mix. I worried about the aggressive adult riders stumbling over him or even worse, the possibility that he could make an inexperienced mistake that could cause injury to others. Bike racing can get hair raising and when you add cars sharing the roads, it can get down right terrifying. What made this all doable was the fact that he had his family of triathletes that were keeping an eye on him. While I couldn't always see him, I know this group protects him. Throughout the entire course, he has support from his older mentors. He knew he was missing the last major piece of the puzzle and it was a daunting one. He couldn’t swim a lap. The only real solution would be to join the swim team, somewhat of a time commitment that I dreaded. Luckily we hooked up with CAT swimming at HK High School who in under 6 months had him up to speed. Their talent in coaching has been truly remarkable. So on this Thursday night in early June, he was ready to put it on the line. He was welcomed into the club of seasoned athletes. He would follow his dad like a duckling as he awaited the start. He has witnessed and awed over the many details of Chris's successful race career. He had already learned so much. He would also stay close to Bill one of my best friends because Peter has always looked up to him. Newington Bike, our amazing local shop would make him feel like he belonged. Our close friend JD would swim along side him making Peter and this mom feel much less apprehensive. With my camera, I captured the first stroke of his first open water swim. So few times do children experience the complete unknown, and this was not without fear. He looked back for only a second and I knew he would be OK. Throughout it all, I had profound appreciation for the goodness that others can bring to my own. Nothing says you love what you do more than the smile you wear when you’re doing it. I often find myself mesmerized by his smile because I know it’s genuine to the very core. I believe tonight was the first of a lifetime of adventures in this arena. It’s cradled him since he was a baby but now he can begin to create a legacy of his own if he chooses to do so. Thank you to this two wheeled extended family of ours that has gotten him this far. Better keep training, he’ll be on your heels.
10 Comments
6/6/2013 08:10:57 pm
A congratulations is due. Not just to Pete, but to Chris and yourself for bringing up a GREAT son; and for finally "letting him go" sort-to-speak with the swim.
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Jen Schulten
6/6/2013 10:03:20 pm
Thanks Kurt. It was a wonderful night for this Pete and he went to school today so excited about it all. He's is already telling me that the next race he's taking 2 minutes off. Love how lake T has no medals, out reward is the time we all get to spend together. It's a treasure for sure. ...Thanks for keeping an eye on him out there!
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Glenn & Cooper
6/7/2013 08:47:28 am
Way to go Pete! You're Awesome !
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pat scales
6/10/2013 01:31:38 pm
Absolutely amazing, Mr. Peter - so very proud of you and your parents. GO FAR Mr. Pete - GO FAR! We love you.
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Bill Honeck
6/11/2013 09:38:16 pm
Thanks Jenny! You and your family have made my adventure a lot more fun. I remember many times with Kate and Pete dancing around campfires at Mountain Bike parties, snow ball fights in the parking lot and endless training runs with a double jogger. Now I can look forward to watching Pete pass me sometime and Kate being "all grown up." Thanks Chris and Jen for letting me be part of the Schulten Family!
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Jen
6/11/2013 10:09:36 pm
Bill, It seems like yesterday those kids were going for super long jogger rides with chocolate milk babas. They have grown so fast but not with out your friendship to help them along. Thank YOU!!!!
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alexa
6/11/2013 10:03:39 pm
So great! I eant the same for my kids though I'm only now branching into the tri world from running. I hope to learn fadt and be a good example for them. Eould love for them to get into it in a couple years.
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Wendy
6/12/2013 01:12:03 am
Jen,
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6/20/2013 11:37:20 pm
Great post! We have a "sporting" family too, so this was awesome to read.
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Amy S.
6/23/2013 08:17:02 pm
Way to go Peter! What a great accomplishment!
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