Ruth got injured last Thursday - not badly - but as she was getting off her bike she must’ve tweaked a muscle in her hip or something, because she couldn’t ride home after soccer practise. OK, so she rode to practise, practised for 1 1/2 hours and then rode home - not surprising she maybe tired.
Friday, she wasn’t much better and missed Saturdays soccer game, Sunday she only played 30 minutes before coming off. Then Sunday night she announces that she wants to ride with us on the Daily Dose. Trying not to smile, I ask, “Are you sure its ok?”, then go on to say, “I don’t want you to over do it”, trying to be concerned. “Well, I really need a bike ride”, says Ruth. Who am I to argue with that?
We’re on the DD this morning and I ask Ruth about Chico - she’s concerned about the speed and the distance 3 laps, 54 miles. I want to make sure its not a fear of the unknown, so I push her a little, by asking whats the worst that could happen. She tells me that being dropped will make her unhappy. Good answer, it would make me unhappy too. But she is strong, so I push her again.
I don’t want to make a bigger deal out of this, but she is strong, has ridden the distance before (not in a race), and I think she’ll do just fine, even if she is hanging in on the last lap. Plus, Mex will be there to provide some moral support. I don’t want to cross the line into Pushy Parent from Dad that helps break down fears, so I need to go easy on her. Her injury is still bothering her, but not much, so its getting better and should be good by the weekend. Fingers crossed.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Johnny GoFast // Sep 17, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Took my kid to a couple of soccer games this weekend. I believe you call it “football”. Anyway, the little “Beckham” asks me if he needs to score a goal today. I say, “no, not this week. But next weekend, if you don’t punch one in, you’re eating dinner in the garage by yourself.” The wifeage thinks I’m pushing too hard. She can eat with him. Dad of the Year doesn’t raise losers who can’t find the goal/success/etc. FYI.
2 Margaret // Sep 17, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Humm, that distance is how the crow flies. Pretty sure our route is way longer.
Push away, I will let you know when to back off.
3 Ron // Sep 18, 2007 at 7:21 am
Push suggestively, but don’t force it. They have to find the love for themselves and the choice needs to be their own. I think you put just the right amount into it. Remove the fear, be supportive, educate, but ultimately let them make and informed decision.
I know my son will do an about face if he feels pressure. Biking wasn’t his thing, but he found his calling on the guitar (my other passion). Less than a year and he is good enough to play in a band, he is 12.
But no pushing on my part, just dangling the lure of a new bling guitar once a certain level of accomplishment is achieved. It works.
4 vanderpoop // Sep 18, 2007 at 4:08 pm
listen to the vimins
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