What is an Athlete?

 Physical talent is not what defines an athlete; mental fortuity and an unwillingness to quit are the defining traits.  An athletic attitude definitely permeates daily life.  This morning, for example, I felt rotten.  I went to spin class anyway, tried my best and felt better for it [endorphins].  I wasn't going to sit down and write, but I couldn't give my all in one sphere of my life and not another.  The attitude must be consistent.

Nowhere is the impact of the athletic attitude more manifest than in my younger daughter.  Her effort and drive are evident on and off the ice.  It is inspiring to learn from her attitude.  The eldest daughter has just discovered crew, and it is motivating her to find her best self within.  Being a coxswain has given Allison a sense of purpose and responsibility; I have never known her to be hellbent on getting to breakfast by 7 am.  

In my opinion, all that you hear about development about positive self-esteem through participation in sports is true.  I know it is true for me and I see it in my daughters.  They feel great about being part of a team and succeeding.  I feel great about the fact that I haven't given up on myself and that I am setting an example for my daughters.  My morning workouts set the tone for my days, and I go to sleep at night knowing that I tried my best from the first hour.