Christmas List 2009 by Heather McNamara
Dear Santa,
Unlike my friend and fellow team mate Becky, I have not been very good this year. I have been terrible about household chores, putting off things like grocery shopping and laundry so I could train. I didn’t work much, and what little earnings I had I spent on frivolous items, mostly workout clothes and tri-gear. I wasn’t around much for friends or family, and when I was I was either exhausted or busy planning for my next race or training session. I also missed a lot of church, and didn’t visit my mom nearly as much as I should have.
But I wasn’t all bad in 2009. If one of my kids, my husband or a family member or friend needed something I was there for them. And, what little work I did do involved serving others, whether it was for the non-profit soccer club I work for, or my pilates students that faithfully attend my weekly classes. And, even if my house isn’t the cleanest it is warm, stocked with food (even if I didn’t prepare it!), and full of laughter. I’m also here every morning to see my daughter off to school and home every afternoon to welcome her with a hug and snack. So maybe I was a teensy bit good after all.
That being said, here is my Christmas list for 2009:
Discipline. Whether it’s about food choice or training, please give me the discipline to do the right thing.
Limitless energy. I’d love to be able to log in a 20 hour training week and not think twice about doing it again.
Better technical skills on the bike. I want to fly over obstacles and lean into tight switchbacks and make it look easy.
Better swim technique during races. Why is it in the pool I glide with effortless ease, but in a race my stroke deteriorates into what could be described as ”painful thrashing”?
Faster legs. I figure since Becky asked for these you might as well bring a set for me, too.
Patience. I seem to have less of this as I get older. Must be a “as we age we have less time on earth to get it all done” sort of thing.
And of course, health and happiness for my loved ones. This is a given since without it all the gifts in the world are meaningless.
Thanks Santa! And have a very Merry Christmas!
Your friend Heather