So I was having lunch with my buddy Jamie George the other day and the conversation turned, as it usually does at some point, to our kids. The basics. . .how are they, what are they up to, of course, we both always take some time to brag on them a little and I got to talking and thinking about the discipline of training.

In February of this year I was at a heavy weight for me and I was, again, out of shape. I weighed 194lbs and I hadn’t really trained since the Boulder 70.3 which was 6 months earlier. Anyway. . . since February I have been focused. I laid out the races I wanted to compete in. (Compete being the key word) I got with my coach — Jimmy Riccitello and we laid out my plan. Everyday since February 6th I have kept with that plan and, as a result, we have seen some success. My weight now fluctuates between 170-173lbs and I’ve even won my division in some triathlons.

My last triathlon of this season is in 4 weeks. The Augusta 70.3. My goal is to break 5 hours and I really don’t see any reason why this won’t happen. I’ve trained for it. I’m in good shape and it’s a really fast course. After this race the goal is to take a couple weeks off from ANY training. Just give my body a rest. Here’s the deal. What if my “couple weeks off” becomes more than a couple weeks. 2 weeks becomes 4 becomes 6, etc. How long will I maintain my fitness? I can tell you from experience. . .not very long.

TRAINING IS AN EVERYDAY THING.

I have to continue to have a plan and be intentional or I will run into problems. This is a fact.

This is the same way with our kids. The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way they should go. . . ” It’s our job to train them. Everyday. As part of an intentional plan. Train them. It’s an everyday thing. Listen, watch, talk, address, correct, explain why. This good. . . that bad. Everyday.

One of my favorites, Meg Meeker, has said some pretty meaningful stuff on this subject that has really impacted me.

1) Train up a child. . .and when they are old they won’t depart from it. According to Meg, you know when your children are no longer children? 25!. . .25 years old. She said that when someone comes to her and says they’re having problems with their 17 year old. She reminds them. . .”25″. When a 21 year old is being an idiot. She reminds the parents. . .”25″. They’re still learning. Their brain is literally still developing. .  .25.

2) In the book Strong Fathers Strong Daughters Meg talks about how it’s vital that as Dad’s we “Step into our Daughters World” Take an interest in what they are interested in. This could be from shopping to scifi. Whatever it is. . . it really doesn’t matter if it’s your thing. It’s her thing and as the most influential man in her life it would be a good idea for you to share that with her. If you don’t Dad.. . there’s a 16 year old punk kid who will be waiting to. Spending time with her creates communication. Communication creates teachable moments.

Training. . . Everyday.