Just when I begin to think I have seen it all, heard every story, met every person who could possibly have a story to inspire... Just when I begin to think I have some things in life understood, and priorities established... Just when I reach the peak of that mountain I realize I truly am just beginning the climb.
Today I had a bit of a life-changing experience. My son, Luc, and I took a day trip down to Geneva NY, home of Team Mussel. You've never heard of Team Mussel? I am not surprised, and likely they have never heard of you. They may or may not know what the Ironman is; I doubt they even care. What they do know is this: Melissa Henderson and Dave Soule (along with several other incredible people, including race director Jeff Henderson and a local cop) really care about them, really want to help give them a head start in life, and really love them.
Team Mussel is not comprised of the kids that might first come to mind when thinking about a kid's triathlon team. Team Mussel is comprised of 11 children from Geneva, ranging in age from 9-11. Several members of the community have taken on sponsorship of this group, in the form of donating bike helmets, bikes, entry fees for MusselKids in July, etc.
They are Team Mussel, and they changed me today.
We arrived at 3pm, just as Team Mussel was heading out for their weekly practice with coach Dave Soule. We met up and I found Ruthie, a beautiful girl who got onto this team through perseverance. You see, this team was originally for the boys, and then Ruthie found out. She protested, and won, earning herself a spot as the lone female. Look for Ruthie and I to be wearing matching Splish Swimsuits on race day: "Green Bling! Bling!" to be exact.
I felt immediate warmth from Ruthie, and rather than shake hands, we hugged. It was like we were old friends. She was impressive in the manner in which she held herself, in a group of athletic boys. It was never a boy vs. girls feeling, it was a team feeling. She accepted them and they accepted her. I loved her already.
The workouts began with Mr. Soule warming them up through some light "follow the leader" drills. Melissa joined us as we continued through some stretching, and Jeff pulled in as the run through the woods was about to begin.
The Geneva school has a nice little running trail that leads through the woods, which we ran (and my little son tripped over every root, but got up each time), and the kids kept tabs on one another, just like family. There were elements of competition with them, but more powerful was the element of team.
Next we ran over to the high school track, where lacrosse practices was going on. The kids took turns running 400's with Dave, Melissa and Jeff, and although they may have slowed, they never, ever, ever quit.
Then they took on the stair-jumping competition, as they played games jumping, hopping and running the stadium stairs, begging for more with each round. They could not get enough.
Every once in a while they'd ask me a question. "What's it like to do a race so long?" or "You won the Musselman?" , and they were intensely focused on my four year old, being sure to include him in everything and making sure he wasn't left behind.
Back at the elementary school, we snacked on bagels, and I realized that there are only 2 flavors this group likes: plain and blueberry (mental note for next time). We then went inside, to Dave's classroom, to look at pictures of the kids during their training practices. Spinning, running, relays - these kids do it all.
What really struck me about this group was the teamwork. They look out for each other. They persevere. They may be tired and rest, but they do not quit, and they do not allow each other to quit. They have adults who really, really care for them, who are guiding them, who most importantly believe in them.
Yes, these kids are training for the MusselKids race. But what they are doing so much more. They are spending 2 hours after school on a Friday having fun, getting physical activity, playing games. They have expectations set for them, and they rise to those. They are learning discipline, responsibility. Every step they take is a step towards a good life, towards good habits, and away from the negativity that could swallow them up.
On Sunday this weekend they are being taken to the YMCA to swim. On June 5th they will have a car wash (and I will drive 45 minutes to Geneva to support it).
I feel humbled, grounded, and very hopeful from my experience with Team Mussel. I learned that 11 young kids in Geneva are taking positive steps with their lives. I was reminded of the importance of looking out for one another. I was reminded of real perseverance. I was reminded that while we all might be worrying about our long rides and long runs in our race preparation, Team Mussel doesn't have a clue as to who we are or the magnitude of the race coming to their town... or the way that they are giving inspiration.
They may not even realize how much they are cared about, and cared for. There are people who believe in them, that they can trust, who know they have what it takes to rise to the occasion, and to achieve a goal.
Maybe we need Team Mussel just as much as they need us.
