Sometimes people ask why I train the way I do. What’s with all of the crawling, balancing, jumping, climbing, and these “natural movements” that don’t look/feel that way to modern humans? Well, it’s for moments like these…they don’t show up on your training program, but you hope your kids remember them: muddy hikes, ocean swims, the times they weren’t sure they could do something… and then realized they could. By nurturing their adventurous spirits and modeling “going for it”, we empower them to become capable and confident kids.
Here’s a glimpse of our latest adventure…
The Deal
We were hiking up the rainforest in Puerto Rico. The trail was steep, especially for my five-year-old’s legs. At one point, she looked ahead and said she didn’t think she could make it. So, since everything is a negotiation with children, we made a deal. “If you make it to the top, I’ll carry you down.”
She thought about it, huffed and puffed a bit, then kept climbing…all the way to the top! She finished strong. On the way down… I kept my promise by carrying my tired and proud princess down the trail. Somewhere along that descent, it hit me: This is why I train!
Use What’s Around You
Vacations can be about relaxing, but they can also be about exploring. We swam in jungle pools, and the one at the Vrbo. I snuck out for an open-water swim to an island because it was there. It affirmed once again that training doesn’t always happen at the gym. The world is our playground, and when you treat it that way, you create moments kids remember (and hopefully pass on):
• jungle hikes
• natural swimming holes
• open-water swims
• climbing and balancing on obstacles that present themselves
• body surfing at night
These moments aren’t scheduled, but they happen when you choose to explore.
The Ocean at Night
One of the best moments came after dark. The beach was empty, the air was warm, and the waves were still rolling in. Naturally, we started body surfing under the night sky; something New Englanders don’t get to do that often. At night, you don’t see the waves the same way; you feel them. Every wave is a surprise, and the rides often ended in laughter. Some of our best moments weren’t planned – they happened because we said “yes.”
Movement Is Everywhere
One afternoon, we explored El Morro in Old San Juan with its massive stone walls, wide open space, history everywhere, and of course, perfect parkour terrain! So we climbed, balanced, did some wall runs, tried to remember how to do wall spins, etc. Not for a workout, but because it was there. When kids see the world this way, everything becomes something to explore. They get this naturally. At the gym, we call it “obstacle optics,” but most adults have lost them.
Willing to Be a Beginner
We took a surf lesson as a family. None of us was an expert; I had taken one lesson… twenty years ago. That was it. So we showed up as beginners. Listened, practiced, and gave it a shot. Some waves scorpioned us, some caused us to lose our board, but every once in a while, someone caught one clean. Those moments were pure joy! More importantly, the kids saw this: you don’t have to be good to start. Sometimes you just say: “let’s try it.” Kids notice when adults are willing to learn, too.
When Adventure Bites Back
Not everything went smoothly. Shortly after the surf lesson, my son dislocated his fingertip, leading to a nasty avulsion. Next stop: the ER. This was not part of the plan, but part of the experience. Life throws curveballs; learning to stay calm and adapt is part of growing up too.
The Bigger Idea
The goal isn’t extreme adventure (anymore😊). It’s capability: strong enough to carry your daughter down after she climbed up, comfortable in the water, curious enough to explore what’s in front of you, and fit and competent enough to climb it/swim it/explore it. Make the most of wherever you are, because one day, when things get hard, those instincts will still be there.
The Simple Truth
My daughter made it to the top on her own. I carried her down. And somewhere along that trail, confidence grew. Not because it was easy, but because it was hard, and she did it anyway. That’s what I hope they remember: the world isn’t something to sit and watch. It’s something to explore. That’s why I train. Not for the gym or the stats, but for moments like that.
