“Watch out for Balls” reads the sign in the private, ocean-front, golf-course that I pass through on my weekly long runs. In addition to posting a sensible fear, this sign is also a signal for me to literally speed up.  My mom’s best friend was once struck in the hand by a golf-ball as she ran through this course. Her hand swelled and was black and blue for weeks. The warning sign reminds me to train at varying intervals and not be lulled by the beautiful scenery into a slow trot. I also speed up because I want to get home to my daughter sans nasty bruises or concussions; and the faster I run, the sooner I will see her.

Katherine Hepburn occupied this neighborhood for many years, and she too gives me great inspiration, an incredible athlete at a time when women were supposed to “glow”.  The actress Kate Blanchette portrays Hepburn so well in the movie Aviator when she exclaims to her boyfriend Howard Hughes, “well I sweat damn-it!”  Hepburn was an amazing working woman, and she reminds me of the importance of my daughter’s role models who are not mothers. Working women, whether or not they are mothers often take on so many responsibilities beyond their jobs.  Women are amazing jugglers of multiple responsibilities. I am thankful for all of the women in my daughter’s life who will show her that there are so many paths that can be taken.  I am fortunate that I am able to be a mom with a career who also gets to be a competitive athlete.  I also know that there are some goals that will have to be put on the back burner for now.  I will not be traveling outside of the country for many years, which is something that most of my friends who do not have children are able to do at least once per year. I had been thinking about training for an Olympic Distance Tri, but the open water swimming training would take too much time away from my family. I would like to volunteer my time to help others more often, but this always involves another family member watching my daughter, so really two people need to give up their time for me to volunteer for one event. I wish that all women will be inspired by the signs and people around them.