Any parent with a big race on the calendar has faced the question of whether or not to leave the kids at home on the big day. On one hand, we want our kids to be a part of our lives and share in our experiences. On the other hand, we want to arrive at the starting line having had some sleep and not having to worry about whether we adequately packed the diaper bag.

After qualifying for the Olympic Trials, I wrestled with whether to bring my one- and three-year-old to L.A. It would obviously be much easier to travel by myself or with just my husband. My youngest, especially, doesn’t travel well, and the logistical jungle and additional expense of bringing them made it seem like a bad choice.

Ultimately, though, I wanted it to be a family experience. My girls are my training buddies. I ran more miles with them than with anyone else, including by myself! They were part of the process to get there in the first place. And I wanted them to be included. Not that a one- and three-year-old would remember much of the experience, but one day they can at least say, “I watched my mom run in the Olympic Trials!”

I thought I’d share a little about the experience to help you decide whether to take your kids to your next big destination race.  Read more >>