June 2010 - Misti

My name is Misti, I'm a motorcycle racer, riding coach, Formula One driving coach, freelance writer, AND mom to 10.5 month old Ashton. Before having my son I was jet setting around North America and the world racing motorcycles and coaching. If I wasn't at the track or on a motorcycle I was on an airplane, renting a car, or exploring a new city. I was never home for more than a week or two at a time and life was exciting, busy, thrilling, adventurous and FAST.

It was a difficult decision to quite racing professionally in order to start a family but my husband and I couldn't be happier. Ashton is an observant, silly, active kid that climbs everything and enjoys being tossed in the air, pushed really fast in the stroller on on his bike, going for rides on his little motorcycle (yes he already has his own bike!) and being dangled upside down. He laughs constantly and keeps us both smiling.

All the joy that Ashton brings us though has not come without challenges. For the first 8 months he never slept more than 2 hours at a time and screamed and cried hysterically when ever we tried to put him in his crib. This of course added added a lot of stress and anxiety to an already exhausted mommy. On top of that, I was learning to deal with my new life sans airplanes, motorcycles, traveling and excitement. A busy and adventurous day for me was a trip to the grocery store and music class. I started to feel pretty boring.

Not content to give up life as we knew it completely, my husband and I have worked hard to pull ourselves out of the fog of sleeplessness and continue to pursue the activities that we are passionate about. We bought a set of Peltier Ear Muffs for Ash and take him to the track as often as possible. We take turns riding and are teaching our son to ride and be active in sports and in the outdoors.

Knowing how important my sense of independence and accomplishment is, my husband has encouraged me to continue to work part time from home and to pursue my motorcycle coaching career. I will be heading back to the USA for a couple of the schools in a few months. I was also recently hired by Allen Berg Racing Schools here in Western Canada to be a coach for their Formula Car Programs. With classes being held at Mission Raceway I jumped at the opportunity to try something different (four wheels instead of two!) and for the chance to venture out on my own for a few days. If any of you mom's are interested in trying your hand at racing cars, sign up for the school and enjoy a day away from the kids! Or, if you are looking for the perfect Father's Day Gift, check out allenbergracingschools.com.

While I am thrilled to be able to be a stay at home mom and to be able to spend so much time with Ashton I think it is important for us moms to continue to follow our own dreams. It will keep us fueled and happy and will encourage our children to chase theirs as well.