Who has a protective bubble? Not everyone's childhood comes complete with a protective bubble. My mom raised four kids. In high school, I paid for my own car and track cleats by bussing tables. I knew, as a young athlete enamoured with my chosen sport, that a 4:21 mile time would enable me to go to a division 1 track program. No amount of participation trophies or certificates clouded my perception of what I was able to do.