One of my most profound realizations occurred about a year ago in a woman's study group. The focus of the group was to learn from one another - strategies for dealing with typical issues of parenting (quarrels between siblings, getting dressed and out the door without conflict, teens expressing their individuality, etc.) I don't recall the exact scenario that prompted the statement but what I do recall were the words of an older mom (her children are now in college). She said there are seasons to everything - even raising children. Her words really struck a note with me. This summer, the kids in our neighborhood have seemingly transitioned from young toddlers holding mommy's hand and content with the occasional playdate to young adventurous young children seeking out playmates on their own. They'll head out the doors with their bike helmets and zoot about the in the cul-de-sac and the driveways of our neighbors. One by one, the training wheels have been coming off.
To celebrate their recent interest in cycling, DH and I were motivated to go for a run while the kiddos tagged along on their bike. For the first time - we didn't have to push them in the jogger or pull them in the trailer! Though the pace was quite slow - we managed to cover over 3 miles. All the while, I couldn't stop smiling. The season is changing yet again.
Before winter is upon us, I know that I will be able to go out for an easy or moderate run as the kiddos accompany me on their bikes. A training cycle is about to begin and how much more enjoyable it will be with my little buddies along side me.
One thing I know about me is that in order to exercise regularly - with any level of intensity - I must have a goal or a challenge in front of me. A race I've registered for or a new distance to run. Just getting out there for the sole purpose of exercise doesn't cut it. To lose a few pounds has never really appealed to me - I've never been too caught up in body image. For me - there has to be an added bonus. To be able to say to myself - 'Wow! I did it!'
My next marathon isn't until April 25th of 2010. I need to build a base between now and January. I haven't really started running regularly yet - I have barely been swimming. The past few weeks I've wondered where I was going to find that carrot to dangle in front of me. As of today - I need look no further. I have found my new challenge... the Brute Squad Postal Challenge.
At Masters today, I had arrived early and after swimming 400m freestyle warm-up, I thought to myself, "I should swim a 100 IM and then follow up with a 200 IM so I can check it off my list for the Check Off Challenge. The 100 was pretty straightforward - we've done those in practice in the past so I wasn't too concerned. My lane mates still had not yet arrived so I proceeded forth with my plan to swim the 200.
The second 25m of the fly was gruesome. I started to lose rhythm but pushed through and reached the wall just as Roger stood up on the hull and says to me, "Starting out with the fly?! Float like a butterfly... sting like a bee!" I laugh, "Something like that. I wanted to check off the 200 IM - just to say I've done it!" "You go girl!" It was a good thing he engaged me in conversation - the little reprieve was needed.
When I touched the wall after the backstroke, Roger and George were both there cheering me on. "Half way there! Woo hoo!" On to breaststroke - my form really began to decline. Then freestyle - finally home free. When I finished, George pointed out that my turns and kicks weren't legal - had I been in competition, I would have DQd. Oooh. So, does that not count for the Check Off Challenge?
Bob says I need to do it again. In fact ... he goes on ... you should do the Brute Squad Challenge in November. He goes on to give a few details (essentially I need to swim a 200m fly, 400m IM and a 1650m free within a 24 hr period) and says, "That is exactly why we have this challenge. For people just like you!" Ahhh. That is just the thing to say to inspire me - to challenge me. How do coaches know this?!
My plan to accomplish this...
Practice butterfly stroke everyday I swim.
Swim 3x week.
Get individual instruction in butterfly.
Practice turns at each wall for the IM - 7 different turns (fly to fly, fly to back, back to back, back to breast, breast to breast, breast to free, and free to free).
Core training with Kyle.
Run! Build up my aerobic base!
The swimmer who says it can't be done, is passed by the swimmer doing it.
This summer, the kids in our neighborhood have seemingly transitioned from young toddlers holding mommy's hand and content with the occasional playdate to young adventurous young children seeking out playmates on their own. They'll head out the doors with their bike helmets and zoot about the in the cul-de-sac and the driveways of our neighbors. One by one, the training wheels have been coming off.