Brothers Running in Different Directions

The two oldest boys participated in the elementary school's running club (free activity! of course we're taking part), and they showed once again how two brothers can be so similar and yet so different. 

They both loved the running (a couple of laps, a sprint, some light stretching), just like they both like Legos and Star Wars. But when the session was almost over, the coaches asked the kids to write down their goals, and that's when their differences were highlighted.

The second-grader wrote a detailed explanation, saying that he's a soccer player so, of course, he's good at running, and why, he thinks he can run 5 miles by the end of the day (not the summer, the day). Then, there's his slightly less confident younger brother, who simply wrote his name and said his goal was to run one lap (which he already done twice earlier in the day).

Fitness feedback

Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts and tips on struggling to stay fit. I appreciate all the feedback, and I received a lot of helpful advice from you guys via e-mail and facebook. 

Marathon man Dave Cohen sent an e-mail that I could relate to, though I can't hang with his running. Pretty impressive. 

Here's what he said:

I started running last June (right before we moved from MI) and have gotten really into it... I am doing my first marathon (NY Marathon) in November and am running 55 miles a week, which is kind of nuts.

 

I think the big thing for me was initially I wanted to get in shape ... I also signed up for a 10K last summer (my first race) and that was good motivation as well.  In general, its always nice to have goals that are obtainable to keep you going... After I finish one race, I usually find another to sign up for.  I also like to set time goals for the races which cause me to work on building miles, faster time, etc... but in the beginning the biggest thing is just getting out there are running. The first day I ran I couldn't run for 1/2 mile (serious) which was shocking and kind of embarrassing. 

 

before last year, I always had excuses not to exercise also and the longest I had sustained exercise since the age of 18 was probably 4 months.  As a parent, it is easy to feel bad taking time away from the kids, wife, etc.. I have been tired and usually force myself to go out and run.

 

I rationalized it in one sense because I think encouraging health and fitness for the kids is a good goal, so watching me exercise may help them value that in life as well.  Obviously (my wife) has been very supportive in tolerating my training schedule, which usually involves me leaving the house for 2-3 hour runs every Saturday.  The only hard part is sometimes I get too drained of energy or my legs are sore and then I can't play soccer or tag with (my kids) which i feel bad about.

 

Its good to have a schedule because that can keep you on track and not allow slacking off (obviously can be modified if there are extenuating circumstances)\

I wish I could run at 5 am but find it so hard to get up then.. on days I go in late, I run in the AM.. other days I run after work.  but you are right in that it takes time from the kids;.

 

Also, there are cool "toys" that can keep you motivated... such as a GPS watchhttp://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA which tells your pace and distance you are running, and shows you the route, pace etc on the computer

 

for the ipod there is the nike+ attachment which is similar..and a lot cheaper... not as fancy or accurate but still can give you info on pace, distance, and can keep track of runs on the computer

Keep up the good work and good luck training for the marathon. Thanks for the e-mail, Dave.

And here's a link for the Nike+ipod.

Struggling to Stay Fit

Old Wahoo read a post today on the Washington Post's On Parenting Blog about staying active with your young kids. I thought it was a great idea to run together with other dads and their kids, but more importantly, the dads have found a routine that works and have stuck to it.

To me, that's crucial. I've started to run finally, and I like it, but if I don't stick to a routine, I get lazy. Why? Because I am lazy, and because objects at rest stay at rest. Conversely, objects in motion, stay in motion. 

Unfortunately, I'm good at coming up with excuses for staying at rest. I've got to watch the kids. I have too much work to do. I need to go to the grocery store. And the No. 1 weakest reason: I'm tired.

Fortunately, my wife bought me an iPod for my birthday, and she helped convince me to run in a 5K, which I did a couple of weeks ago in Alden, up on Torch Lake in northern Michigan. I was extremely slow, but I finished the race, which was the goal.

One problem: I've only run once since then. I need another race. I need to stay on track and keep rolling.

I'm interested to know how other moms and dads (and everyone else) find time to exercise. Let me know in the comments below or e-mail me at john.hetzler@gmail.com.

Now it's time to go running.

EDITED to fix e-mail address.