A Week In The Hole

   My first week of fitness....it's been a long one. So far I have been running three times and have started my core workout routine. I am already feeling some results and can see my mid-section pulling in. But. that's not the best part. In my first week I have found an un-expected benefit to all of this.
   Today, I was awaken by the sound of two bursting with energy boys. After it was clear that neither Yas or myself were sleeping in, I got out of bed and reached for the pancake mix. We always cook something for Sunday breakfast, especially since during the week it's all instant oatmeal and cereal. After breakfast we realized that our boys needed some release.
   Now, we could have packed the boys into the car with the air conditioning, shielding us from mother nature. We could have drove over, and sat down while they played in the playground, but we didn't. Instead, we threw on our running shoes and shorts, grabbed the stroller and hit the road. We were off to the park for a family fitness day.
   After about a 15 minute walk that involved pushing the stroller with two kids up and down the uneven sidewalks and trying to stay clear of any always in a hurry drivers, we were there. Both boys were getting a little ansy at this point, but we wanted to keep going and get at least one lap around the park in. So, as a family, we walked a third of a mile under the august sun. Besides getting the exercise, the walk helped build the anticipation for the boys.
   Then it was fun time. As soon as we strolled into the playground, Ayden was jumping out. Ayden is going to be 4 soon, so you can imagine he's just like any other 4 year old boy, but the baby was on an alien planet. Liam has a strange fear of anything grassy, dirty, or in this case sandy. He  made sure, for about 10 minutes, that it was sturdy enough to walk on, as if it were going to somehow swallow him whole. But, he soon followed his big brothers lead and started to play. This was great because if he wasn't feeling up to the challenge it would have been a freak out to remember.
   After about 30 minutes, the baby was ready for some water and a nap. We sat him down in the stroller. I though it was a great opportunity to get some laps around the track in. So i put in a couple of quick laps and by the time I got back Ayden was about worn out too. We packed up the stroller and did one last walk around the track. With kids falling asleep, we started our trek home.
   Today I learned that family time and fitness time can be merged into a great experience. Heading to the park together provided a chance to soak in some sun and disperse a lot of pent up frustration. On the way back, Ya sand I discussed making it a part of our weekly routine. We even talked about doing it again sometime during the week, especially autumn tends to sneak up on you rather quickly in New England. I am already feeling some success, and I am now sure that this is something I'm going to carry on. If anyone has a comment or suggestion feel free to share, and please keep me accountable.