The other week Smallsteps was ill and home four of the five school days. Unfortunately, this coincided with her first new school Olympics day and she had to miss it. She was heartbroken. So, instead of not having anything at all, we decided to have a family Olympics day instead. The events were Javelin (throwing a broomstick), long jump, a 60 metre sprint, and for Smallsteps, some hurdles.
It was embarrassing for the parents.
At least for me.
Granted, my legs don't allow me to do much, but I couldn't do the long jump and came last as I just couldn't get my legs moving and stretching, and I was a touch over 11 seconds for the 60 meter run! Damn.... Once upon a time, I could run the 100m in a little over 12 seconds.
Pathetic.
Still, it was a fun hour or so that we spent at a track we have never visited before and it reminded me of how much I enjoy doing that kind of thing. Perhaps after the leg surgery in a couple weeks I will be able to start getting back into more dynamic exercises and improve my overall condition and increase some explosive power. Lifting heavy things is pretty useless, but being able to carry oneself with ease is valuable.
Smallsteps loved it.
It definitely wasn't the same as going with her friends from school, but for a Sunday family outing, it was a pretty cool way to spend some time and the field we went to was nearly empty. Plus, it overlooked a lake (where Smallsteps had her Olympic snack) and there was a kids park and adults outdoor exercise space next to it, so we spent another half hour or so playing about there.
As I have often said before, it doesn't take much to have fun as a family, and it also doesn't take much to role model at least some activity. My wife and I might not be in the greatest condition of our lives, but that shouldn't be used as an excuse to now participate. Smallsteps knows we go to the gym, but knowing isn't the same as participating, or even seeing. So us doing this kind of thing together occasionally at least shows that we can do something. Not much - but something.
It might inspire her to do more later.
It might compel us to do more now.
Taraz
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