Oh, the compromises of parenthood.
When I asked my 9 year old, Princess, if she wanted to go for a run with me in the morning, I didn't think she'd say 'yes'. Then when she did say 'yes,' I didn't think she was excited. Then when she told her mom to make sure to wake her up at 6:30am so she could run with Dad, I didn't believe she'd get up.
In fact, I didn't believe it so sincerely that I got up at my normal 5:15am and went for a run by myself.
She was litterally waiting for me in the front yard when I got home. Arms crossed. Not happy.
So I lied. I lied because I'm a dad, and sometimes for self preservation, that's what you have to do. 'Oh, I just went for a walk, don't worry, I'm ready to go for our run.' She did not believe me at all. It might have had something to do with my t-shirt drenched in sweat.
'Dad, you stink.' But she was ready anyway, and I resigned myself to another 2 mile loop, because hey, how often do I get to spend alone time with just one kid?
We made it--maybe--200 yards before the excuses started. I have a cramp. I'm still half asleep. I don't want to get too tired for today's pool party. No big deal, I told her, let's walk for awhile. Princess is trim, but she has no endurance. Don't worry, I coach, we can go at your pace.
But she's competitive, and not being able to run with her severly overweight dad obviously got to her. I then thought of what used to get me through 2-a-days in high school... there needs to be something at the end of the rainbow. Back then, it was headed to a chinese place with my fellow lineman. But I thought I knew what would work for her.
'You know what, big girl, since we have to get ready for your pool party, we only have 15 minutes. Do you think we can make it to Starbucks?" Her eyes shot up.
And off she went. Not too fast, but not a bad pace. A mile later, she was sipping a Starbucks Refresher and telling me that she could make it there even faster tomorrow.
This might be an expensive weightloss program.
Stats:
C25K App - Week 3, Day 1. Okay, the three minute sessions really hurt. Misjudged my route and ended up walking an extra mile home.
Day off lifting, some running around at the park with the kids. In the office for the second half of the day. Ugh.