I’ve been slacking all week. Not on my work outs, oh no. It’s my workouts that are causing me to be remiss at my other duties. Piles of laundry, a dirty floor and yucky bathrooms are giving me a twinge of guilt about ignoring my home duties, but somehow I’m able to push past it and keep going. Right now I am in the eye of the Perfect Workout Storm. The weather is sunny and the perfect balance between warm and cool. The kids are also still in school. This combination won’t last long, so I’m taking advantage of it while I can. I lifted and biked one day, ran and swam one day, and am going to lift and bike tomorrow.
Monday was the odd adventure of my week. My parents were visiting and like to play golf, so I figured that 18 holes with them would be a great way to spend some time together. I haven’t hit a golf ball in 12 years and only really played a couple seasons 20 years ago when I was working for a Big 8 accounting firm. Back then, that was what you had to do to stay employed. I dug out my old 20+ year old golf clubs and we headed out. Turns out I can still whack the ball off the tee but my short game still stinks. Some things never change. I did get to hit with my mom’s driver which looks like a bowling ball on a stick and it was a blast to hit the ball 200 yards. Maybe I’ll play again before another decade passes.
Monday night was the highlight of the week. My parents and I went to see my son run the mile at his high school track meet. I remember running the mile at high school track meets and my dad standing on turn three yelling instructions and encouragement. It meant a lot to me to be able to stand on the sidelines with both of my parents yelling encouragement to my son. My parents have always been there for me. They have helped me believe that I was smart, strong, and could do many things that I would have never thought I could. I really didn’t think about what I was going to yell each time my son passed by, but I found myself yelling “dig deep.” After many miles and many races of my own, I guess that’s one of the big life lessons I’ve learned that I instinctively blurted out. Dig deep. Dig physically deep. Dig emotionally deep. So my son ran twice as fast as I can and still let me give him a hug. I got to take a picture with him and my dad afterwards. To heck with the laundry, it’s been a great week.
{ 10 comments }
Hi Beth,
What a beautiful post! I am practically tearing up here!! When I ran track my parents didn’t make it to many of my meets but the ones they did make it to were extra special:) I could hear my dad yelling for me and it made me feel pretty darn good. When my team went to state and I came home with a few trophies for the relays that I ran…he told me that he wanted to take them to work to show his friends:) I remember telling him that he was silly. I think deep down I was touched:) I love cheering for my daughter and know exactly how you feel! We need to support and encourage our kids!! I love the “Dig Deep!” It is so true! Lovely picture and I love your hair!
Ha ha, I had to laugh at the house and laundry slacking…welcome to my world:) It will get done eventually!! A hug from a son is worth letting the house go for a bit!
I totally sacrifice clean laundry and a clean house to get my workouts in . . . that’s actually why I decided to stop working on Fridays. Need that extra day to at least get enough laundry done so we all have clean undies!
I love the pic of you with your son and dad – what a great experience!
Great post! Housework doesn’t go anywhere and will be there waiting for you when the rain comes down and the kids are home
Enjoy! I loved the story of your son’s race…being there with your parents to encourage him is one of those priceless moments.
Wow, sounds like brick workouts all week long. You must be tired!
I hated running the mile and two mile in high school track. I was bad at it too.
I miss those days as a parent and your sharing bring back good memories. Thanks. As for the laundry, it is Minnesota and spring. There will soon be the perfect day to stay in and get caught up… Maybe this weekend if the weatherman is right.
You are so lucky that your son runs track and I love it that you appreciate him so much and enjoyed the highlight of your week, I bet it was wonderful. I’ve been slacking off with house work too, gosh I just need to focus and get a few things done this weekend. I hope you can too, have a nice weekend!
Love the post. I don’t know how you keep up with training and everything with a family. it is just me and I struggle! Way to go!
Laundry can wait – so true. I love that your boy will still let you hug him. Pretty fantastic
If you ever want to golf again, let me know. I am not that good, but love it! (Nice change of pace from running — ha ha)
Wonderful recap of your son’s race and how nice it was to share it with your dad….I will think of you when I remind myself to “dig deep”.
Cool story about the power of inter-generational encouragement. Keep paying it forward!
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