Nothing Here to See, Feel Free to Move
For as long as Alexis can possibly remember, we have made it a habit to go for a nice long (as in 9 miles) bike ride. Three times a week whenever the weather permits, we load up the truck and drive over to a bike trail for a little "family time." Except, it's not so much "family time" as it is an exercise in how differently Mr. Husband and I view exercise.
Mr. Husband is hard-core when it comes to working out. He works out at least five days per week and very truly believes in the mantra No Pain, No Gain. So his idea of a bike ride is to pedal as fast as possible in hopes of feeling the burn.
I am very hard-core when it comes to avoiding working out. Sure, I love playing sports, but if I'm not having fun, I just ain't doing it. You will never catch me running a marathon because I see nothing fun about running when a car can get me there much faster thankyouverymuch.
Somehow we both manage to get our way, thanks to the giant signs that hangs at each entrance to the trail. they says, "Stupid People Congregate Here." No really, IT MUST. I don't understand the phenomenon, but dozens and dozens of Pittsburgh's dumbest drive to that trail and then stand around chatting with one another. We've already established that I'm not the biggest fan of exercise, but I do believe that if I'm going to take the time to drive to a trail that is specifically for walking and bike riding, I sure as heck am going to do one of those two things.
The good news about the fact that people stand around all over the trail like a bunch of pins just waiting to be bowled over is that Mr. Husband gets slowed down. The bad news is that one of these days, one of us really is going to score that strike and somebody is going to get bowled over. I can't even begin to count the number of times that someone has suddenly stepped in front of my bike and nearly killed us both. Under most circumstances I'm more of a "Save yourself, I'll be OK" kind of person, but if you step out in front of my very fast moving bike? I'm totally taking you out with me. No. doubt. about. it.
The biggest challenge in the whole thing is making sure that the Toddler walks away having learned the right lessons. We hope that she will learn to love outdoor activities, will see exercise as fun, and won't learn too many cusses. Unless, of course, she wants to start screaming, "Get the (*&^ out of the way, you (^*&%&#$%& &^% %^&*$ %&**." I fully support her in any such endeavors.
(2006)
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Monday, August 18, 2008
Reader Comments (25)
she is learning soooo much from this experience. heh
Support her? Or plan on tutoring her? :)
Kudos on the bike rides. I like riding my bike too, but The Husband is so very much like yours that we don't go together much!
As for the swearing...at least she'll be doing it properly and, well, that *must* make you proud!
What a great way to get family time. Looks like fun.
Wish we had something like that here.
Her thighs are the best. Wish my chubby thighs looked as freakin adorable as hers!!
Hallie :)
Baby Shel's learning to love exercise too, huh? How cool is that?
I say if they step in front of your bike, they'll get what they deserve. I mean, it's a bike trail, for pete's sake.
Hmm. I like Alexis's "exercise": Sitting in a seat with a beverage and a book with your feet up.
LOL--truly the life!
We walk daily, and unfortunately my idea of a good long walk is far different from my husbands.
I like to go on a 3 miler twice a day. Keeps me feeling fit. Keeps the dogs calm. And doesn't take much time to finish if you keep a quick walking pace. Unfortunately, the Hound likes to mark every 30 feet so the pace can't be too quick or you just drag her.
Hubby likes to go maybe a half mile every few days and jog...dragging the Hound behind him as she franticly tries to pee and keep pace.
He wants to start biking. I have wrecked 3 bikes. All of which have ended up in trees. I'm thinking "no".
Good idea on the bikes! And I would have a sign on my bike that says, "Move - I am not responsible if you are in MY WAY".
Alexis is so cute! Aww even Baby Shell gets to come along!
I think it is so neat to look at kids pics from a year ago and see how much they change! SO CUTE!
I've been wanting a baby bike trailer, but I'm not a very good bike driver!!!
I think it is so neat to look at kids pics from a year ago and see how much they change! SO CUTE!
I've been wanting a baby bike trailer, but I'm not a very good bike driver!!!
You know, I wonder if you (the parent) is a workout guru, that it transfers to the kiddo? I would think it does. Does that mean Miss Peach is going to be a running nut? I kinda hope not;)
awww....hang in there and you'll love it, right?
I've always heard that behavior is learned, not taught. My H and I are just hoping that our kids will want to continue physical activities beacause they see they're parents doing it.
don't we eventually become little original versions of what we see in life?
who knows.
What great family time! Even Baby Shell is along for it!
How do people not get that they should move on hiking/biking paths? And watch out for fast-moving bikes? At least you have the ability to teach Alexis not to be oblivious to others during these outings, even if it does include cursing! ;-)
Well she looks like she is ready to go. I think I would like it to if someone was pulling me around everwhere. :)
People do this at our local biking trail too. What up?
I think Alexis is certainly learning how to chill out while y'all do all the work... I mean she' learning how important exercise is!! yeah, that's it. ; )
Love our bike trailer too (especially since I've never had it attached to MY bike! HA!)
I am all about a nice, long bike ride. Provided I get to do it in the same comfort as Alexis. Comfy seat. Books. A drink. A doll.
I'm so there.
Kudos on the bike rides! She looks adorable in her seat.
I'm right there with you on the car getting me there faster. Or if Dadisodes and the weight limit allowed, I'd sit next to my kiddo in the bike trailer.
I'm not huge on exercise, but I like it in moderation. You can only get so toned. Hubby will run a mile...to the sofa. That's about as far as he gets unless forced. Thank goodness the Army forces him.
Schwinn, eh? Would you recommend it? I'm in the market to buy a trailer for Sumo ... and yes, I know it may kill me to bike towing his 500 lbs around behind me.
By the way - I specifically mentioned your fishtank of horrors on today's post. Thought you might be amused.
I learned from this post that it's probably better that I avoid any such activities altogether because stress can do bad things to a person....bad.things. So in vegging we're actually doing ourselves a kind of favor.
The pics are too adorable!
Well, now I feel like an idiot plurking you about your trailer when you had those pics up. I'm just glad I didn't respond with some query about when those pics might've been posted. *sigh*
I'm with you on the running. I only run if someone or something is chasing me.
Wow! Way impressed. We bought one of those chariots. We used it a few times. Then Professor X got injured (and I'm way to whimpy to pull it) and it has been in the shed collecting cobwebs since then.
It is just wrong that she grew up so fast from 07 to 08.