In my previous post, I briefly mentioned I’m a runner. That’s weird for me to say. But, yes, I am a runner.
This past October, I decided to run a half marathon. Why? I don’t know. I just wanted to say I did something before I turned 40, I guess. My insanity level has increased, committing to running the Chicago Marathon on October 7th. Seriously, I don’t know what got into me over this whole marathon thing.
My goal, when I started running, was to simply run three to five miles each day. As most runners will tell you, that goal quickly changes… 5K, 8K, 10K, half, full, ultra. I can absolutely assure each and every one of you that I will NOT be running an ultra. There is NO WAY! Besides, I think my wife would shoot me.
So, what does this need for self promotion have to do with EC3 and early childhood development? Great question.
Part of my marathon training calls for cross training. The top three suggestions for cross training were swimming, cycling and walking. I decided to go with cycling, which was quite ambitious of me since I hadn’t been on a bike since I got my driver’s license more than 24 years ago.
Before I went out on my first adventure, I asked my wife… “Honey, would you mind holding on to my seat and run down the walk with me making sure I don’t fall?” Of course, I was being facetious. But, there was a bit of seriousness there. She clearly said, “NO” and walked away.
I ventured out into the garage, took down my bike, pumped up the tires and held onto my car as I got on the bike. Then, pedaled out of my garage and onto the street. Once I mastered turning, I was fine. “It’s just like riding a bike, you never forget.” And, 10 miles later, I was happy with my first venture in more than 24 years.
What got me thinking about this, though, is how did my daughter feel when she got on her bike for the first time? Or, for that matter, what will it be like for her when we take her training wheels off? If I was nervous about riding a bike at 40, what must these infants, toddlers and preschoolers go through on a daily basis?
Ultimately, this was a lesson for me that I need an increase in patience when my daughter asks me 600 questions as to “why” this or “why” that.
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