Those early days seem a long time ago. I remember like yesterday the day my twin daughters were born. It was one of the happiest days of my life. My twins now are 23 years old…my how time flies! Those early days were so busy a lot of it is still a blur. These were our first kids, and we had no idea what we had gotten into. When people say they “fly by the seat of their pants”, how true this was. Every day was new. We also got a lot of attention wherever we went with them as well.
They were both always “hamming” it up for a camera, or other people. Much of this is still the same today! But one thing was for sure, Sarah and I still wanted to be active ourselves. The same was true then as it is today…we were going to stay as healthy as we could so we could spend more time with them. Many of those first days, one of us would run, or workout first, and then the other. But many of those times, we all went together. So we had to figure out how to have them included.
We bought a Burley at that time, and we could put them both in there, and then go running, walking, or biking with them. We all still got to spend time together, but we got to exercise as well. We set the tone right from the beginning…in this family, staying active was important, and we led by example…then, and now.
We would all spend time riding our bikes together. When we started the Hospital Hill run, now well over 20 years ago, the kids participated as well. They participated not only by running, or walking, but also setting up, and taking everything down. It became a family event every year.
The kids all went along to the marathons that I did as well. They were the top cheering section anybody could ever have!
They were there to support me, and cheer me on. I will never forget one of the marathons…Grandmas…when I was coming along mile 24, and just feeling like I had enough. I heard them cheering from the sideline, and I looked over, and almost lost it right there! I had no idea they had this planned out. Sarah had made T-shirts for the kids, and the front of them said one message, and the back said another. After I saw them, then they all turned around at the same time, and I will never forget it. This image is permanently burned into my brain. It remains today my favorite pictures, and memories!
They were cheering me on…being there for me. We tried to do this for them for all of their events as well when they were growing up. Next week I will have other pictures and a story about our recent half marathon we did together. Another event that will remain with me forever. A family that works out together, stays together…and hopefully has a lot of time that they get to spend together, making more memories. Keep moving everybody! Somebody out there wants you around a long time!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3770
