Where God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window

The other day, as I was getting out of the shower, I thought about what I could be doing if I didn't have bambinos or if they were old enough for full day school.

Really the list wasn't too long:

1. I would row every morning

2. I would swim on a regular basis

3. I would do a triathlon (albeit a mini)

4. I would get mani/pedis

5. I would sleep in on weekends

6. I would go to the gym

7. I would go out dancing (maybe even take up ballroom)

See not so long...I couldn't even come up with three more to make an even ten. But the theme was (and no, not just working out) that I could do with some time to myself.

So since one door seems to have closed, a window has been opened.

I set a resolution to run a 5k a month and so far, I have done that for three months now. Today, I actually got to run it solo. Run being the operative word; I didn't have to stop to readjust any heads or toys or walk with a baby strapped to me. It was FABULOUS!!!

Darling hubby and his friend wrangled the boys while I got to run with my friend and her little girl (who was very still in her stroller).

I'm not sure what part I liked better: not having 50+lbs of kids in a stroller to push or seeing my boys watch me run a race. I may not get much time to myself (door slamming shut) but it was freeing to run the race without having to worry about anyone else's needs (window opening). I really want to set my boys up for a healthy lifestyle that includes participating in sports. And for the sake of their bone density, I would like them to be runners (engaging in high impact sports while growing up helps to increase bone density) so that they have a healthy athletic career in whichever sport(s) they want---ahem, say swimming and rowing. And more than anything, I want them to be proud of their mama.

And as someone who aspires to be a lifelong athlete, now that I'm not rowing anymore, I need to actually engage in a sport to make this a bona fide claim. Non sequitur, there was a couple there today who had to have been well into their sixties and they were absolutely adorable. They were decked out in their San Diego Track Club garb--as in she was wearing the little silky running shorts and tank top and he had on his running shorts and shirt. You could tell they are totally hard core runners. It was wonderful to see them. That's what I would like for me and my dh in forty years (hell, that's what I would like for us now). That grandma is faster than I am now as a mommy (and probably faster that I was before I was a mommy). It gives me something to aspire to. It also makes me wonder how long she's been a runner. Has she always been a runner? I mean, when I think of senior citizens (particularly women), I wonder what sports they competed in when they were in school or even afterwards. Because really, the only woman runner I can think of from around that generation is Wilma Rudolph (you know, black lady who overcame Polio to win some clinkage at the Olympics in 1920 something or other). It makes me wonder what it was like back then. I certainly wonder what she wore if she was a runner back then b/c for some reason the long cheerleader skirts from Grease pop into my head and while I know she clearly didn't wear that, I wonder what was the appropriate equivalent for runners during those generations. I kind of remember Wilma Rudolph in a picture in shorts, but who knows.
Anyway, back on topic...

I never used to enjoy running, at all. I did it when I was training for other sports. I did it when chased on the playground. I did it b/c the Marine Corps thinks it's a great pastime.

It's taken about twenty years (b/c I was about seven the last time I enjoyed running a mile) but I've finally started to really enjoy running. Since I can't swim or row easily, since it means having to find childcare, this is something that I can do with them in tow. I really love the outlet for my competitive nature. And I get the satisfaction (even if I have the kids in the double) of doing something just for me.

Next month, I'm going to do another 5k; in November I'm going to do a 5k at the beginning of the month and then a 10k on Thanksgiving. Yeah me!

A 10k! Now that I've blogged it, I'm committed! So on Black Friday, ask me how it went!

I realized after today, when I sprinted through the finish and then stopped and wasn't even slightly winded (it was as though I'd just walked a block not 3.1 miles), if I can do a 5k that easily then I can do a 10k too. I'd had such a mental block against anything longer than 3 miles. Now I know I can do it! Yet again, a window opening.

Incidentally, hubby's friend brought over Knocked Up tonight. So it has taken me the better part of an hour to type this post. Ironic choice of movies while I type about opportunities that have changed.

While one door may have closed, it seems like plenty of windows have opened.