Eight years old is a great age! My daughter is at this wonderful age full of wisdom and innocence.   She, like myself, is not exactly the athletic type.  I can tell this already by her preference to sit as a spectator rather than join the activity.  Not a lazy child by any means, just content to read, draw, and write.  She has gone out for teams only to last a year.  My son on the other hand is eleven and will jump into any sport at anytime.  He doesn’t go a season without participating in baseball, wrestling, floor hockey, volleyball, flag football, you name it.  He has expressed an interest in running a 5k with me.  While I think it would be so enjoyable- I have to consider my daughter.  I cannot just go running with my son and leave Marisa home alone as I am one of the millions-a single mom. 

I asked my little one if she would like to ride her bike while her brother and I jog.  She was all for it which was surprising and a relief.  Surprise, because she usually is not  interested in riding too far and relief that I am able to run with my son without the worry of a sitter, friend, or family member to watch Marisa.  My  hurdle now is the fact that she is a bit of a spazz while bike riding.  She is overly cautious.  Afraid of every car-even if it is two blocks away, every bump in the sidewalk, every hill, etc.  I threw her bike and helmut in the car and we drove about a mile  to a beautiful park with a walking/bike trail.  She feels safe and rides like the wind!   My son, George and I jog slowly along side of her and I am at peace.  To be doing what I love with the two most important people in my life in a safe controlled environment.  Ahhh the little, free things in life!

Sometimes getting and staying active can be difficult because life gets in the way.  The daily grind gets in the way.  Morning rush, work all day, dinner, clean-up, yard work, food shopping, laundry, we all have it single or not.  I believe if there  is a will there most definately is a way.  Even if the dishes sit in the sink just an hour longer or the laundry stays in the basket instead of getting put away-right away.  Excuses are just that-excuses.  So grab your sneakers, bike, water, Ipod (and children!) and hit the road.