A while ago my children and I walked down to the park just four houses away from mine.   We have a tennis court, basketball court and baseball field. The kids wanted to play kickball. Of course, I was up for the challenge! Kickball brings me back to gym class. I didn’t play well,  but none the less enjoyed the game.   We invited a few kids to join in and the game was ‘on’. We were having a great time and my son started to taunt me. Saying, “Mom, you stink, you couldn’t hit the side of a barn, mom you are getting old.”   

That was IT, I had to beat him.   As I was running to tag him out I suddenly realized that I am no longer 10, 15, 20 or even 30 years old.  As my life has progressed I feel the same as I had in my twenties.  I actually feel better.  BUT my forty year old body reminded me that I am not so young  when I felt a slight ‘pop’ in my left calf  and could no longer run.  My son didn’t know anything had happened.  He continued to tease until he saw my limp.  We had to abruptly stop the game and I limped home, defeated by an eleven year old and his friends.  The pain in my calf scared me as I usually have a high pain tolerance.  My biggest fear was that I would have to postpone running for a while.  I applied ice every twenty minutes throughout the night and at my desk during work.  My fear was that I had torn my achilles tendon.  I spoke to the pediatrician when the kids went for their yearly and he told me I would not be walking if it had been an injury that severe.  I continued to ice as needed and eventually my calf healed and I was running again albeit cautiously. 

I had always read about the importance of stretching before and after excercise although I hadn’t as I should.  Now I take the time to stretch before and after my exercise sessions.  I realize now how very important it is.  I know now know that when challenged by a group of children to play ball at the park I will be sure to do my stretching.