Shannon Stacey


…legs quivered like two overgrown Gummi worms

So guess who volunteered to chaperone for the elementary school’s walk to school program? That would be me. The overweight office-chair monkey with a weakness for Doritos and nicotine.

Why did I volunteer? 1—I’d feel less guilt about using my treadmill as a coat rack. 2—Good way to score points with the Short Kid without requiring intense interaction with OPKs. (Other People’s Kids) And 3—I wasn’t sure if they’d get a good volunteer turnout. The reality is most parents are gearing up for work and, even for the stay-at-homes, the morning school routine is the worst to disrupt. (I’m pleased to say it wasn’t an issue. Plenty of moms.)

It’s a great idea. To promote fitness, we’re walking from the police station (where parents drop the kids off) to the elementary school, arriving in plenty of time for their normal morning recess and breakfast for those who have it there. It’s seven-tenths of a mile, a bit uphill. You don’t notice it much when you’re driving, but you do when you’re walking. I think we ended up with about twenty-three K-2nd graders, some younger siblings and one stroller. The principal set a brisk pace (for the group…and me) and we did it in 13 minutes.

Oh, but guess who got be the crossing guard? Yeah, that would be me. The Short Kid volunteered me to be the one stepping out in front of the cars. I’m trying not to read too much into that.

Anyway, remember those Indian Runs from gym/sports/etc? The entire team/class jogs the perimeter of the gym or the track, and the last one in line has to sprint to the front, then the next one, and so on. Designed to have a long jog with the occasional sprint.

I got to do an almost-mile Indian Run this morning. Uphill. Barely caffeinated. In my coat.

By the time the entire group crossed I’d be last, naturally, but I had to be in front by the next crossing. That was the most intense workout I’ve had in…let’s just say the word decade comes into play.

Oh yeah, then I had to walk back to my car. At least it was downhill. Now I get to bust my butt making up for that lost hour. Oh, and we do it again tomorrow. Every Wednesday and Thursday in May. (It rained both days last week.)

(The title of this post is a line from one of my books.)

7 comments to “…legs quivered like two overgrown Gummi worms”

  1. Jaci Burton
    Comment
    1
      · May 13th, 2009 at 10:10 am · Link

    Nothing better than forced exercise to get you motivated to start a work out routine. :cheer:



  2. Charlene
    Comment
    2
      · May 13th, 2009 at 12:09 pm · Link

    Good for you. Not nearly enough kids walking to/from school.



  3. Brandy W
    Comment
    3
      · May 13th, 2009 at 12:37 pm · Link

    You go Mom!!! :cheer: I remember Indian runs and that horrible man that made me run with the boys. Damn you Coach Williams and your silly song.

    I’m sure I’ll be feeling like this when I do that Run Amuck that I haven’t been doing any type of training for.



  4. Melani Blazer
    Comment
    4
      · May 13th, 2009 at 1:48 pm · Link

    Trade ya.

    I’m the one who has to accompany the daughter on her runs in preparation for Boot Camp. Did I mention the cold and rainy run UP the sand dunes? Although, I just see these bouts of excercise as an excuse for a “reward” which is usually food. Bwah!

    Enjoy your time with SK. They grow up so fast and the little walk will turn out to be a fun, if painful, memory.



  5. Annmarie
    Comment
    5
      · May 13th, 2009 at 3:02 pm · Link

    I bet the SK thinks the crossing guard job is uber kewl and that’s why he volunteered you.

    Have fun on your walks!



  6. Shannon
    Comment
    6
      · May 14th, 2009 at 8:57 am · Link

    I didn’t have to walk today. WHEEE! :boogie:



  7. Lisa Freeman
    Comment
    7
      · May 14th, 2009 at 9:05 am · Link

    I’ve never heard of this but it’s a great idea! Bummer about the rain though.







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