Last night – I was thinking about all the cars that line up at bus stops. Parents waiting for their kids to get on the bus. I posted a status on twitter and facebook that started a bit of a ruckus. What can I say – I have a way of stirring the pot. Well, a few hours later I was told it was Walk to School day tomorrow… (today, but that’s what I was told). Well, I guess if I am gonna talk the talk – it’s time to WALK the walk! Good times!
Derek and I set off about 6:50 and walked at a moderate pace the whole way there. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning. Sixty Eight degrees, sunny, clear! Awesome. We saw a lot of people running – but NOBODY walking to school. We saw the high school cross country team training – lots of really skinny kids running faster than I probably ever could… about 60% of them said “good morning!” to us. This was turning into a VERY positive experience for Derek and me. I was glad we did it.
I have to confess, I was wondering “is it really walk to school day?” I asked Derek and he said it was “on the news” at school so I just guessed that the lines at the bus stops were long and people were enjoying the comfortable drive to work in their pajamas. I got to school and dropped Derek off and began the walk home. Along the way I saw a few people walking towards school, maybe 10? Oh well – better than the number we saw on the way!
About half way home I looked up and saw something COMPLETELY AWESOME! I’ve put a few things together and found out there was a “flyer” of some sort that said y0u could meet at a local church that is about 1/2 way from our home. They had T-shirts for some of the kids. I’m happy and sad to say, they didn’t have ENOUGH t-shirts. Sad, because some of the munchkins got shafted. Happy because more kids than they thought would walk, actually walked! I think that is awesome!
Listen folx, I’m a 42 year old fat guy that cuts some corner and has lived a fatty guy lifestyle for a long time. I am by no means perfect. I had candy to eat yesterday, I crave chips and salsa 24×7, I ride a bicycle instead of running – because it’s easier – but if I can integrate healthier habits into my life I’m going to go out on a limb and say you can too. The fact that today, I included my son in my healthy habit makes me feel pretty good about what I did.
I don’t know if THIS was Walk to School Wednesday, or if every Wednesday is a walk to school day – but I think I will try to work it into my schedule regardless!