The Sporty Side of Maia

Cara and I are not particularly athletic. You, dear reader, know this as well as we do. That does not mean that we wish to keep Maia from her athletic endeavors. This week, Maia is engaging in three new sporty activities.

Running

Last Sunday, I ran in the Burns Park 5K race. I was very happy with myself, by the way, when I beat my goal of 32 minutes… not a great time by most runners’ standards, but pretty good for me.

Maia was thrilled to cheer me on. As excited as she was for me, she was also bummed that she wasn’t allowed to run on the street with the rest of the people. Her interest in running was piqued. We knew we had to buy her some new soccer shoes, so we expedited the purchase making sure that her new shoes would be good for running as well.

Before dinner that night, we donned on our running shoes, had a good stretch, and bolted out the door. Much to my surprise, Maia ran with me for almost one mile! She had to walk and run a bit near the end, but she did amazingly! Cara and I were both proud of her for that accomplishment. Since that night, we have gone on several more jogs around the neighborhood. We hope she keeps this up :)

Swimming

Swimming, as an activity, is not new for us. Almost every Monday, Maia and I meet my friend Steve and his two daughters to go swimming at the YMCA. On a few occasions, Maia and I have even taken swimming lessons together. In the past, they have mostly consisted of games that get the kids comfortable in the water. They always included me in the water with her.

This week, we have started a new swimming class. This time, however, there is a big difference – I no longer accompany Maia in the class! Maia channels her inner “big kid” and listens to the instructor for directions. This, for her, was a real thrill. For me, it was a bit more difficult. I watched anxiously from a far as she learned techniques for back floats, kicking exercises and stroke exercises.

Is she really getting this big?

Soccer

Her Grandparents (very much involved with the youth soccer program in their town) will be proud of Maia for this one. Lucky for Maia (and us), there is a 3 year old “pee wee” league here in Ann Arbor. She already has her shin guards, shoes (see Running) and soccer ball. Her first practice/scrimmage starts in 3 days and she is pumped (pun intended).

Honestly, I don’t expect much. It will certainly be a mass of preschoolers running around the field, trying to kick the ball in any direction they can. But who cares? She will be outdoors, exercising, and having fun. She might even meet some friends while she is at it.

Now, we just need to figure out how to avoid Cara being labeled a “Soccer Mom.” :)