On the other side of the baby gate...

Went to the gym this morning for my Thursday run. I choose the treadmill over the track - some find the treadmill boring, but I just can't run in circles and not go anywhere.  I loose track of the laps - which annoys me. My mind wanders too much.  I slow down and don't have the self motivation to push myself faster.  On the treadmill I can multi-task - watch tv while reading the sub-titles...listen to my ipod...play with the incline button, alter the speed, have my water bottle handy...  it works for me.  It also gives me a front row view of everyone coming to the gym.  The tv with the station I prefer happens to be in the front row near the entrance.  Like the grocery stores during the weekday, the gym is primarily filled with people quite a bit older than me...and mothers with young children.    I watch them all as they come in- kids skipping, running far ahead of their mothers.  Walking slowly far behind their mothers.  Dragging pink blankets, sucking on nuks.  Buddled in layers on these cold days.  Some Moms aready look tired before starting their workouts - some look energetic and fit.   How I WISH I could say  that used to be me....  It wasn't.  I didn't think I ever had the energy...the money....the time... the motivitation....I didn't want to hand the kids over to strangers...I had daytime tv to watch....groceries to get....etc. etc.  So may excuses ring in my head as I watch with envy the parade of Moms and kids pass before me as I run....  I wish that would have been me.        Well...now is my time. My kids are in school and  I am there now - running. No more excuses.  If you are home with young kids - it feels good.  It is worth it - get there.  And if you see me - stop and say hi.