Fitness galore!

Skye has masterminded a way to fit fitness into every day.

On the days that Austin doesn't have Occupational Therapy (that's quite a good, sweaty workout for him) or Swordplay (another good, weight-bearing workout), Skye has mapped out a route near our home, that takes advantage of the wonderful hills. We go first downhill to the corner of Mt. Seymour Parkway and Dollarton Highway, then walk up to the fire station on the Parkway, and complete this loop three times.

Carla went with Austin on the first trip, and I have to admit it wasn't entirely successful. We left the house around 9:30pm (1/2 an hour past Austin's bedtime), and about 2/3 of the way down the hill, Austin stopped to look at the ground and thought he had lost a small Lego piece he had brought with him. I wasn't aware that he had any Lego along, but offered to stop with him at the bottom of the hill, under the street lamp, so he could check to see that he had everything.

Then, Austin proceeded to methodically empty the contents of his two track pants' pockets into my two outstretched hands, for 15 minutes. Fortunately, we were able to account for every small piece (must have been hundreds!), and Austin felt better. So, we headed up the hill to reach the halfway mark at the fire station. Austin really wasn't in the mood for exercise. He was tired (understandably) and irritable. So, I dropped him off at home after being out for about 40 minutes, and I did another loop on my own.

It was so nice to be getting exercise!

And we have noticed some changes in Austin's body, as a result of the increased activity. Austin prefers to do this walking route with Skye (Mom pushes him too hard, and has too much invested in a good workout for herself), so that's how we'll do it for now :)