How many more laps?

Ever since school was let out, I've been trying to figure out a way to get back to walking. I've finally gotten to a point where my foot doesn't kill me to walk on it, at least not in the same way, thanks to two cortisone shots and more physical therapy. But how does one go walking around the neighborhood with four kids in tow. And after Tommy caught got second-degree burns from the treadmill once while I was on it, I am terrified to use the treadmill in the presence of the kids. I've managed to get out a couple of times in the evening, but that's always a mess with taekwondo schedules and dinner and our family-time. Julia, a friend, suggested going to the track. Yes! It works! Thank you Julia! Our elementary school put in a new big playground last year and a 1/8 mile track the year before that. So, I gather up all four kids... two in a stroller, two on bikes, two scooters folded in the back of the stroller... and water bottles and head up to the school. I believe it's about 1/4-1/3 mile up to the school. Then I walk 16 laps (2 miles) while the kids do whatever. They can play on the playground, bike or scooter around the basketball courts, bike or scooter around the track, walk around the track with me, or just sit and relax. For half of the time I'm walking, I'm facing all four kids. I just keep one ear open for any tears or yells. So far, so good. No one is there when we are and things have been going great! I think maybe we'll take a basketball next time too. Anyway, in the course of one hour, I get in 2.5 miles of walking while the kids get their playground time. Reagan has become quite the pro on the bike, and Ben did really well today! We just have to be sure to leave before 8am or else the humidity and heat is too intense. Plus, a bonus with leaving so early? Half the track is shaded by trees! Not to mention I still am home and showered by 9:30 with the whole day ahead of us. :-) Yes!

Another bonus to our new plan? Not only do the four kids get in a lot of physical activity and play time in the mornings, but in the evenings these next two weeks we have swimming lessons for the older three. They should sleep well these next two weeks. YAY!