Run, Daddy, Run

By Gregory Keer

Problem is, I hate regular exercise. Bigger problem is, my kids hate regular exercise. So I began "Operation Daddy Run." After a procrastination period of researching the proper running shoes, working out an exercise schedule, and proudly announcing to my family and friends that I was about to give the Kenyans a run for their money in the marathon, I finally started jogging...

Seeing my two older sons lying motionless and electronically drugged in front of a recent Scooby Doo marathon, I shut off the TV. Immediately, protests arose that would spook any monster the Scooby gang could encounter.

"I haven't gotten to watch my show!" Jacob, 4, cried.

"Today, we're going biking," I announced.

"I'm too tired," Benjamin, 7, said, digging himself into the sofa pillows.

"How can you be tired?" I said. "You just got up an hour ago and all you've done is sit in front of the boob tube."

"What's a 'boob tube'?" Benjamin said, smiling. "Why does it have the word 'boob' in it?"

His body was atrophying, but his mind was still sharp as a tack. Mine, on the other hand, was losing clarity.

"I hate my bicycle," Jacob shouted.

"Let us watch just a little more and we'll go later," Benjamin reasoned.

"We've got a birthday party at noon," I said, getting weaker.

"I promise we'll go tomorrow," Jacob offered.

We didn't go then, later, or the next day. The truth is, up until that day, we rarely went biking or walking or anything that would help us reach the category of "active family." We are busy, what with school, extracurriculars (which include some sports for the kids), and social events. But we don't play together as much as I'd hoped. Worse yet, my kids don't run outside to throw a ball around or ride a scooter when they get a chance. They'd rather watch TV, play a computer game or (God forbid) read.

I'm not alone in worrying about this. The lack of physical fitness among children has led to an epidemic of obesity and other health problems. Many reasons have been spelled out, including the dominance of everything video and all the calories pumped into our processed food.

My wife and I have done a relatively good job of policing our kids' diets, but I haven't exactly modeled an active lifestyle. If I'm going to beat the allure of the almighty video screen, then I have to do more than lecture - I need to show them the joys of regular exercise.

Problem is, I hate regular exercise. Bigger problem is, my kids hate regular exercise.