Marathoning

You have to stay loose and limber in the morning. Its the early part of the race, you can't tire out with so many miles left to run. Its play time, breakfast, diapering, dressing but low key, fits and spurts, no pushing until its time to leave the house. Then you kick up the speed. Grabbing sippy cups and snack traps. Hats and shoes. Sunglasses. Keys. Remember to Breathe. Low gear in the car or on the walk. Take it slow, coast until the park. Maintain speed, not slowing down, but let them do all the work at the park. Keep your reserves for lunch. Its uphill going home. No one wants to leave and once at home they want to play not eat. But look at the time! There is napping to be had, other things To. Be. Done. This is where the hills are. The uphill of Are you eating? Are you done? And the downhill of go play while I clean up. Coasting from diaper to story to bed. Its the flats again. Recoup during nap time. Slow and steady wins the race. This is the hardest part. The post-nap/pre-dinner no-mans land. This is where the race is made. Snack and then out of the house. Go feed the geese. Go visit the neighbor. Go. Do. Something. Moods shift quickly. The terrain is uneven. Watch your footing. A nothing fall could mean big tears. Dinner. Uphill again. But use your reserves. It's the home stretch, this is what you've been training for. Don't let the stress of the day tighten your muscles. Keep your strides long. Keep your attitude positive. Feel the rhythm of your feet pounding, of the spoon stirring, of the child eating. Bath, cleanup, bed. You can see the end. It's almost there. Push through the post bath crying. Savor the child on your lap with a book. Inhale the scent of freshly washed hair. Feel the tiredness in his body as it curls up on your lap. Soak up the sweet end to the race. The burst of energy as you see the finish line. The last, final, as-long-as-you-can strides of the race. The twin emotions of joy for being done- child in bed, curled up, prayers said- and of being spent, energy used. Tank depleted. Tired but loved. Sore but happy. Ready, to do it again.