Pat started cross fit training about a year ago because he was trying to get himself together after a high cholesterol reading. He kicked his own butt…something I’m not sure I’d be able to do given the same circumstances, but I’m SO glad he has that drive.
After jumping on the Paleo bandwagon (caveman diet) and hitting the gym three to five days a week he successfully brought his cholesterol levels down to normal levels and he’s still running circles around me. Or doing burpees around me, or whatever is going on over in the “box” he spends his time at.
Here’s the thing though…he’s ALWAYS sore. Mr. Cry Baby has aching achilles, torn calf muscles, hurt wrists, shoulder soreness and all around muscle soreness. It probably doesn’t help that when I realize something is hurting him I tend to dig in to his muscles, “Oh right heeeeere?? This hurting?? Does it hurt now??”
Finally I just came out and asked him, “Why do you continue to work out so hard when it makes you so sore? I’ve never seen you limp around so much!”
His answer surprised me.
“Because I need to stay stronger than Kainoa in case he needs to be put in his place when he’s older.”
And I was all, “You want to kick our son’s ass??”
And he was all, “Well…only if he needs it.”
He said something about being men and how these boys test boundaries and the need to establish respect if pushed to that point.
And I was all, “You want to kick our son’s ass!!”
I don’t really understand it, but he might be on to something. After all, we’re talking about a kid who has no problem running away from me at grocery stores, but then models exemplary behavior for his Dad. I guess he’s doing something right.
If anything ever happens to Pat, I know what I need to do.
Grow muscles.
And maybe a penis.
I hope nothing ever happens to Pat.
dude mom says
Go Pat! DudeDad has been doing the same. Working out incessantly. He just did the Spartan Race, and now he’s doing a half marathon, followed (1 week later!), by the Tough Mudder. He told me last night he’s going to start entering workout competitions. Ummmm, okay. Why? Because the day The Dudes beat him in a race or at basketball, he’ll know he’s old. These kids don’t have a chance; he’s a beast.
natalie says
after watching my brother and dad go round in circles in my aunt’s living room, i can assure you that pat has got the right idea. i know as my brother got older his need to ‘test’ just how far he could ‘push’ our dad grew until they were punching each other in the arms repeatedly. my dad finally put my brother in his place and they have had a great relationship since then, but there’s just something about boys needing to test their strength out on the man that raised them.
Jennifer says
This is so freaking awesome. I need to get David to read this tonight. But then James is our laid back one. Cady is the high strung one. Maybe I’m the one that needs to be all working out and pumping iron or whatever it is they call it these days when you exercise.
Stacey says
Bwahahaha! My husband started lifting weights a couple of years ago for similar reasons. He was getting winded too quickly when he was playing with the boys. I too am glad he’s around. The growing a penis bit might be a big of a challenge.
Gigi says
Pat is on to something – I know mine once pushed his father to the limit and Hubby had to push back. Man-Child hasn’t ever gone back to that limit.
As for me? Well, Man-Child knows that I am mush when it comes to him – but he also learned very early to be deathly afraid of getting anywhere near my limit. It’s an illusion, of course, but SSSSHHHH!! Don’t tell him that. I’d prefer to have him thinking that I am utterly willing to beat him over the head with a chair if I have to – it’s worked so far.
Leigh Ann says
He has a great point.
And whenever my husband asks me to rub his sore muscles, I’m all, “Uh, don’t you have a foam roller? Here, I’ll get it for you.” I hate giving massages.
Malissa says
It must be “man” thing. My kid’s father talks the same way. I was thinking he was just imagining things, but after reading all the comments above about fathers and sons almost makes me concede the issue..just this once.
I love the pic of your son by the pool… I know THAT look anywhere :)
Andrea says
I don’t get that either, that dads worry about being the alpha male. They should focus on pulling off the mom look, which makes any kid scurry away whimpering.