city dads group Archives - Page 2 of 2

Are you someone who depends on having a plan? You feel anxious or even worried if you don’t have something laid out for the next day or two?

This is basically how I have been for the past few years, and it mostly revolves around exercise and food. I “need” to know what workout I’m doing the next day, and exactly how my food is prepared which is why I prefer making all of my own meals.

Obsessive? Probably, but it’s better than how I used to go out to eat frequently and would order fast food without ever questioning where the so called “food” came from or it’s actual nutritional profile. So I’m okay with obsessive.

For exercise, I could definitely tone it down, but it’s almost like an addiction. I feel a sense of relief and well-being after finishing a good lifting or HIIT session and refuse to give it up. When I didn’t have a set routine planned out for the day, I could always count on running to give me my “fix.” But then it happened, a stress fracture in my left foot. #damn

At least someone enjoys "the boot" — At least someone enjoys “the boot”

And of course running is the main culprit, and I’m sure daily burpees took their toll on my 4th metatarsal. So, now something I did every day must be put on hold for 2+ months. This is an OCD person’s nightmare!

Or so I think; I’m not really sure if I’m full-blown OCD, but I’m sure Going Mom would say otherwise. If, before my injury, I was told I could no longer run or do most weight bearing activities, I’d become an instant basket-case. As it turns out, I’m actually handling it quite well…..I think.

Instead of running, I ride my bike on a trainer in the garage or go for a swim in the neighborhood pool. The pool will close soon, but Kelley, Avery, and I made good use of it last week.

I’m so thankful to my lovely wife for coming down with me and watching Avery as I swam laps. I think Avery enjoyed it too!

I was worried the fractured foot would not allow me squat or deadlift like I normally do for lifting session, but it’s actually helped. Since proper form when squatting/deadlifting is to keep most of your weight on your heels, I am forced to do so and am getting better workout as a result. That weight that used to be light, really gets heavy when lifting the right way!

Instead of my daily 31 burpees, I am now doing 31 1-legged squats per leg each day. Not only are they harder, but now I’m working different muscles and feeling it a lot more! Change is good.

What does all of this have to do with becoming a better dad? Well, although I still have the “need” for exercise and am specific about my food, I have learned that I’m able to adapt to changes. Just ask my wife, she’ll agree without hesitation that I am stubborn about getting in a workout for the day and if we have to go out to eat, it’s always a battle. I still have a way’s to go, for sure, but I’m making changes and realize the world is not falling apart and I’m still healthy.

I have found that my training doesn’t have to be so intense all of the time and now I spend more time with Avery instead of brewing on the next workout or spending another 20 minutes grinding it out in the garage. Avery is usually very cooperative when in the garage with me, but now I can hang out with her inside and play with her more.

Working out doesn’t have to be full of complicated moves, and now I’m keeping things basic by lifting heavy weights followed by a quick conditioning routine and then done; playtime with Avery.

Another at-home dad and I have teamed with the City Dads Group to start our own Dallas Dads Group and we’ll have our first meetup this Saturday, the 13th. Prior to my injured foot, I was worried some of the meetings might interfere with my training plans, but now that’s not a big deal.

The top priority is making time for Avery and my wife; working out doesn’t have to be set in stone. Plus, I’m sure playing with Avery at the various meetup locations will be more than enough exercise. Especially as she keeps getting closer and closer to walking.

Now I’m more excited than ever to start bringing Avery to our Dallas Dads Group meetings, and hope to meet a lot of other great dads and their kids along the way. Going Mom will readily agree I still have a ways to go, but progress is progress, and I’m heading in the right direction! Maybe I can teach our baby how to leave the rug flat so daddy’s broken foot doesn’t trip!

Teaching myself how to adapt to changes and not stress so much is vital to being the awesome dad I aspire to be, and thanks to my broken foot, I’m getting there; one ~~step~~ limp at a time.

Have you ever had a setback due to an injury?

How did you adjust while in recovery?

Nothing much, really, we just enjoyed a couple good beers and talked about dad life.

What? Were you expecting some crazy shenanigans with lots of booze and guys running wild chasing miniature horses or something?

I hope not, that’d be weird. And very random….why did I even say that?

Anyway, let us move past that comment and come back to reality. I had the opportunity to meet up with another local stay-at-home dad and fellow blogger on Thursday night to discuss setting up a dad’s group. Just like the last time I was allowed out of the house alone to meet my brother (Uncle Preston), we met in Fort Worth at The Flying Saucer.

Thanks to my wife, yet again, for staying home with Avery on a work night! Avery was obviously not impressed with Kelley’s attempt at taking a selfie. Or maybe it was her cold….

David Kepley is co-creator of Just a Dad 247 who blogs with his long time friend, Pat Jacobs; also a stay-at-home dad. They’ve been in the blogging game for a while and have some great stuff for dads and really anyone. Go check them out, but then come back since I’m not finished here! 🙂

Kepley and I met through the Facebook Dad Bloggers group we are both members of and I have mentioned before. We were both seeking a dads group in our surrounding area and were unable to find anything, so we decided we’d try to start one ourselves.

Lucky for us, we have connected with Lance Somerfeld and Matt Schneider who formed the City Dads Group which is a national organization devoted to supporting fathers everywhere. They’ve helped dads create groups in major cities across the U.S., and we’re hoping to add Dallas to their list.

Our discussion on how we’ll get things up and running went well, and we are hoping to have our first meeting next month in September. Obviously, I’ll share the details here as we get more info and have a solid date/plan. Either way, I’m excited to be a part of something so important and hope I’ll be able to bring Avery to many future meet-ups with other dads and their kids.

Asides from the dad group talk, we shared our thoughts and stories around a multitude of topics; I even gave insight to how I view food and make it a huge priority to maintain a healthy family. Fortunately, while he may not be as ~~crazy~~ strict as I am on what to eat, he agreed with my views for the most part and didn’t just get up and walk out.

Another bonus is that Kepley knows how to pick and choose a good beer. Like me, he won’t settle for the crappy, run-of-the-mill Bud Light, Coors Light, etc., he expects good stuff if he’s going to drink, just as we all should! Plus, we both know how to pose for a picture….