No Days Off

The kid has kicked it into a new gear this summer. It’s a pivotal summer - between freshman and sophomore year. And, my guy is dialed in.

He’s been all in on football season. As neither baseball nor football had organized gym time for weightlifting, my guy and a few of his linemen joined a gym in town. They go three mornings a week and work with the school’s former strength and conditioning coach in a small group setting, focused on getting stronger and more mobile. The gym even offers some nutritional guidance, which has been a game changer in our house to get the athlete to eat more of what his body needs instead of just what’s convenient (i.e. - requires no effort from him to prepare).

As dead period was approaching, and we were planning a little summer trip, my guy asked that we help him find ways to keep with his routine when we’re away from home. I’m not going to lie - that took me by surprise. But what got me even more excited was that he actually did keep up the workouts.

He went and visited his grandparents for a week. His workouts weren’t the ones he was used to, but he did a lot of cardio by way of hiking and hours-long pickleball sessions. He found time to work on baseball with his cousin’s travel ball team. And, he did some bodyweight work.

Then we hit the road for a little road trip through our beautiful state, checking out state parks, historic landmarks tied to missions and the Gold Rush, must-see sites like Alcatraz, and a little dip into Wine Country (for me). Along the way, my guy got his strength training in. It even motivated the whole family to do some sweat sessions together. Bonding over free weights in the local Hampton Inn. Who knew?

I’m loving this new gear we’re seeing. He’s always been motivated. He turns it on when it’s time to practice or play. But this “outside of organized activity” mode is inspiring me. I can’t wait to see what this year holds - for sports, school, and social - if this is what summer 2025 looks like!