Parkour, Anyone?

Beating summer doldrums

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” Sam Keen, American author

For parents, the summer doldrums start setting in around the beginning of August. Kids complain they’re “bored” because there’s “nothing” to do. My son Josh, a high school senior this year, manages to stay fairly busy between his friends and firefighting activities. He’s helped a neighbor landscape to earn extra money and recently got a job at Bi-Lo. 

Still, inevitably, the dog days of summer can’t be escaped. Josh is fairly resourceful, but to my dismay, he discovered a new extreme sport called Parkour. The only way to describe it is a cross between gymnastics and skateboarding (without a skateboard). It’s propelling oneself from one obstacle to another. 

Americanparkour.com defines it as “the physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one's path by adapting one's movements to the environment.” Clear as mud, right? Here’s a video demonstrating it:

(Disclaimer: Josh and I made a pact. No bridges, buildings, or vehicles involved in performing this sport.)

For several days, Josh had obstacles set up in the yard he hurdled, swung from, leapt against, or ran around. I have to admit, he got a pretty intense workout. As I worked at my computer one evening, I heard a loud crash against the side of the house. Images of various injuries raced through my mind. When I flung open the door and ran around the corner of the house, Josh stood gasping for breath, sweat pouring down his face, and grinning. 

“I’m okay, Mom.”

“You’re killing me, son, you know that?”

“I know. I’m sorry.” 

Then we laughed as he explained how he’d misjudged a particular obstacle and crashed into the house. Thankfully, kids’ extreme interests are usually short-lived. When he discovered Parkour isn’t an Olympic sport, he said, “Maybe I should take up BMX bike racing.” 

More gray hairs for me!

Meanwhile, I’ll return tomorrow with our weekly prayer post and discuss the changes I’ve had to make in my own personal exercise routine. Parkour’s not included, I assure you.

If you’re looking for a way to beat the summer doldrums or just enjoy the last lazy days of summer, consider reading one of the books I’ve reviewed listed under the “Reviews” tab above. Also listed are upcoming reviews. If you’ve written a book and would like me to review it, my contact info is above, as well. 

Join me tomorrow for “a closer walk with God.” 

© Laura Hodges Poole