Reversing the Herd Mentality

Today I dropped both kids off at a kids fitness class at the rec and I *gasp* kissed them both goodbye and headed off to the track for a stroller run with the baby.  I was the ONLY mom who did that.  Stated in the description of the class was that it was without caregivers and I checked with the instructor who said, "have a great run!" I probably sprinted out of that room without even a sideways glance.  I had an excellent run with my littlest, enjoyed some silent time, and was able to get back into class with five minutes left in the lesson. The kids AND moms were all doing the parachute together.  Part of me really wanted to feel guilty about not "helping out'.  Part of me wanted to chide myself that I missed an opportunity to see the children enjoying themselves.  Part of me wanted to feel contempt on the faces of the other moms that I "deserted" my kids to do something for myself.  Then I thought back to similar class at the YMCA when I only had one kid.  Same deal, I dropped him off, and headed out the door to enjoy a solo workout.  When I returned, I was once again the only parent out of at least 15 who left their kid in a class that was listed as no caregiver necessary.  After that one class, I stayed in the class with my son for the rest of the sessions and was really internally mad about it.  Somehow I deluded myself into thinking that if these other parents felt the need to be with their child that I must do the same.  Was I naive!
Mind you, I am not here to bash those of you who attend their children's lessons, games, events, just in my perspective, I feel that there is an unsaid sentiment that we cannot leave and that those of us who do are wrong.
I don't know where this need to feel that we have to be within arms reach of our children at all times became so prevalent.  Most moms I talk to would relish 40 minutes child-free and seem almost desperate to have that time to themselves. Personally, I am over feeling guilty for not doing things "traditionally" in today's world.  Looking back at many of my posts when I was a new mother outlines this struggle to conform to the standards of parenting when I did not feel comfortable doing so.  My own skin is very comfortable and realizing this allows me to grow in confidence I am doing what is right by my own family.  I am only hoping to see some of those other mother's on the track with me next week.  Wouldn't that be the real gift?