When do you get your run on? After a recent conversation regarding this very thing, my girlfriend Michelle and I thought up a great idea it might be to swap some running time while one of us moms hangs back with our kids at a park. Then, we could get the time without children to get our run on. It’s such a fabulous idea that I had to jump on it! One day a week, for thirty minutes, I’ll get time to run outside- and of course, so will my interested friends!
The trail we decided to do this run-swap on is right next to a local park we frequent which makes this plan doable. The only catch was that I had never actually gone on the trail and didn’t want to be left in the middle of the wilderness without knowing how to get out. Remember, I’m the paranoid lady? So, Michelle and I decide that today we would walk the trail with all of our kids- that way we can get a feel for it together and then have some park play time.
Oh dear. Whose idea was it to include seven children (her four and my three) on a 2 1/2 mile walk… On a dirt trail… That was sometimes slushy muddy because, duh, it rained last week? Um, yeah, that would be me.
I can’t stop laughing. It was such a bad idea. Kids are, to put it mildly, not long distance walkers. Unless you don’t mind some whining occasionally, and the very frequent pit stop stops, I guess they can be made into 2 1/2 miles walkers…
Luckily Michelle said she would still be my friend when we finally reached the park.
Thank you camera phone for letting me capture our adventure:
I know you’re wondering where all the kids are- well two are in my stroller (which is behind me), two are in her stroller and three more are right behind that double stroller climbing the trail trying to catch up with us. If there wasn’t so much fatigue, mud, and tears, I might have tried to include everyone. I’d like to say I’ll have another opportunity to get that picture, but as of right now- it’s not likely.
14 Comments
is that the 4s trail?? if so, I have done that one and so not kid friendly and yes it does get muddy!!! great idea though.
sometimes the oldest runs with the Dad. The Dad leaves him in the dust and the circles back on the return to pick him up.
We have done 5 mile hikes with the kiddos (8 and over) without too much grief.
*I* would be the one whining on a 2 1/2 mile trail with seven kiddos..heh-heh
Such a good idea though! I wonder if I can talk some mommy friends into that?
Let me know how that works out for you! Switching off I mean :0) Some neighbors and I have talked about this for two years but can’t ever seem to get our act together to actually do it!!
I think it would be great though. And those are the good friends. Ones who will stick with you even when you drag them through the mud :0)
you go you runnin mommies! I hate running, like walkin though. Love the trade off idea!
I don’t know if I should call you courageous or crazy after that stint.
see, i am more of a “bring your kids over, we’ll put them in the back room with some games, a movie and popcorn. we’ll have cookies and lemonade and chat” kind of person.
as far as “getting my run on”. well, i just don’t.
wanna come over for some cookies?
it sounds like a good idea in theory!
but what memories you have now!
Yes, we are loving Survivor Susie! I really liked YauMan! But he’s already gone so I am cheering for James. Even though he was stupid when he didn’t use the 2 idols he had at his last tribal council during the last season of Survivor. I’d like you to know that I really love you photography! You are truly gifted!
J
i love the idea of swapping run times.
i don’t run, but i do fitness classes a couple of days a week. i think it’s a wonderful idea.
your walk sounded crazy, but fun!
You crazy lady! I can only handle that trail with one kid and she normally complains and cries most of the time….Even the dog slows up on that trail…..And yes the mud does not make it fun with the stroller and my shoes! I hate mud on my shoes! Keep it up though…..it is a nice run/walk I always enjoy it.
Great idea! And just think, next time you’re on that trail it will be soooo much sweeter! Just you and a good sweat. And just think, you can smell manly before and after your run.
Where did you carry your camera? That thing needs it’s own stroller! What a great idea, that should be a mom’s modo “adapt and survive”