The Generation Game

[Pm3eak]

Today's running was different: I went to the gym with my Granddaughter.

A small thing... but one that meant more to me than any of the other stuff I have done or achieved in all my years in sport.

Anya is almost 14 ( yes, THAT age) and carrying all the usual burdens that every girl has at that age...plus a few peculiar to her. I've been trying to get her more interested in an active lifestyle -without any pressure- for some time as she wasn't doing much that didn't involve a screen.

She mentioned several times how impressed she was that Grandma and Grandad still ran, played sports and stuff in what to her is 'our older years' ( although we would challenge that of course being that we are still young). We were pleased when she started asking advice about exercises, core strength etc. We were amazed when she told us she has joined a small, local gym with teenage training sessions and tuition.

But, the deal was that I had to go too, at least once...which I now have.

And I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I ran on a treadmill for first time. Weird. Completely different than road work. I confess I found it much easier, but still enjoyable. I got Anya doing some run/ walk sessions which she enjoyed. We did sessions on the bikes, rowing machines, elliptical trainer etc. Before I showed her some stretching routines and Pilates/ core work.

It was an utter joy to be training with my Anya: I think she is now sold on 'the buzz'. I hope so anyway.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

What a delightful post.... and how absolutely wonderful for Anya to share that time with you.

Very well done on inspiring your granddaughter...She is obviously on the path now!

I have a smaller version.. nearly 18 months..my small runner in training...she is just walking now.. so...it begins

Thank you for sharing with us

[Anthie Graduate10]

How great for you to be able to share that experience with your granddaughter! She's very lucky to have caring (and fit) grandparents. Unforgettable memories for all of you. That's some happy running and exercising! Enjoy!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

How lovely that you and Anya got to spend that time together exercising. I do hope it becomes a regular thing for both of you...😊

You are an inspiration to her and doing an amazing thing for her building her self-esteem in sport and fitness..

Happy fitness sessions both of you😊xx

[Hidden]

Beautiful!👩‍👧👏😀😀

[Hidden]

How lovely 😊 i bet theres not many teens that get to do that 😊

[O505k Graduate10]

Really touching story.

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

That is wonderful, you put such a smile on my face as I read that thank you! Very well done to you and Anya. 😄

[misswobble Graduate10]

Aw bless. Sniff ☺️🙂

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

That's just lovely..... What a fantastic role model you are! I've just started doing the same thing with my 14 year old daughter, the way you describe Anya, she is just the same! My daughter plugs herself into the equipment with her phone! It never seems to be out of her hand, even at the gym.

Being her mother, I am, of course, a massive embarrassment to her, but she's managing to poke up with me for now!! By being at the other end of the gym for most of the time!!

I hope you get to make it a regular thing

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

This makes my heart sing, what a great relationship you have, and will continue as you bond over your fitness.... it’s the best 😎