Wk8R1 - a little unorthodox but hey...

[Reidy]

Hoorah, this evening I have completed my first run of wk 8 and what great fun it was too. I had a pacemaker (not one for the heart!), a water station and a crowd to keep me going and cheering me in at the end! It may sound like it was a proper event but no, let me explain. It might be a long one...

So, with husband away working and me having to run very early or very late to beat the heat, I have been devising cunning ways of getting the runs in without having to get a babysitter for 45mins. This morning I had timed one loop/lap of our drive (about 1.5mins) to see if it would be feasible to run up and down for 28mins. It meant the boys could see me at all times and I could get my run in, even though mentally it would be a tough challenge just running lap after lap of a straight driveway with a noticeable incline.

Tonight, after dinner was finished and allowed some time to settle, I got ready in my running gear to run the numerous laps. We set up a water station so that the boys could pass me a drink of water on one of the loops 'like they do in the marathon, mamma' - yeah dream on boys. They were cheering me on through their bedroom window, whilst supposedly tidying their room while I was running - well let's just say not much tidying happened. Then they came downstairs and ran up and down in their pants with me a few times in fits of laughter, negotiated the water passing (half of which ended up on me rather than in me), jumped up and down in the last five minutes shouting 'come on mamma you can do it' and then waited at the gate for the finish shouting 'yeah, you've done it, you've done it'!!

Despite my initial reservations of running boring laps, I think I can safely say Wk8 R1 is by far the most entertaining run I have done in the series, so much so we'll be doing again this way in week 9! Next time though the 6 year old can leave off the comment in an incredulous tone of 'I can nearly walk faster than she can run' #feelingthelove!

[Hidden]

That's hilarious. Imagine if olympics opening ceremonies were like that with tiny boys cheering on us ordinary runners. Can't believe you did a 28minute run up and down your drive. That must be some kind of record on here and you definitely deserve a medal (get the boys to make you one )

[Reidy Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! We were making medals a few weeks ago but didn't finish them - we'll get them finished and I'll post a picture, we might even go the whole hog and build a podium. LOL!

[Hidden in reply to Reidy]

Yes that's totally what you need, podium and medals, please make and post

[aliboo70]

what a fab post and a great solution! i'm just picturing the scene, you described it so well! excellent week 8 run -well done!

[Reidy Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Awww, thanks! It really was sooo much fun!

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw that is so sweet ! Well done to you and your lovely boys xxx

[Lisjane]

My 9 and 7 year olds come out on their bikes with me and I spend half the time trying to dodge being run over by them!

[Reidy Graduate in reply to Lisjane]

I know that feeling!

[R2d2_vegas Graduate]

Brilliant, well done for being most determined to get your run in

[Hidden]

So funny ! What an inventive solution to getting your run in and what a great example you're setting the boys. Very well done !

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Brilliant! Small boys running around in pants on a hot evening throwing water everywhere - that takes me back! Happy days!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

That's really lovely. You made your run happen and had an even more enjoyable time as a result... and gave your boys a really positive, inclusive role model. We should pin this!

[Pamchopslim Graduate]

That's brilliant! Getting the kids involved and behind you is not only a great example to them but also proof that mummy has other "hobbies" apart from picking up underpants etc lol x

[Ugifer]

What a fab' post - and such an inventive solution!

You must have quite a drive-way if it takes a minute and a half to run it - ours would take about 10 steps!

I love the idea of the kids manning the "water station" for you - and loads of the marathon runners seem to spill most of it too so no dishonour there! I reckon what the supporters really need are massive squirt-guns to cool the runners down as they come past

Ugi

[Glossy Graduate]

What a great post! Your kids sound fab andyou're definitely dedicated to the programme and making it work for you!

[nhs2015 Graduate]

What a fab post! Picture of the family please! And medals too!

[Reidy Graduate in reply to nhs2015]

Will do!

[LittleOrchard Graduate]

That's a great post! With three daughters (12, 10 and 7) I can fully appreciate the need to be inventive with getting the runs in while fitting in their needs too. I'm sure it'll be a lasting memory for all of you! Well done and good luck with the rest of week 8!