Excuses, excuses. Advice please.

[Thomson3]

Today was Week 3 Run 3. Coukd definitely feel a nip in the air but once we got going it was fine.

But I think we might be coming up to a logistics issue. Right now it's the last run of the summer holidays. We get up at 615am to be out of the door, done and back in for 730am. It's longer than the actual app time because we have to get to the park first. Pavement running is not an option with two small boys and a pushchair.

The boys, 8 and 9 years old, go back to school on Monday. We have to leave at 815am to be on time. That leaves 45 mins to get them showered, breakfasted and uniformed. Running after school isn't an option with school clubs etc.

So. Is it asking too much for the boys to get up at 6am do you think? And once it's properly dark at 6am, is it to harsh to take them? Theyre really enjoying it and I don't want them to learn that we can make excuses not to keep healthy and excercise is something we have to make time for.

Thoughts?

[Zev1963 Graduate]

An early morning run is a great start to the day, nice powerful head torches for everyone, and a good breakfast on returning home, got to be worth a try

If they don't enjoy it then think about the evenings, but I'd give the mornings a go

[Thomson3 in reply to Zev1963]

Evenings just not an option. Case of make them run or let them quit if it doesn't work out. But which! Arrgghhh

[gary_bart]

It would probably be harsh to ask teenagers to get up before noon, but as long as it's a bit of an adventure (and there's something exciting about the hours of the day where you have the whole world to yourself) learning to be an early bird might even be fun for your youngsters.

You might even be able to push the "have tos" back to being a last last resort if you can find ways of replacing them with "want tos", too. Looks like you're well on your way there, seeing as they're enjoying it.

[farawaytree74 Graduate]

I have to say I really admire you! Getting up early to run with 3 children in tow is a mammoth task but you have such a positive attitude it's not surprising your children are so keen. I find just getting me out of the house to run is enough of a challenge, scouring the house for lost socks,headphones etc. I am a mum of 3 lads who are now in their teens and 20's but I can remember the challenge of getting them all out the house for school on a morning in one piece. So to go for a run AND get ready for school is a real achievement!

I would very much take each day as it comes and whilst you and they are keen ,then go for it but don't beat yourself up if things get difficult.children get ill,tired,lose interest-that is them just being kids. I suppose the question is,if mornings become too difficult does that mean you can't then run at all? If you can try and carve out some time for you. That might not be possible but I hope it is. Keep going you are doing great! 😊

[Thomson3 in reply to farawaytree74]

Awww thank you! I would be able to run with the pushchair once I'd dropped boys off if they really hated it. Just don't don't that Id be teaching them to be quitters if I let them stop because they'd have to get up earlier. Maybe make them complete programme and then let them choose? They are much better than me!

If I get a placement with a baby under 6 months I'm not allowed to run 😟 so would try a power walk?

[mfamilias Graduate]

If you don't try, you'll never know, as my Dad always says. Give it a go, and see how it goes. If you find that it's too much (for them, OR for you) you can always go later, without them.

[misswobble Graduate]

As long as they get an early night they should be ok. You can play it by ear and see how it goes. It's a challenge for sure but the children will benefit from it in lots of way. You might be frazzled mind you. Ha ha

Good luck with it!