Feeling deflated

[EmzH]

I’m on W6R1. I haven’t run for nearly two weeks due to a busy holiday then moving house. Since I started C25K I have had someone to watch my two children (1yr & 3yr old) Today is the first time I took them with me in the double buggy and in my new area. I didn’t realise it was very hilly. I was out of breath before the 5min walk was over. I managed to do some running but I was so hard pushing my girls and running. How do people take their children with them? If I don’t take them with me I can’t run!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You gave it a go......so well done!

You learned that pushing a double buggy up hills is not a good idea.

Either you are going to have to find a flat running route or a childminder. I don't see any other options.

You will find a way and if that involves pushing a double buggy, then you are going to be an amazingly strong runner.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

Wow that's a tough challenge! Kudos to you for getting out there. Maybe you can walk the hills when you have the buggy? Good luck!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Slow down. Don’t worry if you run more slowly than you walk - I still do and I graduated in February 😂 At the moment your focus is on technique and stamina, and in your case just the technique, since pushing 2 kids is stamina-building anyway ! You’re setting them the best of examples, so make sure they see that it’s fun too. Don’t worry if you can’t manage all the requirements of a run first time: that’s why there’s a repeat function ! Just remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for. Enjoy the journey x

[Bunnyrunner Graduate]

Wow hats off to you for trying to do all that... what determination. I don’t know how to solve your problem. Maybe you could find someone who wants to exercise too, but who just wants to walk. Maybe they could push your children as you run.. in an open park for example.

[Aspire24 Graduate]

That brings back memories of double buggies years ago.... that’s a really tough challenge but Bunnyrunners idea is a good one or see if you can plan your route even if it takes a bit more of a walk to get to a good starting point. Hope you manage to sort something out 👍

[GoogleMe Graduate]

We had someone here a good while ago who was doing C25K with her children in the park on the play equipment and her running round and round in a relatively small circle (we've had someone who did it running round her house because of her location). Much depends on the temperament of the children and maybe your one year old still needs to be in a buggy (would be lighter with just one rather than a lunking great three year old too)

It sounds as though you may not be getting enough support from other people who might have an interest in you staying fit and well but you're not well placed for it right now I know. You may need to get really savvy about seizing opportunities - even when you've graduated you only need 40 minutes out of the house.

Be kind to yourself though eh? Holidays with small children can leave you feeling you need another holiday and then you moved house and that's a big big deal, even without small children (who may currently be particularly unkeen to be left with anyone) Even if you get out and have a good 30 minute walk, you'll keep that fitness ticking over until you get more sorted.