Exercise ?s: do you run w/ your kids?!? Beginning runner ?s

fricksgirl · May 2011

Currently I teach Jazzercise 2Xs a week, but I need to do something else- frankly, my body is so used to it that my excess weight isn't budging and probably won't til I mix it up.

My eating needs to be gotten under control but I feel like I can DO that- I know how to do that. I am doing that. I just am at a loss with exercise- HOW do you find the time?!?! I am already burning the candle at both ends. I have done it before but that was before kids and all the extra pressures my life has now.

Here are my issues: Exercise takes me away from my family & bedtime already 2Xs a week. I also really don't want to pay for a gym (to go to after the kids are asleep). I don't want to do anything that takes me AWAY from home any more than I already am. I am away so much as it is. DH is out the door at 5:15 AM every morning so mornings are not an option. I cannot be gone another weeknight or 2 on a regular basis without completely and totally alienating my husband. I'd love to swim, do Zumba, whatever but it's too much time away from home.

I have no discipline to do DVDs or anything on my own. Again, it lasts for a week and it's over. I need a partner or a group atmosphere to get me going.

So I hate running. HATE running. I've tried it like, a million kajillion times and every time I do it I do it for one day and I quit it. But- it's free, and I feel like it's something I could do WITH Alex.

Here is my idea- to start out small. On the nights I don't have Jazzer (T/Th/F, or maybe just T/Th to start) when I get home from work at 5:30 to take Simon in to DH, quick change clothes, pop Alex on his bike and have him ride and me run around our neighborhood. Not far at first, maybe just for the first few weeks go around our street twice or something. Like a 15-20 minute jaunt and then come in and eat and still get them to bed by 7:30.

I feel like Alex would enjoy it and that he would hold me accountable to do it. Is he too young to be my fitness partner?!?! Is that putting too much on him?

Is this crazy? Do you think it will make a difference? I fyou are a runner who hated running did you end up loving it?!? How long does it take to love it? Because I REALLY hate it! But I have to do something!!

Ideas? Advice? Thoughts?

serendipityRox · May 2011

I actually love this idea. I think that it's important to show children that physical fitness is an important part of life. Having him be fit while help you to be fit as well is a great message and a wonderful way to spend time together. Plus, you'll have extra incentive to do it because his disappointment will kill you every time you bail!

Great idea and good luck!

lukaface · May 2011

I think it's a fantastic idea and I'm sure Alex will have a great time too! I've always had a love/hate relationship with running and when I love it is when I'm in shape but I hate the time it takes to get there. The key is to start slowly. Like really slowly. If you have a terrible run, you won't be motivated to go out and do it again.

Try running for one minute and then walking for two minutes for like 10-15 minutes to start with or whatever feels comfortable to you. It will get easier quickly and if you don't push yourself too hard in the beginning you won't burn yourself out on it. I think the Couch to 5K program follows something similar.

The high I get after a run once I'm in shape is what motivates me. Also, I always tell myself before a run "You won't regret going, but you will regret not going."

Good luck!!

SFAug07 · May 2011

Sounds great! I might try to do something similar once Sarah is old enough for it. Right now, I can only run when somebody else is watching her, or for 20 mins maximum with her in the stroller as she really doesn't like it (and I feel bad taking 'quality time' away from her for just sitting in the stroller). Your plan sounds like it's a win-win for all.

StefandTodd · May 2011

I agree with Rox that it's a great message to give to Alex about physical fitness, as well as a great way for you to get out there and do something new and different.

Re: running - I haaaaated running too. I used to say that I wanted to love it, but just couldn't. For me, honestly, what helped? Races. If I were you, I would look up the couch to 5K program and then find a 5K that is a reasonable ways out from when you can start this running plan - however long the program takes plus some time to allow for flexibility in your training schedule, etc...and then commit to doing that race. Sign up for it, pay for it, tell people you're doing it, tell your boys what you're working so hard every one of those evening bike/runs with Alex to achieve...how much fun would it be for Alex to run/bike with you and then cheer you across the finish line in your first 5K?!

For me, the sense of accomplishment I got from setting a significant goal like a race, and then following through and LITERALLY crossing a finish line totally hooked me to running and now, though I'm taking a pregnancy hiatus these days, I know that "short" races (half marathons and shorter) will be the goals I can set that keep me happily running for my lifetime.

tiki_t · May 2011

My kids hated the stroller after the age of 2, so.... I try to play chase with them, have races across the yard, take them on nature walks (go critter spotting so you both forget you are exercising) or walk around the track. I also dance with the kids.

Kicking around a soccer ball is good too. Toddlers usually don't have good aim so you end up running to get the ball.

m&m818 · May 2011

I think its a great idea. 15-20 minutes is a great starting point. Even if you can't get him to go on the bike, a walk around the block twice is good too. Any movement for both of you is good, kwim?

The immediate difference I think you'll feel is how good it makes you feel. Perfect time to start too with the great weather.

So the cons of this situationt hat I have found

- you are weather dependent

- you are depending on a person that has a high probability of 1) being cranky 2) being sick 3) choosing to do something else.

- When you are ready to kick it up a gear, they may not be ready too.

LV2006 · May 2011

I think that sounds like a GREAT idea, especially because you know Alex will hold you to getting out to do it! You might want to remind him in the morning that a bike/run after work is on the schedule so he can give you "gentle reminders" after work.

Just my momentary soapbox: be SURE to get good running shoes. Nothing will make you hate running like having bad or wrong shoes. They can be pricey, I know, but it is way better to spend the $ than have injuries (or lose toe nails!). Get good socks, too - Sacramento heat makes sweaty feet and sweaty feet in the wrong shoes = blisters.

Also, the only thing that makes running bearable for me is music, so load up that Ipod sister! When I run with people I want to talk to, or need to be more aware of my surroundings, I just just one ear bud and that might work while running with Alex. Or get some super portable speakers to hook to his bike and you can both listen while you sweat.

Good luck with your new exercise endeavor - you can DO it!

tri-reader · May 2011

I'm all about working out with your kids. I've run with both kids in the stroller (double BOB) or with one (single BOB) and they love it. I have also chased Emmy up and down the neighborhood on her bike. (Think sprint drills!) She loved it when I gave her min/mile pace and I was huffing and puffing trying to keep up with her. I've jogged on trails while she bikes and I've recently gotten the trail-a-bike and we've gone on an almost 10 mile bike ride. For me this is a good basic workout. Unfortunately I like longer miles and she's only up for biking herself 3 miles but I usually drop her off at home and add mileage if need be.

I've also ran with one child in the stroller for a few miles, go home and switch kids...to get the workout I want. And FYI, workout videos with a 3-4 year old are so much fun. She loves doing them with me and sometimes requests them or plays fitness instructor and invents new workouts.

I've also headed to the park and did runs around the baseball field/large grassy area with both kids chasing me for some runs.

Have fun with it. I'm sure Alex will love it!

scrapmama2201 · May 2011

My boys love to run with me. We often run on a local trail or the rez. I don't necessarily consider it a workout at though as there is often more stopping than walking/jogging. Rocks, trees, grass...all seem to provide a fascinating distraction for the boys and they have to stop and investigate. Ty has recently discovered his bike again and I am looking forward to having him ride while I run. My only concern is keeping him on the right side of the trail as the bike riders around here are rude beyond belief and likely to roll right over him.

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KellyMRocks · May 2011

I personally do not like to run with my kids. Winnie hates the stroller (ugh, seriously, screaming the whole time is not my idea of a good workout) and, like April said, Grey would just be too curious. Or even worse, complainy. I love to get out and run around with my kids and play games and what not, which is better than sitting on my A$$, but if I want to do a run as a workout, I would rather be on my own.

Just remember that running with Alex is worth a shot. You might both love it. If not, reevaluate and look for a new routine.

dblhappiness · May 2011

I'm really late in chiming in, but agree with pps. Definitely try it out with Alex--at first when I started with the boys it was more of me just getting my time. Now they have been asking constantly to run at the nearby track with me. While it's not my usual running workout I don't mind. We all end up in fits of giggles and screeching and that's the best part!

I just finished reading a book that really helped put some things in perspective for me. It's by John Bingham No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running. I think it's a great book for those who need a little guidance.

llamakins · May 2011

I hate running until I get back into the routine. You should look into the Couch to 3K program. I downloaded it on my android phone and it slowly builds you up to be able to run for longer distances. Try not to skip--the program sets you up to have s trong foundation. I ran with my BOB stroller and lots of snacks for DS! GL!

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Exercise ?s: do you run w/ your kids?!? Beginning runner ?s

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