Running with Children

We didn't start out as that crazy, obsessive running husband and wife duo, but over the last few years and three marathons later, I have a feeling we have probably earned that title.  So it probably isn't a huge surprise that purchasing a jogging stroller took months of research.  There were so many things to consider:  Did we want a double jogging stroller? Fixed wheel?  Brand?  Online or in-store?  After going back and forth and looking at jogging strollers A-Z, we finally decided on one jogging stroller-having reasoned that:

1.  Boy O might not like the jogging stroller (Baby O might not either, but at least he would not have the ability to unhook himself).

2.  A double jogging stroller would only last a year at most as Boy O would probably surpass 50 lbs soon.

Reason # 1 was unfounded-As we arrived at the guesthouse for the very first time with Boy O, he immediately spotted a battered old baby stroller that had long ago been donated for traveling families.  He had never seen such a contraption before, was instantly intrigued and being pushed in the stroller was one of his favorite activities besides soccer.  Once Daddy O and I tired of pushing him in the stroller, he convinced other children and eventually the guards to push him around the courtyard. 

                                                   

Reason # 2 is still true-he still has about 10 more lbs before he reaches the stroller limit, but if he keeps eating the way he does, it will not be long.  Plus, running around with a single stroller is hard enough.  I cannot even imagine having to push a double.  So we bought a used one from one of our neighbors and it seems to be doing okay, although I don't think it would make it through training and a marathon.  We might just have to buy another one.

Finding the time to run has turned out harder than I expected, but we are trying to make time each afternoon and Saturday morning.  Finding the inspiration to run has been the most challenging aspect as this month has produced more rain than any other this year.  I thought at this point that I was over being a 'fair weather runner' but the motivation is just not there when you look out the window and see the gray, overcast sky and rain. I was reading a friend's blog a couple of weeks ago entitled 'Juneuary' and 'How things get done' and it really hit home.  It also helped me realize that I CANNOT let the weather get me down, I CANNOT teach my children that just because it's raining, we can't go outside and enjoy it and if we did activities that we enjoyed before children, we should keep doing them after (and with the) children.  So this week we found ourselves putting on our raincoats, zipping up the rain cover on the stroller and running.  I don't know if we can run a marathon as a family, but we sure are going to try!  So far our longest run has been 10 miles and with a bag of cheerios and a juice box, anything seems possible. I will keep you posted on our progress.