Running

They say that you don’t have to run faster than a bear, so long as you can outrun at least one of your companions. It’s meant as a joke. You should never try to run from a bear, but all the same it makes me think. Obviously, I don’t need to worry about bear encounters in the UK (I hope!), but if I did, I suspect that I would be that companion. The out-runned companion. Hello, bear.

I’ve realised that everyone else in the family has higher levels of activity than me. Youngest plays cricket twice a week and trampolining, plus the usual school sports and general running and cycling around that happens during the day when you are 10.  Generally sporty.

This week has seen the two older children join their father on their first parkrun. They’ve not settled on an after school sporty activity, this year, so I’m thrilled they are doing the run. There has been extra running during the week and a higher level of activity all round. I really don’t have to worry about them being inactive this holiday, as they are keen to carry on and try other activities.

Then there is me. I’m not totally inactive. I walk between 2-3 miles a day on the dog walk alone, plus a family hike, most weekends. This week I joined the school for a couple of miles walk across countryside, which was probably further as it’s a bit like herding cats, when it comes to walking with so many 4 to 11 year olds.

I hula hooped for 3:56 minutes (yes, the children timed me) over the weekend, before I reached my boredom threshold. I garden daily, so I’m no couch potato, but I’m not doing enough. I couldn’t join them on their parkrun. They would slow down for me.

Living in the countryside, I have to drive to most organized sport venues. The idea of swimming lengths or a gym session, followed by a 20-30 minute drive, does not appeal.

I’m starting to eye up our woods as a possible cross country running venue for me. I could persuade the children to join me on their bikes. I want to be able to run the distance. Maybe then I could join them on a parkrun, once I’ve mastered that route.

The only running I’ve been doing this week has been the usual end of term sprint (the last week has to be the hardest) as we finish off school and after school commitments. Plus a lot of running stitches on my sewing machine. I may be pushing the definition there, but I did finish the blue dress for my daughter in time to wear to a wedding, using my hand-cranked sewing machine. More calories burnt than doing the same task on an electric machine. (work with me on this one!)

So question to you all. What sporty activities do you do on a regular basis? Are you all running 5k a week? Please, I need the inspiration and motivation. Are you an out-runner or an out-runned?

14 comments

  1. Outrunned! My kids energy knows no bounds, especially my daughter, and my husband’s job keeps him fit. It’s a big part of the reason I have joined the gym as I want to feel fit and healthy and keep up. I think cross country running sounds like it would work for you, or you could always try fitness classes at home via YouTube, that’s what I do when I can’t get to the gym. Oh, and dance, play music and just dance! Hope you manage to find something that you enjoy x Thanks for sharing with #WotW

  2. This is an area I desperately need to work on. Other than walking I do nothing, I’m going to start with some fitness DVD’s and some free online workouts before I take exercise into the open. I would certainly be bear food ! Have a great weekend x #WotW

  3. Having watched something recently I think it comes down to the type of bear ie. black or brown. Obviously though it’s lovely not to encounter either mind. I’m no runner but we do love getting out and about geocaching. Our amount this year seems to be pretty poor though compared to previous years. #WotW

  4. I started running in my early 40s when I realised that I actually had to do something to keep fit. I didn’t enjoy it to begin with, and I don’t always enjoy it now, but I love the feeling afterwards and the ability to eat as much cake as I like! I run 4 times a week at the moment, always cross country or Parkrun, plus I walk quite a lot and cycle to work (slowly) sometimes. I keep feeling like I should do yoga or something though – I’m aerobically fit but not very stretchy!

    1. That is inspirational. Gives me hope that I can do it. Interesting about flexibility. I hadn’t thought of that. Possibly I need to look into yoga too.

  5. I know what you mean about living in the country, we have just decided to move back into a village, we love living rural but its harder with the boys now they want to be out all the time. I drive 20 minutes to the gym but I love my yoga and spinning lessons so feel it is worth it for me x

    1. I may yet end up driving, but I worry that my muscles will be too tired after a workout. Might be over thinking this one.

  6. I like that saying. I would be outrunned too. I start doing couch to 5k this year but kept having to recover from muscle injuries and have come to the conclusion that running isn’t for me. I do lots of walking though which is my way of keeping fit and I love dancing which I think is more fun than running! Glad that your children are enjoying taking part in Parkrun though and I love your daughter’s blue dress. #WotW

    1. I think dancing would be more fun too. I like that idea. Annoying to start the challenge and have injuries stop you in your tracks.

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