Life is all about finding the delicate balance of fitting it all in and having fun. Training for a marathon while homeschooling my three boys has been its own adventure of finding time to be wife, mom, teacher, marathon trainer, and Rachel. Learning to be flexible with the training plan while still having fun is a lesson I am finally learning to master this go round.
As my boys have gotten older, bigger, stronger… loading them up and buckling them in the double jogger isn’t as easy as it once was. In fact, I now have two big boys wanting to ride their bikes alongside me on my run. The youngest has great intentions of riding his bike, but always ends up back in the jogger after a frustrating stop-go and super slow mile.
I have begun my taper week. I will be honest, the last few weeks of my training runs have been less than stellar. I have put in the miles and effort. However, even thought the times/splits are on par… they feel ridiculously challenging. I believe this is more of a mental battle (at this point) than a physical one.
Having the boys home with me all the time, adds a different challenge with fitting in the training and miles. The weather here has been gorgeous (for the most part) and I much prefer to do my runs (long or short) outside.
This is a great idea in theory… if I had only one child (in the jogger) or could run solo on the trails. However, when I have all three boys with me… we need to learn to be flexible while still having fun. They are still kids, ya know.
A few weeks ago while on a mid week tempo run, we loaded up the bikes and jogger so Mommy could run. This was a great ride and everyone had fun. Apparently even the boys bikes had a bit too much fun off roading… resulting in three flat tires! Yes, those darn pokey weed/thorns did a number on their tires.
This has taught me a lesson in being flexible. Not being able to do my mid week runs outside (and having to do them on the treadmill) has been a challenge. OR doing my speed work and cross training on the trail with the boys while still making it fun for all.
I am learning to be flexible in these situations, and embracing the challenge of change. The boys and I are doing our best to have fun with Mommy’s training. Enjoying lots of fresh air, sunshine, hikes, and park play has been key to fitting it all in while being flexible with the training and having fun!
As I type, the boys bikes are getting new tubes for their bike tires. We will be hitting the trails again very soon. Hopefully with a bit more caution for going off the trail to prevent flat tires.
I am debating about having them join me for my 8-14 miler tomorrow. Hitting the American River trail with 2 on bikes and 1 in the jogger. In theory, it is a great idea. But the reality of it is… nothing beats a long SOLO run for this weary mama’s soul.
Like I mentioned before, life throws us many curve balls and often times sour lemons. Busy schedules, hiccups, and more can be the perfect lesson for teaching flexibility. The key is finding the FUN in life while fitting it all in.
The real question is… do I run WITH the boys tomorrow… or wait it out and try to fit it in after church on Sunday? Oh the decisions of being flexible and responsible at the same time.
Bryanna says
My biggest problem is allowing for a bump in my plan or a change. My type A personality can’t handle it. It makes it scared to have kids. I have gotten better with allowing more flexibility especially with the crazy weather, but I sometimes wander what it will look like when you throw kids in the mix. It’s a whole new level of excitement but change!!
Running Hutch says
First of all I think you are totally badass for training for marathons with three boys in tow. ALSO, I can’t imagine how cool it is for the boys to have the time with you, see you being active, train for and run races, take them on trails, etc. Beautiful thing. I think you do a good job of the balancing act, running solo when you need too and bringing them all with you when you can.
Jon L. says
This is my life as well! Pre-kids, I had a routine and was able to stick with it all the time. Ak (after-kids), I got frustrated that I couldn’t get my routine dialed in and didn’t know what to do. I began being flexible (like you) and have learned that I can still have a routine but need to be less rigid about it. Hard to adjust to at first, but that’s life and gotta make the best of it!