While training for my half marathons, or just trying to stay in shape, I have always found it very easy to squeeze a quick 2 mile run in just before Handy Man got up and left for work in the morning. I would slip out the door before his alarm went off and by the time I was strolling down the driveway he would be backing out of the garage. We would exchange a morning kiss and tell each other to have a great day. My long runs have always been on Sundays, so no issues there.
But this marathon training is pretty demanding. My mid-week run schedule looks something like this this week - 3 miles, 7 miles, 4 miles!!!
I dropped the kids off at daycare on Tuesday and squeezed in a quick 3 miles no problem. Of course it was already getting hot and I had to shower at Grandma's house before heading into the office. But I made it work.
Yesterday I was totally panicked about how I was going to fit a 7 mile run in when I had the kids all day. If I ran before Handy Man left for work I would need to leave the house by 3:50 am - ummm H-E-double hockey sticks NO!
So I loaded up the troops and their bicycles for the very first time and we headed to the trail.
Mr Blue Eyes and my Brown Eyed Girl were totally pumped for the bike ride. I explained we would try to go 3.5 miles out and then 3.5 miles back to the car. We packed water and I made lavish promises of heading to the pool after we were all done.
Helmets - check
Bottle of water - check
Sunscreen - check
Bathroom stop - check
We were off!
It took about 5 minutes to get ourselves organized on the trail. Initially, I thought it would be better if they rode their bikes out in front of me. I thought this way I could keep a better eye on them. I think they were a little intimidated by the "rules of the trail" that we had gone over in the car on the way to the trail - stay to the right, don't get too far out in front of mommy, watch for fast bikes, how to pass walkers...
I quickly realized that my little ducklings needed to just rely on following their momma duck.
In single-file-line we set out on our maiden voyage.
My little ducklings were quaking all the way. Spotting grasshoppers and butterflies. Pointing out pretty flowers and noticing the prairie dogs barking at us as we passed. I got the occasional question of what something was called and they cheered as we completed our first mile.
They were laughing and smiling and I was told I Love You Mommy about every 1/8th of a mile.
They were having a blast! And although there were a lot of distractions and several stops for a drink of water, they were smiling and peddling right along with me. One of our water stops was by the fire department's training center. The firemen were testing their hoses and trucks out. A very nice fireman walked over to us and told the kids what they were doing. It was pretty cool. Mr Blue Eyes told him he planned to be a fireman when he got big.
I was thoroughly enjoying the run and wondering why I didn't start this sooner with them this summer.
At almost 2.5 miles in, my little ducklings started letting little chirps slip out about being hot or their legs starting to hurt a little. By 3 miles I knew is was time to turn my little ducklings around or we were going to be in trouble.
I found myself coaching my little ducklings all the way back those last 2 miles.
The pool was waiting for us - keep peddling.
There is more water in the car - keep peddling.
I had to help push their bikes up a few hills on the way back.
I had to bribe them with ice cream once we got to the pool.
The water is going to feel so awesome - keep peddling.
We can rest in the car on the way to the pool and then in the water - keep peddling.
You are so awesome - keep peddling.
No, I can't go get the car. A) I can't leave you here alone, B) I can't drive a car on the park path, C) if you don't ride the bike you have to walk - keep peddling.
Slowly but surely, breaking frequently, and a lot of encouragement, my two brave little ducklings made it all the way back to the car. 6.5 miles they peddled their little legs on their bikes. A few little tears from my Brown eyed Girl that last mile but in reality not too shabby considering we didn't have any major meltdowns.
They were such troopers! I am so proud of them!
I wonder if they are up for a shorter, 4 mile ride tomorrow?!?
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