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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to exercise on the weekend when I work all week

46 replies

LillethTheCat · 14/09/2013 14:50

I took up running in 2012 and my fitness levels grew which I dont want to lose. I havent done much over the last 6 weeks or so and this morning at Parkrun I found it hard even though I was 3 minutes slower than my PB.

I was unemployed and looking for work so found it easy to fit in exercise. I now have a job in an office so Mon -Fri. DH is a SAHD. I want to carry on exercising, but with 3 DCs all under 10 Im not sure its feasable to find the time. I dont want to go before work as I would like to help get the DCs ready for school. I dont want to go straight from work I generally get home at 6PM and the youngest is 2YO so I like to do the bedtime routine with her (and the other 2 as well). I could go back out on a night (say around 8) which is fine if its light enough to go for a run, but I live rurally so its dark and Im not sure if its a bit too dangerous to run on the roads in the night in the dark. Obviously Id purchase the right gear to be as safe as I can be if I chose this route. Also by that time all I want to do is slump and watch crap TV

I was thinking about doing Parkrun every saturday and also doing something on a sunday afternoon (whether thats going for a run at home or going to the gym - I get free membership through work), but Im a little unsure as this means I will be out 7 days a week at some point. OK so Saturdays Im back for 10AM and Sundays it would be for a couple of hours while DC3 has her afternoon nap. DS and DD1 are happy enough playing on their own or with friends.

I did think about getting up early to do some sort of exercise (Shred or Insanity), but Ive yet to drag my arse out of bed any earlier than I have been doing.

So AIBU to consider going out on both days of the weekend when I work all week?

OP posts:

Bogeyface · 14/09/2013 16:44

It never ceases to amaze me how differently men and women are judged on here.

If a WOHD said he was planning what the OP was planning he would get flamed, but she gets told to go for it!

Sirzy · 14/09/2013 16:46

I thought exactly the same Bogey!

HeySoulSister · 14/09/2013 16:48

I say do it too!!

I took up running also (thanks mumsnet!) now all FIVE of my dc have taken it up also! great now they are heading into adulthood.

those who are against it....a 5k run takes 30 minutes (I assume you are better than me tho op)

so 30 minsout of the day isn't eating into this sacred 'family time' people speak of.....the benefits outweigh the bad

op....have you got any trim trails near you?

HeySoulSister · 14/09/2013 16:49

a WOHD wouldn't get flamed for a 30 min run

Grumpywino · 14/09/2013 16:51

Yanbu but could you try a couple of early morning runs? 3 miles or so with a longer run at the weekend, it would be better for your fitness.

FredFredGeorge · 14/09/2013 16:51

Bogeyface and Sirzy not by the same posters, the ones who've said do it are the same ones who say it in every scenario - it's just the "weekends are 'family time' people" don't join the threads when women say they want it. So it's just the sane ones who think families and relationships are healthy when you spend some time apart and some time on your own hobbies.

fascicle · 14/09/2013 16:51

I dont want to go before work as I would like to help get the DCs ready for school.

Given that your dh sounds supportive, could you compromise (with yourself!) and see how you feel leaving him to it for one morning a week for one of your sessions? Then you'd still get to help your kids the other four mornings. If the mornings are chaotic, is there anything that could be done differently/the night before so that you feel better about leaving your family to it?

rosy71 · 14/09/2013 16:52

I work full time and go running on a Saturday morning. Dp takes the boys out (8 & 5) at the same time. Ideally I'd like to go running more often - I try to go one evening in the week but fitting it in is harder.

I don't see a problem with what you're suggesting as long as your dp is able to do the same. If you're back at 10.15am on Saturday, you've got the whole day to spend as a family. Sometimes I take the boys cycling on a Sunday, or we all go swimming & I'll do a few lengths.

HeySoulSister · 14/09/2013 16:54

maybe your dh could volunteer at parkrun? ours lets kids help too

ZingWantsCake · 14/09/2013 16:56

Bogeyface I don't think so.

if my DH wanted to do what OP is planning to get healthier (which he soooo desperately needs!) I'd be so happy!

take this - I've been ill all week.
he's been away from Wed - Fri so I not only did what I normally do, but I had no help for 2 nights and 3 mornings, while desperately wanting to be in bed to recover.
yet I organized for him to go out with a friend tonight, because he's been meaning to do it, but it's been never a good time.

if he went out every Sat night I'd be pissed off - but he is more than welcome to go out on Sat mornings as we have fuck all to do anyway normally but relax!

and he normally sleeps Sun pm for a few hours - same difference!

picklesrule · 14/09/2013 16:57

You should go for it, your DH doesn't seem bothered! You could though also mix it up with some mini cardio circuits at home during the week, so 20mins in the morning say, a good mix of jumps/lunges/skipping etc (there are some great one room cardio workouts on pinterest)
Then you are getting a workout but you don't have to leve house, can do it while kids having breakfast even! Or get them to join in :0)

Wishihadabs · 14/09/2013 17:00

DH and I both exercise every weekend. If DH is given the option and doesn't want to them his loss TBH

redskyatnight · 14/09/2013 17:22

Can you run at lunch time?

ivykaty44 · 14/09/2013 17:34

Buy a bike and cycle to work or if work isn't far enough to get a decent ride then run to work?

Meglet · 14/09/2013 17:53

Yanbu.

Keeping fit (and sane) trumps most things and is a good example to your dc's. If your DH chooses to waste his free time on gaming then it's his loss.

I'm at the gym every spare moment I get, now both dc's are at school I'm going to crank it up a bit. I sleep better and am a far calmer parent when I've burnt off some energy.

NoelHeadbands · 14/09/2013 17:53

I'm quite surprised that some people are against the idea, I wouldn't have thought it was much of an issue.

I've got three DC and work full time, as does DH. We both exercise during the week and at the weekend. It's not that hard to fit in.

Sanjifair · 14/09/2013 18:14

Is there a local ish running club you could join? They run evening in groups, so it's a lot safer than running alone in the dark. My DH and I both run, we take turns going to club during the week, and both have some form of run at the weekend. We also invested in a good quality treadmill, so while one person is at club, the other runs on the treadie.

Loopytiles · 14/09/2013 18:14

Other options if it doesn't work out well could be gym one morning/after work/after DC in bed and just one run at the weekend. Or exercise DVD at home in eve.

Your H could presumably get exercise in the daytime if just one DC to care for in school hours, gyms /pools often have low-cost creche or could swop childcare with a friend.

needaholidaynow · 14/09/2013 18:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Christelle2207 · 14/09/2013 18:22

Go for it and encourage dh and kids to do parkrun too. At my parkrun kids as young as 4 do it. Can't think of a Better way for a family to start a weekend tbh, doing something fit and active. My son is only 5 weeks yet I can't wait till hes old enough to run at parkrun.

Original poster

LillethTheCat · 15/09/2013 11:20

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry I didn't come back on last night, was having important family time

I do belong to a running club, but Id have to go out 15 mins after I get in from work and DH didn't seem too keen on that idea. He'd never actively stop me from going, but he'd rather I didn't. On an evening Id have to go out no earlier than 7PM really. So it is possible, it's just that by that time I just want to slump.

I cant do anything at lunchtime as I only get half hour lunch so not enough time.

Ive looked into cycling and it would be possible the odd day, but I would need a bike (obviously) and can't afford it just yet. Good idea though.

Liking the Pinterest idea for looking for a quick workout to do on mornings.

Ragwort re the Playstation/X-box comment.

OP posts:

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