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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Wibu to think that ds could do couch to 5k with me?

19 replies

Pyjamaramadrama · 21/05/2014 21:24

I really want to try couch to 5k as running is always the one exercise I've avoided and I've done very little lately.

But, I have a 6 year old son so I'm limited in what I can do away from the house.

Looking at the programme I was thinking that perhaps ds could come too, I've seen people talking about taking their kids on other forums but nothing proper about it.

I think he'd love it but I don't know if it would be too much.

OP posts:
TimeForAnotherNameChange · 21/05/2014 21:26

He could probably manage the first couple of weeks with intervals, but I don't think it's appropriate to have a 6yo running a full 5k, it's too much for their joints at this age.

CrohnicallyHungry · 21/05/2014 21:36

Running would be too much, but how is he at bike riding? Could he ride alongside you running? Is there somewhere locally safe for him to ride?

WorraLiberty · 21/05/2014 21:38

It's only 3 miles though isn't it?

As long as you're not going to fast for him and he won't feel guilty stopping if he needs to, he should be fine.

Either way it's worth trying once...or maybe let him ride his bike?

Original poster
Pyjamaramadrama · 21/05/2014 21:42

I thought so, although the final week says 30 minutes running, not sure I'd actually do the 5k in 30 minutes. Still a long time just running for a 6 year old though.

He's recently learnt to ride his bike without stabilisers and is too wobbly atm but that is an option for the near future.

Other thing I could do is go to our local park stick ds in the fenced off playground and jog around the path which runs around the outside. He'd be in view but I'd feel a prat running around in circles and I'd be worried incase he fell over or something.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pyjamaramadrama · 21/05/2014 21:48

Cross post Worra, I really don't know, we've walked 4 miles or more lots of times but that is just leisurely walking.

OP posts:
NoNoNoMYDoIt · 21/05/2014 21:49

Not a good idea for youngsters to be running more than 1-2k at a time. Local parkrun for under 12s is 2k. There is lots of evidence to suggest that longer periods of running (and just running - not running about in a game etc) increases risks of joint issues in younger kids. Walking is different. As is running as part of a game like footie or rugby for an hour. But running for 15 - 20 - 30 mins 3 or so times a week is not a good idea at 6.

TimeForAnotherNameChange · 21/05/2014 21:51

Ds1 is 8, can walk for six miles or more, and cycle for ten miles at a time, and has done week 2 of c25k with me before, but I still wouldn't have him run for thirty minutes solid yet. Running, as opposed to running around during play and other sports, is punishing on the knees and hips. Would you be prepared to spend £££ on getting him properly fitted running support shoes? He's six, it's too much.

Original poster
Pyjamaramadrama · 21/05/2014 21:55

No that's fair enough, I wouldn't do anything to jeopardise his health.

I thought of football but it's stop start rather than solid running so not the same.

OP posts:
spookyskeleton · 21/05/2014 22:00

I have been doing couch to 5k and took my 7 year old (and some of his friends) along for the first 2 weeks but, tbh, they were struggling with the 90 seconds running. They stopped coming after that - these arevery active, fit children.

I wouldn't Smile

Original poster
Pyjamaramadrama · 21/05/2014 22:07

Ah thank you, oh well, I could probably do it in my lunch break at work but can't realistically see me sticking to that or going back into work all sweaty.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 21/05/2014 22:08

Can you stick him on your back and run 3k? That ought to get your fitness levels up and it'd lots of fun for him.

You can make horsey noises and he can use the whip if he feels you're slowing down? Grin

Sorry Blush

Original poster
Pyjamaramadrama · 21/05/2014 22:12

No bloody way, the boy is over 4 feet tall and almost 4 stone.

I do swim with him on my back though :/

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 21/05/2014 22:26

No pain, no gain! Wink

Springheeled · 21/05/2014 23:06

I did it with ds (he was 7) but only got up to week 3 with him. It was pretty rubbish as exercise ( too slow) but fantastic for chatting and bonding time!

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 21/05/2014 23:08

Could he come with you on a scooter?

Joysmum · 21/05/2014 23:25

Was about to suggest a scooter too.

sleepwouldbenice · 22/05/2014 00:34

I have done C25k but picking back up at about 20 mins running as let it lapse over winter....

I would suggest scooter as well.

But maybe reconsider the bike - yes he's still a learner but so are you so you can build up pace together? I run with both my kids and yes my youngest is a competent rider but we still have moments when I am running with her, pushing her up hills etc

slater23 · 22/05/2014 11:32

I just started this on Sunday and my 5 year old DD was struggling to keep up even though she can scoot very well Sad

I found it difficult to keep an eye on her and run

redskyatnight · 22/05/2014 11:58

I run 10 minutes (so longer if you have walk bits in between) to a local play area and then run circuits round the play area while the DC play. DC go on their bikes (though often walk back with me).

Could you do something similar - would be less cycling for your DS?

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