To take DS2 to cross country with me?

[Chertsey]

I'm running in the National Championships tomorrow. Have been entered for months and would be letting the team down not to go.

DH and DS1 have a mutual hobby they love and which they were supposed to be doing with friends on Sunday, so DS2 would be with them tomorrow. However, their plans have changed, either through a communication mix up or just faffing about, I'm not sure, so they're now going tomorrow.

DH has said, quite willingly, that he'll stay home with DS1 (11yo) and drop DS1 (13yo) off so he can still do his thing with friends.

However, if I take DS2 with me, Dh could still go. It involves and hour or so on a mini bus, hanging around in the cold/wet while I run in the ladies race, about an hour, then another hour while we watch the men run. There will be people there from the club who aren't running, so there will be people about, although he doesn't need a babysitter as such. He'd have food and books/gadgets to keep him occupied and IMO it's a fab sporting event to see, with some top quality athletes on show (not me!).Also a stunning location, Parliament Hill.

He says he's happy to come but I'm a bit concerned that he's going to be cold, bored and miserable. WWYD?

Just remember and next time there is a compromise make sure it is ds1 doing the compromising, then.

Yes, go out for something to eat after the race. And he won't be cold if he has the right clothes on. No wrong weather etc.

So arrange a treat for him at some point to show your appreciation of his amiable and accommodating nature

We'll be there too. It's a fab atmosphere, get him to clap and cheer all the runners and time will fly by.

There will be a cafe and a burger van (and lots of dog walkers pissed off that their route is being invaded by runners!).

And good luck in your race tomorrow.

How did the race go Chertsey?

Take him. Well wrapped up and a thermos of coffee if he usually drinks coffee which at his age I did - and plenty to amuse him.

Good luck!

Thanks all. He was great, really enjoyed exploring and we'd set the club flag up so he had a point to return to, busied himself all afternoon. Was treated to a hot dog and an icecream.

As for me, well, I didn't come last, which was my only ambition really