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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To feel shit that I am too unfit to run with my 5yo?

22 replies

NapQueen · 09/07/2017 20:21

Dd loves to run. She is good at it, her fitness level and stamina is excellent. Any parkrun/junior great runs etc all require an accompanying adult and Im ashamed that I cant be that person.

Would I be daft to drag her out running with me so I can learn? I have a hideous running style (think Phoebe Buffay), the biggest belly that just aches after being put through its paces, and I work ling hours so mainly prefer laying down after work.

But I should do this for her.

OP posts:

Calvinlookingforhobbs · 09/07/2017 20:23

Yes you should. Don't hurt yourself but how about doing the couch to 5k program?
You are your daughters first and most important role model. Be worthy of that role.

badgerread · 09/07/2017 20:24

Don't feel shit! Get out there and do it with her, she will love it and it doesn't matter how fast/slow/stylish you are, just doing it is the main thing.

mumonashoestring · 09/07/2017 20:26

If you're going to try C25K get yourself to a good sports/running shop and buy a proper pair of running shoes. I'm fat and unfit - the walking to running bit wasn't anything like as bad as the foot pain from wearing crap trainers because I'm a cheapskate

Sirzy · 09/07/2017 20:28

Do couch to 5k together. What a great way of getting fit and setting her a good example

pudding24 · 09/07/2017 20:30

It would definitely be a lovely thing for you to get fit together and get to a stage where you can both enjoy running together.

But as for Parkrun, I'm afraid some of the kids are just scarily fast. I run a 27 minute Parkrun and tiny kids regularly pass me on the route. I really envy them.

Original poster

NapQueen · 09/07/2017 20:35

I walk tonns. Work is 4mile away (down hill then uphill) and I usually walk to or from 3 times a week (car or public transport the other days). But I do work up a sweat and on the odd time Ive tried running I just feel like im going to die

We are relatively active in that we are out and about all weekends fpr walks etc but I am most definetly unfit

OP posts:

Caulkheadupnorf · 09/07/2017 20:42

Check if you're asthmatic. I wad diagnosed recently and it's really increased my ability to run further. Previously I thought I was quite fit but this has made me be able to run IYSWIM

BrieOnAnOatcake · 09/07/2017 20:45

I so relate to this! We're often about walking at weekends but I'm fat and unfit and it bugs me!

Kokorunner · 09/07/2017 20:56

Look out for a Junior Parkrun near you, same principle but 2k and they can run with or without you. You could do C25k too during the week?

lastqueenofscotland · 09/07/2017 21:01

Junior parkrun doesn't need an adult does it?

Yes to c25k
where in the country are you? I'd be happy to do a junior parkrun with your DD.

sirfredfredgeorge · 09/07/2017 21:03

Junior parkun does not require an accompanying adult, so she can at least do those.

You can almost certainly get fit enough to run a full park run 5 year old, even if it's her accompanying you in fitness terms. Role modelling her helping you is brilliant, and as you get fitter is great, and at your local parkrun will soon find someone who she can run with occasionally when she wants to hit a PB. When she turns 11 and still needs a parkrun helper it might be harder to find one, but there's normally loads of people at the fast 5 year old pace, often with other kids in tow!

Go for it, you can do it.

Nacknick · 09/07/2017 21:13

I have a chronic health condition and am unlikely ever to be able to run much. My 7 year old has just started junior parkrun and I'd love to be able to join in so we have a plan....
I'm working on my walking fitness and when I can do the distance reasonably comfortably I'm going to walk behind him - it's an out-and-back so when he gets to the end he'll turn around and then when he gets back to where I am that's when I'll turn around and walk back. Hopefully each time I'll get a bit further.

Did that make any sense?? The point I'm trying to make is maybe have a think about how you can do it differently and you'll find a way!

pinkhorse · 09/07/2017 21:15

I'd run with your daughter for you if you'd like. I run a 22 minute parkrun and kids fly past me sometimes , they are just full of energy at that age.

Junior parkrun is only 2k and don't need adults to run with them.

pudding24 · 09/07/2017 21:19

Also has she/could she join an athletics club?

museumum · 09/07/2017 21:20

Junior parkrun is only 2k - you can run and walk if you need to but I'm absolutely 100% sure you can run it all in 3weeks or so max.
Almost everyone can run most of 5k after six weeks training. But again it's always ok to have a walk break and most 5yr olds will want a walk break in 5k.

Notmyrealname85 · 09/07/2017 21:21

The couch to 5k is such a fab idea!

The key is...eg walking into work...when it's hard, keep it hard! That's you pushing everyday, you're making improvements each time :) who gives a care if you get sweaty, that's a good thing! You're whipping your body up!

Original poster

NapQueen · 09/07/2017 21:26

Our junipr parkrun says an adult needs to be within arms length of under 9yos

OP posts:

lastqueenofscotland · 09/07/2017 21:46

Also yes to athletics clubs. They are really really good fun for them at that age doesn't get too testing until you are much older

vikingprincess81 · 09/07/2017 21:59

Go for it OP! I believe in you, and you can totally do this!
Don't feel shit, just recognise it's something you can work on, and go for it.
Echoing PP - buy good shoes!!! Plantar fasciitis is no joke my heel fucking hurts tonight

Original poster

NapQueen · 09/07/2017 22:01

Thinking about it dd would totally love to teach me she would probably think it funny that she can outrun me.

OP posts:

NeverTwerkNaked · 09/07/2017 22:35

She will enjoy teaching you . My 10 year old step daughter taught me to dive this weekend. It was great. I learnt a new skill and she got a massive confidence boost from teaching me

sirfredfredgeorge · 09/07/2017 23:31

Which junior parkrun requires that if it's not too outing, I have never heard of such a thing, and it's against the normal rules of junior parkrun. It would hugely increase the ease of setting up a new one, as the rule that all competitors are in sight of a marshal at all times can be tricky. And it's only necessary 'cos the unaccompanied runners.

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