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Parenting

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Original poster

WWYD DH wants to run marathon with 3.5 year old DS in running buggy

50 replies

Tchoutchou · 10/06/2017 11:51

DH has run several marathons (PB around 3 hours 15) and is asking to do 1 with DS. DH regularly runs with DS in buggy (10k last week for example).

My view is DS strapped in a buggy for 3/4 hours is not a good idea.
DH says he can stop and have breaks but I think it's only going to make the whole thing longer.

WWYD? Let DH run the marathon or stick to my guns and say no?

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memyselfandaye · 10/06/2017 16:45

How many 3.5yr old kids would want to sit in a buggy for that length of time?

BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 16:48

How old is he?

Wondermoomin · 10/06/2017 16:51

Is there even any marathon that allows this? It might be a non-issue for you if there's not one that allows it.

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BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 16:52

But anyway, yes I would. Because I trust my dp with our children and know that if they weren't enjoying it he would stop. And anyway, why would it be up to me to say yes or no?

mistermagpie · 10/06/2017 17:46

But... why?? Why would he want to push a buggy for 3-4 hours and why would DS want to sit in one for that long? What's the point?

My DS gets pushed in the buggy regularly at parkrun but that's 30 minutes max. He also gets pushed around for long stretches when we're out and about generally, but that's just bimbling along with loads of opportunities for toilet, snacks, sunscreen and him to walk if he fancies it.

This is just a bad idea. Marathons are busy and if your DH is a good runner, which it sounds like, he will want a good time and therefore won't want to start at the back. DS will be bored silly and they will both get in the way.

AdalindSchade · 10/06/2017 17:48

It's far too long. Poor kid, imagine sitting strapped in to a bumpy fast moving buggy for 4 hours! No way

BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 18:22

Why is everyone assuming he won't stop if the child gets bored or upset?

annandale · 10/06/2017 18:27

Having googled it I see it is a thing. Bloody hell.

Sounds absolutely insane. Could he not try a 10k first? If that goes well, maybe a half marathon?

Or just talk through some of the scenarios just to be sure he's considered them - some people will do this, some people won't and I wouldn't assume he has.

jelliebelly · 10/06/2017 18:31

Won't a 3.5 yr Old be bored to tears let alone uncomfortable as hell - what's the point?

GeillisTheWitch · 10/06/2017 18:31

I did race for life with DD in the buggy once. It was a pain in the arse and that was only 5km. And she was less than a year old so considerably lighter than a 3 year old.

HopelesslydevotedtoGu · 10/06/2017 18:34

My 3 year old would love a 5k in a pram, but would get bored and restless with a marathon. I can't really see the point of it, sitting in the pram isn't "doing it together".

Floralnomad · 10/06/2017 18:38

I just really can't see the point except it being some kind of gimmick for your husband . I fail to see what the benefit to the child is .

BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 18:41

Does there have to be a benefit to the child?

ShelaghTurner · 10/06/2017 18:45

No, but it doesn't mean you do something pointless for the hell of it and the child just has to suffer it either.

BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 18:48

Well if the child doesn't like it he can stop.

unfortunateevents · 10/06/2017 19:33

Well if the child doesn't like it he can stop - I can't see anyone with the determination and focus to train for a marathon just happily giving up because a 3 year old gets bored! If you were that chilled about it I don't think you would bother in the first place!

ShelaghTurner · 10/06/2017 19:35

Exactly!

Toffeelatteplease · 10/06/2017 19:42

At two and a half you could actually ask the child.

Presumably if they do it together on a regular basis the kid has an idea of what they are being offered and whether they would enjoy it. 2 and half year olds can be pretty vocal on what they do and don't enjoy.

That's assuming of course you can sort out eating weeing and drinking.

Toffeelatteplease · 10/06/2017 19:45

I could see it being enormous fun for a two year old. Waving to onlookers and watching the world go by. Much like a baby in a back carrier on a long hike. We don't tend to question what's in it for the child then I'm not sure it's so different in this scenario.

Some kids will love it some will hate it

BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 19:47

Well, if we're assuming that the man concerned is a selfish bastard, yes!

Ummmmgogo · 10/06/2017 19:48

no way. I wouldn't allow a 3.5 year old in a pram at all unless they were ill. (obviously excluding disability). so it's a no from me xx

Toffeelatteplease · 10/06/2017 19:49

Age wrong sorry. Even more important would ask the kid at 3.5 years

dairymilkmonster · 10/06/2017 19:50

sounds pointless - short runs ok, but rather unfair on your ds really. I would encourage an activity with your dh/ds they can both engage in, and dh do his running solo.

BertrandRussell · 10/06/2017 19:53

We walked a lot when mine were little. We squeezed them into off riAd buggies as long as they would fit!

Wondermoomin · 10/06/2017 21:04

A quick google suggests Blackpool and Abingdon will have buggies permitted over marathon distance. Well I never.

I do think that it's quite self-serving of your husband though - as if he just wants to be able to say he's run a marathon pushing a buggy, it's not borne of necessity or of benefit to the child. I'd be surprised if any child can enjoy 3+ hours in a buggy even if quite a bit of the route involves waving and cheering supporters.

I probably wouldn't stop my husband from doing it, but he probably wouldn't see the point in doing it anyway.

Is there not another challenge that would appeal to him? An ultra? Trail? Triathlon? One that challenges him and doesn't involve using his child.

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