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Tell us about the times you've pushed the boat out - to win a copy of Four Mums in a Boat plus £100 Sweaty Betty vouchers. Ends Wednesday 5 April

119 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 08/03/2017 12:46

Four Mums in a Boat is the incredible true story of four ordinary working mums from Yorkshire who took on an extraordinary challenge, breaking a world record along the way.

Janette, Frances, Helen and Niki were four very different women, all juggling full-time jobs and motherhood. They could never be described as athletes, but were determined to be busy and the local rowing club was the perfect place to have a laugh and feel invigorated. It wasn’t long before, over a couple of glasses of wine, they cooked up the crazy idea of crossing 3,000 miles of treacherous ocean in the toughest row in the world, The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Yes, they had families and jobs that they would be leaving behind for two months. But after two years of planning, they found themselves ready to head up the race of their lives.

This is the story of how four friends had the audacity to go on a wild and beautiful adventure, not to escape life, but for life not to escape them.

To be in with a chance of winning one of two Sweaty Betty vouchers each worth £100 plus a copy of Four Mums in a Boat, share the times when you've pushed the boat out.

This discussion is sponsored by HarperCollins and will end on 5 April

Books T&Cs apply

Tell us about the times you've pushed the boat out - to win a copy of Four Mums in a Boat plus £100 Sweaty Betty vouchers. Ends Wednesday 5 April
Tell us about the times you've pushed the boat out - to win a copy of Four Mums in a Boat plus £100 Sweaty Betty vouchers. Ends Wednesday 5 April
OP posts:
SuzCG · 16/03/2017 09:52

Volunteering last weekend to help at my daughters dance show and having to do 36 ballet buns and make-up? That was definitely stepping outside my comfort zone!

Seriously though, mine this year will be doing the Moonwalk Half Marathon - I'm not at all sporty in the running, cycling sense - but am committed to do this, if only to raise funds for such a super cause which could affect any one of us, any day. I've got 8 weeks to go and am up to 6 miles so far... I will do it!

CREATIVZ · 16/03/2017 10:50

After 10yrs living as a virtual recluse, struggling to deal with grief, anxiety and limited mobility, amongst other things, I finally decided I needed to help myself get my life back, 2yrs on and I've lost 5 stone, I'm out walking/hiking several times a week, I'm rowing and cycling to improve my fitness, thanks to CBT exposure therapy I've also started swimming again, which is something I really missed but couldn't do, my next big challenge is just around the corner, I'll soon be going out without my crutch and walking my dog, on my own ! Hmm Yup I know it probably doesn't sound like much of an achievement, but it's pretty huge for me, when you've been 'suspended in gaffa' for such a lengthy dark period of time you don't see a way out, it's only when you feel things shift that you're finally able to grab hold and fight back - now my gloves are on ! Star

CREATIVZ · 16/03/2017 10:56

...gloves not on but off, I think, I hope ! Bear

Reebs123 · 16/03/2017 21:49

Held a cake stall at a charity event. Took 2 days of baking, decorating & piping. Made about 10 small cakes, 3 big cakes, 50 biscuits. Was knackered but raised about £150 for charity.

bigwiggle · 16/03/2017 22:02

I have had a life long fear of heights - being even 10 foot up with have me on hands and knees crying with fear! But with children came a desire to face that fear - to get up on the slide with them, climb to the top of that tower, go on the London Eye! A skydive was a step (or a jump) too far, but I booked us into a weekend in a treehouse, and after 2 nights sleeping 30 feet up in the canopy I feel much better equipped to deal with the highs of having young children!

rachelmi · 17/03/2017 16:05

During a difficult period in my life I joined a local running club and we ran 7 miles most weekends. This is quite an an achievement for me as I am asthmatic and have always found running challenging. Now I run most days for a couple of miles before gym classes to warm up ready. Does me the world of good!!

stewaris · 17/03/2017 19:54

A year after I had a hysterectomy I ran a couple of half marathons and a full marathon much t my doctor's disgust. Especially as he thought I was only doing it because it was there and he was right. The feeling you get when you finish and cross the line is amazing. Having said that I'd never do it again but I can still rest on my laurels. Superb!

samcornfield · 18/03/2017 21:57

We swam between Eigg & Muck

Flowerpower222 · 19/03/2017 15:07

I pushed the boat out last week when I ticked Marrakesh off my bucket list. It was truly amazing! The sights, sounds and smells took my breath away, plus I may have (ahem) shopped a little!

Tell us about the times you've pushed the boat out - to win a copy of Four Mums in a Boat plus £100 Sweaty Betty vouchers. Ends Wednesday 5 April
windowmouse · 20/03/2017 16:03

I pushed the boat out for my mums 70th birthday and took her on a cruise.

buddles · 20/03/2017 23:13

After struggling with my weight since having my DS almost 5 years ago, being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition last May was the push I needed to change my lifestyle and have so far lost nearly 3 and a half stone, walk 3 miles a day on the school run and attend Pilates classes once a week - I'm now thinner than before I got pregnant and have never felt better!

angiehoggett · 21/03/2017 08:41

I'm currently pushing myself with my running and hoping to enter into the great north run!

user1485629191 · 21/03/2017 19:39

Taking up running as a family I hate running but my sons love it and realising how much better it was than stuck in front of a computer I offered to go with them. I still hate it now but every few months I treat myself to something cute to run in! And I do love being with the boys

izbiz1988 · 21/03/2017 19:41

I joined a gym last year...which doesn't sound like a huge achievement but for a woman who has actively battled against any form of exercise her whole life, it was!! I definitely feel like my attitude towards my physical health and fitness is changing as I get older - I guess I'm realising that I'm not invincible and that it's up to me to look after it!

debbiew21 · 22/03/2017 13:29

Nothing sporty, but DH and I have a habit of making huge decisions involving massive life changes. Three times so far we've dumped our careers and started a new venture, usually with no money and no experience but we've always managed to dig in and make it work. The kids are at an age now when exams are looming so we've promised there is nothing new on the horizon (while secretly plotting our next move for when they've left home!)

claza93 · 29/03/2017 19:26

Running 8k! I was never a runner at school and this nearly pushed me over the edge. Supportive friends helped me to conquer this! Looking forward to running further and faster next time!

grannybiker · 01/04/2017 18:39

Taking the plunge and resigning from a demanding job that meant I only got to see my house in daylight was the weekend!

alison991 · 02/04/2017 17:06

LAst year when I ran a 5K having been struggling with asthma just previously

maryandbuzz1 · 02/04/2017 18:38

I really pushed the boat out when I entered a 10k race. Having never run before I found the training before hand really difficult but remember the feeling after the race .....wonderful. It has been something that I have never regretted as I am still running today.

princesssmitheee · 03/04/2017 17:11

learning to dance x

mumpetuk1 · 03/04/2017 20:45

Took my mum to The Landmark Hotel for Afternoon Tea for Mothers Day. Cost a fortune, but was worth every penny. The kids enjoyed it too.

melmoo · 03/04/2017 23:11

I've run lots of marathons. I cycle TT races. I've done a few iron distance triathlons. I've represented my country a few times at age group level. I came second in my age group at the duathlon world championships and have a propper worlds silver medal on my shelves.
Motherhood is harder.

whitbyranger · 04/04/2017 07:26

We pused the boat out for my daughter's wedding - a fabulous marquee in the garden, a sumptious meal for 100 and an evening do for 300 that stretched into the night. This was followed by a three week honeymoon to Los Angeles, Honolulu, Maui and Bora Bora. It was a real magical ime for her and her husband.

whitbyranger · 04/04/2017 07:27

We pushed the boat out for my daughter's wedding - a fabulous marquee in the garden, a sumptious meal for 100 and an evening do for 300 that stretched into the night. This was followed by a three week honeymoon to Los Angeles, Honolulu, Maui and Bora Bora. It was a real magical ime for her and her husband.

Smellophant87 · 04/04/2017 10:03

Does driving round Europe while 7 months pregnant, including camping every night too, count??!!

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