Yesterday afternoon, I was getting desperate for a run and Shoo was getting squirrelly. While Jones thinks the perfect day would involve playing Wii, switching to DS, watching a movie, and then starting all over again (yes, that is the one high point for him related to the tonsillectomy – unlimited screen time), Shoo is a very active kid and NEEDS to move all.the.time. Jones was doing well, so I decided Shoo and I could go outside for a while.
Normally, when we can’t go far from the house, I let Shoo ride his bike up and down the dead end street near us, while I sit on a curb and watch him. After sitting in the house all morning, I decided I needed to move too.
So, I ran next to him. We circled the block by our house. We went up and down the dead end street. We went in circles in front of the house. For a total of 3 miles.
It was the best fartlek run EVER. Seriously. Have you ever watched a five year old ride a two wheeler? They weave. They sprint. They come to a complete stop to watch a leaf or an acorn or a cat. I saw a 14 minute pace. I saw an 8 minute pace. I saw everything in between. I stopped dead on a dime. I jumped sideways. I went from a jog to a flat out sprint. I jumped curbs and dodged parked cars. By the end of the three miles, I was hot, sweaty, and tired (Shoo was fresh as a daisy).
Mission accomplished!
Shoo still had plenty of energy, so when Beer Geek got home, he took him out for a real ride. Typical of Shoo, he went down a hill in his usual fearless manner and ended up flying over the handlebars when his wheel hit some grass.
Good thing he already had his front teeth pulled or he would have knocked one out today, for sure. |
As you might guess, both boys had canned chicken noodle soup for dinner. Sigh.
Ack, I don't think I could ever watch my kid going down hill. Scares the poop outta me. Looks like he is just fine, though! 🙂
I'm just laughing at the visual of all the stops and starts. Glad you got a sanity run in. Hope you got a good night sleep.
That is a fantastic idea!
Your poor boys! Well, at least now they have a semi-sane Mama to take care of them ;-)Way to get out there and get it done!
Sounds like a great workout!
Funny how kids can have such different personalities, huh?I once did a 16 miler by circling a 1.6 mile loop. Never again.
Sounds like a good workout – I'll have to remember that!Hope both your guys are doing better!
i need to do some intervals and have no sitter and was wondering how to do it with my kids
I have one of those crazy boys… never tired, always full of energy, could run/ride/jump all day… no fear… hurts himself all the time and then just keeps on going. Great job on taking him for the ride/run. Sorry about his poor little face though! Hope everyone at your house is eating solid food soon. 🙂
Love the Fartlek story. Hope Shoo is fine although I guess he is. Hope you are fine too!
Poor little guy! My 6 yr old, Sunshine, bit the dust and tore his palm up pretty good….Boys!
The cul-de-sac we live in is exactly .2 miles if you run on the sidewalk all the way around it. Ask me how I know that… :)Glad your kiddo is okay – well, both of them, actually!
I've done those runs but luckily my son is now 10 and they don't happen like that anymore. I do know they really give you a hard workout and as you say, the kids never get tired.