One week ago I was out on my first 5k for a while this week I hit the park again. Despite the runners high last week this week has been a rollercoaster of emotions again. One good run is never enough. If you want to keep the pace then you have to take the rough with the smooth.

Inspiration

This week I had two running buddies. Top and middle came along. Top ran 5k with his uncle, he is too fast for me. Middle ran the 2k with his aunt and put in a respectable 12 minute effort. I love inspiring them but really it is how they keep me moving that really counts.

After last Sunday the running high ran out. I had a rest on Monday then strength training on Tuesday. To keep my momentum I had to find a reason to run again, not just on a Sunday, but mid week too. I therefore enlisted the help of Top. He has the running bug bad but suffers badly with growing pains. Especially when he has run fast. He agreed to get up with me early Wednesday and Friday to run an easy 2k with the dog. I’ll be honest by Wednesday when the alarm went off and it was dark and chilly I didn’t want to go but by 6.15am Top monkey was at my bedside fully dressed in his running kit reminding me it was time to get up.

Let’s do it together

You see my Top monkey has problems with anxiety too. Over the years this has resulted in some fairly extreme behaviour as he has struggled to cope or do anything to avoid going places. As he has grown up I have encouraged him to talk about his feelings so that I can help reassure him and support him. Running is part of that.

Top has recently started walking the dog with me in the morning when we chat about anything and everything. It has helped calm the mornings and manage certain behaviour. Running was the next step.

A slow jog

On our first morning we warmed up while the dog did his business and sniffed about. “Right” I said “slow jog to the next bin then run from there”. A few minutes after the bin he turned to me and asked “mummy, are we still slow jogging?” No son this is me running! We therefore agreed that he could run ahead and double back every so many lampposts. This way we both hit our best. The dog ran better too distracted by chasing his best mate down the cycle track.

Top’s enthusiasm continues and he makes a very good alarm clock. Exercise is essential to good health both body and mind. I hope I can continue to teach them that lesson. All I want is a fall back coping strategy they can keep and use forever.