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Tuesday I decided that enough was enough and it was time to get moving again. I want to involve my girls as much as possible, so I invited Sarah (9) for a bike ride and then Bay (15) for a run.
Sarah and I got 10 minutes into our ride and then we had to pull over because she was certain that she was going to barf. We turned around and headed back, completing about 2 miles.
Then, it was Bay’s turn and we jumped in the van and headed down to the park for a short 2.5 mile run. Bay passed me quickly, as she usually does, but then she started to walk. I passed her. I passed a group of ladies in front of her and I kept going. Every once in awhile I’d look back and check on her, but she didn’t wave or motion to me, so I kept going. I got to the bridge where we start the loop back and I decided to run back in her direction. When I reached her, she was in the middle of an asthma attack. She had her inhaler with her – she has exercise-induced asthma – but it wasn’t helping. We started walking slowly back to the car.
We didn’t get very far when we heard a lady yelling at a dog. It was dusk, but I could see that a dog was trying to get her. “He tried to bite me!” she yelled to us. Crap. Okay, we started back the other direction.
At one point Bay asked me to run ahead to the car and drive back for her. I started out, but decided that it would be crazy to leave my daughter in the increasing darkness. We walked it back together. Slowly.
Along the way we heard noises in the bushes that we did not acknowledge until we were safely in our minivan. Did you hear?! Scary.
We did enjoy some beautiful scenery on the walk back. We live in the Sacramento valley part of California and our park is full of these huge dramatic Valley Oaks. Looking up through the canopy of trees to the purple sky – wow. Bay and I discussed purchasing a new camera that has removable lenses so that we could use filters and take some pictures of the view here. Bay has such an incredible eye. I like to take pictures, but they suck until I crop them the way that I like them. Bay is a natural.
Now I know that I need some sort of running kit. I need a light and possibly something in case a dog comes at me. A whistle? I’ll look into it.
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glad to hear that the scary noise didn’t get too close. I would’ve stayed as well. Don’t forget glow belts or reflector belts.
I’m wanting to start walking now, got any recommendations for a 4 year old and a almost 1 year old. I do have a jogging stroller for one.
Comment by Eliza March 8, 2008 @ 3:05 pmGlow belts or reflectors sound good. I think we need a light for evening runs. Is your oldest old enough to watch the next two while you take the baby for a run? I’ll write a post about a walk to run program. It’s easier than you would think and it’s what I did.
Comment by runninginchico March 8, 2008 @ 7:53 pmoh I want to do it during the day when the older two are in school.
Comment by Eliza March 9, 2008 @ 11:49 pmIf you want to take both of the little kids, you will probably need to use a double jogger. A 4-year-old is just not going to be able to go very far. Another thing you could do is to take the kids to a park and get the older one playing, then you can circle the area where she is playing – that way you are walking and keeping a close eye on her. I do this with Sarah. I take her down to her school when school is not in session, then as she plays, I circle the basketball courts. Of course Sarah is a bit older, but you can make smaller, closer circels.
Comment by runninginchico March 10, 2008 @ 4:05 pm