Make your own running partner!

Okay, so it took me about thirteen years, but it was worth it: I've got my very own, live-in running mate!

I had read about the joys of having a running mate. Running mates provide support and accountability and help you get faster. You can't just say: 'Neh, I'm not going for a run today,' because your running mate would suffer from your lack of motivation.

But I always worried about being too slow for any potential running mate, and besides: do I really need any more long term commitments in my life? I think not!

But here I am, with my very own running mate! He's always around, and runs just a little bit faster than me. He's my son Jan (13), whom I had sent up the running path.

I was worried he was playing on his computer too much so I made him an offer he couldn't refuse: 'If you go for a run three times a week, mommy won't have to worry so much about your health. And in exchange I'll pay for your membership at Runescape.'

Jan happily agreed, and these last three months I offered him a couch-to-potato programme, to make sure he started his running career the right way. And now the moment has come: Jan can run thirty minutes without a break.

His running form isn't very pretty, but I'm amazed at his speed! And he aced the 'talking test' which says you should still be able to talk or you're going to fast: he talked and he talked and then he talked some more. Telling me all I never wanted to know about Runescape.

I've never run so fast, hoping to make him lose his breath and stop talking. Like I said: running mates are a great way to make you go faster.

I am really grateful for my son and running mate.

Is it okay to take a short cut?

I was running along, heading for a little town five miles further, when I saw this dirt track calling out to me, saying seductively: 'I'm a short cut, I'm a short cut!'

I hesitated for a moment, and then ignored the dirt track telling myself: 'It's about the journey!' As a runner you can take a short cut, but it's gonna cost you your satisfaction when you reach your destination.

This got me thinking. 'Is it possible to take a short cut as a mom, and make the marathon of motherhood easier on yourself?' I have to admit, and I know I'm running on thin ice here, sometimes I think daycare is a short cut. Especially during summer vacation, when my kids are bored and whiny, and try to bash each other's head in for looking at someone 'the wrong way'.

Whereas school holidays put a bomb under my daily existence, friends who have jobs seem to be able to continue their life in much the same way. Instead of school their kids go to daycare. I sometimes catch myself thinking: 'It's not fair! I can be a nice mom like that!'

In the end I concluded that one person's short cut, is another one's route!
And we all need the freedom to go our own way.