Parenting: Keep calm and parkrun!

This year my New Year’s resolution was to start running. Despite the seemingly non-stop rain and constant juggling of childcare to find time… I’ve managed to keep it up!

It’s a hard slog sometimes but there’s nothing like an hour to myself listening to music that’s not from a Disney movie… even if I have to get a bit sweaty for it.

Somehow I never seem to make it out of the house without a hefty dose of mum guilt. Cue a chorus of Muuuum…where are you going? Why can’t I come? I’m a good runner! Of course I tell them I’m running too far and too fast for them to come with me (one day that might even be true).

But I don’t want to totally stamp out their enthusiasm. Enter… junior parkrun.

Never heard of it? Junior parkruns are weekly, 2km, volunteer-led timed runs for children aged 4-14 years old. They take place at 9.30am every Sunday in parks across the world. A junior parkrun officially landed in West Lothian for the first time last year and is still going strong. The run takes places at Xcite Craigswood in Livingston, starting and finishing on the athletics track.

The first time we took the kids you’d think we’d entered them in the Olympics they were so excited to run around the “proper” track. Although you can’t be afraid to get a bit muddy as the course also heads out around nearby playing fields.

If they’re old enough kids can run the course by themselves. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a family affair. Some parents watch from the sidelines daydreaming about how to reward themselves for sacrificing their Sunday morning lie-in. Others are fully togged up in Lycra running around the course with their wee ones. Pretty much anything goes as long as everyone is having fun!

The runs are timed but it is not a race and there is a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie and support. Volunteers line the course shouting words of encouragement and the kids can truly go at their own pace. They’ll get a hero’s welcome when they get to the finish line no matter how long it takes them. Although if they are a mite competitive they can compare their time against their friends or try to beat their own record.

If you’ve never tried it – and can drag yourself out of bed - it is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. It gets the kids active and outdoors and is absolutely free which can’t be said of many things my kids do nowadays!

Whether you want to try it once or go every week I highly recommend it. Craigswood junior parkrun takes place every week on Sunday at 9.30am. Find out more and register at www.parkrun.org.uk/ craigswood-juniors

P.S. I can’t miss the opportunity for a huge shout out to all the volunteers who keep this event going. If anyone deserves a medal it’s them!!

he parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.