(scroll down for Biggest Loser thoughts)
As many of you know, on the days that I couldn't run outside, I'd go hit the mall for a good ol'fashioned walk. It's fun. Fun to catch up with friends. Fun to not be too sweaty. Fun to not be running in 20 degree weather. However, this morning while attempting to wrangle all three children up and down the halls, I had an epiphany: Walking for 45 minutes several times a week may help me to lose weight. But it is doing nothing to get me ready for the 10K I'm running in 10 (or so) weeks. So tonight I went back to the indoor track and had a painful run. Not painful in joints or muscles. More like the realization that sporadic runs over the last couple of weeks have gotten me nowhere - except to curb a massive holiday gain. I've got to get back into my schedule, I feel like I have lost stamina and it's jolting me to get with the program. So I'm leaving you with some pictures of my disasterous morning last two mallwalking escapades.
The first day, I only had my toddler, and was fairly successful. Until he climbed out of the stroller.
I was taking these pictures thinking I'd entitle them, "I Don't Understand," 
and when I looked up the little gremlin had ran in to the store...that wasn't even open yet.
This morning was even worse. For some reason, I thought my almost-six-year old would be fine to just walk alongside the double stroller. Three kids, two seats; I don't know what I was thinking. The toddler remembered last time and didn't last five minutes in the stroller,
Then of course, the five year old got tired and needed to take a break and the other one popped up wanting to walk and we played musical stroller chairs for the rest of the 6 minutes we were actually at the mall. Finally, to get the older boys to settle down, I stopped trying to keep the toddler in (bad idea) and as soon as his feet hit the ground, he was gone. Do you see him? It's like Where's Waldo featuring my children:
So here's us about to leave (sorry it's so hard to see):
Back to the track it is.
January 8, 2008
Adventures in MallWalking
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29 comments:
You are brave! I've got 3 kids under the age of 5, and I would NEVER attempt mall walking with them! You must have burned alot of calories just chasing them down though ;o)
I had my first 4 kids in 4 years, and used to go to the mall all the time, 3 in a big old pram and one holding on! the trick? tie the little buggers in the pram with harness's! Worked for me.
That happened to me at my first 5k race. My husband had to work and I brought my then 3 year old in a stroller. I had seen other racers do it, so I thought it was fine. He climbed out of the stroller before I even made it to the starting line. (It was a crowded race). Needless to say, I didn't even get to run it. I even had paid ten dollars!!
{clap}{clap}{clap} I applaud you for taking 3 children mall walking. It's hard enough with one, that I know. But 3? Whew. As a wise little veggietale cucumber sings...."Give me umption in my gumption, I pray."
Girl, you definitely got some umption in your gumption!
You ARE brave. (And skinny!)
I laughed so hard when I read about your little guy crawling into the closed store. That's hilarious, but also probably frustrating for you. Sorry. Hey, I like the idea Chris gave--tie 'em down! :)
Oh my goodness--first you show a picture of the most adorable little angel on earth, making me thing, "dang, why didn't I remember to have kids?" And then you proceed to explain, in hilarious detail, why I'm glad I didn't and left childrearing to more energetic and patient people like you.
I'd have gone nuts! Especially when he ran into the store. Could you coax him out or did you have to crawl in there too and worry about being arrested for tresspassing or child abandonment (the other two) or attempted shoplifting?
Really, the cat barfs sometimes but she's WAY easier. I gotta hand it to you moms for coping with some wild-ass situations.
That is impressive! I get overwhelmed walking two dogs and they are at least on leashes. hahaha. Not sure how you do it, but you do it great!
Good luck with the indoor track!
you are BRAVE, woman! Was that Charlotte Russe that he ran into? ha ha....and yes, we need to go walking STAT! maybe friday?
oh, and you look skinny!
I love the pictures!
3 young kiddos at the mall with Mom, you're a brave brave girl! I don't know how you do it!
That is making me stressed out just reading it! Nothing like starting your day with a little craziness.... where's waldo shot... LOVED it ;)
I'm with Crabby. A cat's enough work for me. As for the running, I've just recently gotten to a place where my body has relaxed into the run. I guess I used to always just fight it and fight it due to my level of fitness. Now that I'm working out more, I can actually feel the moment that my body stops fighting and gives into the run. It's a great feeling. Keep up the training and best of luck in the 5K. My next one is coming up on Sunday and my big goal is to finish in under 36 minutes! Any progress is good progress, right?
you are a brave woman! I have 2 young kids and must shamefully admit I have never gone anywhere with them alone. (that involves a car trip)
I can take one with me...but not two! Needless to say...we don't get out much! :(
Shrunk, 3? For some reason I thought you had 2. I really don't know what I was thinking. My five year old has so much energy, I thought it wouldn't be a big deal. Of course, it never works out like you think it will, right? ;)
chris H. Holy what? 4 kids in 4 years? Whoa. I had never even considered harnesses. And they never strangled each other?
amyr, So sad!! You didn't even get to run the race!
Amber, Umption in my gumption? lol! More like stupid in my brain...
sbg, Funny now, very frustrating at the time.
Crabby, lol, I had to crawl in after him. And it wasn't like he was right inside the entrance either. He had made it in a good 30 feet. >:(
I ran in and saw at least one employee just standing there looking at me. I just ignored her, ran VERY fast, scooped him up and got out of there as quick as I could.
I've got way too many of these ridiculously out-of-control situations in my history as mother (like the time one of them pulled my pants ALL THE WAY down in the Old Navy parking lot).
be back in a jiffy...
In those moments, I wanted to cry, scream and laugh all at the same time. It never helped when other people would look and shake their heads or make comments. All this will make you appreciate the gym and warmer weather that even that much more!! This time of year it's easy to make every excuse until it gets warmer... (I used to when they were little!) It's nice you have that 10K to keep you going.
your little one (first picture) has the cutest smile ever!
looks like you had your hands full but mall walking sounds fun, i love window shopping. but i agree with your "i don't understand" comment, some of the outfits lately are a little odd.
I swear to you, when I was running/training for races, the fear of the pain from NOT keeping up my weekly runs kept me on track (har).
The mall walk with three-kids sounds nutty -- you are a brave woman!
Thanks Cara, leashes...hmmm...I sense a theme...
Meg, I think Friday would be fine. And no, it was Forever 21. I was there a couple of days ago and they have even more bizarre stuff up.
Carolyn, Actually I really do think it wouldn't have been that bad if I could've at least left ONE at home. It really came down to seating.
Mrs. Furious. Can you even imagine if Kid and Baby had been there too? They all would've run off together! (Babies swimming in the fountain, ducking into stores...)
lucas, I've just recently gotten to a place where my body has relaxed into the run. I KNOW exactly what you mean. And I feel like I was there right around Christmas. Now, not so much. I know I'll get there again, but it just takes time.
Workout Mommy, I have never gone anywhere with them alone. (that involves a car trip) REALLY??? Twice in our marriage my husband has had to travel 6 weeks at a time. If we wanted food, i had to take them all to the grocery store! loL!
Even now, I bring them everywhere with me, but I will admit, with the younger one, it really is a challenge. he HATES restraints.
be back...
Jen, It never helped when other people would look and shake their heads or make comments.
Oh I know. Luckily though the mall at that time of the morning is packed with mommies/strollers and senior citizens. All the old ladies LOVED him.
Ok, gotta go feed the baby, be back later...
I'm still tyring to get back with the program regarding running. I don't understand how just a few months ago, I could bust out 8 miles in the morning. Now I'm struggling just to get in 3.
I love the "Where's Waldo." It took me a moment to find him.
I give you so much credit for taking the kiddos to the mall. I laughed so hard at your photos. My 15-month-old never sits in the stroller either (unless it's snack time). He usually manages to find the "Authorized Personnel Only" doors and attempts to open them. Or he wants to climb up and down the stairs. So, we go to the mall to play, not so mommy can exercise. Does your mall have a tot town play area?
So you're saying I shouldn't expect to see you at the mall too often??? I totally understand...believe me! Remember that it is good to mix up the exercise too so maybe some mall walks, some runs on the track, some workouts at home...it's all good!
Hang in there Katie and maybe I will see you some morning again!
L-
Bless your heart! I avoid taking all three of mine ANYWHERE if I can!
The "Where's Waldo" comment was hilarious.
Poor you! I have enough troubles going out with one little one - but, three! You are brave!
How can you stand it?? They are so frickin cute!! I can barely handle my niece and nephew for Aunt Cara time. I don't know how you do it.
:D Love it.
Hi Girls! I just came across your site and your adventures in mallwalking gave me a good laugh. I don't have kids yet, but I do have a 115 lb dog who loves to go for walks with me. I know how hard it is with him, so I can only imagine what it's like with a few little ones in tow. Thanks for the laugh!
Hey kelly, yeah, the mall beats the indoor track. Window shopping is a nice distraction.
heather, I'm so excited! You're package came today.
pom, I know, I know. Stupid running. i hate that i had no problem with 5 miles three weeks ago and last night I was huffing and puffing at 3.
SHelly, They're doing renovations right now so there's no play area. And "Authorized Personnel Only," yeah, that sounds familiar! lol!
Lisa, Yeah, I'll be there now and then, I think I was just relying on it too heavily. And realized I'm going to be screwed for this 10K if I don't get my butt in gear.
mommydonna, ok yes. I avoid it too (just depends on where we're going). But I must've woken up on the insane side of the bed today to think that would've been a good idea.
erin. All it takes is one to throw off an entire workout! lol!
cara. You cannot look at these pictures and think they're cute. Someday I'll post the really cute ones...
Hey Sarah! Thanks, and b, thanks for commenting. I don't know though 115 pounds of dog might just be as hard, lol!
OMG too funny. It always cracks me up when I see a toddler on the loose. Of course that is because I don't have kids. HOW do their little legs cover so much grond so fast? Sounds like you had your hands full and definitgely got a work out even if it was just in wrangling the boys.
I'm glad I read this today...even a day late. I did "Skirt this" for you. Maybe it doesn't matter anymore because it's a day after the fact.
Very fun read.
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