So, we should have a new category for moms who take their kids outside. Why not, right? I mean, it changes everything about how you do your sport. Allow me to illustrate.
The 10 Essentials
We've all been privy to some discussion of 'The 10 Essentials'. While there is some debate about what actually is and is not essential, I highly doubt that folks without children would think that a toy car is essential. And they would be wrong. Many a trip has been extended beyond fussing and whining because I was able to pull out a toy car which could be driven up and down the back of my neck.
So, beyond the actual essential items one should take with them on an outdoor adventure, here are some new things that regularly make my pack (and make me smile as I realize I'm definitely a mom):
- Bubbles
- Small toy cars or trucks
- Small book or two
- Hot cocoa (a must on every winter outing)
- Reusable stickers
Tips for Pushing Through the Misery
I remember pre-kiddo talks with friends about how to push through those challenging hikes, climbs, ski tours, and bike rides, when you feel totally wasted. We all had our things we did that helped us finish strong: listened to music, made up songs and sang aloud, told stupid stories, repeated inspirational mottos, or even repeated critical thoughts.
Now, I find it's all about keeping K-man happy and helping him to 'finish strong'. I remember hiking in dusk with five friends and two little ones, all of us adults singing rounds of 'Old MacDonald' to keep the toddler happy as we finished the hike. Last week, my friend Anne was teaching me songs she remembered from her parenting days as we skinned up the local ski hill in the evening with K in the pack. If we stopped singing, he would promptly demand, "again!". We have spent good chunks of time reviewing all of the animal noises we know. And if we happen to skin while the groomer is out, we are obliged to turn around every 15-20 feet to look at the groomer. We also point to and verbally identify every plane that goes by, every bird, every bug, etc.
I want K to love the outdoors as much as I do, and I'm aware that he doesn't love being restrained from running around while in the pack. So, I do my best to make it a great experience for him, while still getting my fun and exercise too.
Training Regiment
Athletes are quite familiar with having a varied and specific training regiment to improve and maintain a level of performance. For skimo racing, a regiment might consist of interval days, long distance days, average distance days, and such.
My new (unofficial) training regiment includes activities I would never have dreamed of. For example, today, I am going to give myself 'interval' credit for having run through the neighborhood pushing K on a Big Wheel bike. It was actually quite challenging! I had to run, bent over at the mid-point and pushing with one hand, holding my other hand out to catch him if he fell. The purpose of our trip was to get a little fresh air, but also to pick up a box from a neighbor's house. So, on the way home, I was doing the same awkward bent-over push-run with a box in my other arm. When he no longer wanted to ride the Big Wheel, I carried his squirmy body on one side, the toy and box on the other side.
I don't have as many long exercise days, if any. However, I think I've gotten a good deal stronger for having hiked and skied a lot with K on my back. If I go skiing or hiking without him, I find I can go a lot faster, as I've lost 40 lbs off my back!
So, Backcountry Betties, our category now exists, if only in our minds...
What about you? Feel free to share in the Comments area if you have an essential you must take, a tip for keeping the little ones happy, or some mom activity you count as exercise. I'd love to hear them.
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