This morning I got up at 6.25am to rejoin the 3 Ms for a quick blast of a run around the Bearsden streets. The 3 Ms – three mums all with names starting with M! – have been running Wednesday and Friday mornings for many years. They run at this time so as to squeeze in their exercise before the kids/husbands get up/go to school/go to work. This is no jog in the park, either. The 3 Ms are fit ladies and I have usually struggled to keep up with them, let alone join in the chat. (They are so fit they can run and chat at the same time.)

I met the 3 lovely Ms after a 10k event some year ago.We quickly established that they lived in the same area as me and when one of the 3 Ms invited me to join them for their early morning runs I happily agreed. Running solo can be boring. Trying to fit in exercise as a mum can be difficult. But making a date the night before to meet for an early morning run helps to motivate me to get up and out and run before Little Miss Outdoors awakens. The chat is always good, too.

However for the last 15 months I’ve not been able to join the 3Ms. Ever since my husband and I split last summer I haven’t be able to leave the house in the morning because Little Miss Outdoors is still too young. I’ve really missed the regular outings but I’ve had to accept my circumstances. And I do get to exercise at other times of the day so it’s not been all bad!

Then last night I suddenly realised that because the G-Force often stays overnight with me on a Tuesday (following our tri club swim session) that I might be able to sneak out for a Wednesday morning run. Listening to my stories of how much I loved the running and how much I missed the 3 Ms (sob, sob) the G-Force sweetly agreed to a lie-in (big sacrifice, eh?!) while I headed out to run with the 3 Ms.

It felt brilliant to be back out, listening to their chat and running through the quiet streets. I admit I struggled with the running as I’ve been concentrating on cycling for many months but being with others makes you put in the extra effort. Returning by 7.30am I was in a great mood and have felt in good spirits ever since. I’m sure i’ll feel exhausted by 3pm but at least I know I’ve done my exercise for the day. Wednesday evenings are usually filled with LMO’s homework and clarinet lesson, and now there’s the Apprentice, so I wouldn’t normally get the chance for a run or a cycle.

If you’ve never tried early morning or social running then I recommend it. It’s ideal for motivation, improving your ability and great gossip! Thanks ladies for having me back! Hopefully I’ll make it out again in the near future.