School holidays, October 2022. I am deep in the thick of marathon training. I am also back at work three days a week. The kids are at home with me on the remaining days. I need to fit in a long run of 30+km, but how? 5am? No thanks, too dark. I try the babysitter, but she’s not available. So it’ll have to be a case of bring the kids and make it work somehow. The groans and protests when I suggest a long bike ride tell me this isn’t going to fly. Then I hit upon an EXCELLENT idea. A brief negotiation later and we have established a mutually acceptable rate. The kids will ride alongside me for €0.25 per km per child. It’s a bargain in my opinion and they seem thrilled. Several hours later and I am €14 worse off, but with a satisfying long run in the bank. Not my finest parenting hour, but worth every penny!
