If you’re a regular reader here (Hello Mum, I’m sure my only one), you’ll remember I have taken to running. It’s fast become a favourite activity or outlet – and one I am gaining confidence in giving my all. Sure, it gets hard. But, I have found I’ve been able to push my physical exertion levels far beyond my previous self-imposed levels and have even come to an acceptance that I will huff and puff like a race horse while running – and that’s more than ok. I have even found myself easily** running 5km. I’m actually in training for a 10km event too.

One Saturday, a few weeks ago, I ran in the Lawson Park Run. When I got home and regaled the fam bam with my pace and shared my general exuberance for the event, I found the two boys completely enthused to go for a run. Like, they wanted to immediately go running. It was with great excitement I packed us into the car (after a much-needed coffee hit), and headed to the local Knapsack Park, entering off Mitchell’s Pass (at Lennox Bridge).

The boys hit the trail with their speedy legs and we managed to explore a fair amount of the old quarry. The boys loved racing up and down, exploring the trees and bushes, the flowers and the animals (well, Little Mate didn’t quite like the dogs off lead, that came bounding toward him for a kiss) and generally just being free outdoors.

I feel incredibly lucky to have two sons who look to share my interests and are actually keen to do them with me. I know this won’t always be the case (they’ll be gross teenage boys one day….say no more!), so I’m loving the shared time now. There was nothing more heart warming and satisfying to see them so happy and free running around in the dirt.

At the end of our traipse, we had enough time to explore underneath Lennox Bridge – this sandstone bridge is just beautiful and is currently the oldest bridge on mainland Australia (there must be an older one in Tasmania). If my memory serves me correctly, it was built in 1833. The site is definitely one worth checking out – the sandstone is beautifully arched over a creek bed, which I think only runs these days after rain. The council and locals have a battle on their hands with taggers, but the gross spray paint appears to come off with much hard work. I love standing underneath the arch and gazing up at the stones, marvelling at the hardwork that was no doubt input to finish the bridge.

All in all, a favourite February memory from me x

**Easily might be the wrong descriptor, as I’m remarkably red and puffed by the end of it. But, I never anticipated being able to hit the 5km distance so consistently.