But one thing I haven't done in a LONG time, was run with the jogging stroller. Anyone who has done it before I'm certain will attest to it being a completely different world of running!
Throughout my marathon training program, the majority of runs have taken place after the kids go to bed, or at the crack of dawn when everyone is still in bed. So, today, when an afternoon appointment meant I could get in my run before the sun went down, I jumped on the opportunity!! The catch, however, was that it would have to be pushing a 30-pound little girl in a stroller :)
No worries. If I can run 18 miles at a time up to this point, 5 miles pushing a stroller should be no biggie. Ha! No pun intended, it gave me a run for my money :) I had forgotten just how much is involved when it comes to the sport I call "Stroller Running."
Here are my top 5 tips before you venture out with your little one + jogging stroller:
1) Check the air in the stroller tires!!
I forgot to do this and it definitely makes things harder on you, and it's a good way to ruin the tires. Pushing around the weight of a baby and stroller is hard enough without the added resistance of a partially flat tire!
2) Wear the same running attire as you would running solo.
I made the mistake of running in cotton shorts and a t-shirt. Let me tell you, it's not cool to be pulling up your shorts with one hand while trying to push the stroller with the other LOL You have enough other things to worry about - having shorts that are falling down shouldn't be one of them!
3) Know your limits and don't expect to run at your normal pace.
Even being less than a month from my marathon, this was still a tough run for me. I ran about a minute to a minute and a half slower pace than normal. When you're pushing with one hand and pumping your other hand, it's going to throw your stride off, not to mention having to avoid kicking the tires on the stroller. Take it easy and if something doesn't feel right, take a break.
4) Form, form, form!
Running with a stroller engages your arms in a whole new way. I typically only use one arm to push... my right arm because it's naturally stronger... but if you feel more comfortable pushing with both, remember not to slouch. Your back won't be happy with you if you run hunched over!
5) Have fun!
Duh, right! Even though you're getting in a workout, you're also getting in some great quality time with your kiddo(s). Some of my favorite memories are my long walks and runs with the kids going on scavenger hunts, counting all the cars we'd see, working on our colors playing "I Spy." Be creative!
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| 5 miles ✔️ Happy Running ❤️ |
