I shared a few weeks ago that November 8th was National Stroller Running Day. What a fun "holiday"! I had all kinds of good intentions to put together an event here in my little town, but alas, November appeared and I had done NO planning. So, it was me, M and Miss Oakley on our own on Saturday...but at least we participated, right!? It was a BEAUTIFUL day and for once I felt really strong running!
While I'm still a new mama and definitely no expert on stroller running, I thought I would share 5 tips that I have found helpful since starting to run again post-baby. If you look at most recommendations, they will say not to start running with your little one until they are around 6 months, or sitting unassisted. I broke the rules a bit! We started when M was 3 months old, but I made some modifications to our stroller that made me feel comfortable bringing her along. It's football season people and I just couldn't let the best running season (fall) pass by without a few runs! Of course, you need to do what is best for YOU and YOUR BABY. Ask your pediatrician if you're unsure if they are ready. I tested her out in the stroller for a few walks before we ever ran.
1. Get a good stroller! While you can run with a normal stroller, it is MUCH easier to run with a stroller specifically designed for running. They are typically lighter and easier to maneuver than your typical stroller. I did a bunch of research and decided on the Bob Ironman Stroller and I absolutely love it.
April 2015 Edit: I actually exchanged my BOB Ironman for a Revolution in March. While the Ironman maybe great for some runners, the Revolution was much more comfortable for me and I'm loving stroller running even more now!
What should you look for when choosing?
April 2015 Edit: I actually exchanged my BOB Ironman for a Revolution in March. While the Ironman maybe great for some runners, the Revolution was much more comfortable for me and I'm loving stroller running even more now!
What should you look for when choosing?
- 3 wheels - for easier steering
- A locking front wheel - that way you don't get caught up on rocks and stuff. Update 2015: This is a debatable subject. I initially went with the locking front wheel in the Ironman based on reviews I had read. While the swivel front wheel in the Revolution might not be quite as good for hard core runners, I find that it makes running much smoother for me and less of an upper body workout. Try them both and see what YOU like best!
- Larger tires - this will help make the ride smoother
- A brake - so you don't lose your baby
- A canopy cover for baby - keeps the elements off your little one! Mine has a little window on top so I can spy on her to see what she's up to!
I was not compensated in any way from BOB for this post...just sharing a product I love!
2. Don't neglect your warm-up/cool-down. I know how it is. The baby is fed and ready you got your running shoes on and your un-showered hair in a ponytail. You don't know how long your window of "happy baby" time will be so you fly out of the house and start running as soon as you hit the driveway. And when you get back from your run, inevitably there will be a diaper to change or laundry to fold and OOPS...your cool down just got cancelled. Trust me, I know. BUT...do your best to work your warm-up and cool-down into your running schedule. I do these glute activators in the garage while making silly faces at the baby in the stroller. Then we walk a few blocks before we start running. I stop running in the same spot on the way home and walk the last few blocks. Once we're inside, I do a few stretches on the floor that I can do with Little M. She likes to stretch too!
3. Dress smart. The typical rule-of-thumb for runners is to dress like it is 10 degrees warmer than it actually is. When you've got a baby in tow, be sure to dress them like it's 10 degrees COLDER than it is. I've had runs where I'm in shorts and a tee and baby is in a hoodie and a hat. They aren't working hard like you, and moving fast (cuz of course you're fast) through the air can get them chilly fast! Also, you want to be sure that drivers see you if you'll be out on the roads. Wear bright, reflective clothing and if it's dusk or dark be sure to wear lights!
4. Pick your path. You do have to do a little extra thinking about your running route when you're running with the stroller. My stroller has big tires and some suspension so I don't mind running on dirt paths, but I avoid the really rocky and bumpy areas. It's also important to pick safe routes with sidewalks or a designated path. You're wider with a stroller so you want to be sure you have plenty of room when you're running near traffic.
5. Watch your form. It can be easy to start running with hunched shoulders when pushing a stroller. Be conscious of your form and keep your chest up and your shoulders relaxed. Consider alternating your hands holding the stroller so one arm can swing at a time.
Having a baby and a busy husband doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sanity (I mean...runs). I hope these tips encourage you to get out their with your little ones and get moving! Added bonus? When you get the chance to run sans stroller it will feel SO EASY!!
how about you?
Did you get out and run on Saturday?
Who's your favorite running buddy? A friend? Dog? Kiddo? iPod?
Who's your favorite running buddy? A friend? Dog? Kiddo? iPod?
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