Tips for Running With Kids from #StrollerStrong Moms!

Running is hard.

Running after having kids is HARD.

Running WITH your kids? A real challenge!

But I truly believe it's a challenge worth taking. Not only is stroller running an amazing workout, and a way for mom to get her exercise in, it's also setting such a great example for your kids! They are getting fresh air, learning to explore and appreciate the outdoors, and maybe will even share your love for running one day! I know that if anything, my toddlers yelling "run faster mom" is enough to keep me going on a hard run! Today on the blog I'm sharing insight and tips from #StrollerStrong moms from all over the place. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned stroller runner you're sure to love this! 

Stroller Running Tips from #StrollerStrong Moms

"First of all, invest in a good stroller. I've always loved running with my BOB (single & double) and it makes all the difference when I compare it to running with other brands. I'm all about a bargain though so keep watch on Craigslist and online marketplaces for used BOB strollers! Second of all, have fun with it. Make the stroller a happy place for your kids - sing songs, play games and go fun places if you can! Oh and don't forget to take care of yourself too - don't forget your own water bottle! Haha! " 

Alyssa @iamstronglikemom
Pregnant mama of 2 - mainly pushing my duallie! 

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Don't forget! One #StrollerStrongVirtualRun participant will WIN a new BOB Blaze Stroller!! 

"Make sure your kiddo has time out of the stroller either before after or during a run. My daughter and I have to drive to get to good running areas so I always bring a blanket and toys and let her stretch out for a bit afterwards before going back in the car. I also will run with her to the library or to the park and let her get out and play then finish my run. My daughter is about to be 11 months and most of the time our runs go smoothly!" 

Abigail:  @amcmillan725

 A few reminders I tell myself: "I will continue to run 20 feet further than I want to everyday. I will make this fun for myself and for my daughter - we talk to dogs we see and point out things to each other. I will keep track of my goal and I will mark the small successes, even if it’s just to myself! Whatever your goal is, small or large, fitness gains or weight loss, running a race or just making it to the local park.  This is about you, what your body can do if you train it, and teach it. "

Renee @gnarlyoils
A self-professed "newbie" runner
Read her guest post here! 

"My time isn't all my own.  I have to stop a lot during my runs, hand out snacks, put coats on, take coats off, pick up toys that get thrown out... I also have to get back in shape after each pregnancy.  That takes me around a year.  It can be mentally challenging.  (But my biggest tip is to) keep going even if its a hassle."
  
​Cynthia: Triple Stroller Running Rock Star! 

​"Make sure your tires are full! It sounds obvious and silly but even the smallest amount of air makes a huge difference for me, like...pushing an elephant vs floating on air!  Highly recommend a powered air compressor to keep at home!"

Sara @shopgraceandgrit 

" Whatever your goal is, start your path in simple ways. Assess where you’re at and then do a little bit more. Just do a little bit more today than you did yesterday. Remember to have fun! For most of us running is an elective activity, we are not professionals where our livelihoods depend upon our success. So enjoy the journey! And if you enjoy bringing your littles along for the ride, then great! But don't feel guilty if you prefer to go solo--what works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for another. When we've come to a point where we think we have reached our limit and can't do any more, we've only accomplished a fraction of what we are capable of doing. So stretch yourself and Keep. On. Reaching! ​"

Theresa @theresamariepitts
Triple Stroller Champion mom of 8!
(read more of her interview here)

"My biggest tip would be to go into it with no expectations. Don’t worry about speed or distance, but just getting out the door and taking it one step at a time. Stroller running can feel like learning to run all over again and it does get easier with time."

Noelle @RunningwithBubbas

"I suggest pushing with 1 hand and switching off periodically throughout the run to avoid causing any imbalances. And definitely fill up your tires! It makes a huge difference...although I guess you get a good strength workout with not-so-filled up tires!" 

​Julia www.thepetitefastinista.com. 

These next few tips all come to us from our local Moms Run This Town chapter. If you haven't looked into
​local stroller running communities - now is the time! If you don't have one, think about starting one!
You can see some more of my favorite fitness communities here. 

"Let go of training expectations and enjoy the run with your little. Stop at the park, sing the silly songs, pass the snacks. You’re still getting your miles in, but maybe it doesn’t hit the exact pace and distance you convinced yourself you needed."

Emily

"I think as moms we can feel guilty for taking the time to run and sticking the little ones in the stroller. Something that always helped me was to make it a game with whatever we were academically working on... counting fire hydrants, finding red cars, finding signs with certain letters or words, etc. This took my mind off of how slow I was running, kept my son busy and I felt like we were getting school work done at the same time. :-)"

Laura

​"Enjoy...enjoy....be spontaneous...a few hours take a walk or run..head to a park feed the birds..have a picnic with the kids. I enjoy Saturday morning adventures with my son. "He will tell me, 'Mom lets sneak out tomorrow and have an adventure. When I go with my daughter and walk at the bayfront or beach..and drink coffee afterwards of course. I live for the moments! 💜"

​Liz

Do you run with your kiddos?
I'd love to hear your tips and tricks too! 

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Join #StrollerStrong mamas all over the country for the virtual run! 
Read more & sign up here! ​