Running with your kid.
The concept seems brilliant. You love to run! You love your kid! What better way to balance these two loves than to head out for a run together? It will keep her entertained, and – let’s be honest here – keep you from losing your mind!
Unfortunately, it is simpler in concept than in practice. Your serene vision of the two of you gliding off smoothly into the sunset may be quickly shattered by a screaming child or your aching body.
It’s not a perfect science, and I definitely don’t claim to have all the answers, but below are a few tips that might help you in your transition from a lone wolf to the leader of your pack.
1. Make a good investment. Believe it or not, not all jogging strollers were created equal. Just because a stroller has the “look” of a jogger (i.e. three wheels and a seemingly aerodynamic design) doesn’t guarantee that it will actually perform well on the road. If you’re planning to do more than power-walk around the neighborhood, you’re going to want a stroller that has a smooth ride and makes easy turns.
Amazon’s best-rated joggers are the BOB (both the single and double), Baby Jogger’s Summit X3, and the Joovy Zoom 360. I personally chose the BOB and have no regrets. Don’t hesitate to wheel different models around the store to get a good feel for them – some specialty stores might even let you take their floor models out for a test jog. Pick the stroller that has the least impact on your stride – your goal should be to run as close to your normal form as possible!
2. Buy the appropriate accessories. Once you’ve purchased your new stroller, you’ll probably have glorious visions of hitting the road with your little one the moment you’re cleared for physical activity at your 6-week postpartum checkup. Then you take out your stroller’s instruction manual and find some scary fine print – see below (source here, bolded text by me):
BOB recommends that your child should be at least 8 weeks old before riding in a BOB stroller without a BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter and compatible infant car seat. Please note that babies incapable of holding their head up must have additional head and neck support to ride safely and comfortably. For jogging or offroad stroller use, children should be at least 8 months old.
Before your dreams are shattered, keep reading! There’s hope!
With the addition of the BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter and compatible infant car seat, newborns may be able to ride in the stroller. Children develop at different rates. Prior to first use, consult with your pediatrician regarding suitability of stroller use with your child.
Translation: buy the appropriate car seat adapter, get the OK from your child’s pedi, and get on the road! There are other accessories that might be beneficial to your experience as well – gear storage, snack trays, etc. Do your research and make sure you have all the accessories you will need to succeed. Sure, there is an additional cost, but without the accessories you’re much less likely to actually use that stroller that cost you (or someone you love) $$$. Protect your investment – it’s worth it!
3. Temper your expectations. This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you’re pushing a jogging stroller, you’re going to run slower than you would if you were not pushing a stroller. Know this; accept this; plan accordingly. Don’t go out too hard and run out of steam, and don’t be disappointed with your times if they don’t match up with your pre-stroller runs. In my experience, my stroller adds about a minute per mile if not a little more.
In order to keep my expectations at bay, I keep two separate sets of PR’s (personal records) – for races with and without the stroller. That way, I can shoot for an attainable goal and take pride in the result.
4. Stick to low-traffic areas or paved trails. This is a safety issue. There is always risk involved when sharing the road with vehicle traffic – just as you want to minimize your risk when you’re out for a run yourself by wearing light-colored clothing and hugging the left-hand side of the road, it’s the same when running with a stroller. Don’t trust drivers on busy roads to see you – it’s up to you to keep yourself safe. Your best bet is to run on a paved trail that’s closed off to traffic – but if that’s not an option for you, stick to low-traffic residential streets. Please don’t run with a stroller on the shoulder of a busy street, even if it’s just to get from your house to a trail. There’s no need to increase your risk.
5. Run with one hand. Have you ever tried to run without pumping your arms? It’s hard. Many novice runners are shocked to find out what an important role your arms actually play in the running process. I’ve found that the best way to mitigate this challenge is by running with one hand on the stroller, with your other arm moving freely. Alternate as needed. Keep this in mind when you’re selecting a stroller – you’ll want one that is easy to guide with one hand. The obvious exception to this recommendation is when using two hands is essential for safety purposes – namely going up and downhill.
6. Have entertainment handy. Kids aren’t known for their lengthy attention spans. You know your child best; if he is prone to get bored easily, prepare accordingly! Set out on your run equipped with tools that will entertain your child for the duration of the run – a toy, a snack, a cup of water, whatever works for you and your child. Sometimes there’s no avoiding a mid-run meltdown (it happens to the best of us, adult and youth alike) but the key is to be as prepared as possible!
7. Leave the headphones at home. This is a dual-purpose recommendation. First, safety. When you’re wearing headphones, you are much less aware of what is going on around you. Keep your ears clear to keep yourself and your child safe. Second, courtesy. Would you wear headphones on a group run with friends? (FYI, the answer should be NO – group runs are social in nature and blocking out opportunities for social interaction is rude to your fellow runners!) Afford your kid the same respect you should give any other running partner and use the run as an opportunity to engage with your child. Talk about the scenery, play “I Spy,” sing songs; do anything that includes your child in what you’re doing. The run will be less lonely for both of you. (You can read more about my headphone hatred here.)
8. Give yourself days off! Running with a stroller is hard work – harder than running without. To give yourself a break and remember what “normal” running feels like, get out on your own once in awhile. As a bonus, you may find that your solo running improves as a result of the additional workout provided by your stroller runs. Success!
The logistics of running without your baby might be tricky. There is nothing wrong with arranging childcare so you can run – in fact, sometimes it might be necessary for your sanity. You deserve that time for yourself!
While I confess that more than once we have gone as a family to visit my in-laws and I have promptly taken off on a run from their house, most often my husband and I just alternate who pushes the stroller and who runs without. Find a plan that works for you and roll with it!
Happy jogging, friends!
Mommy Jogger 