How I Run With a Jogging Stroller

 Since I often get asked how I can run so much with a jogging stroller I thought I'd do a post about it.  When I started running almost 2 years ago I started off running with a stroller, from day one.  While I don't run exclusively with the stroller, I do a majority of my runs with one.  I am lucky to have more of a mellow laid back child, and he, for the most part, tolerates enjoys strolling along with me.

Oh how I love this kid and our runs!

A few tips I can offer to make jogging with a stroller more enjoyable for both of you:

1.  Invest in a good jogging stroller.  A good stroller is just as important as good running shoes in my opinion!  I started jogging with my regular stroller.  About 4 months into jogging regularly, I did my first 10k and became hooked and knew this was something I wanted to stick with so it was then that I bought a good jogging stroller.

Love my BOB stroller!

 I am a HUGE fan of my BOB Revolution  because it is super easy to maneuver and really comfy for my son.  I got mine used and it has been going strong for 1.5 years now.  Great places to look for used BOBs are Craigslist, EBAY, or local Facebook Swap Sites.


2.  Timing is everything.  If we are going to go for a morning run, I like to hit the road by 6:30.  I still have to wake up my son, but it's not too early that I feel like a bad mama for waking him up, but it's still early enough that he's still sleepy and not alert enough to suggest eating, playing, or watching TV at home.  Sometimes I luck out and he falls back asleep during morning runs, but nowadays that's pretty rare for us! 

Sometimes the lull of a stroller ride is just too much for the little tike to handle!

Also, this probably goes without saying, but make sure that EVERYONE goes to the bathroom ahead of time.  We have had a few close calls for sure but always made it home in time (phew!). 

This was one of those close call situations  Nothing quite motivates you to pick up the pace like having your 4 year old tell you he has to use the bathroom, and you being over a mile away from the nearest facilities!

3.  Plan ahead and pack more than you think you'll need.  I always pack water for both of us.  For him I pack a few (non-messy) snacks, Kleenex (we had a bloody nose once a mile away from home and I never made that mistake again!), a few small toys, a blanket if its cold or early morning, and his favorite stuffed animal.  All that stays up in front with him.  I always play my music out loud and usually we talk and sing along to the songs together.  Only one our last long run together, 10 miles, our longest stroller run to date, I brought his Ipad and stuck it in the stroller basket underneath.  I didn't tell him I brought it, and only whipped it out when at mile 8 he asked when we would be home.  I think electronic devises like the Ipad are great to have in your arsenal in order to avoid a possible melt down.

All in all, my favorite part about jogging with the stroller is the extra bonding time I get!  It is such a motivator while running to look down and see his little smiling face staring back up at me.  There's something magical that happens when we go racing around out neighborhood together, sun in our faces, wind in our hair, music playing in the background, we are just so happy.  Our runs inspire a lot of questions I get to answer about nature, the animals we see, plants we pass by, and just life in general.  I think I am setting a good example for him too.  He has his very own pair of running shoes, and has participated in a few kids dashes himself (and is amassing quite the medal collection himself).

One of my most recent races, ran with a stroller.  It was a hot and humid 4 miler on the 4th of July.

 We like running together so much, that I decided to run both of my half marathons this race season with the jogging stroller!  It will be a new challenge for me, but one that I am super excited for.  So if you are spectating the Lake Powell Half in October or the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon in December, make sure to cheer extra loud for us, as we stroll on by!