In my new life there is a more stroller running. Like a lot more. I used to run her around the lake on Saturday once in awhile. Nothing over 4 miles. Last week I did 3 runs pushing PJ. I am lucky enough to have a really good running stroller, the Mountain Buggy, but it's still not my #1 choice over running solo.
If you’re new to stroller running I will say this, it does get easier. I could barely crack 9 minute pace when I rarely ran the stroller, now I run 7:30s just fine. I think a lot of my struggle was because my tires were pretty flat. Tip number one: pump up those tires!
STROLLER RUNNING SURVIVAL TIPS
PUMP UP THE TIRES
Can’t say it enough. Bring your run stroller into a good bike store, they will help you make sure the pressure is just right.
BRING ALL THE THINGS
My checklist
Sample prayer:
Please let ____ be in the mood to sit and watch the world go by at a blazing 7 miles an hour. Please let there be many doggies and birdies to look at. May the sight of each fill her with joy and the will to keep sitting on her bum. On her bum!
PRAY TO THE GODS OF THE SKY
Sample prayer:
Please let the sun shine, but not too bright as it bothers my ___’s eyes and will make him/her scream eyes! Eyes! Eyes! Until her/his sunglasses are on or we go inside. Please let no water fall from the skies or blustery winds blow. And can you go light on the mud puddles?
ADJUST YOUR WARMUP
Toddlers are perfect for weighted squats. However their patience is low and you have to cheer them on, which takes the wind out of my sails. Or lungs. Any banded exercises results in PJ trying to climb all over me to get “into the band” and isn’t worth attempting. Lunging with toddlers … mixed reviews.
So I guess I’m saying if you’re used to some elaborate (or any) warmup routine, forget it.
Positive Note: I have found that a Sesame Street Spotify dance party can serve as a good warmup and is also good for shaking toddler sillies out before they are asked to sit for 45 minutes.
MAKE LIKE A DUCK
And let the glares and occasional verbal assaults roll right off your back. Running with a stroller is the equivalent of driving a mini van on the highway. Even if you’re going 85 MPH everyone assumes you’re slow and need to be honked at and aggressively passed.
I am constantly being hurried across the five way stop by drivers, “C’mon lady!! Go.” Um. I think I’ll wait for the SUV to cross the other lane if you don’t mind. And getting glared at for getting “too close” when passing on the run, even when the glarer is at the end of a four across chat-fest on Green Lake. I’m still the same width essentially. They on the other hand are FOUR PEOPLE WIDE. Step off ME!!! ARGH. Eh hem, I mean let it roll. Right off your back.
BRING BEYONCÉ
Having a friend makes stroller running much easier. And if you can’t recruit a friend, bring Beyoncé. One headphone in can make all the difference. The challenge is commenting in a sing-song voice on all the duckies and doggies while in your head you’re all, “Legs movin' side to side, smack it in the air…”
WAYS TO MAKE TIME GO FASTER
Do you stroller run? Are you one of the super humans pushing a three wide (I seriously can’t even fathom)? Tips?
If you’re new to stroller running I will say this, it does get easier. I could barely crack 9 minute pace when I rarely ran the stroller, now I run 7:30s just fine. I think a lot of my struggle was because my tires were pretty flat. Tip number one: pump up those tires!
STROLLER RUNNING SURVIVAL TIPS
PUMP UP THE TIRES
Can’t say it enough. Bring your run stroller into a good bike store, they will help you make sure the pressure is just right.
BRING ALL THE THINGS
My checklist
- Cookie Monster
- Elmo Goes Potty book
- Cheese
- Cheerios
- Water for PJ
- Water for me
- PJ’s sunglasses
- Second running watch for PJ
- Jacket and pants for park after
- Phone
- Headphones
Sample prayer:
Please let ____ be in the mood to sit and watch the world go by at a blazing 7 miles an hour. Please let there be many doggies and birdies to look at. May the sight of each fill her with joy and the will to keep sitting on her bum. On her bum!
PRAY TO THE GODS OF THE SKY
Sample prayer:
Please let the sun shine, but not too bright as it bothers my ___’s eyes and will make him/her scream eyes! Eyes! Eyes! Until her/his sunglasses are on or we go inside. Please let no water fall from the skies or blustery winds blow. And can you go light on the mud puddles?
 |
| Mud kickback is legit |
ADJUST YOUR WARMUP
Toddlers are perfect for weighted squats. However their patience is low and you have to cheer them on, which takes the wind out of my sails. Or lungs. Any banded exercises results in PJ trying to climb all over me to get “into the band” and isn’t worth attempting. Lunging with toddlers … mixed reviews.
So I guess I’m saying if you’re used to some elaborate (or any) warmup routine, forget it.
Positive Note: I have found that a Sesame Street Spotify dance party can serve as a good warmup and is also good for shaking toddler sillies out before they are asked to sit for 45 minutes.
MAKE LIKE A DUCK
And let the glares and occasional verbal assaults roll right off your back. Running with a stroller is the equivalent of driving a mini van on the highway. Even if you’re going 85 MPH everyone assumes you’re slow and need to be honked at and aggressively passed.
I am constantly being hurried across the five way stop by drivers, “C’mon lady!! Go.” Um. I think I’ll wait for the SUV to cross the other lane if you don’t mind. And getting glared at for getting “too close” when passing on the run, even when the glarer is at the end of a four across chat-fest on Green Lake. I’m still the same width essentially. They on the other hand are FOUR PEOPLE WIDE. Step off ME!!! ARGH. Eh hem, I mean let it roll. Right off your back.
BRING BEYONCÉ
Having a friend makes stroller running much easier. And if you can’t recruit a friend, bring Beyoncé. One headphone in can make all the difference. The challenge is commenting in a sing-song voice on all the duckies and doggies while in your head you’re all, “Legs movin' side to side, smack it in the air…”
WAYS TO MAKE TIME GO FASTER
- Keep a tally of all the bros you pass.
- Yell out duckie, doggie and birdie when you spot them.
- Play knock-knock on the stroller visor.
- Pay attention to your form, unhunch!
- Beyoncé (see above).
- Challenge yourself to get Cheerios, water etc without stopping the stroller. #skillz
- Teach your toddler to cheer for you on demand.
Do you stroller run? Are you one of the super humans pushing a three wide (I seriously can’t even fathom)? Tips?