Last week the kids and I got out for our first stroller run of the season. After not running with the stroller for a while it took me a while to gather up our things and prepare for the run. Stroller runs can be a lot of fun and a great workout, but it takes a little planning to ensure that the run goes as smoothly as possible. Here are a few tips for a great stroller run: Route: Plan a route that you can run safely with the stroller. If you have access to a trail system that is great, but if not map out a route in a quite neighborhood or a road with a wide shoulder or sidewalk. Finishing your run by a playground is also the perfect way to let the kids run around and have fun when you're done. A big consideration is also bathroom accessibility, especially with potty-training-toddlers.

Be Prepared: Always carry a small bike pump for your tires in the stroller, that way you can fill the tires as needed. Sunscreen, lip balm, Kleenexes, hand sanitizer and a GU/Protien bar or two are perfect "staples" to always have stocked in the pockets of your stroller. If you plan to be out for a while, especially in the summer pack plenty of water for you and your kids; and snacks for the kiddos too.

Keeping the Little Ones Occupied: A great way to keep the stroller fun and exciting for the kids is to have toys and activities that are only used during stroller runs. Keeping these toys exclusive to stroller runs lends a bit of excitement to the run when the kids realize they haven't played with it in a while. For younger kids with a tendency to drop or throw things, it is best to clip toys in using interlocking rings. My four year old, likes to draw or read while we run or play games like "I spy." She also likes to ask a million questions and chat while we run. And you can always turn "nap time" into stroller run time, most young ones tend to fall asleep with the motion of the stroller and it is a perfect way for them to relax and sleep while you run.

Expectations: Sometimes you have to adjust your expectations for a run on the spot depending on what kind of day your kids are having. It's best to go into stroller runs without too many expectations on pace or mileage. Focus on keeping it fun: a chance for you and the kids to get out and play.

Make it a Fartlek: Fartlek is the swedish word for "speed play," and stroller running is the perfect way to introduce "play" into your running. You can get your kids on board too! Here are a few games you can play with your kids that can turn your stroller run into a speed session:

Pick a House (or landmark): Ask your kids to pick a house or landmark up ahead and then pick-up the pace and "sprint" to the landmark and then return to your normal pace. Repeat.
ABC, 123: If you have a child just learning their alphabet or numbers ask them to sing ABC or count to 10, 20 etc. Sprint for the period of time they are counting and then slow back down to your normal pace when they are done.
Red Light, Green Light: Have your child call out the cues from Red Light, Green Light. Green light: speed up. Red Light slow down. They might be in for a bumpy ride if they call it out rapidly;)

Stroller running is challenging but it is a great way for you and your kids to get out together. Some runs will go smoothly, others will not. Control what you can and roll with what you can't. And above all have fun!

Do you run with a stroller? What are your tips for making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all?

--Sarah

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