I had the chance to meet Heather of Run for Your Sole earlier this spring and she is a passionate mother and runner. She uses her running to make a difference for others and is doing some amazing things with I Run 4 and the Massachusetts Chapter for MyTeam Triumph. She's here today to share a few tips on running with a stroller. Running with a stroller for the first time is awkward. Let's not sugar coat it. When I was pregnant with my son, I received the BOB single jogging stroller. I was beyond excited to have gotten this so that I could take him out with me and get myself back into fighting shape. I envisioned myself running like the wind, pushing my new baby, and smiling the whole way. How hard could it really be to run while pushing a tiny human in a stroller? About 8 weeks after he was born, we hit the road for our first run. Let's just say I'm pretty sure I was barely moving forward. While I definitely laughed at myself a few times, I wasn't smiling the entire way. Pushing that tiny human felt like pushing a pile of bricks.

My son is now two years old and I have a daughter that is one. This means I've upgraded from the single BOB jogger to the double. Lucky me! More importantly, I've had lots of practice running with the stroller. I promise you, you do get used to it, you do get faster and stronger, and even though your kids get heavier, it does get easier...or maybe you just get used to it. The best news is you're burning some serious calories and building up some major arm muscles. Not to mention how badass you feel when you pass other runners!

Me and my littles after a local race

Winter run with the weather shield!

Here are nine tips that I hope will make your experience a little less awkward and a little more fun. These tips are a compilation of things I have learned along with tips and tricks I picked up from my fellow mother runners in our running group, Greater Manchester, NH Moms Run This Town (GMMRTT).

1. Music can be your best friend. Whether you rock some Disney toddler tunes or your own favorite play list, music is a helpful distraction while running with a stroller. I've blared everything from Guns N' Roses, to keep myself moving, to the soothing sounds of the Rockabye Baby station on Pandora to keep the kids asleep. The things us Moms do!

2. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks! Along with bringing your own water and fuel for the run, make sure to bring a variety of options for your little one. Whether it's a bottle, sippy cup, snacks, or finger foods, you'll thank yourself when you've got two miles to go and a screaming child.

3. Rattles, toys, and books, oh my! While any of these options will do, remember that at some point your little one will start to throw things out of the stroller. That's when your run can really get interesting. Run...and squat to pick up rattle. Run a little more...and squat to pick up toy. Run one more inch... and don't you know, here comes that book! The bottom line is, sometimes you need a little distraction for your child, so try to find toys that will clip onto the stroller or snack tray. If you bring a blanket, tie a small corner onto the stroller so that it doesn't fall out and end up wrapping itself around your stroller tire causing you to come to an abrupt stop, like me. Let's just say I'm glad nobody was watching that morning!

4. Make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. If you're pushing your new baby, let the sounds of nature soothe them to sleep and enjoy the peace and quiet. If you're running with a little one who is just learning words, talk to them about all of the things you are seeing as you run past. If you're with a toddler, play a game like I-Spy. My fellow Greater Manchester Mom's Run This Town member, Miriam, said it best when she said, "When a kid is in the stroller, you are a team. They should be having fun too. You want them to remember the fun Mommy had running with them in the stroller. Not that they were stuck in there being bored."

5. An out and back route may not be your best option. Make sure you find a stroller-friendly route (think back roads, sidewalks, and minimal traffic) with an option to make an easy exit if need be. The last thing you want is to be miles into your out and back and find yourself with an inconsolable child and no way out. Plan ahead for success!

6. Use the safety strap. I know! I know! This seems so obvious. However, I felt it was my responsibility to share this PSA with you all after having forgotten to use said strap once. Notice, it only happened once because my children nearly ended up rolling into a ditch. Not funny. True story. So embarrassing! I had the double jogger, myself, and the dog. I only have two hands! The neighbors were walking their dog and so of course my dog went nuts trying to play. In the heat of the moment, I got tangled up in the leash, removed the safety strap from my wrist, and turned my back. Oh dear! In seconds, I turned back and the stroller was on the move and I was chasing it! Not a good look!

7. Don't lean on the stroller. This can be challenging and hard to avoid if you are new to running with a stroller, if you are tiring on a run, or if you are pushing up hill. Sometimes, you just want to lean in, which causes your lower body to get further and further away from the stroller leaving you hunched over and in awful running form. It will happen. When it does, recognize it, correct your form, and remember to use your core (yes, you still have core muscles!) to pull yourself upright, use your legs for power, and then keep moving forward. You WILL make it up that hill! YOU CAN DO IT!

8. Push with one arm or two? That is the question! I've decided this one is personal preference. When I first started pushing the stroller, I tried pushing with both hands on the wheel. My gait was off, my stride was blown, and it was just plain awkward. Therefore, I always push with one arm and use the other to "pump" as I run. If you do this, it is suggested to alternate arms every so often. I suppose that is so you don't tire too easily and that you build even muscles in each arm (because clearly that is what we are going for here right?!?!). I personally don't alternate. It's just a habit I have developed that works for me. My suggestion on this one is to find what works for you and stick to it.

9. Automatically double you mileage. Yes, you heard me right! This one comes straight from "Train Like A Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity", by none other than Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, THE mother runners! "Any mother runner (or female friend of said runner) who pushes a stroller while running can count her mileage as double...If the cargo includes four legs and four arms, she can quadruple her mileage." Enough said.

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So to all you stroller warriors out there gather those snacks and toys, pack up that stroller, lace up those sneakers, and head out on the town! In the beginning, it's all about figuring out what works best for you and your little one(s). With every step forward, every push of that stroller, and every drop of sweat that falls, remember you are getting stronger and setting a great example for your children. When you see their smile as the wind flies through their hair on their special runs with Mommy, you'll know it's all worth it!

Do you run with a stroller? What's your best advice?

Heather Sweeney resides in Southern New Hampshire and is a Mom to Jack, two years old, and Anna, one year old. She is a Registered Nurse, but her passion is running. She is the face behind "Run For Your Sole: Inspiring Others One Step At A Time." Heather has completed 2 full marathons, 7 half marathons, and countless 10K's and 5K's. Currently, she is training for her third marathon this May. She is a Sweat Pink Ambassador, member of the Greater Manchester, NH Moms Run This Town Chapter, a buddy for the I RUN 4 organization, and an Angel with the Massachusetts Chapter for MyTeam Triumph.

9 Tips for Running with a Stroller from Run For Your Sole-Guest Post

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