Running with a stroller may feel very different than running solo, but these tips will help keep you at ease!
Safety
To keep everyone safe there are a few very important steps.
- Make sure to refer to your stroller's safety manual for information on locking your front wheel and the minimum age/weight of your child prior to running.
- If your front wheel is now locked and you aren't used to it, make sure to familiarize yourself with the way it moves.
- Check that the tires are fully inflated.
- ALWAYS have your children buckled in properly.
Stride
Running with a stroller may inadvertently shorten your normal stride length as you try to avoid kicking the stroller brake or undercarriage. Running at arms’ length distance will allow for a more natural stride. At least one hand should still lightly touch the handle to ensure that control of the stroller is maintained.
Arms
Maintain an energetic arm swing to keep moving forward. If your stroller handle height is adjustable, position it about hip height to help maintain control.
As with stroller-free running, keep your arms soft and wrists neutral. Both hands should be relaxed with soft fingers rather than tight fists.
Posture
Remember to maintain proper posture: spine long, shoulders back and down.
Your instinct may be to drop your head and shoulders down towards the stroller handle, but this can cause discomfort and injuries.
A very slight hinge at the ankles will help propel you forward, but not so much so that you find yourself contracting or collapsing down and into the stroller handle. Your power should come from your lower body.
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