I need help, please! I’m trying to run more (averaging 15 to 20 miles per week), but my husband is deployed now and I always have to run with my 2-year-old in a jogging stroller, so essentially I’m always pushing 60+ pounds. Yes, it would make everything easier to run without them, but if I want to run that’s how it has to be. And man is it tough! Any suggestions to help me increase my distance or make things easier? - Sara
Sara, pushing 60 pounds is tough! I state doing two or three shorter runs during the week with the jogging stroller, then finding a way to run without the stroller for one long run per week. Arrange for a friend or relative to watch your child just one morning a week so you can do your long run. Or, if possible, go to a gym, place your child in the nursery and run without the stroller, even if it’s on a treadmill. Another option might be for you and another mom to swap babysitting duties. You could get your long run in and then return the favor and babysit for her.
If babysitting is not an option, then adjust your mileage based on the added difficulty of pushing the stroller. You can opt to run additional days a week, but do shorter mileage. For example, if you usually run 3 days a week and wish to increase your weekly mileage, run 4 or 5 days a week to increase mileage rather than running longer 3 days a week. If you are marathon training, you can reduce your longest runs by a few miles to make up for the additional work of pushing the stroller. Plan your longest run to be 16-18 miles rather than 20 or 22 miles. You could also try doing two shorter runs a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, for your long run. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Good luck!
Baby on Board: The Best Races to Do With Jogging Strollers
Susan Paul has coached more than 2,000 runners and is an exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation. For more information, visit www.trackshack.com.
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Susan Paul has coached more than 2,000 runners and is an exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation. For more information, visit www.trackshack.com.
