I often get asked how I can “get my children to sit in the jogger during my long runs”. I guess I am lucky that my children sit well and enjoy riding in the jogger for our daily run/walks. I mean, my children rarely sit still long enough for me even to use the restroom by myself.
Here are my top 5 Tips on how to run with Small Children:
1. Make fitness a part of your daily routine. Each morning, after breakfast and our morning chores, my children (and dog) are itching to head out on the trail for our morning run/walk. It is a a part of our morning routine. My children (and dog) expect it. I expect it. When it doesn’t happen it seems like our day is off kilter.
2. How do you keep them in the jogger? Do not give them the opportunity, or chance, to get out of the jogger. I do not allow my children to get out of the jogger or stand up when we are on our run/walk. It is not an option. It is expected that they sit and enjoy the ride. What they do when they are sitting in the jogger is up to them. They can play with their toy(s ), read a book, sing songs, tell stories, and more. I have taught them that when they are in the jogger for exercise… they stay in the jogger. Getting out is not an option.
3. Be flexible. I rarely run the whole time I push the boys in the jogger. First off, it is hard work. Secondly, someone is almost always dropping a toy, snack, or drink. There are always bugs or creatures to see up close. Someone needs you to look at their booger they just picked. Enjoy the ride, be flexible, and be willing to take pit stops along the way.
4. Be realistic. If you just started running, you wouldn’t realistically run with a jogger 10 miles. If you just started pushing your small child in the jogger, give him/her time to adjust to sitting in the jogger for that duration (just like your training plan calls). Know your child. Know your body. If it is getting close to nap time… be prepared accordingly. If it is getting close to snack or lunch time… bring food. If it is hot or cold… be prepared. There are times, on a long run/walk, when my children get antsy at the end. I encourage them to sit tight, we are almost home (even if home is still a whopping 3 miles away).
5. I am not above bribing my children with snacks, rewards, or special locations to get a good solid run in. Yes, I know that we are supposed to be healthy examples to our children… but there are times when a special treat is in order. My children usually get their mid-morning snack while riding in the jogger for our run/walk. Usually it is a healthy snack. However, some days the reward needs to be upped a bit… especially when the boys do not want to go outside for a run/walk (shocker, I know! How could they NOT want to be trapped in a jogger for over an hour!?) Sometimes suckers, fruit snacks, or even gum are just the bribe to encourage a positive happy run/walk.
What tips and tricks do you find helpful for exercising with small children?
Best tip I have? Wait til my husband gets home 🙂
My older kids will ride there bikes but my littlest one rides in the jogger. She loves the IPad, so that is her time to play without an older sibling trying to steal it from her.
As a mommy who pushes two boys in a jogger I couldn’t agree MORE with these rules. And I also love the fact your son has a star wars shirt on I’m a huge nerd so my boys have them all too 🙂
One thing I do with my boys is we will stop at the playground at the end of the run they get to play and mommy get to recover. Then it’s back in the stroller and a quick .21 mile walk home.
Great tips.
no small kids here anymore! 🙂
make it fun for them too as MUCH AS YOU CAN 🙂 anyway.
fantastic post—especially the be flexible tip.
Give them something fun to do during my workout and bless them with a treat afterwards 🙂
I didn’t take up running until my kids were 2 and 4, and I’ve never used a jogging stroller. Having that morning routine sounds so wonderful, that it makes me wish I had been running when they were smaller. I rely on my husband to watch the kiddos when I run, though my daughter and I sometimes go for shorter runs together now. We are able to bike as a family now, which is a fun way to exercise as a family. 🙂
Loved this! I would do the same kind of stuff when I pushed the jogger and ran! Almost always a toy, snack, stop off at the park will work!!!
We have a park that is about .3 miles around it. I will let my older boys play at the park while I run around. I’m able to see them at all times and then the baby stays in the jogger with me. Obviously that won’t work for everyone, but since my boys are older and responsible and I can see them, it work.
Haha #2 is pretty much how we do everything in life. It isnt an option. I run. You sit. Period.
#2 is KEY! And I’m with Renee, I always promise a playground trip for the end of the run so he sees a light at the end of the tunnel! 😉
you’re so impressive, momma!