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Runner's Training Tips: jogging strollers

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberswk
    • CommentTimeJul 4th 2008
     
    swk
    I attempted to run with my 2 kids (about 35 lbs. each) in a new double jogger we got.  The jogger is great and top of the line, but it was quite a challange.  It wasn't so much the weight I was pushing but my form that is off because my arms are not swinging, atleast that what I believe made it difficult for me?  I basically walk / ran about 3 miles.  Is this how it goes normally with the joggers or do runners actually benefit the same way they would with a regular run?  At this point I think it would be good for just a quick calorie burning walk /run if I have the kids and limited time.  Any suggestions or thoughts would be much appreciated.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberamygirl600
    • CommentTimeJul 23rd 2008
     
    amygirl600
    I have had the same issue.My jogging stroller throws my form off completely (mostly due to my arm swing, too), and I can't go far at all. My daughter only weighs about 20 pounds, so that's not it. I find it difficult to steer the stroller as well. Unfortunately, I've had to work around my husbands and my's schedule for my half-marathon training - not easy! Wish I had a better answer for ya! Good luck.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberDbitters
    • CommentTimeJul 23rd 2008
     
    Dbitters
    Its a whole different game when you're running with a double stroller.  I tried it for a short while and then gave up.  It was too difficult to keep good form and get the miles in.  I ended up using the double jogger as a way to get around town, and I too have to work with my husband's schedule so I can run without the kids.  One suggestion I would make is to find a friend who also wants some time without his/her kids and swap on a regular schedule so you can have kid-free runs.  Good luck
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberKaisaG
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2008
     
    KaisaG
    I run with my son about once per week since my husband works weekends.... The other days I run during my lunch hour - except for Sundas my husband and I have a deal that I get between 1 & 2 hours to run. My son is about 30# and the jogger is 22#... so when you think about it... I am pushing (in my case) over 50 extra pounds of weight... Plus you are "chasing" something (jogger) that is continuously moving, so it is much more difficult to set your own/usual pace. It's a good cross training workout though - as you will burn more calories. The whole bit about not being able to use your arms will definitely throw you off even more.... I usually hold my jogger with one arm and swing the other. I can't imagine pushing 2 kids!!
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberBoxergirl
    • CommentTimeJul 28th 2008
     
    Boxergirl

    My husband travels frequently so I use my double jogger a lot.  I would suggest starting with low mileage then slowly increase it - just like with any new workout.  I found it was easier the more I used it.  I also found that carrying books and snacks helped to keep the girls occupied.  My chest and upper body was definitely sore so I knew I was getting a good workout.  Good luck!

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberburgalurg
    • CommentTimeJul 28th 2008
     
    burgalurg

    I run with my son (3 and about 30 pounds) almost every day.  I can't wait until the weekends when my husband watches him for my long run!  It's not that it is significantly harder for me to use the stroller (I only really notice it on the hills), it's the lack of the freedom that you get when you are running alone.  There is so much more to think about (ie. cars, turns are a bit more complex, constantly looking for big bumps in the pavement, having to stay on mostly sidewalked paths, toys and books "falling" out of the stroller, etc). I really enjoy going at it alone much better, but it is also nice to have the company.  My son actually yells, "Runnnn, Mommyyyyy!" if I start walking, so that added push is good! LoL!

    The new gait that you have to use (not using your arms to help you along) is going to take a bit of getting used to.  In the beginning, it was really awkward for me, but now it's fine.  I use the same strategy as KaisaG, I hold with one arm quite often and swing the other.  I switch off on my arms, as the one that is responsible for the stroller will get tired eventually (particularly for me in the forearm).  On uphills, downhills, and turns, I use both hands, to be safe. 

    There are "plusses and minusses" about the jogging strollers.  The biggest plus is teaching our children the importance of fitness and involving them in our decision to stay fit.  Another plus is the upper-body workout.  My arms are solid and sexy...Lol!  I LOVE the difference the stroller made for my arms and upper back.  A downfall, of course, is that it can be a pain in the butt when you want to just get out there and book it into the freedom!  LoL!

    One more thing: BE CAREFUL if you have to lock the front wheel!!!  It makes it much harder to turn (on my Jeep stroller) and I ended up straining the entire trapezius muscle (shoulder and neck on the right side), which took at least 10 days to heal with ice everyday and no running.  So, be careful not to overdo it if you have to lock the front wheel because of the terrain!

    Happy running, all!
    KJ

  7.  
    teamgraybill

    I have two boys - ages 3 & 4 - and for the past year and a half we have been running together using a double jogging stroller that converts into a bike trailer.  It has been WONDERFUL!!!!  We are able to run in every season with this jogger and I find that one-arm-jogging is much easier with two in this jogger as it was with one in the standard Graco jogging stroller.  It looks like a little space ship with a small front wheel.  Sometimes my boys argue because there is no divider between them, but this kind of jogger comes with great seat belts, little pockets for snacks/drinks/toys/books, a storage compartment in the back, a mesh liner for bugs and a rain/weather shield built on as well.  I've run up to 8 miles pushing this stroller just switching arms - although I do find it helpful to cross train by using weights for arm strength.  Great at home strength workout for this is TurboSculpt - one of the Beach Body workouts.

    Keep it up ladies!

    BG

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberburgalurg
    • CommentTimeJul 28th 2008
     
    burgalurg
    I love the Beach Body workouts.  I do the Slim in Six on a regular basis (1-3 times a week) and it really keeps you strong and toned.
    • CommentAuthorFree Membergbeckman
    • CommentTimeJul 28th 2008
     
    gbeckman

    As others have said, it does take some building up to get used to running with the jogger. I have a Chariot (jog stroller that also converts to a bike trailer) and I love it. Couldn't live without it, in fact. As a single mom, there's no way I would be able to workout and train without it. My perspective may be a bit different because I really didn't start running until I got my Chariot, so I was starting out really slowly anyways. I find that running with the jogger generally slows me down at least a minute per mile over what I would do without it.

    The steering and the arm swing just take some getting used to. My stroller has a fixed wheel, which is actually the best thing for a serious runner. A swivel wheel can really make it harder to steer at times. Once you get used to the method of lifting up the front wheel a bit to turn, it's pretty easy. As for the arm swing, I generally try to keep only one hand on the jogger unless we're turning. That way I can swing the other arm relatively normally. I alternate which hand is on the jogger so I can get arm swing from both arms. I will say that my track coach can tell when I've been running with the jogger a lot and has to remind me to swing my arms, but it's a small price to pay.

    I started off with pretty short runs, only 2-3 miles, usually at a 12 min+ pace. This morning, I ran 8 with the jogger (and the dog!) in 90+ degree heat. And it wasn't that bad, I could have gone longer! I do much prefer to do my long runs without the jogger, but sometimes there's no choice. Ah, but those long runs (and track workouts and races) without the jogger...it just feels like flying! :)

    Stick with it, you will get used to it, I promise! And keep thinking about all those extra calories you're burning! 

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