Pushing It

As I ran solo this morning, I got caught up in thinking about just how easy it is to run all by myself, without the little ones in-tow.  Leaving the house is so quick, not to mention how much pep I seem to have in my step when not pushing the double buggy!

As I ran along, I thought about all of the aspects of pushing the wee ones.  Here is a list of things to consider when "pushing it" with kids along for the ride...

1. Plan pint-sized snacks.  This usually starts at the grocery store for me.  I buy snacks that I know will pack easily for the boys.  Also, I keep said snacks hidden away so they are a "treat" on the run.  Dry cereal, raisins, grapes, apple slices, etc. are always good.  I make a baggie for each boy with a variety of items.  I also keep granola bars and raisins in the buggy at all times for emergency situations. (by emergency, I mean "situation that requires mommy to bribe the kid with food").
2. Drinks are essential as well.  Really the best bet is water.  If you give them juice, they guzzle it back then require a pit-stop (I have endured many of these!) and who needs that much sugar, anyway!
3. Keeping conversation with the kids is a good way to keep yourself from overdoing it.  Sometimes singing songs for them can get to be a little much though, and people will stare.
4. One of my son's first sentences was, "Go, Mama Go!" which he chanted on one of the big hills on our route.  It is so nice to hear those words from the little ones :)
5. Choosing footwear for tag-alongs under the age of 2 is tricky.  Shoes that they can kick off are a poor choice.  I have added many an extra mile due to back-tracking to find lost footwear.  Same goes for hats, mitts, etc.  Kids like to drop things just to see it fall, I swear.  I started leaving their shoes in the basket below until they were getting out.
6. Those "weather shield" things are a great idea.  I use inexpensive plastic ones that have small holes for breathability.  No matter how much you spend on them, they always get all gross after a while, so it is nice not to spend a lot of money on them, in my opinion.  Having one really helps block wind and rain, thus keeping the kiddies happy.
7. Making a fun trip to the park at the end of the run is a good way to bribe motivate the kids to behave throughout those last couple of miles.
8. Use the safety strap, at least on hills!  I have visions of the buggy getting away from me if I were to trip or fall.  Better safe than sorry, especially when going down steep hills!
9. Don't forget that the running buggy is a great place to carry your own personal items like a water bottle, cell phone, etc.  One of the pluses of pushing all of that weight!
10. Getting out with the kids for a run is sometimes a perfect way to clear everyone's head.  When we are having a rough day around our house, sometimes a good run out in the buggy is just the fresh air and break my kids need.  And if it doesn't make them happier, at least I am out in the fresh air, where their whining and screaming doesn't bother me as much ;)

file photo: Elliott and Milo ready for a run

I love that my running is so normal to my boys.  Even my little guy Oliver seems to enjoy his time in the buggy.  I am eager for the days when my oldest can bike along beside us while we run.  (and even more eager for the day when they can run with me!)

happy running, with or without the little ones!

p.s.  My brother's dog always jumps in the basket under his running buggy to go along for the ride...talk about bringing the whole family along!