Alright, first things first, if you’re even reading this, we want to give you a little *virtual* round of applause! Because reading this means you’re considering getting into jogging with a stroller, which is amazing. But, starting to jog with a stroller can be a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before, so we’re here to give you a couple practical tips to get you moving (literally).
1. Relax!
Make sure you’re relaxing, both mentally and physically. AKA, don’t death grip your stroller. In fact, try and keep your form as close as possible to your normal running form, without a stroller. Try lightly keeping one hand at a time on the stroller, switching off, so you can get a good, natural swing going with the other arm. This will help you avoid any unnecessary muscle tightness. Oh, and lucky for you, the Terra is one of the lightest jogging strollers on the market. So, this one won’t be too hard to put into action. Pro tip - don't forget to lock the front wheel into place for smooth strolling on any terrain.
2. Use a wrist strap
Think of this like a mini seat belt for your stroller. They are especially good to use when you’re first starting out jogging, since you’re likely not used to moving at this speed with a stroller. This allows you to move more freely and have peace of mind when running over hills, across intersections, etc. PS – the Terra already comes with one, so you can go ahead and clear your Amazon search.
3. Come prepared
Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who manages to squeeze in a jog while your child naps in the stroller, but if they wake up, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Be sure to bring snacks and entertainment, that way your run doesn’t get cut short. The Terra has plenty of storage space, so you won’t have to worry about leaving any options behind. You’ll also want to be sure to consider the elements and pack things like extra layers, sunscreen, and/or bug spray.
4. Engage your core and legs
Physically, running with a stroller can take some getting used to. It takes a little more work to make sure you’re keeping your correct form. It’s tempting to rely on your arms, since they are holding onto the stroller, but it’s much better to push from your core and legs. This keeps you upright and running correctly.
5. Let go of expectations
Listen, it’s natural to feel a little off when you start jogging with a stroller, especially if you are used to running without one. Give yourself some time to get used to it! Adjust your run times and expectations accordingly. Don’t forget to have fun, and give yourself a pat on the back for trying something new!
PS, looking for a great jogging stroller? We have some ideas.