Fitness to go: it doesn't take a "super mom" to master a jogging stroller - or dad

American Fitness, July-August, 1997 by Suzanne P. Lamp

* If you find yourself stopping and starting because your passengers are fighting over toys or can't seem to keep their hands to themselves, place a piece of foam, pillow or board between them to create a safe barrier.

* Always remember to properly strap in your precious cargo with the appropriate safety belts. Also, you may want to post lists of emergency phone numbers on the inside and outside of the stroller in lieu of advertising any personal identification information.

Running Forms

Before you even reach the end of your driveway, you will notice there is nothing natural about running behind a jogging stroller. In fact, the more experienced you are at running, the harder it will be to break old habits like running with a long stride or using your freely swinging arms to help keep your pace. However, you'll soon adapt to a new running form.

You can use one hand or two to push the stroller. If you are running with a single passenger stroller, it may be easier to travel with one hand on the stroller handle and allow the other arm to swing freely at your side. If you are using a two passenger stroller, however, most runners recommend using both hands to compensate for the additional awkwardness of the larger stroller and extra weight. Allowing your shoulders to swing slightly, in lieu of your arms, will help alleviate some of the initial awkwardness. Avoid the temptation to run along beside the stroller since your ability to steer in a straight line will be impaired. Additionally, you may want to decrease the length of your stride to avoid hitting or tripping over the stroller. Remember to allow your hands to comfortably rest on the stroller handle and bend your arms slightly at the elbows.

If you want to add an additional challenge to your run, try experimenting with hills of varying grades and lengths. Learning into the hill and flattening out your body will help make ascension easier. Contrary to any thoughts you may have on your way up a hill while staring at the rear tires of the stroller, no one has ever been severely maimed, injured or died from being backed over by a jogging stroller. While descending, lean back away from the stroller and try to resist running full-force down the hill in order to avoid a runaway stroller.

With a little practice, running behind a jogging stroller will not only be second nature, but it will be a great way to spend some special time with your children and work off those last few pregnancy pounds. While you may be a super parent for exercising with your children, it doesn't take a super hero to master the jogging stroller. See you on the jogging trails.

Suzanne P. Lamp is a freelance writer, long distance runner and mother of two, who resides in Bloomington, Illinois.