November 8th is the first National Stroller Running Day! This day is for parents to celebrate sharing their active lifestyles with their families. I was thrilled when Run Stroller Run asked me to write a blog about National Stroller Running Day. Personally, this day celebrates so much that matters to me: fitness, my awesome running stroller and a meaningful activity that I am able to share with my daughter.
I exercise with my daughter Emma a lot. Between teaching and taking Stroller Strides classes through Fit4Mom, and long walks, I feel like having her along is part of my fitness routine. She and I are both used to it.
I didn’t start running with Emma until she was about 14 months old, but once I did, it was such a great activity to do together. My BOB running stroller is undoubtedly my favorite piece of baby equipment; it offers me a different kind of freedom.
With my BOB, it’s so easy to go out for a run. I load Emma into the stroller during a time of the day when she is in a good mood. I fill her tray with her favorite snacks, toss a few toys in and off we go! Sometimes, I talk to her during the entire run, pointing out dogs and our favorite places in town. Other times she zones out in her own world and I can just enjoy the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. Her presence motivates me during my runs.
I will admit that there are times when Emma makes it tough for me. She thinks it’s hilarious to throw items out of the stroller and into the street. Sometimes I have to stop every 5 minutes to gather up her flying toys. The stroller is heavy to push and is bulky. When I fold it up and put it in the car, it takes up my whole trunk. Still, the benefits of my BOB far outweigh the difficulties for me.
So I continue to push the stroller up and down streets, stopping every few minutes to pick up the stray toy or snack cup. I observe my daughter watching the world around her and seeing me work up a sweat, and I am simply grateful that I can have her along as I run.
If you are a parent in Long Island, consider joining the Stroller Strides Celebration of National Stroller Running Day at Eisenhower Park at 10am. Check out Mom’s Little Running Buddy and Run Stroller Run for information on other ways to participate and giveaways. If there are no local events near where you live, consider simply taking your kid(s) out in the stroller for a run or walk. I look forward to celebrating this day with my daughter and my trusty BOB.
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