7 Tips for Running with a Baby

Even though my training has been less than ideal, I've managed to get out a few times with Robby in the stroller. On these runs, I was thinking about being a new mom and trying to figure out this running with a baby thing. First, my soapbox. Parents, it is NOT recommended that you run with your child before 6-8 months. I got these guidelines from both our pediatrician, many licensed physical therapists, and the good old internet. Please check with your child's pediatrician before hitting the road (we're there all the time anyway, might as well add it to your list of questions). Now, here are my top 7 tips (why 7...well...that's how many I had):

My favorite running buddy!

1. Check the stroller: I have a BOB Revolution (which I love), and the tires do lose air. You want to be sure that the stroller is in good condition and the tires are filled. You will notice a difference when they aren't--the stroller will feel wobbly and unstable.

2. Use one hand to push the stroller (and don't forget to switch): Keep a steady push with one hand and swing the other. It's super convenient if you're using the Galloway method to make sure you're switching hands on each interval. Otherwise, just try to remember to switch from time to time.

3. BUT use two hands over bumps: I found it a lot easier to keep control of the stroller over bumps if I just gripped with both hands for a few seconds. If not, the stroller veered off course and it interrupted my cadence.

4. Keep the stroller away from your belly: You want to keep the stroller about 6-12 inches in front of your belly, which should be about the distance of keeping a 90-degree angle in your arm that's pushing. Keep it at this distance consistently.

Our running path even marks bumps!

5. Don't lose your form: Mid-foot strike. Arm swing. All that good stuff shouldn't go away just because you're also pushing a stroller. I've been keeping Robby in his infant carrier on the stroller, so he's facing me when we walk (not run--again, check your specific stroller for guidance as mine stated not to run with the carrier attached). I've noticed that I tend to look down at him, putting my neck and spine all out of alignment. Do regular checks of your form; you may not even realize how out of whack you are!

6. Don't bring the whole kitchen sink: The stroller is big. Babies come with lots of stuff. Resist the urge to bring it all with you. I like to live on the edge, so I don't even bring a diaper or change of clothes (not that I recommend that).

7. Find a well-paved path: Our new hometown is country (okay, it's really suburban, but it feels country to me!). We don't have sidewalks, streets are curvy, and there's a whole lot of 'nature' around us. Luckily I found a great paved running trail a short drive away. It's made it so much safer to run with Robby!

Baby bonus tip: Remember, your little one is on the run too. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and some toys and/or snacks to keep him occupied while you run!

I write this post first as a new mom, then as a running coach. I'm definitely not the end-all, be-all expert. My running mamas-what would you add?

Welcome to the Family Robby!

It's official! Disney Runs in the Family has grown! We welcomed our little prince Robby to the world on 1/7/16 at 7:53 pm. No, it's not really running or Disney related, but trust me, this little guy (and I) participated in the marathon of all marathons, ironically enough during the WDW marathon weekend. And hey, since it's my blog, I can share what I want--and I can't wait to share my labor story.

The newest member of Disney Runs in the Family

I'll start with a quick summary: 39 hours. Yep, that says it all! With that in mind, I figured a multi-part post was in order.

My due date had come and gone (I was due January 4th). Oddly enough I never even thought I'd go this long; I always assumed I'd have him early. He apparently had different plans. There's something really strange about waiting to go into labor. You're just sitting around, hoping to have a sign that something was going to happen. You take everything as a sign--I stubbed my toe, must be labor; the light twitched, must be labor; my hair looks bad; must be labor. I think we Googled "what does a contraction feel like" at least 100 times. People kept telling me "you'll know" but that wasn't good enough.

Our little runDisney family

It was true, though. Around 5 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3rd I was woken up by some significant pains in my belly. They were different, more painful, and I had the urge to get up and move through them. I paced in my bedroom for a little, then decided to grab Bill's phone and start timing. Yep, it was different, and I was having contractions every 7-8 minutes. Woohoo! It was finally starting. I had planned a beautiful, natural labor, so I took a long, hot shower to get myself in a relaxed mind and body.  When Bill woke up, I let him know that I was pretty sure I was in labor. It was all very calm and relaxed. My mom was still at our house, and I really just wanted to be alone, so we spent a lot of time in our bedroom just being quiet.

To move things along, we headed out for a morning walk. It was peaceful and relaxing, but the contractions weren't really progressing any quicker. I also tried to nap but the excitement and anticipation combined with the contractions didn't leave much room for rest. My contractions slowed (even to as little as once every 10-11 minutes) but they never stopped. I ate small, energizing meals. I was doing everything I had read and seen to move labor along and make sure my body was ready to welcome this new little one into the world.

The night kept progressing, but the contractions never got more frequent than every 7-8 minutes. We binge watched a few new shows on Netflix (that I now have to go back and start over, because apparently I wasn't actually paying attention). Around 9 pm my water finally broke. That started to move things along, but not nearly as fast as I thought it would. We kept timing contractions and debated going to the hospital. My plan was to labor at home as long as possible. I wanted to be in a comfortable place and able to move around without being constantly monitored. We finally decided to go in around 1:30 a.m. so I took a long, hot shower, finished packing the hospital bag, even put on a little makeup and fixed my hair (hey, I knew there were some really important pictures in my future). The hospital is less than 2 miles from our house, so we arrived around 3 a.m. It was our last time driving anywhere as a family of 2. Our lives were about to change!

Stay tuned for part 2! I know you already know the ending, but it's about the journey!

I'm a For Two Fitness Ambassador!

I'm thrilled to announce that I have been chosen as a For Two Fitness Ambassador!  You know that fitness and health is my PASSION, so it has been a top priority through my pregnancy.  I have a new focus--I'm not worried about PRs or pants size--I'm focused on providing the best for my baby and me both through pregnancy and beyond.

I found this company on Instagram and instantly fell in love with their cute "for two" designs, even before I was pregnant.  It should come as no surprise that my first piece of maternity wear was workout gear, and I instantly turned to For Two Fitness for my first outfit.  I put my "Toning For Two" shirt to the ultimate test this past weekend on a 7 mile run in HOT, HUMID Nashville, TN.  (I know...running with a toning for two shirt?  Guess I should have bought the running for two first!)  I absolutely LOVED it.  It was super soft and comfortable, plus it stayed put.  It was long enough for even my torso, plus stretchy enough that it will last through the next 5 months.  As every runner knows, humidity can be your worst enemy (helloooo chaffing!), but I was pleasantly surprised that this shirt did not chafe anywhere!  I will tell you that some other items that I wore that morning did not quite stand up as well...ouch!

I love that this company is dedicated to not only supporting healthy lifestyles for mamas-to-be, but also providing fun, cute, flattering clothes that accentuate your bump.  As women, we spend our lives trying to lose those last 5 pounds, tone up, or find that miracle cream to get rid of every imperfection.  It can be emotionally difficult to watch the scale go up, even though we know that it's for a very good reason.  The last thing we need is a big potato sack to wear when we are doing something great for ourselves and our babies.  While it's great that the apparel is high quality and made in the USA, I appreciate even more that I felt confident and proud while wearing it!

As an ambassador, I not only get to tell you about how great this apparel is, I also get to give you the same deal I get--25% off your entire order!  At checkout, enter coupon code "FITFUNLIFE"  Visit their site www.fortwofitness.com.  I'm headed there now to get that "Running For Two" tank!  Happy shopping!

As an ambassador, I get a 25% discount that I can use and pass along to you.  These opinions are, as always, my own.  I was not compensated for this post, nor do I profit monetarily from your purchases.  I'm just a fit mama hoping to help others!