Running with a toddler

[SoloMumJustMuddlingThrough]

I've been running with DD (20 months) in the pushchair since she was old enough to sit up. Up until now it's been fine - she's cosy, with a book, some music etc. She often has a little nap.

Its been very cold and I haven't managed a full run with her all week. At the 4k mark she starts asking for a cuddle and looking miserable, tantrum brewing, so naturally we stop. BUT she has 100 layers on and apart from cold cheeks is actually really warm - I think it is more boredom/wanting to be close rather than discomfort. The second I stop and get her out of the pushchair it's happy faces, "number hunting please mummy". "Bouncy bouncy, turn around" etc.

It's not just when I'm running either, this week she has been asking to be carried everywhere. I usually carry her a bit then give her the choice of holding hands or sitting in the pushchair. There's usually a protest - a snack/distraction works best.

What would be the reasonable thing to do here?
A. Finish the run - it would be another 20 mins
B. Stop the run early as I have been

My worry is that by stopping the run I'm teaching her that she can cry and winge and she will get what she wants. But also I don't want her to be uncomfortable or upset, and it has been really cold, so I feel super guilty.

I should add, I am a solo mum. It's just me and her and she has a pretty good bargain - we spend all day playing, going to classes, parks, playdates etc etc. She is an only child so gets all my attention. Running for an hour 4 times a week is honestly the only time I get to do something for me.

I'd cut it short, or find another way to make it more enjoyable for her. A special toy or book or something for in the pushchair? Or snacks?An hour is a really long time for her to just sit, she's not even 2.

Can you make it two shorter runs?

A run to a destination park or library and then a run home again?

Can you run to a friend's home and leave DD for half an hour and then pick her up and run home again?

Can you run to child care, then run home again after pickup?

Can you run to a church or group half an hour away, participate, then run home again?

Can you time the run for when your child is most sleepy?

We've been running g together for over a year and it's been perfectly fine. We have a shared playlist, I read her stories whilst I'm running, she has a toy in the pushchair, and she will often nod off. (I only ever do long runs when she's sleeping). We are usually out for 45 mins, and straight away afterwards it's walk (for her) and park.

I think it's important for her to learn that she can't always have her own way (I just think about kids with siblings having to tag long on the school run etc). She has been happy the second I take her out of the pushchair, but she won't walk, just wants to be carried 😅 She is starting to test boundaries across the board and I'm wondering whether this is another instance of boundary testing that needs me to be firm or whether I should cave and just give her a cuddle and carry her home...

You’re doing about 6k in an hour if my maths is correct. And she’s whinging around the 4K/40 minute mark? A 40 minutes run is still maintaining fitness, and although it’s not great not to finish, it’s still a decent workout. I’d stop because there’s no point making her hate it!

Do you have anyone who could facilitate a long run on the weekend? Just an hour or so. I do short runs all week but the long run keeps me sane!

Do bear in mind that carrying a heavy toddler is strength training and counts!

Good idea. I was thinking about doing a short one in the morning and then another during her nap in the afternoon but I don't know if I could motivate myself to put my trainers on twice in one day. Think aloud... A run to somewhere and back is a good idea, it's just that the weather is so cold the play park is all frosted over. I could get her out just to run around for a bit a half way though.

Na I'm usually doing a 10k in 52-54 mins. 5 k is just over 25. She is winging after about 20 mins of running. Ideally I want to be doing a 10k or 60 mins.

Solo mum, so no help. I'm with her 24/7 and running is my only downtime.

You're right! She is so heavy now!

Personally, I would run on the treadmill at home if she isn't enjoying the experience.

I found chocolate buttons were the answer to most problems at 2. Give her markers when she'll get one if it's a regular route or get her looking for something unusual like a yellow car or squirrel and she gets one as a reward for spotting. Bribery and distraction are underrated!

I suspect trying to discipline her out of it will only cause tantrums and stress.

Good that you've managed it for a year. It's quite common that children get bored of being in the pushchair around 2, and it's a long time for them to sit still. Younger siblings do have to go along for the school run, but plenty of them do fuss about it (ask me how I know, ha!) she's just too young for your expectation of learning that it's not all about her at the moment.

Mine refused even getting in a pushchair at that age. Wanted to walk everywhere so I'd have been screwed if I was a runner😅

Thanks. I needed to hear this. I don't want to raise a spoilt little pain in the butt BUT at the same time, it has been really miserable outside and I understand why she isn't thrilled about being in the pushchair at the moment. She already has the choice of music. I'm usually running along to the sound of music or something of the sort...getting strange looks 😅