Pram runners, over here, please! I need advice!

[LarryAdler]

I bought proper running pram this year and finally went out with it (and baby obvs). It was loads harder than I had anticipated! I run a couple of times a week (between 4-6 miles) and am reasonably fit but just didn't expect it would be so much exta work. I wasn't really sure what was the best thing to do with my arms and shoulders - tried to keep everything quite relaxed and my stride felt most natural when I was using one hand on the pram -does anyone have any advice/top tips? Am also now wondering of it will help tone my arms/work my core, or is that just wishful thinking?

I'm not going to be much help I'm afraid - like you I am a reasonably fit runner & decided to get a running buggy, imagining lovely long runs with DS dozing etc etc... I ran with the buggy 3 times

It was very hard work especially, as you say, trying to figure out what to do with my arms. I think the fixed-arm position really affects your whole posture and gait, and puts more strain on your lower back. I was quite prepared for it to be harder work, but it just felt wrong. Pushing with one hand was probably better as you could still get some shoulder swing, but it still felt really unbalanced.

In the end I now prefer running alone once DH is home to look after DS, even if it means going out in the dark. In fact it's lovely to get some time alone! The buggy is still v useful for going for walks on tracks, beach etc & luckily I got it 2nd hand anyway.

Stick with it though - plenty of people manage fine, so perhaps you'll get some better advice soon!

I think the main thing is to slow down from your usual pace, you will get a great workout even then. If safe use just one hand on the pram, use the safety strap. Switch hands frequently and shake out the other one.

I found that after running with a stroller improved my speed when I was alone. It was surprising.

That was with my middle dc, am just getting back into it with my 16 wk old.

Good luck!

I was actually surprised how much less hard it was than I expected - I push with one hand, everything relaxed, swapping every couple of minutes. Yes you're slower (for me I'm about 2-3 minutes slower on a Park Run with it) so if you're a very "one paced" runner, you need to find out how to slow down to equalise the effort. Try to keep your stride as natural as possible and don't chop it short because of the buggy - that's a common problem I believe.

But treat it as you would if you were just starting running from nothing - run/walk, gentle introduction etc. and you'll soon adapt to the slightly different activity and be enjoying it.

Thank you, good advice, I will just get out and get on with it, using it will mean I can run a few times a week rather than just once or twice.

Reading with interest as have been thinking about this myself.

Try and make sure your buggy handle is at a comfortable height, so you're not pitching forward when you run and also your shoulders aren't up by your ears. Really watch out for your hips rocking and rolling, it's hard work for your abs so focus on fixing them into position so they always stay facing forwards as you run. Think about your lower abdominals especially, tucking under a little with your pelvis so you're not sticking your bum out. Enjoy it!