How to run 15 miles with a 6 month old

I think my most brilliant idea ever is to get my long run done on Friday so that Saturday I can be as lazy as possible.  I used to always do my long runs on Friday when I was training for my first marathon because I taught spin Saturday mornings and Sundays are my days off.  I would teach school all day on Friday and then make it to the gym just in time to watch Oprah and Dr. Phil during my long run (I trained for my first marathon entirely on the gym treadmill ((before I had my own treadmill)).  Fridays were tiring days during that training cycle.

Spring has arrived in California:

IMG 7972

My long runs for this marathon will be done with Brooker which is awesome because we both have a blast out on our runs together.

Here’s my tips for going on a long run with the jogger.

1.  Go out about 20-30 minutes before their longest nap of the day.  Brooke’s longest nap is usually 2.5 hours after she wakes up in the morning so I head out about 30 minutes before her nap.  She wakes up at 6ish now so I will plan to leave at 8.   She fell asleep at mile 3.5 and slept until mile 11.5.

2.  Bring your whole house with you.  I bring enough diapers and food for her to survive for at least 3 days.  I can’t think of anything worse than being far away from home without enough food/diapers for your baby.

3.   Toy central.  I bring out her latest and greatest toys for when she is awake to help entertain her.

4.  Be prepared to stop.   Go into it knowing that you will have to take a few stops to check on them, give them their next toy etc.  Today we only had to stop a few times to pick up her blanket because her favorite jogging stroller game is to throw it out of the stroller at the most random times and then she giggles when I go back to pick it up.

5.  Talk to them when they are awake.  The other runners on the trail think I am crazy but talking to Brooke when she is awake keeps her happy.

6.  ENJOY IT:)  I have done way too many long runs all by myself in the past and it gets pretty lonely but not anymore….

IMG 7976

We did 15 miles @ an average pace of 8:09 with about 900 feet elevation gain.  (Time not including the breaks to pick up her blanket and check on her)

The rest of my Friday will involve refueling and COMPEX, I cannot wait:)

IMG 7980

PS Brooke absolutely loves sitting in the cart now (she is buckled in but you just can’t see it).  I think the grocery store is her favorite place now.

——————————————————————–

Any other tips for running with the jogging stroller?

What are your doing tonight?

Most importantly… what are you eating tonight?

Long run this weekend?

 

You May Also Like

98 comments

Reply

Tonight (and this weekend) is a wedding craft weekend. On the agenda: Design the guest book, template for escort cards and menu, and design the card box.

Drinking tea currently. Just finished a string cheese. About to roast some veggies.

I’m going to attempt 10 on Sunday. :/

Reply

You are going to rock your 10 on Sunday! GOOD LUCK with all of the wedding crafting… that is so exciting!

Reply

We miss you baby girls!!! Have a great weekend!

Reply

WE MISS YOU!!!!!

Reply

Nothing, not sure and no. Hahaha. It’s a beautiful day to play catch up with life. Tonight I’m sure to have delishious Asian meatballs with lots of veggies.
Good job on running with the stroller! Back in my day they were huge and I just took long walks with my babies.

Reply

Thanks! YUMMMM Asian meatballs sound delicious!

Reply

That is pretty daaaaaaang amazing to do 15 miles with a stroller!! You are very well prepared though and Brooke looks so happy!
I haven’t been able to move, let alone run for the past 5 days – horrible flu!! :( I enjoyed living the 15 miles through you!

Reply

You are so great to get out there with baby and get the LR finished. No excuses! I love that you talk to her while our running. What a great mommy you are. And super pace for trail running while pushing a stroller and chatting with baby.

Reply

We just finished the end of Mexican Chicken in the crock pot…have you had this? Chicken, salsa, black beans, corn and cream cheeses. So good! I have 4 miles scheduled for Saturday and then a virtual 10k to run on Sunday (this is my “recovery” week in my half training plan). Great job running with the stroller, you will not know what to do with yourself when you race without it :)

Reply

It is very encouraging to me seeing you go on thsee long runs with your daughter. One reason is if you can run at that pace pushing a strolled then I have no excuse. And two, you are making memories with her! To answer your questions I am staying inside tonight because it it snowing AGAIN (bring on Spring) I have no idea what to eat yet (we will see what my 4 year.old wants) and my long run this weekend is going to be 9 miles which we be my longest run yet!

Reply

I am very impressed! Well done, I’m so cheering
For you to get this sub 3h marathon!

Reply

First of all, the look her face clearly shows just how much she loves you and it’s pretty freaking adorable. Second, 15 miles at that pace WITH a stroller is amazing. You are a superwoman (super mom?). Dinner tonight: baked ziti and caramel gelato. Yum.

Reply

Now I am not nearly as fast as you, so I never did more than 12 with my kids. The double Bob is significantly heavier, so I am gonna use that as my speed excuse today. I agree with going just before the big nap. But with a toddler and a baby, I have different battles. I always pack the iPad, loaded with princess games and movies for my little girl. She is my biggest cheerleader. She yells “go mommy” constantly, especially if I slow down. But for my baby boy, I definitely have a gammat of toys and have to stop at least once to nurse him…. That’s always fun on the side of a trail :) when the weather is nice, I try to swing by a park that is close to home so it feels like a special outing for them as well as an important mommy errand. Love your blog! You inspire me every day.

Reply

CUTEST THING EVER… I can’t wait for Brooke to cheer me on like your little girl does! Great idea to stop by the park too! LOVE your tips, thanks Sarah!

Reply

Guacamole, chips and salsa.. + hamburgers with fried onions and mushrooms/Swiss cheese.. smothered in ketchup and mustard.

Reply

Good tips, I can’t believe how fast you are with the stroller! As she gets older, try taking the iPad or iPhone….keeps older kids entertained for ages and if you don’t let them have it usually, it makes them want to go running with you!!M

Reply

Isn’t it great when they get big enough to ride in the cart? So much easier. I never did much running with a jogger. Chicken with rice, pineapples, and pineapple salsa (yum). And 13 miles tomorrow!

Reply

You. Are. Awesome.
Mexican food and margiritas after a stressful da!

Reply

day. Not da.

Reply

Wow. Pushing a stroller and still getting a 8:09 pace. Lady, I am mesmerized by you. You are a beast and Brooke is so damn cute. Is it bad of me to say she reminds me of a Color Child from RainbowBrite? Everytime I see a photo of her I think of rainbows.

Spending the night in with mi Wela. It’s been a rough week and she needs company tonight more than ever. Novellas will be watched. Food will be whatever I can find in my mom’s house.

Tomorrow is a day in S.F. (I will get clam chowder and think of you) and will visit Alcatraz! (I won’t try to escape it though). Sunday will be 10 miles for me.

Reply

Lovin’ Brooke more and more!! She’s so happy, love seeing how happy she is when she looks at you :) She’s going to be a pretty happy kid, at least it seems like it lol

Reply

You got the socks…OMG I want those for my St. Pats Dash. I”m eating another layered salad. It was soooo good last night. I made it with garbonzo beans, black olives, red pepper and lettuce and I used crab meat. It was epic. My boss made leftover pasta though and I took a small portion.

I want those socks, I just got the discount code on Skinny Runners blog…

Reply

I would add be prepared to sing and possibly dance if they get fussy… Hey I tell myself it just adds to the workout though. I also found when I run with someone and talk he sound of my voice soothes my son so he stays content longer. You could also bring their favorite music and play that! We are having pizza, cupcakes, and cake balls tonight. The definition of health I know…

Reply

15 with a stroller? You’re awesome! Tonight I am relaxing with my husband and eating good food (spaghetti and meatballs). I have to run 15 in the morning which will be a PDR for me. I’m excited!

Reply

Can I just say, please never stop posting photos of Brooke (not that I think you will)? They make my afternoon. Even my husband admits she’s the cutest little girl ever!

Reply

Brooke is so cute! I don’t have any kids but major kudos to you for running 15 miles with a stroller! That is intense! We are trying to decide between going to a hockey game or a track meet tonight…we’re for sure doing the track meet tomorrow, so I think hockey might win tonight!

Reply

I have never left a comment before, but have been reading your blog for awhile. I just had to tell you how much I LOVE the first picture of you and Brooke. She is so in love with her mommy! I love it. I have four baby boys ages 8,10,12,and 14….they don’t quite look at me like that anymore :( Enjoy your sweet little baby!

Reply

WOW! Your comment made me so happy! Thank you! FOUR BOYS… what a party! I am sure they still look at you like that but they won’t let you see them do it:) Have a great day!

Reply

You’re so awesome running with that little girl! I have 20 miles tomorrow for Boston training!!

I love doing long runs on Friday for the exact same reasons. But my work schedule hasn’t let that happen this month. But I’ll be back at it next week!

Reply

That is too cute, you’ve always got your running buddy!

Reply

Her smile could not be sweeter! I love that you can take her out for a long run while you both enjoy yourselves! I have my long run tomorrow so I’m taking it easy tonight. My long run is 11 miles this week and I know it will be challenging for me.

Reply

Now that my daughter is 3 she’s not as excited about sitting in the stroller. Or napping. We’ve started letting her bring her portable DVD player. That keeps her happy but if we really run long the battery dies before we finish.

Reply

Love that picture of the two of you where she’s looking adoringly at you! (Or maybe with evil eyes, it’s hard to tell with cute babies.)

My kids LOVED being in the jogging stroller/bike trailer. Especially when there were two of them (I did NOT love how heavy the two of them were). They are best buddies and would talk and play the entire time. I never even brought them anything to entertain them because they did it themselves. It was so great.

Reply

Eating clam chowder bread bowls at Boudin’s and then a movie date night! Using a gift certificate from Xmas!

Reply

But you’re supposed to post feet pictures EVERY TIME!!!! lol And where’s today’s oatmeal? ;-)

Way to get that long run in! The running stroller and I were never friends. But the shopping cart…

Reply

I will have to bookmark this for when I have kids because I DEFINITELY plan on marathon training until I’m physically incapable of doing so. That means babies or no babies I’m running!

Fifteen Miles for me on Sunday! :)

Reply

I love this! Thanks for sharing…and giving those of us with aging ovaries hope for our futures! :)

Reply

She is so adorable… I am a nanny and I can’t get the two to stay put for a 30 minute jog! She must have been made for long runs or something :)

I can’t wait until I am at the point where I can run 15! So awesome.

Reply

” 2. Bring your whole house with you. ”

HAA HAA HAA!!!! Spoken like a true good Mommy!
Isn’t it amazing how much stuff you have to truck around when you have a little one!?
I love how you include Brooke in everything you do!

Dinner tonight was actually inspired by your Thai noodle bowls from a while back. I mixed peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey to make a sauce to put on noodles, sauteed veggies (cabbage, red peppers, carrots) and grilled chicken strips all mixed up. YUMMY!

Reply

How on earth do you run that fast with a jogging stroller!? You are amazing.

Brooke just looks like the HAPPIEST baby ever!

Reply

You are a superhero momma and it is very obvious by that picture that Brooke adores her momma! BFFs for reals. Tonight, I think I’m just hanging out, unless I get a phone call to go out, but I’m planning on being lazy bones and I lived in nap city for most of the afternoon. For dinner I had sweet potato wedges and a lentil burger that I just created a recipe for :D It was pretty tasty! I’m debating having froyo for dessert, but if I don’t want to put clothes on then I’ll just have chocolate. Either way, it’s a win-win situation. I’ve taken the week off from running, so no long runs this weekend for me!

Reply

I am so impressed with you.

We are low on food (we grocery shop on Saturday mornings), so for dinner I scrounged up some left over pizza dough, pasta sauce, parmesan cheese, and topped it with zucchini, squash and onion and then roasted/baked some green beans and sweet potato fries on the side.

I’ve gotten really sucked into a book, so I think to my boyfriend’s dismay, that is what I will be doing tonight, ha. 14 mile trail run on the books for Sunday and 10 miles for tomorrow.

Reply

I am currently waiting for the rice to finish so we can have some homemade sesame chicken. Best recipe ever!

Reply

The first thing I thought when I saw your post title was “get a babysitter!” Hahaha. More power to you! And the long run on Friday plan is pretty brilliant.

Reply

I need to get a jogging stroller so I can take my little guy out for runs.

I think Brooke gets cuter by the day.

Reply

I am on your old schedule where I do my long runs Friday after school! I did ten miles and used Hal Higdons 3/1 plan! I finished feeling so strong which is the best feeling after a long run!!! Love love that picture of you and Brooke after your run–such pretty girls! :)

Reply

You’re amazing! Going that fast while pushing the stroller and your whole house! I totally love jogging witha stroller when I babysit and take the little girlie with me. I talk to her too on a very crowded trail so I definitely get lots of looks lol! She really loves it and loves running fast. The way you’re going you’re going to qualify for the Olympics by the time Brooke is 2!

Reply

I love that you run with Brooke =) When my Bebe’s were little, I ran with them all the time! Now of course, I wouldn’t be able to push them seeing as they both weigh a ton! Usually my hubby rides the bike with them in the bike trailer and the dogs attached to the front while I run beside them! It looks absolutely ridiculous, but it’s one of my favorite things! I do plan on getting my long run in this weekend! I’m hoping to get a good eight or nine miles in!

Reply

I used to clip, tie, etc any toy that I could onto the stroller that I could because then when it is tossed, I do not have to retrieve it!

Oh and I always talk to my girls when I have the BOB or BOB Duallie! I do get looks but I can not help it. In the grocery store too, I am constantly talking to my 2 year old. It helps because I used to just talk to myself! I do not enjoy talking to my 5 year old in the grocery store any more because she has opinions and actually responds to me. The 2 year old nodds her head and randomly says things like “huggy Mommy” or ” I wanna hold that “. I enjoy that kind of company.

Reply

Pin the blanket to the buckle straps. It was a lifesaver to me.

Reply

Brilliant!

Reply

Great tips! I wish I had thought of some of those when I had one in a stroller! We are having veggie lasagna (no meat Fridays). It smells really good!

Reply

I wish I could run with my kids! I have three (ages 2, 3 and 5) so unless someone makes a triple jogging stroller that somehow magically reduces the combined weight of three children, I’ll be running solo until they are able to bike along with me! I was hoping to get in an eight-mile long run this weekend (building up mileage for a trail half marathon in April!) but given that what was going to be a three-mile run this morning ended up being more like a one mile slide/try not to fall on the sheet of ice covering everything that may not happen :(

Reply

You’re amazing!! I wish someone would push me around for 15 miles :)

I’m attempting ELEVEN miles tomorrow. Last long run for my first half marathon in 2 weeks!! eek! starting to get nervous….

Reply

Last summer when I ran a lot with my 18 month old we went on “destination runs” so about halfway through we would stop at Starbucks or another coffee shop and pick up a treat (typically ice water for both of us and maybe a granola bar). He loved it and it kept him busy for the rest of the run. Now we are stuck in the middle of winter in western New York and he will climb into the stroller and ask to go running. Cutest thing ever.

Reply

That pace without a stroller amazes me, but you and the Brookster rock it! I am in awe! Your Indy runner girls are cheering you on!!!!!!

Reply

Tonight: TBA
Dinner: TBA
Long Run: TBA

Are you catching the theme for this weekend? :)

[Last night (Friday), however, I had an amazing salad, whitefish sashimi, chili crab pasta, and the most amaaaaaazing mushroom lasagna concoction. I made my husband share small dishes with me so we could try more things. He’s a good sport!]

Reply

How stinkin cute are you two???

Ramblings of a Suburban Mom

Reply

I did my pilgrimage to Trader Joe’s today and we had TJ’s Thai Lime shrimp for dinner. I highly recommend their cilantro salad dressing. I bought it for the first time today and had it on my salad at lunch. I also had their fresh basil pesto flatbread pizza for lunch and it was TO. DIE. FOR!

I’m chillin’ tonight in prep for my group long run with my friends tomorrow morning. I love your idea of getting it done on Friday so you can relax over the weekend!

The picture of Brooke in the stroller is my all-time favorite picture of her! Have a great weekend!!!

Reply

My biggest one was always to bring a TON of snacks for the kids – I did most of my running when I had two littles, so lots of double jogger action. Then with my third, he was a squirm and could either unbuckle or wiggle out of the seat belt by 15 months – not pleasant! Mine just didn’t love the jogger, no matter how obnoxious I was trying to keep them happy! So adorable, you jogging with Brooke – I love it. My long run is 15 on sunday. After 3 kids, I am kind of glad to be done with the jogger;-)
Have a great night!

Reply

The picture of you by the stroller with Brooke looking at you is ADORABLE!!

Reply

I just ordered a double jogger 2 days ago and can’t wait to try it out…thanks for tips!

Reply

You are amazing, rocking the long runs with a baby!!

Reply

I hate you! (Okay, TOTALLY kidding.) But I am very jealous you already have signs of spring. We had signs of more winter today–a.k.a. more snow. I’ll be lucky if I see signs of spring by May–and that’s no exaggeration!

Reply

You really are a badass! I have never pushed one of those jogging strollers, but they look heavy and awkward. You have a lot of good tips that I’m sure a lot of people with jogging strollers are going to appreciate.

I don’t know what the long run plans are for me this weekend. I’m on my second rest day after a few crappy runs and a couple of bad nights sleep, which usually hint that I may be overtraining. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. :)

Have a nice weekend!

Reply

Sooo I’m running a 12K on St Paddy’s Day and I definitely just bought those compression socks – cannot WAIT! Tonight we are having tacos and a movie night and I cannot WAIT! This weekend I’m going to a spin class with a friend and then long running 12 miles on Sunday… it’s supposed to be gorgeous in SF and I can’t wait to take advantage of the weather! (There’s also the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon so if you guys happen to be in SF it’s SO MUCH FUN to watch!)

Reply

Oops, it looks like my old contact info saved!

Reply

AMAZING job! Seriously you are my inspiration that some day I will run fast. Right now my pace is 8:45-9:09 without a jogger, but I need to be patient and keep doing my speed work. Way to go!

Reply

Someday, when I have babies I will have to think of these posts for inspiration when I make attempts to push a jogging stroller around!

I went to see a movie with my husband tonight and in just a little while I’m doing a midnight fun run with a local running group!

Reply

That is amazing!!! I think it’s tough running w/ two large dogs! WOW! I always do my longest run on Sunday. I’ve been injured for the past two weeks and I finally think I’m able to run again. Fingers crossed!

Reply

My girls & I stop and shop on my runs…it helps break it up for them! Today I pushed both of them + diaper bag + Trader Joe’s haul! Whew. I agree with tons of snacks and toys to keep them happy. Tonight we had leftover Thai food & I’m running 2 miles tomorrow :)

Reply

I love that you’re able to spend so much time with your peanut! She is so stinkin cute!

Sarah
http://www.thinfluenced.com

Reply

I’m currently watching Duck Dynasty for the first time. So funny! I hate part of an M&MS shake and I have some chocolate covered cookie dough bites we might whip out.

Tomorrow I’m doing a 10 mile run with a friend who is training for a half. Woohoo!

Reply

Just le me say… That pic of you and Brooke is amazing!!
I always have snacks ready for my girl as I run with her. When all else fails, I hand her my phone so she can listen to the music. Unfortunately she no longer naps in the bob. Sad.

Reply

I’m having a homemade veggie burger tonight, most importantly with sweet potato fries :) :)

Going for a long-ish run tomorrow gotta get my playlist ready :)

Reply

Ella thinks she is such hot stuff now that she can sit in the cart! It looks like Brooke feels the same way :)

Reply

My daughter found your blog for me a few months ago as I was healing up from some breast cancer surgery and was unable to run. All is great now and I am healed enough that I can finally get back at it. Yippee! Your daily posts filled with fun photos, funny comments and your overall positive attitude have been a wonderful treat to read. Spring has not quite sprung here in Michigan yet so I will be treadmilling my way back to my previous state of fitness for another month or so inside. I always need a running goal to look forward to on the calendar so myself and my husband , my two college-aged kids and several friends just signed up for the Las Vegas Rock n Roll half marathon in November. Can’t wait! Anyway, just wanted to thank you for helping to keep me motivated and live vicariously through your running while I couldn’t. P.S. I am obsessed now with that aqua jacket that you were wearing in one of your recent post. I will have to track that down…nothing like new running gear to brighten a girls day!

Reply

I love how she looks at you.

Reply

I love that you include Brooke in all of your runs, I think that’s so awesome and makes me feel better about having kids and still being able to keep up my running!

Reply

I’m going to a wedding tonight and will be eating the awesome food there tonight. I won’t be doing a long run this weekend because I’m currently injured! I have hip tendonitis and I had five PT sessions but it hasn’t gotten any better and I was out of the country for 3 weeks so I wasn’t able to do any therapy. So I’m going back to the doctor soon… But I’ve been a complete emotional wreck lately because I haven’t been running! Have any tips for staying sane through a running injury? (this is my second but the first one wasn’t this bad)

What are your doing tonight?

Most importantly… what are you eating tonight?

Long run this weekend?

Reply

Ummm. You are incredible! That pace is crazy with the stroller =) =) Running solo is gong to feel like you are flying!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo

Reply

I’m still working on running 15 miles… mad props to your long stroller runs! I can’t even run holding my iPhone :)

Reply

Brooke is just so cute! It looks like she’s thinking “theres my mommy!” in that picture of you with her in the jogging stroller.

I don’t have a baby, but I have heard people say that if your baby/young child gets fussy in the jogging stroller haging a small mirror on the visor/cover part.

Reply

Oh my gosh, look at the way Brooke looks at you, that seriously is one of the cutest Mommy/baby pics I’ve ever seen! So adorable to see how much she loves you! I think she must also love that you run.
And I’m totally jealous of the spring arrival for you, I live in New England so it will be about 6 months before spring arrives -maybe a minor exageration, but it will be a while.

Reply

Do you run with Brooke facing toward you? Or does she face outward/away from you?

Reply

She is facing outward!

Reply

CANNOT wait for my BOB!! Should be here this week :D
And I do the same thing with G- the nap timing so that she gets a good morning nap while I’m out doing a long run :)
Oh, and I saw that tip about pinning the blanket to the straps…so smart…definitely doing that.

Reply

Thanks for the great advice! I’m still getting used to using the jogger. It’s tough not to be able to swing each of my arms freely when running.

Reply

Snacks! Starting with easy foods they could eat by themselves, puffs, Sprouts (or Buddy Fruits, Peter Rabbits, etc) little cups of chopped fruits, I gave my girls snacks p. the run and they love it. A. still naps too so I definitely use nap time!

Reply

Great pic of you and Brooke. Her smile is awesome!
Jogging stroller tips – use one arm and switch back and forth.
Keep chewy sugary snack in slot near handle for long runs :)
Buy a stroller you can plug your iPod into!

Reply

My long run coming up this week is thursday and is only 7 miles! Ah working up to my first half marathon. I can only dream of getting as fast as you one day! and with a stroller no less jeez!

Reply

That’s fantastic that you run with Brooke! With 2 boys aged 2 and 1 (and no running stroller – I used to use a double stroller with bigger wheels – not ideal!) I now have to go really early in the morning before their dad goes to work. I used to run with them both and I would tell them I was going to start running. Instead of cheers, I got “No Mummy, no run, no run!” Not the most encouraging response… Had my long run yesterday with my sister in the rain! Love reading your blog!

Reply

You are awesome! I struggle running 15 miles alone, I don’t know how I would be able to do it pushing a baby! You are super mom!

Reply

I bought new Brooks PureConnects this weekend after reading all of your thoughts on the PureFlows (and the Brooks site recommended the Connects for me) and I LOVE THEM! I’m 7 months pregnant and my feet have grown (ugh) so I needed shoes that fit and would keep my feet from hurting on my walks – they are PERFECT! Thanks for introducing me to the Pure line :)

Reply

I love your blog! It’s so inspiring. I don’t have kids yet but my husband and I are ready to start trying. I’d love to train for a marathon right now in my life but I want to be a mom more. What a great plan to train for one after baby is born- extra motivation to get back in shape and spend time with your child. Love it. Brooke is so cute!

Reply

do you wear your PureCadence 2’s for all of your long runs? I have the Pure Cadence 1’s and wear them for short and mid-distance, then normally wear the Glycerins for long runs (10+). But I am in love with the Cadences and want to get the 2’s. Do you think I can use them for long runs too?? Do your feet feel ok after a lot of miles in them? So curious to know!

Reply

You two look so cute! I didn’t have a jogging stroller when my little one was a baby and running with it was sooo hard. I only did really short runs with it. But this post was such an inspiration, thanks!

Reply

I’m trying to look at this from the outside. My daughter has been running for about 8 years, she’s now 17. From my personal parental observations, I can honestly say I think a child that is young enough to be in a stroller will probably not remember running the race.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *