Speed Runs Plus One - Tips for Running with a Toddler

Running with a toddler is clearly not as easy as lacing up and leaving the house whenever I want without a care in the world, but it is a different type of fun altogether.

Last week I attended a Speed Run class on the Michael Johnson Track at Nike World Headquarters. When I arrived and began warming up I parked Logan’s stroller on the side since he was sleeping. Sure enough about 5 minutes into the workout he was awake and not happy on the sidelines. So I decided to do the workout with the stroller.

Logan chilling in the stroller.

Logan chilling in the stroller.

Stroller sprinting slows you down, but it’s a different type of slow. You’re getting more of a strength workout as well because of having to push the stroller.

The workout itself was the perfect length for me and for Logan’s attention span. Keep reading to see the full workout and some tips for keeping a toddler happy on the run!

Speed Workout

Warm-up

  • A Skips

  • B Skips

  • Hops

  • Strides

Workout

1 Mile Warm-up Run

1 - 800m (90 Second rest)

1 - 600m (90 Second rest)

1 - 400m (90 Second rest)

2 - 100m (90 Second rest between each)

1 Mile Cool Down

Takeaways

Running with a baby or toddler in a stroller is more challenging, but so worth it. Not only do you get a good workout in, you show your child that you care about your body enough to challenge it and bring them along. Plus - it was fun to bring him to a coached workout. There were other runners cheering and high-fiving along the way and that was encouraging.

I know this doesn’t happen everywhere - but Coach Julia had her 8-week old baby at the track as well and that was so inspiring to see her bringing her along for the ride. Strength and camaraderie in motherhood and track workouts!

Tips for Keeping Your Kiddo Happy

  1. Snacks!! Keep them munching during your workout.

  2. Vary what you do. Sprint workouts are great because you start and stop at different points.

  3. Keep your workout one hour or under.

  4. Be prepared to modify or skip out early if your child is just not having it. In my experience this rarely happens - most the time with the right amount of preparation and snacks they actually have fun in the stroller. Make it an adventure!

  5. Music - bring a portable speaker and keep the tunes playing!

What are your favorite tips for running with a baby?

Karen Poole