Running Tips for Running Moms

Here are some running tips to help you get the most out of your run and better yet, enjoy your experience as a running mom.

Why not run with your baby and get a workout for you and some fresh air for your baby. Talk about multi-tasking! ;-)

The key is to start running with your baby early. If they don't get used to it in the first couple months, it's harder to get them into it when they're a year or so old. Still, it's worth a try at any point as long as your baby can fit in the stroller (from about two-four months to about three years old).

The benefits of pushing a jogging stroller for you are you can get in a run without needing a babysitter, and in addition to the leg workout, you also get in a good arm workout pushing that stroller, so you will be fitter than ever. I can finally do pushups for the first time in my life after running with my jogging stroller!

Just remember, give yourself time, time to adjust to pushing the stroller and time running slower because you are doing a lot more work then just running on your own. But once you get used to it, some moms even find it easier to run with the stroller then without it.

You can even find a double stroller if you have more than one baby to push. I've even seen moms pushing three kids in a jogging stroller on my runs in the park.

How to entertain your baby while you are running? Bring a pacifier or bottle, a few of her favorite toys and if you are doing a long run, maybe even take a brake in the middle of the run to do some running around on the playground. Here are some more running tips for using a running stroller.

And once your baby is to old to sit in the stroller, what do you do? Get a tricycle and have your child ride alongside you while you run.

The reason I started running-mom.con was because I wanted to keep running after I had my baby and I could not find good nursing running bras. So I asked some other moms what they wear and I was thrilled with all the helpful advice I got.

And here are some running sports bra reviews if you are looking for specific recommendations for you needs. There are reviews from moms of all sizes.

Then you may want to check out these running tips on breastfeeding. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. And if you live in a city of mass transportation like I do and don't have the option of hiding in your car, check out these tips on breastfeeding in public.

These running tips go for the new runner and the experienced runner. I think the toughest lesson for me to learn as a running mom is to not push myself too hard, too fast. This applies to each run and to the whole running experience.

What I've finally learned from some of my fellow running moms is to congratulate yourself for every accomplishment. If you ran a 31 minute 5k for the first time after giving birth, don't beat yourself up because you could run a 29 minute 5k before giving birth.

You have way more on your plate now and whether you were a runner before or not, you are brand new to being a running mom. It's a new experience and therefore every achievement is a new achievement.

Shortness of breath, side cramps...sound familiar? These can be remedied by slowing down. My running mentor told me when I first started that I should be able to sing while I'm running.

I've learned to conserve my energy so I don't make a habit of this, but I try singing every now and then just to make sure I'm capable of it. If I'm not, I know I'm running too fast.

Actually the singing comes in handy if you're pushing a jogging stroller and your baby is becoming restless.

I'm a firm believer in walk breaks. It's how I've gotten through running, and pushing a jogging stroller, sometimes twenty miles at a time and it's how I DECREASED my running time on my longer runs.

The point is that you can go longer distances without wearing out because you have given yourself walk breaks to recover and feel refreshed for the next so many minutes of running. Read more about walk breaks here.

After being very confused by all the runners world articles that talk about running at marathon pace, ez pace, tempo pace, and wondering how I know what pace I am running, I finally asked some of my more experienced running friends for some running tips.

Apparently, not ALL runners are math wizards. The trick is that you can tell the Garmin before your run how fast you want to run and if you're going to fast or too slow, it will beep at you and tell you to slow down or speed up.

Do you feel like the minute you get out the door and start running, your bladder seems to have an automatic button that forces you to start looking for a bathroom or making sure no one is watching while you pee behind a bush? And it only gets worse with each baby you push out right!

When these exercises aren't enough, rethink the way you hydrate. Instead of drinking a big glass of water before your run out the door, think small, frequent sips. And be sure to stay fueled all the time.

When I'm getting ready to do a race, I make sure that I have focused on fueling up the day before. Also, I carry water with me and take a couple sips every ten minutes.

Even though I am a huge fan of running with my jogging stroller, and go on most of my runs with it, sometimes you just need to get out there and go for a solo run.

It's good for that "me time," it's so encouraging to see what you're capable of (it's like running a race on flat ground after training in the hills) and it's necessary at least every now and then if you are training for a race since the races usually don't let you push a jogging stroller.

But I know how hard it can be to get a sitter, especially if you are single or your husband is away a lot, or you'd prefer to use the precious time you have with him for other things. So here's my suggestion for how to get in some solo running time.

Start a running mom group of, say four people who live in your area. You can all run together once a week. And then once a week, make it a playdate, all the kids and all but one or two of the moms hang out, and the other one or two moms get a break to go for a solo run or run together.

You can meet other running moms here and start your own running mom group or see if there is already one in your area.

It's free. It comes to you in an email once a month (for now...when I have more time on my hands I'll start putting it out twice a month) and it's about moms like you. I interview a different running mom each month and share her inspiring stories and tips with you.

If you are pregnant and wondering if you can run, the running tips I've heard from doctors and runners alike seems to be: don't start a new exercise while you are running, but if you're already a runner, keep at it. Just be sure to take it slow, listen to your body, get plenty of fuel and stretching before and after your run is especially important when you are pregnant.

For more tips on running during pregnancy, how it can help prevent morning sickness, and stories from other running moms who ran during there pregnancies, click here.

If you are a beginner runner, you might also want to check out these running tips.

Share your running tips and stories. How do you stay sane while being a running mom?

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