Running with a Stroller

Hey guys! Hope you had a great day!

The good news?

Today, we finally got a little rain! We were in desperate need of a little moisture around here to help with the wildfires taking over our state. I love summer rain!

The bad news?

Brent washed/completely detailed my car yesterday…

Isn’t that how it always works? I swear every time I give my car a bath it rains the very next day!

After the rain settled down I decided to go for a little run with Tanner and Baylee.

Running with a stroller is tough. Running with a stroller and kids is even tougher.. but if you run with just a stroller and no kids, your probably a weirdo. If you don’t have kids or never will, but maybe you have a fat dog that can’t run and may require a stroller for a run. Either way, you could probably relate to this post. 

Here are my tips for making it through your run with a stroller and things to look for when you are looking to purchase a running stroller, so you can have great running experience and your kids enjoy the ride.

#1 Find a running stroller that fits you.

You want the stroller handles to hit right above your belly button. It’s a common mistake to get a stroller that is to low and you end up hunched over. Keeping a  good posture is important while running and if you find that your upper back is a little sore from a stroller run, you may need to find another stroller that fits your height.

#2 Find a stroller that has a wheel that has a lock.

I believe most running strollers come with a locked wheel, but I love that my stroller has a little flip switch that can unlock it for easy maneuver/swivel when going on a walk or locked for running. If you are running with a stroller it is best to have the wheel locked or it will bounce as you run.

#3 Bring snacks/toys

When I go for long runs (remember to kids, 3 miles is long.) I make sure to bring a few snacks and maybe a small toy or two just incase they get a little fidgety. Annie's bunnies, make for great running fuel too.

#5 Hold the outside of the stroller and lean into it.

I find if I keep my hands out wide on the handle and lean in I can keep a comfortable pace without changing my stride to much. Running with a stroller can make you run differently, I tend to run more up then across when I push the stroller (if that makes sense?) if I don’t think about leaning into it.

#6 Dress your kids appropriately.

Depending on the weather, make sure they are comfortable. Gloves, Hat, Shorts, Sunscreen, whatever  the conditions are make sure you don’t forget to prepare for the elements. My stroller has shades that help with sun, or rain and they are adjustable to the point the shade can go in front of them or over their head. My kiddos will not keep sunglasses on so this comes in handy on those summer runs.

#7 Blast off!

Playing blast off with the kids is one of their favorite games to play. If they start to get a little fussy, I start to count down- 3,2.1 Blast Off! Then push the stroller ahead of me a little bit and sprint to it. I enjoy it, because I get to move my arms and run without holding on to the bus for 2.2.

#8 Run on even ground.

Sometimes your run will take you to uneven sidewalks (like my neighborhood) and your babe/s will be bouncing all over the place. When this happens I take it to the street. I feel as if my stroller is the size of a smart car and is completely street legal. Okay, not really.. but I would rather run on the street then deal with uneven sidewalks any day.

#9 Get a five point harness

Baby B, Flashback.. 1 year!

I think strollers with five point harnesses are just safer, especially when running. You know just incase you have to come to an emergency stop to avoid running right over somebody’s dog while sprinting in the middle of blast off. (See point #7)

#10 Relax and take your I pod

Lets face it, running with kids hardly actually gives me that “runners high.” Some runs they do great and some runs are stop and go. Moms that run with strollers tend to carry a little extra stress. (Moms stressed? Never.)  Relax your shoulders and get them out of your ears. If my kids become restless and are just done being in the stroller, because I probably ran out of snacks… or accidently may of used them for “fuel”.  I just plug in my headphones, turn up the tunes and enjoy the run back home.

There are plenty of great running strollers out there, make sure you try them out before you purchase them. They don’t have to be fancy schmancy with speakers, pockets, cup holders or mini fridges.

Be comfortable, and have fun. My kids get all excited like a dog when ever I say the words “You want to go for a run.” That is what is important to me, they are learning that fitness can be fun, exploring new trails, feeling the wind through their hair… and oh ya, they get a snack bucket and don’t even have to wear shoes.

(These were the days..)

This is the good life.

Question of the day:

Any other tips out there for stroller runners?

Proud to be an American!

Hope you are all having a great fourth of July, and celebrating in remembrance of those who fought for our country. Along with a little family time and food!





Last night we headed up to a local fireworks show that my family has gone to every year, as long as I can remember.


The twins loved the band, dancing, people watching glow sticks and the fireworks! Well, Baylee did. Tanner wasn’t to sure about them for the first 10 minutes…



Boys.. never stop moving.. he sure can groove.
We got home WAY past bedtime, but it was well worth it!
Today, I woke up at 6:30 to meet some of my favorite girls for a quick workout in the park!

We did this workout, this is one of my favorite workouts to do when on vacation, because you don’t need any equipment, and you can do it in a hotel room! It gets my heart rate up and it absolutely kills your core and gets that heart rate up with burpees and  adds a little fire to your legs with switch lunges!
Tara was about the only one to pull the splits out. I attempted with a big fail. This girl is no gumby any more..
After the workout we had plans to go to a parade that was close to our home but the twins slept in! The late night party wore them out! They slept until 10:30! What kind of mom would I be to disturb that sleep and not take a little nap myself?
When they woke up I made them a patriotic protein pancake breakfast!!
Patriotic Protein Pancakes!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt 
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 egg
• Blueberries
• Strawberries

Directions:


Add all ingredients except blueberries and strawberries into a blender and blend until combined well. Pour on hot skillet and  drop desired amount of blueberries on top of each batter blob. Wait about 1 minute to flip, these do not bubble they ended up being a little more dense. Let cook on other side for another minute.
Top with dollop of Greek yogurt and blueberries and sliced strawberries!

They loved them! I’m pretty sure Tanner could of eaten the entire box of blueberries himself!

It wouldn’t be the fourth of July without a family BBQ and swim party! Brent's family all got together for some food and fun.

Tanner and Baylee are now LOVING the water!

Burgers were served! Check out the spread!

I filled my plate with a lean ground turkey burger, tomatoes, lettuce, deviled egg, asparagus, and a little fruit! I went back for seconds for more of that watermelon! It was the best watermelon I have had all season.




We came home to put the babies down for a nap and Brent and I caught up on the Bachelorette.. classy. Buh bye Chris. Hate to break it to you, but you can blame your sister..

source
When it cooled down a little bit,
I RAN!!!
I took a little test run with my quad to see how it would feel. Do I dare say it feels better? I can still feel it a little bit but it didn’t get worse as I kept going. I was able to complete 3 miles. I felt great endurance wise but couldn’t ignore the quad. I promised myself if it hurt I would stop. It did hurt, but nothing bad enough to scare me to stop. It felt AMAZING to run! I missed it.. but I still am going to keep it easy, I have a half marathon next weekend… I’m not sure about it yet. I told Brent if I can’t then he could. He. is. stoked.
The rest of the night we just hung out with a few neighbors and shot of a few fireworks to wrap up the holiday.
 

Happy Fourth!!

Let the festivities begin

My favorite Holiday week has officially begun!
This morning Brent and I went to GPP and did this workout. I love tabatas! I was pretty sweaty beast.
This weekend I promised I would share my recipe for the salad I brought to the blogger potluck last Saturday! It's easy and simple. Heck, its just a salad. But a delicious one at that!

Chicken Artichoke Parmesan Salad

• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• 6 oz. Grilled Chicken
• 1 15 oz. can of Artichoke
• Grape tomatoes
• Sliced Almonds

Top with Lucini, Bold Parmesan & Garlic dressing!
I love this salad because it is simple and can come together quick and effortlessly.
Breakfast this morning also came together easily
Sweet potato waffles, egg whites with spinach with some grilled chicken. I know, I’m weird.. but Brent grilled it late last night and I didn’t have any and woke up wanting it, so I did.


Tonight we headed to a local car show, I think it was the first one but T was in absolute heaven. This little boy is all about anything cars, trains, motorcycles or helicopters


My FIL has a 56 Chevy Bel-Air that he had out for display. We made sure to swing by and hang out with him for a little bit.


Before heading over to watch the motorcycles do some crazy stunts. They were insane, a talent that I will never have the guts to do…

It was fun seeing nice and expensive cars but I’m a bigger van of the classics. Check this one out!

A VW bus!! If I’m ever forced to be a mini van mom (not that there is anything wrong with that), I’m going to request this gem. Freals.
It was a perfect ending to the day! Tomorrow there are fireworks!!

The sunsets in Bountiful are pretty amazing.

Its way past my bedtime! I was planning on sharing my July goals but it will have to wait till tomorrow.
Goodnight Y’all.

Simple Sunday

 

This morning we slept in until about 8 am. Which is pretty rare around here. We were glad for the extra Z’s because we stayed up late watching Couple Retreat. It was my first time seeing it and I thought it was pretty good. I didn’t even fall asleep! (I am famous for falling asleep every time we start a movie late.) Vince Vaughn cracks me up. Brent and I were laughing so hard, at some points.. Kids really do change things, if you know what I mean.

Our church service starts at 9 so we made a quick breakfast for the twins. They love pancakes but because we didn’t have much time, I pulled out a normal pancake mix, added some oats for some staying power and they gobbled them up fast.

Clean up, wipe face, change diapers, put on church clothes, brush, style and do hair, shoes and go! We were only a half-hour late.

Later,  we decided to go for a jeep ride! There are several canyons and trails close to our house that we need to take advantage of, before it catches on fire too. (There are several fires in Utah right now…)

I love this canyon and love the fact it is 10 minutes away from my home and the view overlooks my hometown.

It was beautiful! The view was amazing when we hit the peak. I love the mountains! Just looking up and seeing nothing but pine trees makes me happy.

So does this guy!

The twins LOVE going for a ride in the “beep”!

Tanner has nailed cheese, but Bee thinks I will give her a cracker… and cheese..

The trail we took today was up at the “B” in Bountiful, I occasionally do a little fun run up to this point, it’s a great hill training run!

We wrapped up the night with a simple dinner and a walk around the neighborhood.

I’m loving our warm summer nights! I crave everything that comes along with them like food fresh off the grill and simply just chilling with my little family on the grass.

Welcome JULY!!

I can’t believe its already July! Summer is flying by! My favorite holiday is this week, we have some fun activities planned, car show, pool party and of course fireworks!!

Question of the day:

What is your favorite summer meal?

Do you have a family 4th tradition?