We have partnered with New Balance San Antonio to kick off our 2014: Hit the Ground Running Series. Last week, we covered all you need to know about the gear you need – shoes, sports bras and weather appropriate clothing. Today, we’ll cover tips on getting yourself out there and keeping with your resolution to walk, jog and run.
One of the things I love the most about running is that I can take my kids with me and they see their mom in action. My kids are growing up knowing that fitness is important to me and that I make time for it. They know the sound of their mom huffing and puffing up hills, pep talking herself through a long run and the thrill of the wind in their hair when their mom gets a burst of energy and sprints to a finish. But there are a few helpful hints to know before you head out the door with kids in tow:
1. Start slow! You aren’t going to hit the pavement today and run a full marathon tomorrow. I like the equation of walk/run. Try to aim for a 30 minute work out to begin (it doesn’t matter how far you go, just focus on the time) and walk for two minutes, run for one minute. Alternate this on your first few runs. Once you’ve got two minutes down, increase your running time and decrease your walking time (try walk 1 minute, run 2 minutes; next walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes, etc.) Before you know it, you’ll have a full 30 minutes under your belt and you’ll be ready to add on some extra time or distance.
2. Invest in a great jogging stroller. Yes, strollers can be expensive but they are well worth the investment. I figure that the money I spent on my jogging stroller will work out to be much less than a gym membership over the course of the years that I will use it. Plus, you aren’t limited to just running time while you use your stroller so I suggest getting a great jogger as your primary stroller with a super cheap umbrella stroller as a back up. I purchased my jogging stroller new but bought “last year’s version” at the end of the year when the company came out with a newer model, putting their old models on sale. There are also great ways to purchase used strollers. Keep an eye out on Craig’s List. Scope out the baby/children’s resale shops and get to know the store owner – let them know exactly what you are looking for and, often times, they’ll call you if a match comes in. Or go to the consignment sales around the city – Just Between Friends has one coming up April 10-12, 2014.
3. I get my kids excited about going on runs by having them put on their “running clothes”. Hit up New Balance San Antonio and let your kids pick out their own bright-colored New Balance shoes and gear. When we get close to the end of our run, I’ll let them out of the stroller and have them run the finish with me.
4. Plan your runs around snack time. My kids go in the jogging stroller and out come the snacks. Make sure you pick kid safe snacks and have a way to monitor your kids while they are eating to avoid a choking incident. Most good jogging strollers have a peek-a-boo window so that mom can keep an eye on the kids. I also suggest easy snacks like Multigrain Cheerios, Goldfish, Kashi bars, apples or pears. Common sense should tell you that yogurt + stroller = disaster!
5. Think of ways to keep your kids entertained for about an hour. Snacks will take up a nice little chunk of time but what happens once they are done? Some kids are content to sit and look at the trees (my daughter) but other’s need a little more entertainment (my son). Bring a few small toys that you know they will play with and keep some board books stored in the basket of your stroller. Play “I Spy” as you run on the trails or through the neighborhood. I started playing bi-lingual “I Spy” when regular I Spy got too easy. “I spy something amarillo” – and then teach them the word in Spanish once they guess.
6. Have fun! San Antonio has some great races and many are themed like the color runs, or pick a race that supports a cause you are passionate about. Visit runningintheusa.com and search San Antonio area races under their “Races” tab. Races are a great way to get involved in your running community and challenge yourself. Aim high and start training this summer for the San Antonio Rock N’ Roll Half or Full Marathon.
7. Find another mom that walks or runs about your pace. You are much more likely to get motivated if you have a partner to do it with you. Plus, what mom doesn’t like a little social time while shedding the pounds of the queso and chips from the night before? San Antonio has some great running groups but one of my favorites designed specifically for moms is Moms Run This Town. Or come out and meet other local moms at our 2014: Hit the Ground Running event on Saturday, January 25 at 9am at New Balance Quarry Village. We’ll start off the morning with smoothies, offer fittings of New Balance’s Psyche Personal Sports Bras, have a fun walk/run through Alamo Heights, enjoy meeting and socializing with other San Antonio area moms, and finish back at New Balance for healthy treats and giveaways. Strollers and kids are welcome! Register to join us.
This series is brought to you by New Balance San Antonio.
Great tips! One of my favorite iPhone apps is my Couch to 5K app from Active.com. I have the 10K version as well. You can pick from one of several virtual coaches to prompt you to walk and run. I’m hoping to get my rear in gear to do the Capitol 10K in Austin this spring!