Baby Joggers

Even though its only the beginning of Feb, I have officially begun my training for a half marathon. This reminds me of a tip for all running moms out there. After Tyler was born I had purchased a baby jogger thinking about all the wonderful quality running time we could spend together. Then I found out the kind I bought required that the baby be 6 months old before using it. By then, it was already turning too cold to take him out running. Thus it sat all winter. Come spring, I decided to take on the half marathon challenge. After my long run of 10 miles, I took a day off and the following day decided to take out the baby jogger. Half way thru 3 miles, my hip started to hurt. I figured it was just fatigued from the weekend run. So the next day I went out with the jogger as well. After 5 miles I could barely walk. I was so confused as to how my body could fall apart so fast. I was injured enough that I skipped the half marathon two weeks later. I decided to speak with my chiropractor and the physical therapist that works in her office. The issue was very plain and simple yet something I had not considered. When someone runs their body (for the most part) is straight upright. When running with a baby jogger, you have to lean forward in order to push or hold on to the handle. Just that slight leaning forward is enough to put pressure on your hip joints and cause injury. So this year I will NOT be running with the baby jogger as I prepare for the half marathon and instead use it for light jogs after the competition. I am hoping to keep my hip joints healthy (as well as everything else) and be able to compete.

So the tip is: be very careful and cognizant of your body & alignment while running with a baby jogger...it can be very rewarding to be out there together as long as you can keep your body safe from injury