Becoming A Running Family {With 3 Kids 5 And Under}

I have never been a runner. I never quite got the runners high that people speak of. But I recently saw some old friends post about runDisney races and then this blog post. The racers look so happy, with no sweat in sight. So in March, I decided to sign up the Wine & Dine Two Course Challenge held in November. With a goal in mind, it was time to start training.

I’m not going to lie. Running with a stroller is hard work. I am a frequent stroller user. Still I found my triceps were sore the day after running. An unexpected side effect. Some days we walked more than jogged and some days I was faster than others. But slowly I increased the distance by adding one more neighborhood loop at a time.

Each kid brought a toy (usually a car or animal figure) which entertained them. Sometimes a book.

We also played games like I spy, what sound do you hear (bird, dog, crickets) and other interactive games.

I figured it would be a good idea to get some real life race practice before the big half marathon in November, also realizing that the hot summer months meant only a few races left. I quickly signed myself up for the Hospice 5k and 2 weeks later earned my first race medal!

I found another race that awards finishers medals a couple of weeks later. After talking with my husband, who also decided to run the race, the 3 of us were all signed up! I didn’t register the 3 & 1 year old, but they attended the race via the stroller.

We started training, starting small. Initially, it was .2 miles. Then we upgraded to .5 mile loop. We have increased our loops a half mile at a time explaining that the race would be 6 loops in a row.

Drinks

Snacks (like goldfish)

Headphones with music of choice

Cap

Realizing we’re not going to be the fastest racers so it’s ok to stop and pick flowers.

Another fun thing to do is use streamers to set up a “finish line” to run through with streamers when increasing the distance for the first time. A little extra reward during the training phase!

My husband decided to run for time – eager to beat my March 5k time. And I would trail behind with the kids. In the end, we were all able to complete the race, earn our medals, and become more physically active as a family. It’s brought an unexpected bonding time and for that I’m thankful! As a side note, the Seize the Day 5k was an incredibly family-friendly event!