One of my favourite bits of running kit has to be my running pram. It means I can go out for long runs, spend time with my son, and let my wife have some much earned rest, all at the same time. Back when I was training and competing seriously I never thought I'd enjoy running slower, taking in the view, and being in the experience, but I couldn't have been more wrong. This week, I've done two 20 mile runs with my son in the pram (out of a total of 102 miles). The 25 year-old me would have thought this was crazy! BenefitsThe pram runs give me a chance to run slower, and they act as a great recovery run, even if I do get some big miles in. My running form changes slightly and the challenge becomes more mental than physical. These runs are all about keeping moving and getting the miles done. Of course, one of the key benefits is spending time with my son. With the pace being slower I'm able to talk to him, and keep him entertained. However, he does love being outside and watching the world go by, so some days I have an easy job! ChallengesThere are a couple of challenges to overcome when running with the pram, but they create the mental strength training that is a key element of pram running, and something that is vital for ultra marathon running.
The first is the weather. In the colder months, I put the rain cover on to act as a wind shield for my son so he doesn't get too cold. During these months, there's also a lot more wind and the pram starts to act as a wind barrier that I have to push. When there's a head wind this can become a physical challenge in itself. It slows me down a little bit, but it adds to that mental challenge that I see as a benefit. I just concentrate on getting the miles in and let the worries about pace slip into the back of my mind. Secondly, finding routes is a challenge. It's best to run somewhere flat so that you can actually run. Where I live, this limits me to one place really...the seafront. So to get the big miles in I need to run up and down the seafront. This isn't something that bothers me really as it's an awesome place to run, but it can get monotonous. Still, it adds to that mental challenge that I love about pram running. I currently use the Hauck Runner. It's a great running pram - light and easy to control, and comfortable for the little man.It's folded up size isn't the smallest but it can fit in any car. And at an affordable price I'd recommend it to anyone looking to get started with pram running.
2 Comments
Great motivation and thinking around this idea. It's definitely a win all round. I used to take our oldest (when he was a baby) up the local hills where we lived back then in a running pram very similar to your Hauck. In fact I think it was a Hauck, but just an older model. It worked great offroad on the trails and he used to sleep through all the bouncing and jostling around. Perfect training for the legs on hills with the added weight of pushing! We've still got it in the shed outside, I might go take a look out of curiosity now to see what model it is.
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Dan
18/12/2022 05:50:46 am
Thanks Sean. It's awesome to start getting him used to the outdoors at a young age. He loves it too, which an added bonus!
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