Updated March 2021.
Before I had kids I was trail running almost daily. I live in Colorado where I am surrounded by steep and rocky trails, and after my 2nd son was born I was wondering how I would keep up my favorite past-time with a double jogging stroller.
Well, I am here to tell you that trail running with kids is easier than you think! Here are 7 tips to help you get back out on the trails:
#1. Get a good stroller.
The word “good” is relative in this sentence. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a stroller; sometimes a second-hand stroller might be better for trail running; the trail is going to beat it up.
Ensure the stroller has knobby tires, front shocks and good suspension; it is important for the snow and ice. If you’re going to spend the money, Thule Chariot Lite Multisport Trailer & Stroller is a lightweight stroller, jogger bike trailer and ski pulk designed for active families.
Stroller Hack: If you can’t afford or don’t want to pay for a new stroller, but want to ensure your stroller is ready for stroller trail running regardless of the climate. Switch your wheels out. Purchase knobby tires from your local bike shop for the back tires and purchase a BOB front wheel. It is significantly cheaper than buying a new stroller.
#2: Strap em’ in and lock it up.
You may be thinking “of course”, but you wouldn’t believe how many people don’t strap in their kids. On a trail that is rocky or with any kind of incline/decline make sure that they are in tight! If you have a front tire that has a swivel option, make sure that it is locked. This will ensure that when you hit bumps or rocks the front tire goes straight over them, giving you and your kids a smoother ride.
#3: Where to go trail running in Denver
To discover stroller-friendly trails near you, go to Trailforks.com or Trails.com, or go to the map feature on your phone and pinpoint your current location. Then search for any large green patch close by, which usually indicates a park. Find the name of the park and go to the parks official website, you can usually find trail maps, trail information, etc. Also check-out our guide to the Best Denver-area parks for beginning trail runners (note: not all of them are stroller-friendly).
You may also need to change your mindset about what is “stroller-friendly”. There could be a rocky trail near you that you wouldn’t have considered pushing a stroller up but you will never know if you can do it until you try.
#4: Got Brakes?
If possible, ensure you get a stroller with a hand brake. Note, if you are purchasing an older model jogging stroller second-hand, they might not have a hand brake. Therefore, ensure you wear the safety strap tightly around your wrist when running on the trails to help stop the stroller easier.
#5: It’s all about that form, bout’ the form, no walking.
When going up steep hills, lean into the stroller and straighten your arms so all the weight isn’t in your biceps and keep moving. You need forward momentum to keep that stroller from rolling backward so don’t stop until you get to the top! When running on steep downhill’s with a jogging stroller, lean back slightly and take short quick steps. Let your quads do the work to slow you down.
#6: Learn how to do high rocks and stairs.
You can push a jogging stroller, especially a single jogger on most hiking trails- it just depends on how adventurous you are. If you come upon some rocky sections, don’t turn back. Here are a couple of tips that will help you conquer those rocks and keep on trekking!
- Lift the front tire up the rock and once it is on top or over the rock lift the back tires up and over, repeat this motion until you are over the rocks or up the stairs. This isn’t fast but it works. If you look like you are inch-worming the stroller up the rocks then you are doing it right. Just think about how much of a great upper body workout you are getting!
- On steep, rocky downhill’s it is also easier and safer to lift the front tire and slowly let the back tires drop down from rock to rock
- If it gets too hairy, get the kiddos out. Push the stroller through the difficult section and then go back for the kids (or if they are old enough have them hike that part on their own)
#7: No headphones.
The point of trail running is to access places deep in nature. Take this time to immerse yourself in the beauty and sounds of wildlife all around you. This is also the perfect opportunity to connect with your kids on a more fundamental level. Help to expand their world by expanding yours!
Now it is time to get out and rock those trails. We’d love to hear about your favorite local stroller-friendly hiking or jogging trail.
Author: Mile High Mamas
