We are an active family and love spending time outdoors. If the weather is beautiful outside, I would much rather hit the trails WITH my boys than run the treadmill. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and decisions based on life circumstances… I choose running with my boys.
As the boys get older, the dynamics of our running together has changed. I used to push a single jogger, then a double jogger, then a double jogger with a little bike rider. Up until recently it was two big boys riding while I would push the youngest in the jogger.
This weekend the whole bike riding and mommy running tide has changed. This happened.
My youngest decided that he no longer wanted training wheels on his bike. He was ready. He also didn’t want mommy to help him as he rode independently. He just took off! No help. No hesitation. He was on his own successfully riding with two wheels. A little side note, he had his balance down by 13 months when he got his balance bike. He also knew how to pedal. The trick was combining these two skills at the same time.
This mile marker event happened this weekend. Since then, he and the boys have been enjoying the newfound freedom of riding bikes up and down our street. Sorry neighbors.
On Monday, I had a 3 mile training run on the schedule and the boys wanted to go for a bike ride. We compromised and hit the trails to run/ride… they rode and I ran behind/alongside them.
We successfully covered 4 miles with little incident. It was a run – walk – stop repeat type workout… but everyone remained happy and no tears were shed! Mommy win!
I have shared my tips and tricks on how to run WITH children while pushing them in the jogger, tips to always be prepared while exercising with kids,as well as how to have a successful bike ride as a family.
As my boys get older, a new challenge of working out with them is introduced. I can no longer strap them in the jogger or bike trailer. They are included and must participate. This is new territory for us… and we are learning as we go. Here are my 5 tips how to run while your children ride bikes.
5 Tips for Running While Children Ride Bikes
Like the boy scout (or girl scout) motto, once must always be prepared. As a mom, every venture out of the house makes me recite a list of must have items to bring a long just in case something happens. Always be prepared is a great motto to have when embarking on these adventures with kiddos.
Set expectations BEFORE you start.
Before we start on our adventure, I do my best to set clear guidelines and expectations. For example: if I can’t see you that means you are too far from mommy. Don’t ride too fast because I have trouble keeping up. Stay together. Stay on the right side of the trail. And many more!
Bring food (snacks) and water.
I purchased a hydration pack, from my local big box store, for each of the boys. It is kid sized and fits them perfectly. They carry their water and snacks on their backs. Working out: hiking, biking, exploring is a lot of work for their little bodies! Making sure they are properly hydrated and fueled is important. Not only for energy but also moral!
Bring a mini first aid kit just in case.
As a mom, we know that we must always be prepared. You never know what you will encounter or find when exploring trails and excitement. I try to remember to pack a mini first aid kit in the oldest’s pack… just in case.
Walkie talkies are fun for all.
Clipping a walkie talkie (on the loudest volume level) to their bikes has been a godsend for me when riding bikes on the trail. They each have a walkie talkie on their bike. I also have one. They are not allowed to touch or talk on it while riding. However, I can use my walkie talkie to tell them to stop, slow down, come back instead of yelling on the trail (on in a neighborhood).
Using the walkie talkies has helped keep the fun fitness endorphins running on high instead of having the panic and frustration of non-listening ears rule.
Must have patience.
We must remember that we are dealing with children and are making memories. Bring your patience. This is not going to be a relaxing, mind numbing, and refreshing run on the trail… it is a run with your children. Have patience, enjoy the journey, enjoy the memory you are making with your children.
Rebecca Jo says
I’m sure patience is the top of the list 🙂
Rachel says
Yes! Perhaps I should have listed that one FIRST! 🙂 haha
Melissa Running It says
That walkie talkie suggestion is brilliant! True confession: my (almost adult) kids never learned to ride bikes. I think I was 13 or 14 when I learned 🙂
Rachel says
Thank you. I think I was older (than 4) when I learned to ride a bike with only 2 wheels too. 🙂
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! says
Great tips – I’m about to start running with my daughter on her bike – we had done it with her on a scooter and a short bike ride once, but this is going to be fun. She has walkie talkies for being out in the neighborhood playing with friends and communicating with us, but I’ll take them with us on our run/ride!
Rachel says
Yay! Thank you! Yes, the walkie talkies have been a HUGE savor in my patience and voice while out on these adventures! No more mommy yelling in the neighborhood or trail… ruining the other hikers/bikers/home owners day! 🙂
Abigal says
You have made good and awesome tips. I have been running alone but now I will try to go with my daughter.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
First aid kit for sure! I learned the hard way a couple of weeks ago. Major crash, blood and having to carry my son and his bike while practically pulling our dog and convincing his sister that we needed to get home fast.
Rachel says
Yikes. That would be scary! I am glad (I assume) you all lived to tell the tale to ride another day. 🙂
Coco says
These are really great tips! I would have the hardest with managing my own expectations.
Rachel says
Yes. That is why I listed it first (although patience should have been listed h igher too). 🙂 When I let them know my end I remind myself that they are still KIDS (8, 6 4) it helps ME with my own personal expectations too. 🙂
Michelle says
any tips on brands of walkie talkies? I haven’t had luck getting a good one.
Rachel says
The walkie talkies we use are actually from the toy aisle.. under the kids ‘spy’ collection. They claim that it has a range of 2 miles!! But I hope to NEVER be 2 miles from my child. LOL The set is only around $25… and works great. 🙂