Running with a Stroller Fucking Sucks.

Here’s Why You Should Do It Anyway

Much needed motivation from my neighbor’s lawn during a stroller run.

Disclaimer:
This advice is for parents. If you’re single and child-free, you don’t need to shove a pineapple in a stroller for the “experience.” Enjoy DINK-hood. Or being single. Just enjoy being stroller free while you can.

Running with a stroller is brutal.

You don’t realize how much momentum your arms provide during runs until a stroller takes them out of the equation.

You’re off balance, off stride and your arms are locked up. On top of all that, the kid can throw a moody or drop a turd at any moment.

Want to feel slow, awkward, and unathletic?

Congratulations: the stroller’s got you covered.

That being said, if you’re a parent, you should absolutely take advantage of training with a tot on wheels, here’s why.

Do It For the Abs

Every time you push that stroller up a hill, you’re basically sneaking strength training into your run. Your quads, hamstrings, core, shoulders — all of it gets put through the wringer.

If you’re like me, you avoid sit-ups the plague. Good news - a stroller run will give your core all the ab-work it needs. Skip the crunches and run with your munchkin!

Plus, when you finally ditch the stroller for a solo run, you'll feel superhuman.

Turns “Me Time” into “We Time”

It may not be the the zen run you feel like you need after a tough work day, but there’s an upside: You’re showing your kid that movement is part of life. Outside time matters, and fitness isn’t punishment — it’s just what we do.

They might not remember every mile, but they’ll grow up thinking of running as normal.

That's a huge win.

It Teaches You to Laugh at the Chaos

Your kid will drop snacks. They’ll make you stop to grab a leaf. They’ll probably shit themselves too.

You make find yourself on a trail you really don’t belong on with a stroller, but the kid will dig the adventure regardless.

Running with a stroller teaches you to stop expecting perfect conditions.
You lace up, roll with it, and get it done anyway you can.

It’s not just good training for your next 5k, but it helps you deal with the unexpected in other ways too.

Final Thoughts

Running with a stroller fucking sucks. No sugar-coating it.
But it also makes you tougher, stronger, and just a little bit more unstoppable.

And someday, when you’re flying up a hill without 40 extra pounds strapped to your wrists, you’ll remember these awkward, back-screaming, brown diaper miles — and you’ll be grateful you pushed through.