Youngest members of the running world often start out in jogging stroller exercise groups

The pregnancy is over, you have given your body a chance to recover and now your anxious to get back to running; problem is time, babysitting fees and sad little faces when you leave them behind.  The answer is stroller running. Why leave the kids behind? They will love the outdoors, the child care facility will never be closed and you can go running on your schedule without the guilt. Stroller runs are becoming more and more popular with stroller exercise groups starting up as well as stroller running clinics for the newbie's.

Whether you are an avid runner, a serious jogger or a casual stroller, running with a stroller may take a bit of getting use to but generally most find it a pleasurable experience and the health benefits of your child joining you outside while you exercise are immense.  Not only do they get the much needed fresh air but the bonding opportunities while running are wonderful for Mom or Dad.

If you are new to the art of stroller jogging and feel a bit intimidated at the thought of running period, check out local running clubs in your area to see if they have any stroller running clinics coming up. Benefits of taking a class will not only be learning proper techniques and tricks of running with a stroller but also give you a chance to meet other running parents.  You may be surprised to find stroller exercise groups available in your area or perhaps you may be courageous enough to start one yourself.

The newest members of the running community will be anxious to board their strollers, checking out the scenery on and off road, and you will get the wonderful benefits of running with a stroller (back in shape in no time).

Double jogging strollers are abundant for those of you with twins or multiple children, although a bit more of a challenge, it won't take long to get use to the larger size.

As with any new adventure take the pace slow, this allows you to get use to your new jogging stroller and your passengers to get use to their new environment. Keep your distance short and keep safety a high priority.  Watch the hills, difficult going up but may be more dangerous going down if your not on top of things.  Just the slightest incline or decline, add a slight breeze and the wheels could start moving without you noticing so always place the brake on when you stop. As you feel more comfortable with your new sport, increase distance, adjust locations, speed and even weather conditions.  The change will keep you and your passenger excited.

Depending on the seriousness of your running with your stroller, having the right stroller will be important.  Serious runners may want to check out BOB sport utility strollers, lightweight and extremely durable for all conditions off road.  Too numerous to mention but I will just throw out a few to browse: Safari instep swivel wheel double jogging stroller, Kelty jogging stroller, Graco jogging stroller, Schwinn double deluxe, even the triple jogging stroller for the brave at heart.

• When looking for a running stroller make sure the wheel is at least 12 inches in diameter and the frame sound. Look for high quality shocks if your doing cross country trails or off-roading in the least.
• When running with your stroller, take snacks safe enough to have while running and lots of fluids for your passengers as well as yourself.  Dehydration is not good. Keep in mind the temperature outside, your children won't be the same temperature as yourself since they are not exerting the energy like yourself.
• Toys should be attached so they don't get lost or thrown out along the way and most importantly make sure they can't get stuck in the wheels.
• Watch for wind, always place the brake on when you stop, even the slightest breeze can start your stroller moving.
• Wear reflective clothing, easy to see, especially at dusk and always have a light if you run at night.  Reflective tape can be added to your stroller if not already in place.
• Safety of your passengers is most important.  Five point harness systems keep children secure, always check that brakes are working and don't get too tired and careless, limit exercise time, increase gradually. 
• Keep it fun for everyone, group stroller running is great fun and safe, it is a good idea to run with a friend especially if you are running with little ones.

About the author:

MarciJo Muir is a successful author and publisher of  http://www.multiple-strollers.com