52 Weeks of Stroller Runner Games: #2 I Spy “I Spy” is a family and stroller friendly game that is mostly played by children and can be enjoyed by anyone. Not only is a great game for the stroller, but for traveling long distances.  Also, this game aids young children in becoming familiar with the alphabet, and also with observation. Prior to starting your run or while you are doing your warm-up, explain to your toddler the game you are planning to play and identify who will be player number one. Target Age Group: 2-4 years old How to Play:   Identify whether you or your child is player 1. Player 1 looks for something in sight or is visible around them. This can be any object, whether it’s a certain building, toy, or article of clothing. Begin the game with saying, “I spy with my little eye, something that _____”. The blank can be any clue about the object, such as “starts with the letter H”, “is yellow”, or “is round”.  With my little one, we try to use road signs, objects we see in nature, cars, etc. Then other player asks questions about the object. If there are more than two players (e.g. you have twins or stroller two toddlers around), have each person ask one question per turn. Some questions can be asked about the color, placement (where it is), size, etc. Make sure that the Player 1 answers with only a “yes” or “no”. Keep guessing until the correct object is picked. Preparation Time: 0 time required Disclaimer:  Before incorporating any of these Stroller Runner Games, please ensure you warm up properly and stretch to avoid any injuries. For more Stroller Runner Games, please see the posts below. Introduction to 52...

 52 Weeks of Stroller Runner Games: #1 Red Light, Green Light FREE Printable Below   Stroller Runner Workout:  20 Minute Tempo workouts by using 10 x 20 seconds -1 (20 seconds – 1 minute on/20 seconds – 1 minute off). Of course, this may vary depending on how excited your child gets; it might be more like 20 seconds on/20 seconds off. 20 Seconds – 1 Minute on = Tempo run (Zone 4), a continuous runs at lactate threshold, near your one-hour race pace, which is a hard run. You most likely will be out of breath when you finish your 20 seconds to a minute on. 20 seconds -1 Minute off = Easy jog (Zone 2) Here is how to calculate your Lactate Threshold Heart Rate Training. The workout came from Greg McMillian, RunningTimes.com. When you run a this tempo workout, it’s important to remember that the “off” minute isn’t a slow jog but is run at your normal easy run pace. If you run too slowly on the “off” minute, you’ll end up running too fast on the “on” minute and change the session from a stamina workout to a speed workout. Over time, you’ll notice the pace stays pretty fast throughout with less variation between “on” and “off” minutes. That’s when you know you have it dialed in. Game Target Age Group: 2-4 years old How to Play (Basic):   After a proper warm up, have your little one shout out “green light” to go.  Run 1 minute on Tempo run with the stroller when he/she says “green light”.  Teach your child early about “yellow light” – slow down.  When you child yells, “yellow light”, do your 1 minute off (slow down the jog). This will make it easier on your body...

Due to the cold winter months, you might be forced to exercise inside.  Your motivation might be lacking while spinning on your bike, running on the treadmill or trekking on the elliptical. Here is our list of the Top 25 Sports Movies that will not only get you moving, but inspire you as well.  Thank you to my husband, and my Google+ and Twitter followers for helping me compile this awesome list. Scroll past the slide show to view a description of each movie and to find out you where you can instantly view the movies. 1.  Miracle This is my all time favorite.  I own this movie and watch it at least once a quarter if not more. I generally watch this when I am preparing for a big race.  Miracle was released in 2004, starring Kurt Russell, Miracle is an American biographical sports movie based on the story of a men’s hockey team in the United States led by Herb Brooks. It featured the events that had taken place before the team bagged the Winter Olympics gold medal in 1980. Available on:  Netflix and Amazon Instant Video 2.  Remember the Titans Not only do I love this movie, but this is a tribute to a former co-worker who passed in September 2012; he was one of the Original Titans’ Class of ’72. Remember the Titans was directed by Boaz Yakin and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, it is an American sports movie that was released in 2000 and was inspired from a screenplay written by Gregory Allen Howard. The film was a retelling of the story of African American coach Herman Boone, who struggled to unite the racially divided team of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Available on: Netflix and Amazon...

Happy New Year! In 2014, Run Stroller Run is rolling out 52 weeks of Stroller Runner Games. Fun games that will keep your kids occupied while in the stroller. Some of the games might require your participation, but nothing that you won’t be able to handle while running.  These Stroller Runner Games will be fun, educational but also will help the time pass quicker for both you and your kids. The games will be for children 0-5 years old, with a focus on 2- 4 year olds. In my opinion, 2- 4 year olds are the hardest to keep occupied while in a stroller. They are busy creatures and in my personal experience rarely nap in the stroller anymore. If you found Run Stroller Run and are not a stroller runner, these Stroller Runner Games can also be used for road trips or long airport waits. Every Friday I will put up a 52 weeks of Stroller Runner Games post where we can talk in the comments anything stroller running related. If you have suggestions for Stroller Runner Games, please comment below or send an email to lara@runstrollerrun.com. For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag...

Racing in the winter is always more challenging, more clothes, more items, etc. But, racing with a stroller in the winter is even more challenging. Check out our Race Day checklist to make life easier for you. Packing for a race is always challenging.  You never want to leave home without your favorite socks, or your watch or your lucky shorts.  As a parent, I have found it increasing difficult to pack for a race, especially when I am running with my jog stroller and kids.  I find that I am more concerned about their needs and then inevitably I forget the essential race gear I need to race.  In order to avoid forgetting crucial race gear and my kid’s necessary items, I created a Racing with a Stroller – Race Day Checklist. Now, you can pack for a stroller friendly race and feel confident you have all the essential race and children gear needed with the Racing with a Stroller – Race Day Checklist.     For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag #strollerrunner...

Since the holidays just ended, it is time to thank those who generously gave to us. Another year end review is this popular post, Thank you Cards. Thank you! These two little words mean so much. I was taught early on when you receive a gift, you send a hand written thank you card. As a kid, I thought this was a major pain in the rear, especially when you rather play with your toys instead of writing hand written thank you notes. But, we did it because it was required. As an adult, I have tried to maintain this practice and instill the importance behind writing thank you cards in my kids. Yes, sometimes life gets in the way and I do not always get hand written thank you cards out, but I try. Even though my kids are 3 years old and  now 15 mos. old (originally 12 months old when the post was written), they have been required to participate in creating their own thank you cards. My son has colored on each card that goes out since he has been 15 months old – putting his own touches on it.  For my daughter, she painted her own thank you cards for her first birthday.  Here is how we did it and how you can recreate them for your own family. Supplies Needed 1 Roll of Painter’s tape 1 Box of plain cards and/or paper (card stock) 1 paint brush or the kids can use their fingers 1 washable paint (colors of your choice) 1 paper plate for the paints Directions Get out your blank cards out. If you are using card stock paper, cut the paper down the middle; leaving two pieces of paper. Then fold each paper in half...

With the holidays so close, it can be challenging to shop for a mother-to-be, especially if you want to buy something specifically for her and not the baby.  I’ve had several pregnant running and fitness enthusiast mother’s-to-be ask me what would be some great presents to ask for during this holiday season. I created a 50 Holiday Gifts List for Pregnant Fitness Enthusiasts based on my own personal experience. I have a lot of these items on this list that I have acquired pre and post pregnancies. If you are going to be a running mama, I highly recommend the books from Another Mother Runner, Run Like a Mother and Train Like a Mother.   They are quick, enjoyable, easy reads. Of course, if someone wants to splurge on a mom-to-be, the BOB Revolution SE jog stroller is an awesome gift. It is one of the best strollers I have owned and I currently own altogether four strollers. The 50 Holiday Gifts for for Pregnant Fitness Enthusiasts gifts range from under $25 – under $600.  You can also find more gift ideas under Run Stroller Run’s Gift Ideas for Mama’s to Be on Pinterest. Here is a selection of 10 gifts out of the 50 Holiday Gifts for Pregnant Fitness Enthusiasts.     For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag...

By Stephanie Maziejka This month’s massage article is inspired by Lara Coffee’s recent Ironman accomplishment, Congratulations Lara! Sport massage can be used to supplement the health and wellness of athletes everywhere and a good massage therapist caters the session and treatment plan to the athlete’s specific sport. Doing so allows the session to be as efficient and streamlined as possible and will take into consideration repetitive movements unique to the sport, targeted muscles for the sport, and the conditioning/training schedule of the athlete. Most runners that I have come across are passionate about running, almost more so than any other athlete is about their sport. Running, though not a contact sport in the traditional sense is incredibly hard on the body. Direct and forceful contact is made striking the ground repetitively sending shock through every joint and muscle in the body. Running’s Repetitive Movements and Injury Running is a series of movements continuously repeated which is why runners are at risk for repetitive injury if they are not careful. The most common areas of injury for a runner involve the feet and the knees. The joints of the body are meeting points for two bones and it is the place over which muscles cross resulting in articulation or movement. Injury (not caused by a direct trauma) usually occurs in hypertonic stressed areas where muscles have overly contracted, adhered to adjacent soft tissue areas and pull at the structure causing tension and overload. Overtime a body under stress and fatigue will decrease in productivity and resiliency and become more susceptible to mistakes and injury. It’s the same concept as individuals surviving through sleep deprivation or flourishing when well rested. The main actions of running are flexion/extension at the hip, knee, and ankle joint. The type...

‘Tis the season. Now that Turkey Trots are over and we say hello to Santa Shuffles, Jingle Jogs, Reindeer Runs and more. We rounded up some of the best jingle bell runs and Santa-themed family and stroller friendly races.  Which ones do you prefer? Check back on a regular basis to see what Santa Shuffles, Jingle Jogs, and Reindeer Runs were added. Friday, December 6, 2013 Florida 5K Santa Fun Run/Walk – Clermont, FL Harmony Christma5K – Harmony, FL Texas Rudy Run 5K – Caldwell, TX Saturday, December 7, 2013   Arizona AZ Santa Run – Scottsdale, AZ Run From the Cops 5K – Tempe, AZ California 2013 Tiger Run 5K/10K, Cycle Tour 5K, Tiger Cub Run, Health & Wellness Fair – South Pasadena, CA Eagal Lakes Walk/Run to a Brighter Christmas and Kids Jingle Jam – Tracy, CA Merced Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots – Fresno, CA Midway Run & Walk – Alameda, CA Reindeer Run 5K Run/Walk – San Luis Obispo, CA Reindeer Run/Walk – American Canyon, CA The Sweater Dash – Northern California – Pleasanton, CA Florida 2nd Annual Santa Claus for a Cause – Fort Myers, FL Blizzard on the Beach 5K – Pensacola, FL Color Blast 5K Run – Lakeland, FL Festival of Lights 5K – Jacksonville, FL Rudolph’s Reindeer Dash 5k  Stuart, FL Santa Shuffle 5K Run – Tavares, FL Georgia DECA the Halls – Gainesville, GA Frosty 5K – Dahlonega, GA Jingle Bell Run 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk – Jesup, GA Jingle Bell Run – Newnan, GA Jingle Dash – Conyers, GA Jingle Jog – Acworth, GA Reindeer Run – La Fayette, GA Run Run Rudolph 5K – Commerce, GA Santa Shuffle – Moultrie, GA Winterfest 5K – Valdosta, GA Illinois 5K...

It is that time of year: Holiday time!  Are you starting to think about what to buy your running friend, spouse, daughter, etc? Below, I have put together my 2013 Top 10 Unique Etsy Gifts For Runners I love Etsy.  Especially for unique, fun gifts that I wish I was capable of making for others, but do not have the time or the talent to do so.  The list is not in order by preference,  but by lowest price to the highest price gifts. Happy Shopping and enjoy my Top 10 Unique Etsy Gifts For Runners. Run Etched Wine Glass  by  WulfCreekDesigns  Price $14.99 The Girlfriends Marathon Picture by  yankeegirlart Price $18.99 Running Wall Quote – Fred Lebow Quote – In Running Wall Decal by WallapaloozaDecals  Price $22.63 Customized Marathon Key Chain by  PearlieGirl Price $27.00 Running tee: are my kids still chasing me? By AnotherMotherRunner – they finally opened an Etsy store this October. Price $30 Eat Clean, Train Dirty Pyrex Baking Dish by GoneGirly  Price $30.00+ Marathon half marathon Medal Display – 24in.,30in.,48in. Black or White  by Victorymedaldisplays Price $34.99 + It runs in the family, bib and medal holder.  YorkSignShop Price $45.00 Run Wild My Child by spunkyfluff   Price $57.50 Custom Made t shirt quilt Running and Triathlon Shirts by HappyQuiltDesigns  – Price ranges $230-$380 **The pictures below are in the numeric order above.   For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag #strollerrunner  ...