How does pushing a child in a running buggy affect my running form?
Running is certainly slower with a buggy, but it also puts different stresses on the body, so build up using one gradually. It’s strenuous on your leg muscles, particularly the calves, but also the Achilles’ tendons. There’s pressure through the arms and shoulders too, and using a buggy if you have poor posture could cause back pain. It is therefore important to pay attention to your form. Try not to lean too much into the buggy, keep your chest forward and engage your core muscles. Adjust the handle height so that you’re not bending over, don’t put too much downward pressure through the handle, and run with your elbows soft rather than with your arms locked. I find that running directly behind the buggy sometimes feels like it shortens my stride but on smooth ground it's often possible to push with one hand and run alongside it – this enables a more natural running style, increasing stride length and allowing one arm to swing. Remember to choose running terrain that's not too bumpy and avoid very hilly terrain, although pushing uphill is certainly a tough workout!
Obviously, running with a child in a buggy also affects your running by making the situation unpredictable. A planned run could end up being cut short if your little one is not happy! Or perhaps your child tends to fall asleep in the buggy, which means it’s a good idea to coincide your run with nap time.
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