Last year I trained for five (yes five!) marathons while juggling family life with three kids. This meant lots of running during the (seemingly endless) school holidays, accompanied by my littlest one in the running buggy and her older brother and sister on their bikes. We even did 30km (18+ miles) together on one memorable occasion!
Running while your children cycle can be a terrific way to get everyone out for some fresh air and exercise, as well as really good fun. Want to try this with your own kids? Here are my ten top tips:
- Kit them out with decent bicycles that are lightweight, easy to handle and the correct size. We have one from Isla Bikes and one from Serious Cycles – both on the expensive side, but both excellent. Ensure tyres are pumped up properly to avoid wasted energy. Check the brakes and gears before you set off.
- Make sure they have a comfortable, breathable helmet to wear.
- Insist on a high-viz gilet, or at least some bright clothing. Much easier to spot them as they disappear up the road ahead! Fingerless cycling gloves have also been a hit with my kids.
- Incentivise in whatever way works – an afternoon in front of a film, a trip to the trampoline park, sweet treats or cold hard cash (read my confession here).
- Each child should carry a water bottle on their bike. Even if it’s not particularly hot, you may need to wash sticky fingers or clean up a cut.
- Bring LOTS of snacks and sweets. You can never have too many! Don’t forget to pack your own running fuel too. You need enough calories to keep up both your energy and your good humour.
- Involve the kids in planning the route. Stick to cycleways and other car-free paths. Aim for a park or play area (even better if it’s somewhere you can safely run a few bonus kms round in circles while they mess about), or perhaps a café, if there’s somewhere safe to leave bikes (don’t forget your lock).
- Set out the rules ahead of time. We always designate a “road captain” who is strictly not to be overtaken. State clearly when the cyclists will have to stop to wait for you – we’re often following the river or canal so will regroup at each bridge. Make sure the kids know which side of the path to stick to – “stay next to the trees” is a better instruction than counting on an accurate application of “left” or “right”!
- Prepare yourself for a fartlek. Kids are notoriously hopeless at maintaining any kind of a steady pace. Mine seem to alternate zooming ahead and dragging behind, with lots of stopping. It can be a little frustrating, but it’s definitely a great cardiovascular workout, especially if you’re also pushing a stroller.
- Praise generously. The goal is to instil in your children a lifelong love of fresh air and exercise. Keep it positive and enjoy your run.
