In today's episode, Coach Jessica Marie Rose Leggio talks you through what you need to know so you can get out running with your kids in the stroller. This topic comes from one of our team members who wanted to get Jessica's 411 on the subject. We know many mommas and poppas are finding it hard to find time currently, so this one is for you!  Should I run with a stroller?  Some people wonder whether running with your kids in a stroller is a good idea. In our opinion it's not just a good idea, it's a great idea! With running strollers, you can be the super parent while grinding out the miles. It helps parents run more as you can avoid calling a babysitter each time you run, and more importantly, your kids will love the added speed as you blast past people in the park.  As always, there are a few things you will need to consider to stay injury-free.   #1 thing to look for in a jogging stroller The most important thing about your jogging stroller is that it shouldn't restrict your stride. You need to make sure you can open up your gate and run like the gazelle you are.  Shortening your stride is always a set-up for injury. If you can't extend your hamstrings when running, you will encounter hip, lumbar, and spine issues. Let alone knee, hamstring, IT band, and ankle problems. Bottom line: Take a stroller for a test run to check whether you can run with an open gait. Running one-handed Lots of people do it, but running with one hand on the stroller is a big no-no! Consider it like holding a weight in one hand while running and nothing in the other. It's an entirely dysfunctional movement.  Let's look at it from a biomechanics perspective using your left hand as the offending example. The IT band pattern goes from the left shoulder, across the T-spine, down through the lumbar, crosses the right glute, goes down the outside of the right leg, and connects below the knee. By loading your left shoulder, you have one hip taking the stroller load and the other running unrestricted. The result is a dysfunctional limp run.  What about switching between hands?  This practice doesn't balance out the dysfunctional movement; it will merely jack-up both sides of your body. Running for miles with one hand and then switching to the other pulls your body mechanics out of alignment. The longer you run like this, the more you will condition this dysfunctional movement.  Fun fact: The injuries you may sustain pushing a stroller one-handed are similar to that of holding on to a treadmill while running. And yes, we have an episode dedicated to the topic: Why the Treadmill is a Dread-Mill for Marathon Runners.   The role of proprioceptors Proprioceptors measure the space around you. In this case, they measure how close your foot is to the wheel. Consequently, your foot furthest from the stroller is going to be running unhindered. But, due to your proprioceptors, your leg closest to the stroller will be cautious to avoid hitting your stroller.  "There are eyes in your foot, there are eyes in your knees, and they are looking at the wheel next to you and making sure you are not smacking into it." The result of your proprioceptors stopping you from hitting the stroller is that you will be doing a limp run with each step.  Strength problems The primary problem of running one-handed for your muscles is that one side is loaded, and the other is running free. You are restricting one side that has weight while running causes a dysfunctional movement. Over time, you will condition this dysfunctional movement which will lead to muscle imbalances and injuries.   Running balanced is super essential; there is no other sport where every single part has to be on the whole time. This concept is why running is beneficial to the human body, as everything has to work together. Bottom line: If you are running one-handed because you can't open up your g