Running with 50 extra pounds

My husband just left on a three-week business trip. While he's away I will have to take my son with me every time I run. I push him (26+ pounds) in our all-terrain stroller (23 pounds). Let me do the math for you: I'm suddenly running with almost 50 extra pounds.

No wonder it took me 32 minutes to run just 2.5 miles with him last night!

On the bright side, I am walking less and running more. I learned that if I slow my pace way down when I feel out of breath, I can keep jogging and don't have to stop. Sometimes that means my pace isn't much faster than a walk, but at least I don't lose running momentum.

Interestingly, I feel less self-conscious about running really slowly when I am pushing the stroller.

For those of you who are curious about running with a stroller, I am using the BOB Revolution (about $400 for a current model). We actually bought this stroller when my son was very young, before I started running. We wanted a 3-wheeler because they navigate bumpy sidewalks and curbs more easily, and can go off-road onto trails or the towpath. It is our everyday stroller (and I mean every single day) and we have been very happy with it.

Conveniently, the Revolution can also be used for jogging. (The front swivel wheel, which is so handy for making tight turns, can be locked into position.) We never thought we'd be using it for that -- but here I am!