Tag Archives: tips

08.30.12
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Stroller advice: how to entertain a toddler while you run

Anyone who knows me would say it’s karma. A child that is busy 24/7 and throws down temper tantrums more often than Naomi Campbell and Mel Gibson combined. However, knowing that I have a kid who would rather be busy and on the go, I make darn sure I’ve got the necessary supplies to endure our running adventures. Plus, I love how independent and dramatic my kid is!

Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to run with a toddler:

  1. If your kid is prone to tantrums, make sure you don’t go just before nap or prior to meal time. Always try to organize runs around a well-rested and fed child. Trust me. Learned the hard way.
  2. Make sure you have plenty of snacks. Even if your toddler isn’t hungry, bring snacks along for the run. I know you shouldn’t encourage kids to play with their food but if s/he isn’t screaming, who cares?
  3. Bring toys. Think about this for a minute. We don’t go ANYWHERE without our phones, iPods, iPads etc., so imagine that you have to sit through the most boring 1-hour lecture of your life; maybe something along the lines of public health policy. Now, imagine you have to sit through it without some form of entertainment. EXACTLY!
  4. Engage your child throughout the run. Now, I’m definitely not saying you try to carry-on a conversation, but point things out along the way. “Wow – look at the pretty trees. What colour are the trees?” etc. Nothing is more boring than hanging out with someone who (a) pretends you aren’t there, and (b) won’t talk to you
  5. Keep your stroller activity to an hour or less. Seriously people. Your child is definitely not interested in running with you for longer than an hour. Let’s remember that at this young age, their attention span is that of a hummingbird.
  6. If you want to listen to music, put it on so you can both hear. In my case, I put my iPhone in the cup holder and crank the volume. Yeah, I know it’s a little disrespectful to the people around me but it’s better than being disrespectful to my little running buddy. Plus, I NEVER listen to 50 cent in mixed company!
  7. Make sure you praise them for good behaviour throughout the running adventure; and treating where appropriate.
  8. Finally, be respectful of their age and development. Your four/five year old does not want to be pushed around in a stroller anymore. They want to run WITH you.

Now, I can’t speak to #7 from experience, but I was at Sobey’s grocery shopping one day when a woman strolled in with what appeared to be a kid of AT LEAST six, maybe seven. He wanted to get out and walk; she wouldn’t let him. It was weird and creepy. At that point, I’m sure the kid could’ve kept up during the run anyway…

Anyway, hope this helps on your running journeys. It has helped me! Happy Trails!

08.28.12
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Water is the driving force of all nature – Leonardo da Vinci

Yesterday I wrote a blog about running in the heat, so I thought I’d follow up by blogging about the importance of water and what it does for our bodies.We all know that water is the most important nutrient for your body; it makes up 3/4 of your total body weight and if we don’t get enough of it, we can get ourselves into trouble. So…

(From Mangosteen Natural Remedies)

What does water do?

Water helps maintain body temperature, carry nutrients, flushes toxins from vital organs, metabolize fats, aids in digestion and lubricates and cushions organs.

How much water should you drink a day?

The amount of water you need a day depends on a few things: where you live, your health and how active you are. However, the Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake of liquids for a healthy male is 3 litres (13 cups) of fluids per day. For a healthy woman, around 2.2 litres (9 cups).

What happens if you don’t drink enough water (or other fluids)?

If you don’t consume enough water, your body will pull fluids from other sources (including your own blood). It can cause closing of smaller vessels, thickening of blood, increase susceptibility to clotting and become harder to pump. This can all lead to hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease – YIKES!  Also, being dehydrated promotes the increase of body fat stores; it affects your ability to burn fat and can slow down your metabolism.

If you weren’t already aware, water can actually help you lose weight.

First, it has zero calories. Secondly, it’s a natural appetite suppressant. In some studies on mature adults, the results showed that they consumed less calories per day when they increased water intake.

Did you know that drinking water can prevent cramps, spasms and sprains?

That’s right. As noted before, water lubricates joints and muscles, lessoning your chances of cramps, spasms and sprains.

Having a difficult time in the bathroom?

Water helps with digestion and constipation. YAHOO!

Prone to headaches?

Drink more water. Most doctors will agree that if you’re experiencing headaches, before you reach for the Tylenol, reach for a glass of water. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, you may want to cut your consumption down.

Signs of Dehydration:

  1. Dark Urine
  2. Dry skin
  3. Headache
  4. Fatigue
  5. Thirst
  6. Hunger

Did you also know that if you drink too much of it, you can also have problems?

According to the Mayo Clinic, when your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, the electrolyte (mineral) content of the blood is diluted, resulting in low sodium levels in the blood, a condition called hyponatremia. Endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, who drink large amounts of water, are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who eat an average American diet.

If you find it difficult to drink plenty of water a day, try adding lemon or cucumber.

  1. Adds flavour
  2. Adds silica, important nutrient for connective tissues
  3. Adds Vitamin C
  4. Adds Potassium

I have been drinking water with lemon and cucumber. I definitely find it a lot easier to consume more water  – give it a try!