Make Fitness a Family Affair at the 2016 Stroller Race Singapore!

Signed up for the Stroller Race Singapore yet, mama? There’s still time to register with our exclusive discount code, and just in case you’re feeling nervous, we’ve put together a list of handy training tips to help get you moving!

Sassy Mama is sponsoring the first ever Stroller Race Singapore on 17 January 2016. Have you and the fam started training yet, mama? With a wide range of categories, including a 5K stroller run, a 5K stroller walk, a 5K family run, and short-distance kids’ dashes, there’s a way for everyone to participate to show children the important benefits of leading an active lifestyle from the start. And don’t forget about the awesome lucky draw prizes, including Baby Jogger Strollers, staycations, Compressport apparel and much more!

Whether this is your first race or you’re an old pro, here are some handy training tips to ensure the whole family has as much fun as possible:

Train together in the mornings

While many people prefer running in the evenings here to avoid the sun completely, you’ll want to acclimate yourself to the morning sun since the races will take place between 7am and 12pm. As an added bonus, exercising before breakfast is a great metabolism booster, not to mention you’ll get your workout out of the way first thing!

Start gradually to work up to race distance

If you’ve never done a running race before, don’t try to run 5 kilometers cold turkey! Start with a 1KM run and walking intervals, gradually building your way up to running the full distance. A couple fantastic, free training plans we can recommend are Couch25K and Hal Higdon.

Get used to running with a stroller

Even if you’re a seasoned runner, running with a stroller (and the added weight of a baby) uses a very different set of muscles. You’ll want to make sure you’re both used to the feeling by the time race day rolls around (and as a reminder, make sure your baby is at least 1 year old with the ability to keep their head stabilised before running with them in the stroller).

Monitor your breathing and form

To make your running as economical as possible, mama, try to take gradual, steady breaths (you should be able to maintain a conversation unless you’re running super hard) and have a light stride to go easy on your joints.

Make sure everyone’s got the proper running attire, even the kids!

You’ll want shoes that provide sufficient stability and support (no rolled ankles on our watch, mama!), and we can’t stress enough the difference that comfy, moisture-wicking apparel makes in the Singapore heat. You’ll want to avoid heavy cottons or polyesters that will just make you sweat up a storm. Why not consider a matching family uniform? 

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more!

Once again in our heat, drinking plenty of fluids is vital to prevent dehydration, headaches or cramping. It’s an important lesson to teach kiddos from the start. Try to take a water bottle with you when you’re training, mama!

You are what you eat! (Or your performance is, anyway)

Don’t underestimate the importance of nutrition in both race preparation and recovery, mama! You don’t want to feel heavy and weighed down, but neither do you want to feel like you’re running on empty. Make sure the kiddos are fed and comfortable, too, and consider having little snacks like a banana, nuts or peanut butter crackers on hand for a little pre-race energy boost.

Want to get even more great info on how to get fit and healthy with your kids? Attend one of two upcoming Stroller Race road shows during the month of December, mama:

On 5^th December, visit the Singapore Sports Hub Library between 9am and 12pm for expert tips on the following topics:

-Running with Strollers and How to Manage Your Kids
-Understanding Kids’ Sports Participation: Safety and Coaching Methodology
-Excellent in Sports: Establishing Fundamental Movement Skills
-Nurturing Talented Athletes: Key Motor Skills and Psychological Behaviour Traits

On 11^th December from 12-1pm, visit Republic Polytechnic (Lecture Room W4A) for a talk on “Understanding Kids’ Participation in Sport and the Important Role of Parents”.

Finally, get psyched for the awesome Kids’ Carnival at OCBC Square that’ll happen after the race in January. In addition to the Kids’ Dashes, there’ll also be motor ability assessments, sport demonstrations, snacks and fun games.

Don’t forget that the whole fam can sign up here, any time through 19 December. Enter the promo code Sassystroller2016 to receive $10 off your entry fee! Fitness is a family affair, mama!

All the details!
Where: Singapore Sports Hub, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397718
When: Sunday, 17 January, 2016; 7am – 12pm
How much: From $30-$65 per person, depending on the category
Register: Sign up here, and be sure to use the promo code Sassystroller2016 to receive $10 off the entry fee. Register by 19 December to be entitled to a race goodie bag including race tee, finisher tee, medal and more!

Category Rules:
5km Stroller Run: All children in strollers must be at least 12 months of age
5km Stroller Walk: There is no minimum age to participate (babies 6 months and under must be in bassinets or age-appropriate strollers with adequate neck support)
5km Family Run (no strollers): Participants must be at least 6 years of age
Kids’ Dash: 50m (age 2-4), 60m (age 5-6); 400 (age 7-8); 800m (9-10 and 11-12)

www.strollerracesingapore.com