Dear KidsRunning,
I am veteran of 14 marathons who immediately bought a running stroller when we had our first child, my daughter, Rhianna. Rhianna began running with me at 4 months, and after two shaky runs, fell in love with the concept and has joined me in her stroller frequently since, going as far as 12.5 miles. Last summer, just past her third birthday, she started requesting (begging, really) to get out of the stroller and run. I was actually opposed to this, since it limited the effectiveness of my workout considerably, but I was overcome by the general cuteness of it, and the kid ran about 1/3 of a mile without stopping, got back in for five minutes, then ran 1/4 mile more.

This has happened a few times since then. Now she is nearing the age of four and not only insisting on getting out of the stroller, but wants to go for runs without the stroller.

Today I agreed, and we covered 3/4 of a mile in 10:44. Since she really likes it and isn't half bad, I want to encourage her. But I! don't want her to hurt herself.

How much running is ok for an almost four year old? Should she not run two days in a row or are there other restrictions that might apply? She's quite insistent on this issue.

Dear V3,
What a smart little girl you have! It's much more fun and much more healthy to run than to ride.

Good for her!

Let her call the shots as to running and walking. When she needs a walking break, she'll let you know. Please don't put her on a 'training program'. She'll run when she wants and walks when she wants. I wouldn't worry about 'timing' her or measuring the distance.
Should she run every day? Sure, but some of her running should be backyard kids' play; just plain running around, running after balls, playing tag, little kids' races etc. etc.

How many days? I don't think that anyone can give you an exact answer for a 4 year old, but my best suggestion is, take her with you some days, but not every day. This is for your sake too. You should have some training runs where you can go your own pace and do what is best for your running.

Here's an idea. On those days, you could finish up with a 50 meter sprint with your daughter. After the 50 meter sprint, she can fill in a section of a Rainbow Cave chart and work her way to a Rainbow Cave KidsRunning.Com/ RUNNER's WORLD ribbon. This will be a fun kid thing that she could look forward to doing with you and then she'll also get a jump start on her reading and coloring skills.

Here's the link: Rainbow Cave.
Good luck and keep us posted.

Feel free to email the kid's editor at carol.kids@rodale.com.