Friday, May 13, 2011

Help Me Jogging Mamas (and Dads!)

Uh, weird running form, hope she's stretching!



8-16-09
Mel and Hubs
Since I am about to have baby #3, I know I won't always be able to run alone. Up until now, we have survived with just a double stroller (heroically pushed by Coach on a few runs) and a bike trailer. Our bike trailer is really nice, but I don't think I like it for jogging, so haven't ordered the needed additions to turn it into a stroller. But I desperately want to get back on the road, and kids may be involved in the future trips, so I am starting my hunt now for a good, probably double, jogging stroller.
OC&E State Trail
Laurie
I know many of you superhero moms, for some of my biggest heros check right (sorry ladies, I did steal your pics!),  routinely push your kids on your runs and I am looking for your advice. What the heck should I get?! Swivel wheel or always stationary, 1 wheel or 2, storage, height? My brain is getting a little dizzy with all the research, and how can I trust these strangers to tell me what will work, especially since some aren't even using them for running? I have heard that BOB's are great, but they may be a bit out of our price range, even on craigslist. Since I may get it on craigslist, no matter what, I am trying to start shopping now, so when I see the right one, I can pounce!

Ok, so what are using, and what do you like/hate about it? Knowing what to avoid can be good too! Most of our jogging will be on roads and tracks. I see myself mostly using it for the newborn and Brady (who is almost 2 but fairly small) so it needs to be good for wee ones! Thank you so much for any help you can give. I want to be able to take advantage of any running time I can find once this baby comes out!

7 comments:

Tricia said...

I only have one kiddo, but I have to say the MOST important feature on our jogging stroller is the swivel wheel. I like the swivel mode, hubs likes to lock it. Good to have the option.

Also,the one we have has cup holders for the runner AND a snack/cup holder for the kiddo.Which is great, but sometimes we like to lighten our load and it has the option of taking those off.

And I love that the seat is adjustable, a lot of jogging strollers are more like "slings" of fabric and the wee ones slide down.My son has been in ours since he was 3months old and he is now three and a half.

And then..the last reason I like ours is that it has a place to plug in your ipod/mp3 player. Then it has little speakers on the stroller so you can listen to music but be aware of your surroundings.

Its a Jeep Urban Terrain stroller.

Sweat Is My Sanity said...

Good luck with that! I am horrible at jogging strollers. I bought a single and couldn't stand it so I sold it after only a few uses. Part of running for me is the feeling of freedom, kudos to you for getting your runs in no matter what it takes. Enjoy your new baby!

runningtobeskinny.com

5 Miles Past Empty said...

Hey!!! I posted the winner to my headband giveaway...you, Tressa, may want to check it out!! =) just sayn!

Stephanie F said...

just found your blog and i love it! i don't have any advice on jogging strollers... sorry! : ) but i'll definitely be keeping up with you!

Laurie said...

I meant to come back and comment on this and then never did... sorry.

I have the Instep 10K ultimate single jogger and have had it for over 7 years and have used it for all 4 of my kiddos. It seems to work just fine and has held up to many, many, many miles. I used to have the Instep marathon double which lasted me for well over 5 years and is still being used by one of my friends. The instep strollers are fairly inexpensive as far as strollers go but get the job done. Both of the ones I had are the fixed front wheel. I like the fixed wheel. I don't care for the sunshade on the strollers, it doesn't come down very low and tends to blow back if it is very windy, but you can make it work with clothespins and lightweight blankets.

I've had the BOB Ironman duallie stroller for a little over a year now. I absolutely love it. I got a really good price on Ebay. I love the separate sunshields (my kids fought over up or down in the Instep) and it rides so smoothly. The wheels are all quick release and it folds down really easily. I also like that it is narrow enough to fit through regular sized doors, which means I can take it on errands to the post office or grocery store and also fit by people on the sidewalks... sort of.

I honestly think any stroller can be good. Things important to me are the sunshield, rain cover options, behind and under seat storage space, seat belts and the parking break.

I know that you aren't supposed to, but I've put newborns in all 3 of the strollers I've owned. With a little adjusting with rolled up blankets and those newborn pillow things that cradle a babies head you can make it be a pretty decent ride... just don't go for too bumpy of rides.

This is already a novel, so if you have any more specific questions, feel free to send me an email. Happy stroller hunting. :)

Julie D. said...

Ok, Tressa. Here it is: The Phil and Ted Sport with seat underneath. Only way to go so you are not pushing a double wide. I have not been impressed with the buttons and folding and unfolding but in my opinion, the it is worth it to not push a double wide. Yes it is in the BOB price range but I would look for one on Craigs List. http://philandteds.com/ Good luck!!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Hehehe I love that pic!! WE found ours on Craigslist lightly used.. Once our oldest gets used to his bike we may be giving it away but that wont be for awhile.. Hubby mostly pushes it but overall it is a great stroller.