Running With Baby

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When I was pregnant, I really did not think I would buy a jogging stroller.  I didn’t check ‘em out at the store; I didn’t compare pricing; I didn’t talk to my running mom friends for feedback.  The idea of a jogging stroller was not very appealing to me because running has always been me time.  I thought, “How can I have my alone time if baby is with me? I don’t want to worry about pushing a stroller – I just want to RUN!”

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Side note: Since I’ve been talking up our horrible front lawn a lot lately, I want to assure you that is not our yard.  That yard is beautiful.  And green.  Thus, not my yard.

 

Anyway, so I thought I didn’t want a running jogging, and then Henry arrived.  I promptly realized that it is very, very difficult to find exercise ‘me time’ four times a week and find that time during daylight hours.  So I decided to get a running stroller.

 

Actually, DadHTP offered to buy me a stroller for my Christmas present.  This was very nice and extremely generous.  I buy many baby things used; it was so exciting to get open a brand new stroller box.  After much debate, I decided on the BOB Ironman stroller, which is designed for long-distance running on streets and sidewalks (FYI – I linked to the BOB website, but all BOB strollers are much cheaper on Amazon.com!). 

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Let me start off by saying there are ‘jogging strollers’ and running strollers.  My City Mini (our beloved everyday stroller) is made by Baby Jogger but it is not a running stroller.  Additionally, there are lots of three-wheeled strollers that are not running strollers.  The main difference is that true running strollers have a hydraulic system so that when you hit a bump, baby is not thrown wildly about.

 

There are running strollers for trails and running strollers for streets, but one of the biggest dividers is the front wheel –  is it fixed or not?  The BOB Ironman has a fixed wheel; the BOB Revolution, for example, does not.  What does this mean?   Basically, a fixed wheel makes the stroller more stable – it can’t hit a pot hole and veer to the side suddenly.  A fixed wheel also makes the stroller much more difficult to turn.  Running strollers without a front fixed wheels drive like a regular stroller – you can turn in tight spaces and turn quickly.   

 

Lots of people warned me not to go with the Ironman because of the fixed wheel.  However, I thought long and hard about it and decided that the fixed wheel was the way to go for me.  I am SO glad that I got a fixed wheel running stroller.  Yes – it is much harder to turn.  To turn, you have to either smack the side of the handlebar or lift the entire stroller by slightly tipping it back.  Turning with a fixed wheel is a skill that takes time to develop, but now, I don’t even think about it.  I really value the Ironman’s stability.  I love just being able to push the handlebar and know that the stroller isn’t going anywhere but straight.  Although turning requires extra effort, I think the fixed wheel makes the overall run a lot easier.

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Speaking of the handlebar, the Ironman has two additional features that I love:  first, there is a hand break, which is very useful for running down hills.

 

There is also a hand strap.  This prevents the stroller from accidentally getting away from you.

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Another great thing about the Ironman:  STORAGE!  There is a basket underneath the stroller that easily holds my jacket and more; there is also a mesh pouch on the back of the stroller that can hold a water bottle.  Kristien gave me an additional water bottle attachment (you can see it in the hand break photo) that holds two large water bottles and has a zippered pouch for keys. 

 

Other odds and ends:  The stroller collapses really easily – you grab two special bars and press down, and then you flip it shut using a pull on the seat.  It is not very compact when folded, but considering the size of the wheels, that’s expected.   The Ironman comes in two colors – yellow and blue – but I opted for yellow because I wanted to be as visible as possible to motorists.   Henry seems really comfy in the seat, too.  He generally hates being strapped into seats but doesn’t seem to mind the Ironman as much. 

 

My one and only complaint about the Ironman is the sun shade.  While I like the two large plastic windows (so you can peek at baby), the shade doesn’t come down far enough so Henry often gets blasted in the face by the sun.  Other Amazon.com reviewers say the same thing; it’s definitely a fault in the stroller’s design.  However, I also have the additional rain cover attachment (which I keep in the bottom basket just in case it starts to drizzle); this provides a little extra shade.

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So – what’s it like to run with a stroller?

 

Well, for one, it’s really hard.  The stroller weighs 23 pounds, and Henry was 16.5 pounds when I began to run with him.  Pushing almost 40 pounds up Charlotte’s hills makes 3 miles feel like 6.  My arms are often sore after running with Henry.  The longest we’ve run together is 6 miles; once I did a 6 miler, dropped him off with Kristien, and did another 2 for a total of 8.  I thought I was going to pass out by the end!  That being said, training for my half marathon with the stroller was GENIUS because I ended up being much stronger and faster on race day than I felt throughout training.

 

Secondly, from an emotional standpoint, I love running with Henry.  When I was pregnant, I just didn’t understand that I would almost always want to be with Henry… even when I’m running!  It is so fun to take Henry out in the stroller and do our miles together.  He has started babbling more and more, and I like to listen to him talk while I run.  I just can’t wait until Henry knows how to say things like, “Faster, momma! Faster!” when I push him up a hill. <3

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I know I’m super biased, but how cute is Henry?! Soooo cute.

 

I often say that I would go crazy without my running stroller.  It’s true.  The Ironman is the best gift that I ever received; I use it all the time, it gives me so much flexibility in my schedule, and it allows me to continue my passion for fitness even though I’m a mom. 

 

Do you have a running stroller?  What do you love and dislike about your stroller?

{ 76 comments }

 

  • Mandy @ Eat Pray Grow January 30, 2013, 2:18 pm

    I love the little bits of British that slip in to your posts – “baby is not thrown wildly about” made me smile!

    I can totally see why a fixed wheel would be beneficial, as unstable as I am standing still, I think having a moving wheel while running would be a recipe for disaster for me!

  • Regina January 30, 2013, 2:22 pm

    We have the BOB Revolution SE! We were extremely lucky and got it as a hand me down from one of my mom’s friends while I was pregnant. $50! What a steal. We use it for everything, especially running (it’s the only stroller we have). I love the fact that it’s so easy to maneuver, it’s light weight, dependable and my son LOVES to go running with me. We’ve used it (with him in the carseat + carseat adapter) since he was 3 weeks old and started running with him in it at about 5 weeks old. He babbles and coos and then passes out into a deep slumber. As a SAHM with a husband who works 11+ hour days I love that I can still get my runs in without having to wonder when I can and who is going to watch the little one. Plus he gets some fresh air and sunshine too which is great! I love our bonding time 🙂 Though as he’s pushing 18lbs now (he’s just over 5 months old) my runs are getting harder and harder. Darn those hills. The only con: it doesn’t collapse much so it just barrrrrrrrrrrely fits into our car’s trunk (we have to remove all 3 wheels and then squeeze it in)

  • Michelle January 30, 2013, 2:24 pm

    He is so cute 🙂 Love the video of him giggling!!!!! That’s awesome that you can run with a jogging stroller. I tried and tried but I just couldn’t do it 🙁 It’s so heavy and makes me tired way faster. I resorted to running only when I could have the hus watch the girls.

  • Elizabeth January 30, 2013, 2:31 pm

    I have the Double Bob Revolution. Love that thing! I can make the front wheel fixed or not, which I like for varying terrain. It’s been a lifesaver for me, especially when the girls were babies.

  • Maggie January 30, 2013, 2:32 pm

    Running with a stroller seems super challenging. Good for you! Your kid is super cute- I love that lion outfit with the little ears 🙂

  • Sarah W. January 30, 2013, 2:35 pm

    I’m pregnant and am perusing (without great urgency) options for strollers. As an aspiring triathlete on a budget, I’d prefer to have one that doubles as a quality running stroller and everyday stroller. I thought the traditional BOB Revolution had the option to switch from a rotating front wheel or fixed? Did I read that wrong? Have others used the traditional BOB Revolution with success?

    • Vks January 30, 2013, 4:34 pm

      It does have a wheel that can go from fixed to free. I don’t have the stroller yet, but have pushed both around and know a few people who own the Revolution. I think if you want the versatility (to use for running/regular strolling) the Revolution is the way to go since you can change the wheel setting. After thinking about it for a looooong time, I decided to register for the Ironman. I read a few too many reviews about the Revolution wheel not being fixed enough (still wobbling too much for running), though honestly, I did NOT experience that the two times I tested out friends’ Revolution strollers. I know I will end up with multiple strollers (bah!), but I feel like if I don’t have a running stroller that just works right, it will be a big impediment to me running at all. I registered for it through REI and will purchase it there myself if we don’t receive it as gift. The return policy at REI is AMAZING–you can return things anytime, for any reason — I figure if the Ironman isn’t working for me, I will return it for the Revolution.

      • Becky February 1, 2013, 2:14 pm

        I have the Revolution and it does go from fixed to free. I am in Philadelphia and I run on the city sidewalks and in a park outside of the city with a more trail-like paths and it is great for both! I like that the wheels are more durable for the sidewalk bumps, curbs, tree roots and whatever else we may encounter. The thinner wheels are really for smooth path running only. I was too nervous about all of the curbs and lopsided sidewalks to go with the thinner wheel.
        I’ve actually run with the wheel fixed and free (it was an accident, I forgot to lock it) and I find it very stable both ways (again, I’m running on some pretty uneven terrain). I think the Revolution is great for versatility, but the Ironman is great for more consistent terrain. Neither are good for traveling or carting around-the thing is a BEAST!

  • Carolinagal January 30, 2013, 2:37 pm

    I taught my son to clap and yell “YAY MOMMY!” when I ask him to “encourage Mommy” while running 🙂 It helps on those hills!

  • Angela January 30, 2013, 2:43 pm

    It’s li

  • Kimberly @ Healthy Strides January 30, 2013, 2:43 pm

    I have the BOB Ironman as well, and I absolutely love it! Miles is 18 months and has probably logged 1,000 miles in it. When we were visiting family in Colorado, we hijacked their Revolution for a family run. It was nice for toddling around but not for actually running. It wasn’t as stable, and I found it a pain to steer. The one thing I hate is that there is an accessory for just about everything with the BOB, and they aren’t cheap. I’d love the weather cover – especially for Indiana – but it’s not in the budget right now.

  • Angela January 30, 2013, 2:45 pm

    It’s like a double workout! I don’t have kids yet but I think I would like to run with a stroller, seems like a great idea… Especially when they’re old enough to motivate you! 🙂

  • alli January 30, 2013, 2:58 pm

    SO CUTE! I have the BOB Revolution and I love it! I wanted to avoid having a plethora of strollers so I bought it to be my running stroller and everyday stroller. The swivel and lock wheel options are what appealed to me. BUT I never lock it. When I have it locked while running it never goes straight. It gradually goes to one side, I actually like running with the swivel wheel. I bought mine used off Craigslist, so I didn’t have a users manual or anything. I didn’t learn until nearly 2 years after purchasing it (when going on a plane trip) that the wheels come off very easily. Not that I ever need to do that unless I have to send the stroller through the metal detector x-ray machine thing (why cant i think of what thats called?!) or if I need to fit it in a small car (which i havent yet) BUT i thought it was a cool feature 😉
    glad you love your stroller!

  • Becky January 30, 2013, 2:58 pm

    ahhhhhhhhhh! so that explains why you were so speedy during your half! you lost all that extra weight. that stroller looks really solid. im so paranoid about strollers though, i just feel like i’d hit a pot hole and the baby would go flying lol, over time tho i should get over my issues so i can run with baby!

  • alli January 30, 2013, 2:59 pm

    last thing! I totally agree that stroller running makes you faster and stronger. I’ve never been this fast! 😀

  • sara @ fitcupcaker January 30, 2013, 3:04 pm

    I love when I see people running with strollers….I think when I have kids I will run with them 🙂 The kids probably like the scenery too!

  • Amanda January 30, 2013, 3:06 pm

    Omg he’s so cute! I never knew so much went into a running stroller!

  • Dawn January 30, 2013, 3:12 pm

    I received a BOB second hand. I am not sure what type. The husband likes it because he does not trip over it on walks. What I am not a fan of is that it does not fold up to an easily storable size. The thing is huge – ginormous. It is the Hummer of strollers. However, it is far more stable than the umbrella stroller, and M gets to look out at the world unlike the car seat stroller.

  • Kara January 30, 2013, 3:16 pm

    I’m still confused about why you didn’t talk about this aspect of your training during all those half marathon training posts? Was your stroller running your “secret weapon” or something? 🙂

  • crystal January 30, 2013, 3:20 pm

    Great post! My husband and I got the BOB Revolution and are so excited to use it. Just an FYI for anyone reading, the Revolution front wheel does lock into place when you want to run. It does not, however, have a hand break which would be nice.

  • BeepieRuns January 30, 2013, 3:25 pm

    I have a BabyTrend Expedition jogging stroller that I bought new a couple of months ago. I had the earlier incarnations of BT joggers when my big girls were little (both a single and a double bought second hand and resold once they got too big) and I love the brand! My new one has all the same features as the BOB but at about 1/3 of the cost. And the front wheel can be fixed or swivel – you lock it in place to run and unlock for walking. It really is the best of both worlds! I also just bought a rain cover to use, but we haven’t tried that out yet.

  • Penny January 30, 2013, 3:34 pm

    Some parents are biased……but you’re not. He really is one of the most adorable babies ever. It’s the big round eyes me thinks. 🙂

  • dani January 30, 2013, 3:45 pm

    THANK YOU for this post! i have been debating about whether or not to get a jogging stroller for the same reason (me time? yes please!). the bob ironman or revolution are the strollers that are at the very top of my list. i love the revolution though because you can lock the front wheel in place for running or unlock it to make it more of a multi-use stroller. not sure what i’ll go with, but thanks for the information!!

  • LMG January 30, 2013, 3:55 pm

    This is SO timely! Am trying to figure this out now. I have more questions that I can’t seem to get answered by others…

    At how many months did you start running with Henry in the main part of the stroller? My doc is saying we’ll check in at 6 months.

    What do you find you absolutely need to bring with you (diapers/wipes, etc.)?

    How long can you go before he has a meltdown (or does he fall asleep)?

    How do you time it with Henry–do you go right after a bottle?

    Do you push with one hand? Both? I’ve practiced a bit and everything seems so awkward…

    • Becky February 1, 2013, 2:25 pm

      I had my son in the carseat adapter for the first 2 months and then put him in the actual stroller at 2 1/2 months (he had really great head control). My pediatrician said that as a general rule, you should wait till 12 weeks to run with the baby since the jostling (even in a great stroller) isn’t great for them, but I have heard people say they have started MUCH sooner. I think its a weight thing, really. If your baby is a over 3 months and has good head control, its fine to put them in the main stroller part. as a frame of reference, 11 pounds is when most carseats say you can remove the newborn head support & inserts)
      I don’t bring anything with me except a blanket and my cell phone/keys because we don’t ever stop. I’ve only gone about 5 miles with him, but I imagine once he gets older, I’ll bring some snacks for him. He can go 2 hours without a diaper change, so I just change right before we leave and he’s good to go.
      I usually feed him before we go and he almost always falls asleep. When he doesn’t he just chills and looks around. I’ve honestly never had a meltdown problem
      I push with one hand b/c too makes me feel like I’m leaning my weight on the stroller and not actually propelling myself forward.
      I hope this is helpful. I had all of these questions when I first had my son and I couldn’t really find any good answers, so I wanted to chime in and add some insight.

      • Robin April 16, 2013, 10:09 pm

        Thank your for asking this question! I have been trying to see when some mommies start running with their babies. I too have heard the 6 month rule, but to be honest I want to get running sooner.

  • Alyson January 30, 2013, 3:59 pm

    Your first paragraph mirrors my thoughts exactly…when I was pregnant I didn’t want a running stroller because running was my “me” time. Flash forward to today: I have a 5-month old and I’ve been for a total of 7 runs since my baby was born. With my my and my husband’s work schedule, the only realistic running alone times are evenings after 7 pm and by then I’m ready for bed! So, last night I bought a running stroller and we’ll start going after I finish work in the mid-afternoons.

    I decided on a Chariot Cougar. I almost went for the BOB Ironman, but we’ll be doing winter sports next year so the fact that I can get a ski-attachment for the Chariot was the deciding factor.

    Glad to hear you love running with Henry — I have high hopes for my future running prospects!

  • Callina January 30, 2013, 4:05 pm

    I have a Bob Revolution and I think it’s the best of both worlds: the front wheel can swivel or it can lock, for the benefits you talked about. Since it’s not a permanently locked wheel you do have to adjust it sometimes so it doesn’t lean toward one direction.

  • RachelD January 30, 2013, 4:06 pm

    You can make the front wheel on the Revolution fixed just by moving a pin on the front-easy. Best investment we made, baby-wise. The BOB is incredible as an everyday stroller AND a running stroller. Glad you like yours. They are well-made and if you take care of it, you’ll easily sell it on Craigslist one day when you’re through with it.

  • Hotpotatokate January 30, 2013, 4:08 pm

    You are so lucky that Henry likes long runs in the stroller! I am lucky to get 20 minutes!

  • Amber January 30, 2013, 4:23 pm

    I’m training for my first half with a BOB Double- about 100 lbs with the 2 kids in it, in a semi hilly neighborhood. So much extra work! But also totally worth it!

  • Kristin January 30, 2013, 4:26 pm

    Love my BOB Revolution! I actually got the stroller strides version that came with exercise equipment and a water bottle holder. There are stroller strides exercise groups all over the US, a great group of ladies.

  • Kattrina January 30, 2013, 4:37 pm

    I have the BOB Revolution SE. I love it. I haven’t used it for running because I thought we had to wait until he was 8 months (since that is what the manual states). However, I now realize that everyone else uses it with the car seat adapter at a very young age. I have the car seat adapter and have taken him on many walks, but just never ran with him. Maybe I will try it this weekend!

    We have a small car and can still fit the BOB in the back. It fits with our golf clubs if we take the wheels off – which sounds annoying but is actually pretty simple. It was a bit pricey so we actually don’t have a regular (aka smaller) stroller and just use the BOB or the Snap N Go. I am so glad I spent the money and bought the BOB though because it is amazing.

    My only annoyance is that everything is an additional cost – the car seat adapter, the snack tray, the rain/weather cover, the cup holder, etc. It was such an expensive stroller, it would have been nice if it at least came with a cup holder. Even the simple Snap N Go has a cup holder!

  • Susan January 30, 2013, 5:06 pm

    Wow, you’ve come a long way since your jogging post on July 12 with your City-Mini! And Henry was only one month old!!! Now wonder he looks less than happy about being in the jogging stroller in that photo.

    Hopefully this new stroller will grow on him and kuddos to you for getting out there with your baby to enjoy nature together!

  • Krista January 30, 2013, 5:50 pm

    Love the BOB Revolution SE, you can change the front wheel to fixed if you need to. I read that is better to do on runs especially if you are running at training pace, which of course I am not. You know it’s a good stroller when my 5 month old falls asleep on a 3miles run. The run was on all sidewalks so the stroller is very smooth.

  • Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries January 30, 2013, 6:06 pm

    This was such a helpful post! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and research with us!

  • Heidi January 30, 2013, 6:28 pm

    Thanks for this post! I’m pregnant right now, and maintaining my athletic activities after I give birth is something that worries me. (It’s been fine during pregnancy, because I still have freedom and independence. Having a baby 24/7 will be a whole different ballgame) I’m definitely researching baby joggers, because while I’d way rather trail run without one, it will be the reality of my future day to day life. Hoping I find a jogger that makes it not too cumbersome!

  • Hilary January 30, 2013, 6:57 pm

    I have the double BOB revolution and love love love it. The few times I have jogged with it, I didn’t lock the wheel, and had no problems with it. I had a single jogging stroller on loan when I just had one baby and it was a fixed wheel. It was awful! I would run up to 4 miles with it and it made my arm so tired trying to keep it straight. I’m all for the swivel. I can steer the BOB with one hand, even with two heavy kids and running. But I’m glad you like your the Ironman! That is an awesome gift.

  • Lisa January 30, 2013, 7:15 pm

    I really want one of these. Someday!

  • Effie January 30, 2013, 8:13 pm

    I do have a running stroller, but it is not a BOB. I was fortunate enough to find it at a consignment store for 40 bucks and it was a brand new stroller. When my son was younger we would run frequently together and I loved it. Now that he’s two and over 30 pounds running with him is quite challenging. The best thing about our stroller is that it has the ability to have a fixed wheel and then to switch to an unfixed wheel so you can use it in all types of terrain and exercise.

  • Erica January 30, 2013, 8:27 pm

    We have the BOB revolution, which I love. I lock the front wheel for running and then when we are done, just pop it loose again so we can stroll with ease. That being said we only have one stroller so I like that it is good for both running and other errands. I just started using it more frequently. I work, so I try to do most of my runs when my son is sleeping so that we can spend more focused time together. That being said, now that he’s a little older (10 months) he does enjoy being outside and looking at nature, especially when I talk to him while we’re running.

  • Halsy January 30, 2013, 8:27 pm

    I absolutely love my BOB Revelution! As others have said it does have the ability to lock for jogging or swivel for walking. I also wish that some of the accessories came with it! I have the weather shield and highly reccommend it for anyone who lives in the Midwest or northeastern US that wants to jog/walk outside during the winter. The BOB is the only stroller my daughter is happy in these days! We have the Chicco travel system and when she was smaller she liked to ride in the stroller with the matching car seat but once she outgrew it she would not ride in the chicco stroller. I got the BOB for running but found its great for waking and running errands to! This is slight off subject BUT do NOT buy a travel system stroller and car seat.. I found it to be a waste of $250+. She outgrew the car seat at 6 mos and would not use the stroller!

  • Liz January 30, 2013, 8:41 pm

    You can def use the Bob Revolution for running (locked front wheel) and everyday (unlocked, swivel wheel). We use ours all the time and my husband & I are pretty serious (hobby) runners (6 min and 8 min miles, respectively) and the locked front wheel works perfectly on either pace. Our daughter is 15 months & we walked with her in the Bob + carseat attachment and started running with her once our pediatrician approved (about 4 or 5 months).

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) January 30, 2013, 9:20 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE My BOB Revo!!!!!

  • Christina January 30, 2013, 9:26 pm

    I jog 2-3 times a week with a double jogging stroller with my 1 year old and 3 year old! I didn’t splurge on a BOB though, we have an Instep Safari and it’s great, I have the option of locking the front wheel (while running) or having it swivel (if we’re just going for a walk).

    The stroller is around 40 pounds and I have a 22 pounder and a 38 pounder in mine! The furthest I’ve run with them is 4.5 miles. I don’t think I could do more than that! 🙂

  • Kristy January 30, 2013, 10:09 pm

    Dang! That is one cute bundled up running buddy!

  • emma January 30, 2013, 11:01 pm

    I had Leo in September and am currently thinking about getting a running stroller because you’re right, it is VERY difficult to get that consistent “me” time to do fitness stuff….maybe you’ve just convinced me 🙂

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery January 30, 2013, 11:20 pm

    Henry is such a cute little peanut!

  • Lauren M January 30, 2013, 11:52 pm

    We have the Baby Jogger FIT, which also has a permanant fixed front wheel. I tried running with a swivel wheel and it was awful, I felt much more prone to tipping when the ground was uneven. I live in Australia with very harsh sun and hot days so the BJ FIT suits us because of the massive sun shade.

    I also have the BJ Summit double (I have an 11 month old and a 2 year old) but I can assure you that never gets a workout except for walks – running with two is HARD!!!

  • Laura Ann January 31, 2013, 1:08 am

    One of the reasons I love this blog so much that you always showcase how REAL you are — down to clarifying any misconceptions about your yard. 🙂 Another recent example – running in a bad mood, triggered by something embarrassingly minute. In the current age of blogs and pinterest, it is so easy to think other people’s lives, homes, yards are perfect. Thanks for always keeping it real. It makes your life/blog very relatable.

    • MissPinkKate January 31, 2013, 9:15 am

      Wouldn’t someone real showcase their own yard? 😛

      • Caitlin January 31, 2013, 10:17 am

        No because then people can figure out which house is mine!

        • MissPinkKate January 31, 2013, 1:03 pm

          Touche!

  • Patience January 31, 2013, 6:09 am

    I had my first baby in 1992, when the jogging stroller first came out. I knew I had to have one and my kind parents gave me one as a gift before my son was even born. I don’t know the brand, but I believe it was the only jogging stroller available at the time. I remember it was very heavy and difficult to assemble. It was probably larger overall than your stroller, but without the bells and whistles.

  • Verna January 31, 2013, 7:12 am

    I’m not a runner but I love taking my kids out for long walks. Since I’m not actually running, I just got a Jeep 3 wheel “jogging” stroller. It’s perfect for us and the only stroller we ever bought. I got double jogging stroller when I was pregnant with my 2nd for $40 at a garage sale. I think that one is really for running and is much lighter. It’s served us well! We’re now expecting #3 and I’ve been looking on craigslist for a good deal on a 3 seater jogger. Since I’m not actually running, I don’t have to be very picky. I’ve heard excellent things about the BOB strollers. Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • Charitydawn January 31, 2013, 7:37 am

    I LOVE my jogging stroller! The front wheel can be loose for walking/ease of turning or locked for running 🙂 very versatile! I agree with the sun shades they don’t come down far enough. We bought a UV mesh netting to go over ours because we hike in the woods a lot and it keeps bugs/mosquitoes off the baby. Since it blocks uv rays it’s an added bonus. It also is better for the warm weather because it’s mesh. Our rain shield is thick heavy plastic and not to be used in warm weather as it can suffocate the baby so we only use that in the winter.

  • Wendy January 31, 2013, 7:44 am

    Congrats on your new stroller! We have a Bob and it was the best baby purchase ever! My son is almost 6 and we started running together when he was 4 weeks old (with the “bucket” cars seat adapter) and although our runs together nowadays are few, we still use it. We still take it on vacation because my husband & I are always training for something so we take him with us to explore new areas. Happy running!

  • My Neon Running Shoes January 31, 2013, 7:53 am

    Also have the bob and another one called joovy zoom. I don’t like how bob makes you pay for all the accessories that should just come with it! But I do feel like I’m getting a good workout by pushing it.

  • Marcia January 31, 2013, 8:07 am

    I had the BOB trail model and loved it! It also had a fixed front wheel and I had to tip it back to turn but that was FINE! Kids are out of the stroller now and I sold it. Sigh. But it’s also great having my runs back!

  • Hilary @ PeanutButterSpoonfuls January 31, 2013, 8:21 am

    I love that you said you have a hard time being away from Henry ever. I definitely thought I would want to run by myself but now even if someone offers to watch B while I run I sometimes make up a reason why I need to take him with me in the stroller. I am officially insane for wanting to push 40 extra pounds. I really don’t know how you manage turning with the fixed wheel, I’m a BOB Revolution girl all the way, but am glad you found the right stroller for you!

  • Beks January 31, 2013, 8:49 am

    I don’t have kids, so I don’t have or need a running stroller. I just wanted to comment on Henry’s pic. He looks like a little Care Bear! 😀

  • Ashley G. January 31, 2013, 9:12 am

    Hi Caitlin–love your blog, read it daily but rarely comment! This has nothing to do with babies or jogging strollers, but I really enjoyed your post about walking while running, and the idea of not measuring yourself against other people’s yardsticks. I’m currently reading “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, and it discusses the same thing–the idea of finding your own Personal Legend (purpose) and not being distracted/brought down by comparing yourself to others. It’s an awesome, quick read, I highly recommend it!

  • Hope January 31, 2013, 9:40 am

    I am cracking up at the disclaimer on the first picture! Did you just put the stroller in a neighbors yard for pictures?

  • ellen January 31, 2013, 12:52 pm

    So my sister wants me to run a Half with her in June, and I told her the only way I would is if she bought me a running stroller so that I can train with Bas ( my 6 month old) . I was kidding of course because they are way out of both our price ranges, but for Christmas she suprised me with one! She bought a used ( 1 year) RoadRunner Stroller. Its nice, light, has breaks and a fixed wheel. I havnt used it yet because one its way tooo cold here and two I want to ask my pediatrician if Bas is ready to go in it. I am really excited though!

    Also after reading your summary of the last half you did totally motivated me to start training, especially with a stroller and ironically the Half we are doing is a ZOOMA race in Annapolis!

  • Angie January 31, 2013, 1:04 pm

    I have the same stroller, and I LOVE it! I got it as a gift when I was pregnant with my 4th child, and I have used it so much. I had the infant seat adapter and went for long walks with him in his infant carrier. I hadn’t run with him in the stroller for awhile and took him out this week – try pushing a 30 pound toddler, talk about work! He absolutely loved it; when I started to jog, he was giggling from the fun of going faster than a walk.

  • Amanda K. January 31, 2013, 2:31 pm

    have a ton of people said this already? the revolution DOES have a fixed wheel. it just has the option to be fixed or not.
    the revolution is our only stroller, so the fixed wheel option was best for us — makes it more versatile.

  • Amanda K. January 31, 2013, 2:33 pm

    ah, and i love how you mention the storage. i used to NEVER take ANYTHING with me on runs because i HATE carrying things — i never even took extra layers because i didn’t want to end up carrying them.
    now i always take water, my phone, sunglasses, extra layers (even if i only need them starting out) and…of course…tons of baby entertainment. it’s so nice to just toss it in the stroller basket.

  • Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker January 31, 2013, 9:02 pm

    I absolutely hate running with the stroller. That being said, I feel fortunate to have a Revolution SE, which also has the capability to lock the front wheel or have it free. I like having the option to use it for walking around, too. I suppose when the weather gets nicer I’ll try to get Ada out in it again, but it became increasingly more difficult to keep her entertained/not screaming as she got older. Sigh…

  • Lindsay January 31, 2013, 9:57 pm

    Love my BOB Rev and my double BOB! You
    can lock the front wheel on both. Fwiw.

    I use my single as my everyday stroller if I need one. It’s the best of both worlds!

  • Lindsay February 1, 2013, 1:19 am

    We have the BOB SE and I love it! I debated getting the Ironman but after reading a number of reviews decided not to because of the stationary wheel and the fact we wanted to be able to use it on non-pavement surfaces.

  • Monica April 29, 2013, 2:42 am

    Hello! So glad I found this page!! How old was Henry when you started running?! I used to run a bit but I haven’t in a while, and seriously the only way I can exercise is by running, because I know she will be right there and not cry the whole time! anyway, I want to eventually train for long distance running.. I’m starting the couch to 5k, and eventually do more.. What do you recommend for that?

    • Caitlin April 29, 2013, 6:51 am

      I began to run with him when he was 5 months but he had extremely good neck control (sitting unassisted for long stretches). I also always ran slow and didn’t run on bumpy surfaces.

      I love couch to 5k! There is also a couch to 10k!

  • Wendy October 12, 2013, 12:41 pm

    I am thinking of getting the same stroller. I wanted the yellow for visibility. Have you had any issues with the yellow fabric staying clean as I would think it would show dirt easily? Thanks.

    • Kristin March 26, 2014, 2:56 pm

      Thinking about purchasing a Revolution. I want to be able to take it on unpaved trails…nothing too intense, but packed gravel and grass. Anyone have experience with the Revolution and how it works on trails?

  • Running Dad July 7, 2014, 10:39 am

    I ran with my son from 9-19 months. Approaching the “terrible twos”, he’s suddenly taken to melting down 20-30 mins into a run and wanting then to wander about. Just as a fair warning to anyone researching running strollers–you may only get one useful year out of it. But it’s still likely worth the risk.

    Jealous of those who push kids when they are still upwards of 3 yrs old. Mine will be going on Craigslist now…:(

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