Running with a buggy?

[Puffed-out]

So last time I ran was W5R3, which is now over a week ago, I just can’t bring myself to run in this heat. I could go early, but that would mean taking my 2 year old with. Just wondered if anyone had tried this with a buggy and how it went for them? I know there are buggy runs etc so it’s possible, but is it a “comfortable “ run? Or a bit of a struggle and nightmare to take a buggy along?

I wanna get back into my runs, but can’t run in the evening as the heat doesn’t die down till late and I just don’t feel safe enough where I am. (I run alone!)

Just looking for other experiences I suppose.

[YoureDoingGreatPet]

On my parkrun today there was a guy running pushing a 3 wheel buggy. He set off about 50 feet in front of me and I never saw him again. I finished in 37:54 and he wasn’t even in the car park after, so it is not only possible, but possible to do it fast. To be fair he looked like he could have run round with my shed strapped to his back, but maybe give it a try at your pace and see how you get on. 😉🙂

[Puffed-out in reply to YoureDoingGreatPet]

Thanks for your reply! That’s really encouraging, I’ll try it. Great time btw! 👍🏼

[YoureDoingGreatPet in reply to Puffed-out]

Thanks ☺️ was 42 seconds off my pb, but only the second time I’ve run the whole distance, so considering how hot it was, I can’t grumble 😉🏆

[pianoteacher Graduate]

Hi Puffed-out

Have you got a running buggy? They usually have 3 wheels like the one YoureDoingGreatPet describes.

Our parkrun advises that only running buggies are used because ordinary ones can tip if you hit uneven ground. I came in the other week in around 28 mins closely followed by a man running with one so it is perfectly possible with the right equipment x

[Puffed-out in reply to pianoteacher]

Ah, no I don’t have a running buggy, but the one I have is sturdy and where I run is flat, not paved (so no concrete flags poking up) but recently done pathway, like tarmac type of stuff. Hmmm, that’s something to think about, so thank you. Don’t want any accidents!

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Puffed-out]

Exactly! We've had some people running with really flimsy unsuitable buggies (and sprint finishing which is very dangerous!). There was unfortunately an accident a couple of weeks ago

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

No way 😳

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Unfortunately - buggy tipped over! Luckily the child was ok. They had to put a reminder to only run with proper running buggies on the Facebook page because of it x

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Sorry but 😂😳

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Loads of buggies at my ParkRun. Even a bloke with a double pushchair 👌🏽

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Blimey that sounds like hard work! Bet he's annoyingly fast as well - like the gurkha who did sub28 while carrying a 22kg backpack

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

😂

[Gillma Graduate]

See if any other parents fancy an early morning park trip? Then you could swap minding duties while running. Also maybe try Mumsnet or a local running group to see if anyone will give you a go of a running buggy. I also belong to our local nextdoor.co.uk - social media for neighbours - and they sometimes come up with solutions. Your local Parkrun organisers might also have advice. Don’t give up!

[Puffed-out in reply to Gillma]

Some great ideas, thanks!

[Mamabear5 Graduate]

I run twice a week with my 2 yr old , have ran with her since she was 7 wks , yesterday was the first time I did it at a park run and she loved it , shouting away as people passed us or we passed , I don’t have a ‘proper’ running buggy but do have a 3 wheeler , i lock front wheel and push one handed which helps my running , enjoy

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Mamabear5]

Sounds like good fun Mamabear5 - although I think in that heat yesterday I would rather be in the buggy than pushing it 😂

I had a bit of a google after replying to you last night Puffed-out and one of the most important features of a running buggy would appear to be the lockable front wheel. So if you have one of those on your buggy and are not running at high speed it should be fine x

[Puffed-out in reply to pianoteacher]

Aww thank you so much, I didn’t even think to google it. Yes we have lockable wheels, so may give it a go ☺️ I’m definitely not at sprinting level, so no worries there 😬

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Puffed-out]

Haha! Enjoy it

My son is 13 and I didn't run when he was little - he runs with me now sometimes though. I had a 1970s Silver Cross Pram for him so it might have been interesting 😂