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| My view from the start of the race! |
I did it! I ran my first 5k pushing the double stroller. 46 pounds of toddler plus the weight of the stroller, for 3.1 miles, with an elevation gain of 126 feet. (This is very important when you're pushing a double stroller... flat is ok, downhill is great, uphill is brutal!)
It was awesome fun. I've never had strangers cheer for me like I did out with the double stroller and both kids! It was a small race, 101 people, and the four strollers who ran all started in the back, so I didn't feel like I was in anyone's way.
It was fun because I felt like I had a disclaimer, so as long as I was working hard and having fun, I wasn't as worried about finishing at a certain time. Obviously pushing two kids in the stroller was going to affect my time, so I just ran as hard as I could and enjoyed being out in the fresh air and sunshine.
Fun moments:
Trying to talk to Will as he pointed out every police car escorting the race and every dog walking by
Jogging by someone and having them yell out to me that I was their hero
Jogging by someone and hearing them say "I just got PASSED by a DOUBLE STROLLER!!!" (I hope they were inspired and not demoralized)
Rounding a corner (so it wouldn't be clear who was behind me) and hearing a volunteer cheer me on and say I only had a half mile left, then hearing a police officer say to that volunteer "So, that's the end of the runners, right?" Hah. I agree, officer, you would think I would be last, but no, I have run hard and long and made progress and there are beginning runners here who are where I used to be, and it's awesome. (At that point I had passed over thirty runners from my position in the rear, and I finished the race in just under 32 minutes, 10:15 average pace, 57th out of 101 people).
I was the only mom pushing a stroller in the race, the other three strollers were all powered by pretty impressive looking dads. It made me feel pretty powerful and fun to have that many people look at me like I was crazy.
Will says he'd do it again. Andrew slept the whole time and got pretty upset when the stroller stopped, so I think he's up for another race, but maybe a longer one ;)
You're amazing!! Thank you for this! I have a 3 year old a 1 year old and have been trying to find a used jogging stroller to replace my sit and stand that I am currently running around with.. It. Is. Brutal! lol Anyway thank you for the wonderful stories!
ReplyDeleteHi Richelle, thanks so much! I'm glad you found my posts about stroller running :)
DeleteI hope you find a great used double, it's a wonderful way to get out of the house with the kids and get some exercise!
I LOVE being able to put the kids in the double stroller and head out - I've been writing about it a lot on my new running blog, so make sure you check there for more thoughts and tips on stroller running if you haven't already!
Here's some posts I've written about stroller running there:
Stroller Runner? How to Shower!
Why I Love Stroller Running
You are amazing! I just found your blog and can't stop reading it!!! You inspire me so much, I'm 37 years old and I started running this January after losing 30lb, already run one 10k and five 5k and I'm not fast but I run! Sometimes I feel bad because of my times and I don't think of myself as a runner because i take walk breaks but your blog is so inspiring...so thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you intend to use the stroller mainly for? Is it just bringing the children to the nearby park, are you regularly shopping with your stroller or do you need a jogging double stroller.
ReplyDeletebest travel stroller