Running with a buggy Q&A
I’m regularly asked questions about running with a buggy (and other issues relating to being a running mum). I thought I’d share some of my insights and some useful links in a single post…
Do I need a special buggy?
It’s recommended that you only run with a buggy that is designed for running. There are a number of different brands available at different price points and you can also pick them up second-hand. The most popular ones that are available in the UK seem to be Out N About Nipper Sport, Thule Glide and Bugaboo Runner. You can also buy running buggies by Mountain Buggy and BOB. Thule Chariots can be used as running buggies (if you buy the conversion kit).
There are a number of specialist sales groups on Facebook where you can find a second-hand running buggy, including:
How do you deal with punctures?
Baby M is nearly a year old and her buggy had its first puncture recently. I wasn’t with her at the time, but Stu dealt with the puncture in the same way that he would on a bike. He replaced the inner tube. It is possible to fix the puncture with a patch, but they’re not always reliable.
Some people choose to slime their tyres, but I’ve never done that on a bike. I’m capable of dealing with a puncture, so don’t intend to go down that route. If you aren’t confident that you can replace an inner tube then it might be the right option for you. Essentially, if your inner tube gets pierced, the slime covers the hole and solidifies, so you don’t need to replace the tube.
I’m not a runner, how can I keep fit?
You might want to try Couch to 5k, which is available as podcasts or an app. It is a sensible way of building your running up to 5k (3.1 miles). If it’s been a long time since you’ve exercised, you might want to start off by walking and gradually increase the amount of time or number of times you walk each week.
You might also find a Buggyfit class in your area. There isn’t one in Southampton, but I attended ParkLives Buggy Mums classes, which are similar, whilst I was on maternity leave. If you’re in Hampshire, there’s also BuggyWorkout in the Winchester area and a Buggy Workout class at Fleming Park in Eastleigh.
Are there any online support groups that I can join?
There are several Facebook groups for buggy runners:
- Running with buggies – This is a closed group with nearly 2000 members
- The Original Buggy Runners – This is a closed group led by Wendy Rumble who also runs RunningBuggies.com shop/website
- Solent Buggy Runners – This is a closed group that is not currently active… but I’m hoping that might change.
(There are plenty of other local groups, such as East Midlands, Hereford, Birmingham, Nottingham, Fairway, Brighton and Hove, Poplar, Somerset, Rissington)
Can I take part in any races/events?
There is some confusion about what the UKA (UK Athletics rules) state about whether buggies can be used in races, and it seems to be left to each Race Director to make their own judgement.
I’ve found that the best place to look for races is Buggy Friendly Running Events (UK) – a closed Facebook group. You might also want to look at parkrun – buggy and wheelchair friendly courses – a public Facebook group.
I’m breastfeeding – is it OK for me to run?
The evidence seems to suggest that there are no detrimental effects relating to breastfeeding and running, but plenty of benefits. (https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/mom-exercise/ ).
It’s not always easy to find a sports bra that’s suitable for nursing… and to find one that doesn’t break the bank is almost an impossibility. A lot of people like Brooks/Moving Comfort – Juno. That’s quite expensive and only available in a limited range of sizes. A similar bra that is available in a much wider range of sizes at a lower price point is SYROKAN Women’s High Impact Full Cup Wire Free Lightly Padded Gym Run Sports Bra.
Have you run with a buggy? Do you have any tips that you can share?
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The last time I saw a buggy at my local parkrun, I thought “bugger, how am I going to get past that on these narrow paths?” Needn’t have worried. He took off and left me for dead. I suspected he had an engine fitted in there somewhere ’til I congratulated him after on his speedy performance and learned his dark secret. He was a Kiwi 😉
I have to admit that I always used to see buggies as a challenge (much in the same way that I viewed elderly runners as targets), but there are some surprisingly fit people out there. I’ll never forget Martin Yelling (international duathlete and husband of Liz Yelling) turning up at Southampton parkrun with his then 4-year-old in a buggy. Most people didn’t recognise him, so when he zoomed past them on the first hill on his way to a sub 19 minute finish, there were a few disgruntled runners. I now know that speedy runners come in all shapes and sizes!
I’ve made the same error in the pool (though before you ask, no, not with buggies!)