Does Time in the Jogging Stroller Make Your Kids Better Travelers?

Subtitle: Race Report - Double Oaks Duathlon 2014

This is what the back of a minivan looks like with the following contents: 3 children 5 sleeping bags 5 mats 1 tent 5 duffle bags (full of clothes) 3 canvas bags (full of food, shoes, jackets, etc.) 1 Triathlon bike 1 Road bike 1 Stuffed Bear Plus other misc. items It is pretty amazing what we fit in there, really. It was a 12 hour drive on I-81 S to Alabama from Northern Virginia. (Spoiler alert: You can DOUBLE your trip time by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway the way home.) This is the second year I have raced at Oak Mountain State Park. It is just south of Birmingham Al. Luckily, the weather was warmer, sunnier, and less filled with pollen that last year's event. The course was the same which consists of a 5 K loop completed twice. The last mile or so of which is on a single track trail (yay!). A 13 mile bike loop of rolling hills, also completed twice. The 5K loop again completed in the reverse direction in order to run the trail section first on the final lap.

The new Trek Speed Concept totally stands out compared to the other bikes on the racks in the transition area. Awesome! There was another 9 series Speed Concept in my row as well, but his was blue so definitely not as fun as Lunar Orange! The first run went much better than last time. I did a better job of planning nutrition (that will need a whole other post, but Yay to Osmo, Clif and Power Bar). I warmed up before the race start. I knew that the race starts uphill. What I did not do better was I still went out to fast. At 6:30, my first mile was my fastest. Perhaps a bad habit for road races, this is the secret of my success in trail running. Get ahead of the crowd before the first bottleneck. In this race, the order we started the race was more or less the order we stayed. Going into the bike, I was ready. I am pretty sure the race organizers were having some sort of timing malfunction as almost everyone's T1 time was 1:!5. Suspicious. Plus my clock time was shorter than my chip time, but since I started in the second wave, it should be the other way around.

Maybe I will change my FB picture to the one of me riding away. The bike ride was solid. Not record breaking, but I got passed by very few men and was not passed by any women. I lapped many of the sprint distance participants. I never rode the brakes on the downhills except at the U-turns around the cones. The bike rides very well. I especially like that the front end with all the internal cables is much stiffer than previously. This bike feels very stable and likes to go in straight lines. I was able to climb all the hills while remaining seated. I have not risen with a computer for so long, however, I have to go back and figure out how to best make use of speed and cadence information in real time.

The last leg was not comfortable. I had an OK pace, but I definitely need to get more miles under my belt to strengthen legs for the longer and later runs. At the end of the day, I was the fourth woman to finish and the second in Women 35-39. Since they skimmed the top 3 off for overall awards, I was technically awarded first in the age group. I felt better today when I saw that the 35 year old who did beat me was a local AND was voted Triathlete of the Year by USAT!

How to Choose a Bike Trailer for Children

I have done a survey of good jogging strollers in the past, but this post is about bike trailers (some of which are able to convert to a jogging stroller). There are both single and double trailers available, though it is fine for just one child to ride in a "double". The retention straps can easily accommodate that. Best for economy: InStep Sync Single Bicycle Trailer $90 InStep Take 2 Double Bicycle Trailer $90 This is if you just want to try it out and don't expect to use this trailer more often than seasonal weekends. I am currently on my second InStep single trailer. Both we used for daily commuting but were only able to stand up to that by replacing the wheels early on. Considering the cost, it is actually amazing that even the second trailer still works at all. The double is not spacious, so would be best for two small kids. But again, for this bargain price, InStep does well. Best for Biking: Burley Solo $529 Burley Encore $450 You can purchase many great accessories for Burley trailers including a front stroller wheel or a larger front jogging stroller wheel, but Burleys excel as bike trailers. The Infant Snuggler adapter makes a more secure seat for the youngest riders*. The D'Lite is the top of the line so the Encore is one down, but is also great for being able to fold down the seat inside in case -like me- you now use your trailer for cargo while the kids are at school. Best for cross over use as jogging stroller: If you can find a used Chariot Cougar (1 or 2) those have always been favored for actually running with but since they were acquired by Thule (the car rack company) it is just not the same anymore. I really recommend a bike trailer for biking and a jogging stroller for jogging. The weight distribution in each is really different and will make a big difference when it comes time to turn a corner with that jogger! *A thought on how old you can start a baby in a trailer. My take on this is about 12 months, depending on the child. Absolute minimums would be that the child can sit up unassisted. I prefer that he/she can walk unassisted simply as an indicator of core and neck strength. Also once the child has at least a few words, communicating is much easier. You will stop a lot to figure out what is going on with a pre-verbal child riding around back there. Each manufacturer and pediatrician will also have their own take on the matter so listen to them. Every child riding in a bike trailer should WEAR A HELMET. Every grown up pulling a bike trailer should WEAR A HELMET. Seriously, one of my worst crack-your-helmet crashes was a leisurely ride pulling the bike trailer and I just hit a spot of algae and boom. If possible. Don't order your trailer on line. We stock bike trailers at our bike shop, as many do. Come try it out in person. Let the kids climb around in it. Have the salesperson SHOW you how to safely connect it to your bicycle. Finally, just as one should do for their own bicycle, make sure you have a spare inner tube and air pump in that trailer at all times. It can get a flat tire too.

Portable Music

Music to help you run is great. Listening to a fast beat both helps to pass the time and to keep your feet moving at a good clip. I like to listen when I am running on my own, running on the treadmill or riding the bike trainer. Sometimes, however, I absolutely will not put an ear bud in an ear. Cycling outdoors is never a time to listen. Neither is when I am pushing the jogging stroller. It is safer to be able to hear traffic and such sounds all around you, but with a child or children along, you have to be able to hear them too. For a long time I had the rule of thumb that if the run was 10 miles or more, the child could listen to the iPod. But on shorter runs like today, my rider was also my music. She sang the new version of the ABC song she has learned in school. We sang the oldies that I also know together: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," "Apples and Bananas," "If You're Happy and You Know It," and so on. This is hard. We are talking cardiovascular fitness here. So the time passed more quickly for her and we had a nice time together. She wasn't just getting dragged along and ignored. It is hard to find the right balance of dragging around and just staying home. Every year is a little different. This day reminded me of one of my finer memories of jogging stroller life. Maybe 7 years ago, I was jogging up the road as we belted out "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid, of course, as we passed this other dude out jogging. Yep. Like he was standing still.

All Aboard

I still run quite a lot, but with the popularity of "multi sport" (triathlons, etc) plus the draw of being able to go farther and bring more, we have borrowed the concept of the road train! Certainly I am not the first parent to string together several wheeled devices, but we love it. We sometimes go to the grocery store or to cub scouts with all in tow. Even with several young children at home, you could train for a cycling event! Probably not a century ride, but these kids would be cool with 10 miles. Revisit Destination Running to break up the distance. You may be able to tell that I have all this fun stuff hooked up to my single speed bicycle. That means that there are no gears. If you wanted to try a trailer bike, a trailer, or both, I would recommend a geared bike and more specifically a mountain bike or hybrid bike because those types of bikes have an easier gear ratio than a road bike. Or do what I do if you just like things crazy hard :)

Graduation Day

Talk about an upgrade! We are still riding family bikes and mountain bikes and all, but this is a very awesome bike. I have been previously riding a Trek Speed Concept WSD 7.8 for 2 years. This bike has been "on" the podium lots and has been on airplanes to Arizona and France! Trek took a great design and made it even better. Take note: there are no visible cables! AND - you know how I got to the point I can ride this bike so fast? I call it resistance training. Running with strollers and biking with trailers! These kids are still along for the ride, but not ON the ride every time. Stay tuned for great things to come.

As Your Kids Grow

As I return from a ride on a Fat Tire bike in the snow, I look forward to these beautiful summer days again. My 10-year-old has very much out-grown her jogging stroller days, but we have enjoyed our time together on the trailer bike. For kids ages 5-9 or so, the trailer bike is a wonderful way to travel a longer distance that your young rider may be able to do on his or her own power. We used the trailer bike to commute to camp this summer, hence the large backpacks, but it is also great for recreational riding. I have since this time, added pannier bags and a fender to the front bicycle and it all fits together just fine. If we are riding to a destination such as the park or ice cream store, I appreciate that the 5-year-old can be attached to me as we near traffic and not be left to her own navigational devices. Trek makes a few versions of the trailer bike. This is the MT 206 which has 6 speeds, but the MT 201 has a single speed. Both models have a 20" tire which is the same size as the bicycle that an average 7-8 (+/-) year old rides. The trailer bike clamps to any size seat post with the use of shims. It is not recommended for carbon fiber seat posts, so not a good addition to your Cervelo or Speed Concept. Burley, the company which makes many bike trailers for children, dogs, and cargo, also makes a trailer bike such as this. Their model clamps to a rack on the rear of the adult bike. There is also an add-on package available to convert their trailer bike to a 20" bicycle for the child to ride on his/her own.

Then and Now

Then and now. These 2 spent their entire lives to date riding around in a jogging stroller and it worked! They like to run! They like to bike. We bike to school. I still run- but also train more on a bicycle now. You can bring your kids on a bike too. This is chapter 2.

Where we're going, there are no roads...

A year of preparation

I just returned from the Standard Distance Duathlon World Championship in Nancy, France on September 23, 2012! This is my excuse for not writing a blog post for a whole year.

Dealing with the giant bike box on the airline was not very difficult. I am now well practiced at taking this bike apart and putting it back together. Good thing I work at a bike store ;) United Airlines charged $200 each was for the International Flight. In comparison, Southwest only charged $50 for a domestic flight earlier this year. A few notes about boxing your bike: 1. Do it yourself. Know your bike. Be confident that when you get to a strange destination for a big race, the one thing you can count on is that your bike is ready. Plus you will save a lot of time if you don't have to stand in line for the French mechanic. The Brits were very helpful, btw. 2. Don't forget that one of the greatest dangers to your bike in its box is frame on frame damage. Put spacers in the front and rear dropouts. Wrap any parts of your frame that touches anything else. 3. Remember that there may be some tools you need to put your bike back together that you didn't need to take it apart. Your torque wrench, for example.

We got to practice on the course a bit on Friday, so I decked myself out in some TBL gear. This was my one and only "Team USA" interaction, really. Sort of strange to be on a "team" with a bunch of people you have barely met before. The transition area of the race was in La Place Stanislaw. Basically the town square. There were cafes all around the perimeter and terribly slippery stones underfoot. This was good, however, as it would finally the the thing that got me to leave my shoes clipped in to my bike and sock-it through the transition area.

The run was through the park. The terrain was flatter than I am used to, but the advantage of laps was that it was much easier for my companions to see me go by. In the next part of the race, they learned that keeping track of me was harder than they expected. Bikes go by much faster than runners. I ran and biked pretty much the exact times that I expected. Not awesome, but exactly what I deserved considering how little I have been running lately. I was happy with my nutrition plan. I drank water and Scratch while on the bike and a Clif Mojo bar. They are salty which I prefer to capsules, though I could probably benefit from trying Sportlegs in the future.

In the end, I am really glad that I went all the way over there. I enjoyed the race and the course more than I expected. The bike course was 5 laps with 3 turn-arounds each! That is 15 traffic cones on a tri bike! I am proud to say that I did pass a few people on the inside. My legs were sufficiently sore the next day that I didn't feel like slacked off, at least. I am newly inspired having found a group of ladies that are truly impressive! I really have something to strive for now!

Race t-shirt Quilt

Finally, years later, I finished my quilt of race and other memorable t-shirts. I'm calling it "1998-2008" aka the first 10 years with my husband. Though there are 2009 and 2010 Marine Corp marathon shirts in the mix too...details, details...

Great Customer Service at Kelty

In addition to making great backpacks and strollers to carry your kids around, Kelty has great customer service. After about 5000 miles, my 2003 Joyrider has 3 very unhappy wheels. Though it turned out in the end that they no longer have the right kind of wheels available, they sent me their closest match right away with no charge!

So, if you have a Kelty Speedster or another stroller that takes compatible 16" wheels, I would be happy to pay them forward to you.

REALLY Pregnant Running

A woman gave birth after running/walking the Chicago marathon at 39 weeks pregnant:
(Read the article here).

Is that crazy or is that cool?

I definitely remember feeling like I would do just about ANYTHING to get that baby out by 39 weeks, so maybe she's on to something ;)

2011 Strollers

As you may know, I used to be a loyal fan of Dreamer Design strollers, but they no longer manufacture jogging strollers. I believe the company only makes handicapped equipment now. So, I really don't have any useful parts left since most of what people are looking for either broke on my stroller as well or I was unable to remove it without damaging it. Before you send a request for a part, please consider whether the broken part is one that can even be removed if it were not already broken. Many parts are riveted on, for example.

So, if this leaves you in the market for a new (or new-to-you) stroller, the options may have changed since the last time you took a look. Here are some suggestions that are available NOW:

1. Best Mixed-Terrain Running like you are training for something: Bob Ironman Stroller
2. Best Straight and Paved Road Running as fast as you can: Baby Jogger, 25th Anniversary Performance
3. Best I want one stroller to do everything: Joovy Zoom ATS Fixed Wheel Jogging Stroller
4. Best Inexpensive and good enough for real running: Schwinn Joyrider Jogger
5. Honorable Mention for Brand Loyalty: Kelty Speedster Swivel

Generally I have a strong preference for fixed wheel strollers, but in light of EIGHT years (and counting) of loyal service by my Kelty stroller, I have allowed it on the list.

Inner tube, Bent Valve

All my strollers have 16" wheels, but the smaller size wheels are 12" and it can be tricky fitting a pump in there to add air.
If you have an air compressor, that will work because of the small head. Alternatively, strollers such as Valco and Phi and Ted use inner tubes in their tires with bent valves. This allows you to use a regular hand pump. It can be hard to find these replacement tubes, however. Best bet: Amazon.com.

Old Stroller

In case you are still wondering, I DO NOT HAVE ANY CANOPY OR SEAT PARTS FOR THE DREAMER DESIGN.

So, my 2003 Kelty stroller is not getting any younger either. Today I replaced the handlebar padding with handlebar tape [designed for a bicycle]. It was pretty gross underneath the old tape. Because of the split handle style, I've had to replace one side before. On that side the elements and probably a lot of sweat have seeped through the overlaps of tape and caused the metal of the handlebar below to corrode significantly. I am hoping this weakness is not at risk for actually breaking.

This activity does remind me, yet again, that jogging strollers are very much like bicycles. Luckily there are neither chains nor gears to take care of, but the wheels, tires, hand brake and, in some strollers, suspension are all built the same way as those components on a bicycle. The hand brake relies on a cable and brake pads. The cable will stretch over time and the pads will wear down. Likewise, tires can get flats. Even the tread tends to wear down to the wire below after about 2000 miles. The next point of failure that I am worried about are the ball bearings in the wheels. I just have to squeeze 2 more years out of it...

Trek Firefly Jogger

So, what I am wondering now is...how many miles do I have to run before my trusty ol' Kelty single jogger needs to be replaced because I JUST learned that TREK makes a jogging stroller too! We have 7 TREK bikes and I would LOVE to try the Trek stroller.

I'm thinking that this stroller looks awesome. First, Trek bikes are really well made. I love the center handlebar idea. The seat and canopy look really well supported.

I expect that I have 2 more years of stroller running (training for 100+ combined miles of races) plus even after 8 years of adjustments, there is nothing I can do to make my Kelty track in a straight line! What other justifications can I think of to buy this stroller ?!?!

My Review of Womens Road Runner Sports Favorite Cami Inner Bras

Originally submitted at Road Runner Sports

Women's ROAD RUNNER SPORTS FAVORITE CAMI BRA :: Soft, lightweight and incredibly comfortable! The women's Favorite Cami Bra is the perfect everyday active bra. You get the performance of a light-support sports bra with the comfort of a discreet everyday cami. Customize your fit with adjusta...

Womens Road Runner Sports Favorite Cami Inner Bras

Most Comfortable Bra I Own

By Jen from Springfield, VA on 8/22/2011

 

5out of 5

Cup Fit: Feels true to size

Band Size: Feels true to size

Pros: Straps That Do Not Slide, Breathable, Comfortable

Best Uses: Gym, High Impact Exercise, Everyday Wear, Jogging, Low Impact Exercise

Describe Yourself: Comfort-oriented

Was this a gift?: No

I don't need much support so I can run in this bra. It would not be enough support for a larger breasted woman to run. It is so soft and comfortable that I can also wear it for a long run or for all day. I think I need to buy more...

(legalese)

My Review of Womens Road Runner Sports All Sport Foldover Lined Shorts

Originally submitted at Road Runner Sports

Women's ROAD RUNNER SPORTS ALL SPORT FOLDOVER SHORT :: Why hide your attitude? Wear it loud and proud in the women's All Sport Foldover Short that not-so-gently proclaims EAT MY DUST on back of the soft, foldover waistband. Keep cool and comfortable during your workout with side mesh panels...

Womens Road Runner Sports All Sport Foldover Lined Shorts

Love these soft shorts

By Jen from Springfield, VA on 8/22/2011

 

5out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size

Pros: Comfortable, Allows Free Movement

Best Uses: Running, Gym

Describe Yourself: Avid Athlete

Was this a gift?: No

These shorts fit perfectly and are so soft. They are fairly short which I like. I sometimes find that the liner of running shorts can be too baggy in the butt area, but these fit well. The heavier fabric stays down better than the really lightweight fabrics of some shorts which is always blowing around this way and that. Great for casual runs. I also love the "Eat my Dust" when I'm feeling a little saucy!

(legalese)

Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure. Really, you can probably just assume that you need more. In rare cases, overinflating your innertube can cause the tire to pop out of the rim, but I've only seen that happen once. Just like your car, firm tires make a big difference in how much energy you use to move forward.

Most jogging stroller tires will be in the range of 40 psi (pounds pre square inch). Read the tiny numbers on the sidewall of your tire to see the recommendation for your tires. A bike pump with a gauge is the best thing to use. Though a compressor like the ones at a gas station are compatible with the schrader valve that is in your stroller tire, they are better used for car tires that require a much larger volume of air.



While you are at it, your kids' bicycles probably air in their tires too...

Interval Training Like a Kid

We did it! My 5 year old son rode his bicycle (no training wheels) all the way around Burke Lake last week. We did have a fairly significant snack break halfway through, but he did it. Mud puddles, roots, dirt, gravel and all. I was sweaty at the end, though it was a warm and humid day. The most impressive sight was certainly the uphills where I pushed the stroller with my left hand and pushed the bicyclist (Tour de France style) with my right. Downhills were super fast, but overall it was slow. If only I wasn't in such good shape ;)

The experience reminded me and perhaps helped me to appreciate that these tiny bodies are much better suited for short bursts - i.e. intervals. Try to pace a 3-year-old. Go ahead. Good luck with that... They run and run and then they crash (hopefully not literally). Why not take advantage of this? I've always avoided "speed word" as it was so much easier just to slog through it at a more even pace with the stroller, but here's a great chance to do a little sprinting.

We'll give it another go next week. For now, we need to get his older sister up to speed so she can come along too. Perhaps we can make a game of it. Sprinting, resting, racing mom, etc. We'll have to do something...it is just the beginning of a long summer.