I have a BIG running buggy. It’s a Mountain Buggy Terrain – I love it! It is affectionately called the ‘Mega’ buggy!

Choosing a buggy…

Firstly ask yourself the practical stuff…

Will this be my only buggy? Thankfully not for me. I also have a very practical Maclaren XT.

Does it fit in the boot of the car? I drive a VW Polo. A great little run around car for London. And yes, my running buggy does fit in, but I do have to take the wheels off every time I pack it in the boot. An easy job, the wheels just click on and off, but still every so slightly annoying, especially when it’s been wet and muddy.

Can I get on public transport easily? Honestly, not really. When I’m on the bus with the Mega buggy, I hold my breath every time we stop at a bus stop, knowing that if another buggy wants to get on, it’ll be a bit of a squash… ok they won’t actually fit next to me! And when I have the mega buggy, I always have to take the rear bus entrance – the buggy doesn’t fit down the aisle easily – not with an array of feet, bags, coats and me steering! Bus drivers in SW London don’t seem to like this very much.

Where will I store it? Mine is always kept in the car. We did go through a period of having it in the shed in the back garden, but gave up pretty quickly.

Does it need to be car seat compatible? I didn’t use this buggy with my baby car seat, but check it out as many are and even mine can be converted now and used with my Maxicosi Pebble – the car seat of choice for most SW London Mums!

Will I need a carrycot? I didn’t, but a friend of mine had the carrycot with her running buggy frame. It seemed very practical and reminded me of the original SilverCross Mary Poppins style prams – very BIG!

I’m lucky that I also have a very practical Maclaren XT stroller. It fits in the car easily; I can get on trains, buses and the tube with it. I get about town and the supermarket with it. And it fits in the hallway, next to our coats without too many problems. Switch it with Mega buggy and there are problems with all of the above. BUT I do live in SW London, in a terraced house and drive a VW Polo.

What to look for in a running buggy…

Choose a buggy designed for running.
3-wheels.
Go for bigger wheels, especially the rear ones. Mine are 16″.
Have the ability to swivel/lock the front wheel.
Suspension.
Handbrake.
5-point safety harness.
Adjustable handle.
Wrist loop.

Preparing for your run…

Always check the weather and be prepared for sun, rain, snow etc… Take suncream, extra warm layers and waterproofs and never trust the British weather!

Take a puncture repair kit with you and know how to use it. Ensure you have checked your tyres before you leave home. There is nothing like getting into your stride and then discovering you have a flat!

Make sure you have milk, snacks and juice for you and the baby! Think about if your baby will be due a snack whilst you are out on your run and plan for an easy to eat in the buggy/on the move snack.

Plan your run route in advance and know how to get back quickly and easily if there is a melt down! Knowing the local public transport options on route is useful too.

When I was at my buggy running peak (last sumer – I’m a somewhat fair weather jogger) , I would head out whilst my daughter had her mid-morning nap. It was perfect for both of us – time in the morning to get up, organised and have breakfast; and the buggy movement lulled her to sleep easily. I am very lucky that she does seem to be able to sleep anywhere, and so this may not be the best time for you.

Buggy running technique…

Firstly, please make sure you have had any necessary checks and clearance by the doctor to start exercising. Childbirth can be traumatic enough, without adding unnecessary running injuries to your recovery period. And ladies –  your pelvic floor health is SO IMPORTANT and running can be detrimental to this; if you have any worries, pain or any “leaky pee” when you run (or at rest), stop and seek the advice of an expert.

You should try and run as naturally as possible. Stay close to the buggy, keeping your elbows bent and your hands lightly on the handlebars at about waist height. Try not to lean on the handlebar or grip it too tightly. Leaning on the handles can cause you to stoop, putting more pressure on your lower back. Gripping tightly can cause you to build tension through the top of your back and your shoulders. You may find it more comfortable to run off to the side, switching at regular intervals. I find running this way, I’m less likely to bend in the middle and stoop leaning on the buggy. Run slower than you usually would and be more cautious about your terrain. Never run hands free – I always have my wrist loop on – just in case.

Some of my favourite buggies…

Mountain Buggy – Terrain
http://mountainbuggy.com/uk/Products/buggies/terrain#.UvVO-HlXCoY

BOB – Ironman
http://www.bobgear.co.uk/product-pageid=3192&cat=strollers&name=IRONMAN

Baby Jogger – Performance Series – IF you can get one in the UK!