Liberating: Jogging Stroller

my jogging stroller

One of the earliest challenges I faced was integrating my exercise with my single-parent life. I had separated from my marriage when my daughter was only three years old, retaining shared custody. On my custody days, the child demanded much attention. She could not be left alone, so I was unable to do any early morning outdoor activities. Enter the jogging stroller. Upon a friend's advice, I purchased it a month after my separation. For less than $100, I bought my freedom to exercise outdoors anytime I wanted.

The Baby Trend Expedition stroller I got was fairly sturdy. It supported my child until she was five years of age, and weighed 50 lb., as advertised. It also has two cup-holders for each of us and a phone / wipes compartment, along with storage at bottom. We kept it in good shape, so I sold it on Craigslist after for $35.

                         

I started with walking. It became a routine to stroll her to the nearby lake whenever we could: shorter trips after picking her up from daycare on late summer afternoons, and longer ones on weekend mornings. She loved it, and wanted me to stop here and there so she could get out and explore. The stroller helped me take her places further than she could walk herself, making it more interesting for both of us. For instance, I drew up a "playground tour", a 3-4 mile route that stops at five neighborhood tot lots. I also packed it in the car to go explore other paved and unpaved trails. The longest hike we made was seven miles. For longer walks, the cup-holders came in handy for carrying plastic cups filled with snacks like sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, pretzels, and fruits.

Since I started running, I also took her on some runs, shorter ones at first, then gradually building up to seven miles. Often, I added a rest in the middle at a playground. Because my child was fairly grown, the stroller added to my loads uphill, and also helped me build upper body strength. The rests were necessary to relieve me from the hilly terrain.

Over all, I am convinced the jogging stroller was the best investment I ever made for my health.  Well worth it!