As my last post stated Do you know how far an Ironman is?!?!, I am planning on answer all the questions people have asked and continue to ask about my Ironman Journey.   If you would like me to answer any questions, the “submit your questions” button is on the bottom of the page. Do you have children and if so, how old are you kids? Yes, my hubby and I have two wonderful, mischievous, outgoing children, a 3 year old son and a 13 month old daughter. When did you decide to do an Ironman? My Ironman journey started nearly three years ago. My hubby signed up for his first Ironman in Cozumel for November 2011. Throughout the 11 months I was a Sherpa, I witnessed his dedication, his devotion and his transformation into an Ironman.  While he trained, my duty as his wife and Sherpa was to be the primary care giver of our 11 months old son and keeper of our house. Being a triathlete myself, I was a bit envious of the training and transformation; I wanted to do so as well. However, a deal my hubby and I made when our 2011 season started was that only one of us at a time could race an Ironman or ½ Ironman while we had young kids. Plus, we were trying to get pregnant and it made no sense for me to be the one to do an Ironman in 2011. We did end up getting pregnant in May 2011 with our second child, but unfortunately God had a different plan for our angel and we said goodbye in August 2011. Over the course of our healing process, my hubby was a rock. He was there for me and our family, but...

Do you know how far an Ironman is?!?! Many people that have followed my Ironman journey or just started following me on this crazy ride have asked me a plethora of questions – especially since I started training when my daughter was 3 months old and my son was not even 3 years old. So, since I received the same questions from several different people – at a minimum – I will answer one a day until all the questions are answered.  If you have any questions you would like me to answer, please feel free to submit them. Submit Your Questions Here are some of the questions I have received in the past 10 months that I will answer. Why now? Why not before kids? Are you crazy? Aren’t you afraid you are going to miss a lot of your daughter’s firsts? How are doing this? What is your training schedule? Aren’t you exhausted? Does your husband do these too? Do you know how far an Ironman is?!?! Have you done anything like this before? Do you work? And if so, how do you manage to work, train, be a wife and mother? Do you train alone or with a team? If a team, what team? How do you stay motivated? What made you want to do an Ironman? Have you ever done a triathlon? Do you plan on doing anything after this? Keep the questions coming. For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag #strollerrunner...

With winter just around the corner, here is a must have for us stroller runners, rain and wind cover/protector.  Just because it is getting colder outside, does not mean you need to stop walking and/or running with your kids.  Depending on what part of the country you live in, yes, you might get some looks, but in the end it is good for you and your kids to get some fresh air. Jogging stroller rain and wind covers offer the protection your baby needs in unexpected rains. They are generally made of heavy duty clear vinyl with side air holes that allow good ventilation. According to several reviews I have read, one criteria reviewers judged whether a stroller rain and wind cover is good is if the cover can fold into a compact size. For some this might be important, but to me this does not even factor into my buying decision.  I cannot remember ever trying to fold my rain and wind cover and I have one for each of my jog strollers. Regardless of your brand of stroller, most companies sell a rain and wind cover. When shopping for a proper stroller rain and wind cover, here is some guidance. Ensure it is made of heavy duty clear material that will last. Rain covers are used quite regular by active families who keep up with their exercise regime even in cold and wet seasons. I like the stroller rain and wind covers that do not leave permanent wrinkles on the material because I believe it indicates heavy materials.  If you choose to fold your rain and wind cover, you will notice it more. However, as I mentioned above mine stays on all season.  If it is nice above 60 degrees and not...

So for the past 12 months, I have not written anything on my blog about my Ironman journey; however, today I felt compelled to do so because it is getting close, I am nervous and I was told today I might have a pubic bone stress fracture. Yes, 22 days until Ironman Florida and I was told today by my chiropractor, “you might have the beginning of a stress fracture on your pubic bone and you have a minor case of tendinitis in your abductor.”  Yes, really a stress fracture in my pubic bone; really?!?! My hubby who was trying to make light of the situation said, “I might actually win the weirdest injury award for the season.” What is a pubic bone stress fracture, you might ask?  It is a condition characterized by an incomplete crack in one of the pelvic bones. What causes a pelvic bone stress fracture?  According to several sources, a pelvic stress fracture typically occurs over time with excessive weight bearing activity such as running, sprinting, jumping or dancing. They often occur following a recent increase in activity or change in training conditions (such as surface, footwear or technique changes etc) and are particularly common in long distance runners. Occasionally they may occur due to repetitive kicking in sports such as football or soccer. Pelvic stress fractures may also occur in women, following pregnancy, who commence excessive weight bearing activity without adequate pelvic and core stability. I attribute, mine to the last factor, following pregnancy I started training for the Ironman without adequate pelvic and core stability. I gave birth to my daughter a little over 13 months ago and started training for Ironman Florida three months post pregnancy. My chiropractor’s goal is get me to the start and finish...

By Cheryl Rushing It is nearly travel season and if you’re reading this you’re probably traveling with an infant or toddler, which brings its own set of challenges; flying the stroller friendly skies. We’re here to focus on a big one: traveling via air with a jogging stroller. Each major air carrier has their own set of rules when it comes to strollers, but some basic guidelines apply: The stroller can usually be checked at the gate.  Check with your airline if it is not listed below. Most airlines will allow an umbrella stroller as a carry on, space permitting. Most airlines check the stroller free of charge as long as the child is traveling with you, but please check the website or call the reservations number to verify before traveling. The stroller must fold down/collapse (strollers that do not collapse must be checked at the ticket counter and may incur a baggage fee). The stroller must be bagged and tagged (we recommend tagging inside and out). Label it with your name everywhere; like they tell you when you bring your toddler to preschool or day care, Label, Label, Label. The airline is not responsible for damage to the stroller and damage waiver coverage cannot be purchased. If you are planning on flying the stroller friendly skies; here is a breakdown of stroller guidelines for major US airlines when traveling domestically: AirTran Reservations/Information: 1-800-247-8726 You may bring a stroller to the gate for ease of travel through the airport. The stroller may be gate checked just before boarding the plane and will be returned to the aircraft jet way upon arrival at your destination. Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; any other items are subject to standard baggage fees (i.e.,...

By Stephanie Maziejka I have been discussing health and wellness as it relates to the individual and I would like to branch out and focus on why healthy touch can have a much larger positive impact on not only the family unit but the community as well. My previous articles discuss the physiological benefits of massage; relief from musculoskeletal aches and pains, stimulation of body systems, and a decrease in stress/increase in relaxation via accessing the parasympathetic nervous system and kicking our bodies out of the fight or flight stress stage, where many of us spend our daily lives.  In a world where individuals sustain heightened stress levels, more and more preventable pathologies are popping up (a discussion for a different day) and the emotional and psychological connectedness that used to be prominent among families and communities has suffered.  Physiologically, touch improves health. When individuals are healthier they tend to be happier and psychological studies* have shown this to have a tremendous affect on the happy individual’s interpersonal relationships, work ethic and productivity, and their connectedness to the world around them. In addition to the physiological benefits and the increased levels of happy that massage and healthy touch can provide, its strongest attribute is to promote and establish trust.  One reason that touch has become such a taboo subject in our society is because of the horrendous stories told on the media about physical and sexual abuse among adults.  Even more atrocious are the stories of physical or sexual abuse of children by adults.  As a new mother, I am affected by these stories more so than before I had my son. Now upon hearing these stories I get a visceral reaction of panic, disgust, and overwhelming sadness. I realize that upon hearing these...

This is our final review for Baby Safety Month, where we provide a table of all seven brands (17 jog strollers) of JPMA approved and certified manufacturers. After reviewing all 17 models, we have two favorites based on quality and usability, BOB Revolution SE and Baby Jogger Summit X3. Both have great suspension, which means the kids are more comfortable while you are running. And we love the one hand fold on the Baby Jogger Summit X3.  When you have kids and you are trying to maneuver the stroller with a child in your arms; one hand fold is key. In comparison to the 17 strollers we reviewed, these two strollers are in the mid to high price range ($449 – $499 for a single stroller).  If you are looking for a more economic jog stroller, you might consider the Joovy Zoom 360 ($249 for a single stroller). If you are interested in our individual reviews of their brands and models, here are the links; Baby Jogger, Baby Trend, BOB , Graco, Joovy, Kelty, and Phil and Teds. [table id=1 responsive=”all” /] Please note we do not receive any of the products for free or receive any additional compensation. We are just #strollerrunner moms who enjoy sharing our favorite brands with other stroller runners. For more Run Stroller Run family and stroller friendly races updates, training woes, pictures and more, check out: Twitter: Run Stroller Run Twitter: Lara Coffee Facebook: Run Stroller Run Pinterest: Run Stroller Run Google+: Run Stroller Run Hashtag...

Costumes, candy and goblins…Celebrate Halloween in style with a family and stroller friendly run; check out the races and see if any are in your area.  Be sure to wear your best costume, most all races have a costume contest for the best, most creative costumes. Top 40 Halloween Stroller Friendly Runs California Halloween Spirit Run Howlin’ Moon 5K and 1K Fun Run @ Little Marina Green SF Mad Dash Wicked Woods 5K Costume Run @ Golden Gate Park Polo Field Colorado 2013 Scream Scram 5K Run/Walk Halloween Hustle Connecticut Halloween Hustle 5K + Scarecrow Scamper Kids’ Run Florida 4th Annual FrankenFooter Half-Marathon @ Starkey Wilderness Park-Campground Halloween Hustle Georgia Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon and 5K Atlanta Monster Dash Halloween Hustle for Hope 2013 5K Race Idaho 5k Zombie Chase Rigby Idaho Halloween Run and Bike Parade Illinois Chicago Monster Dash@ Grant Park GCMS Monster Dash @ Gibson City North Park Indiana Halloween Hustle 5K/10K Maine Spooky 5K Maryland Harrier Hustle 5K Run & Kids Dash @ Spring Ridge Middle School Michigan Alger Heights Halloween 5K Dragons in the Woods Halloween Hustle 5K & 10K 2013 Wicked Halloween Run: 10K, 5K Run/Walk, Monster Mile Minnesota Minnesota Monster Dash Missouri The 5th Annual Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race New Jersey 5K Halloween Fun Run HoBOOken Halloween 5K and Scary Scurry Kids’ Run Spooky Tails & Trails 5K, 1.2 Mile Kid’s Run & 2 Mile Walk New York 1st Annual 5K Fall Fun Run @ Stotsky Park 19th Annual Goblin Gallop 5k and Halloween Hop Kids’ Fun Run Pennsylvania 2013 Flyers Charities Halloween 5K & 1-Mile Walk South Dakota Halloween Sock Hop Texas DFW Monster Dash Utah Haunted Half Marathon, 5K & Kid’s Run Haunted Hustle 5K Virginia 2013 Spartan Spooktacular @ Broad Run High...

Our seventh jog stroller product review for Baby Safety Month, Graco jog strollers.  Graco is JPMA certified and approved manufacturer. Graco have two jog strollers, FastAction™ Fold Jogger Click Connect™ Stroller and the Trekko® Classic Connect™ Stroller. Favorite Graco jog stroller style: FastAction™ Fold Jogger Click Connect™ Stroller Features We Love: The one handed fold. Deluxe parent’s tray features a unique smart phone cradle for your phone or MP3 player, 2 deep cup holders and a covered storage compartment. Compared to the Trekko® Classic Connect™ Stroller, this model is made more for runners. Features We Do Not Love: Only can hold a child up to 50 lbs. No double jog stroller feature. The car seat adapter is only compatible with the Graco car seats. I have a Chicco Key Fit 360, which is the top rated infant car seat carrier; therefore, I was not able to test the stroller with my car seat. See the table below for Graco model jog stroller comparison. Please note, Graco sells twelve additional models that are everyday strollers that are not jog strollers and not shown below in the table. [ws_table id=”11″] For our final post on jog strollers for Baby Safety Month, we will compare all seven jog stroller brands we reviewed thus far and provide our favorite jog stroller based on usability, price and quality. Please note we do not receive Graco products for free or receive any additional compensation. We are just #strollerrunner moms who enjoy sharing our favorite brands with other stroller...

Our sixth jog stroller product review for Baby Safety Month, Kelty jog strollers.  Kelty Kids is JPMA certified and approved manufacturer. Kelty has one jog stroller, the Speedster Swivel Deluxe. Only Kelty jog stroller style: Speedster Swivel Deluxe Features We Love: Rated in 2011 as one of the best jog strollers by Babble. Adjustable height of the hand bar. Adjustable tracking. Features We Do Not Love: Have to engage one wheel brake at a time; they both don’t lock together. Narrow seat, according to Consumer Reports the narrow frame can lead to tipping over easily. No Double Stroller option No car seat adapter; meaning an infant or a child under six months cannot use this stroller. See the table below for Kelty model jog stroller comparison. Please note, Kelty does not sell other strollers; but they sell a plethora of child carriers.  Unfortunately, Kelty has not offered a new jog stroller model since 2011; it seems that their focus is more on child carriers and camping gear. If you are looking for a stroller to use from birth through the toddler years, this would not be the stroller for you due to the fact that there is no car seat adapter. [ws_table id=”10″] Our next jog stroller product review for Baby Safety Month will be Graco, which is another manufacturer approved and certified by JPMA. Please note we do not receive Kelty products for free or receive any additional compensation. We are just #strollerrunner moms who enjoy sharing our favorite brands with other stroller...