Jogging Stroller Round Up, and Why I Picked My Thule
Mama, I know that pelvic floor is hurting postpartum, but hear me out: jogging (combined with daily pelvic floor strengthening exercises) is one of the best ways to get back into shape after baby.
Full disclosure, I’ve been a runner since I was about 14. In high school, I joined the Cross Country team, barely able to run a complete mile. Next thing I knew, I was the youngest varsity runner and one of the fastest girls on the team. Since that time, I’ve run two marathons and kept up with my almost daily running habit. As an abuse survivor, I find it helps my mental and emotional health as much as my physical health.
As Evy approached 6 months when most babies are able to support their neck and heads enough to sit in a jogging stroller*, I started researching options. Thule, Graco, Bob Gear, and UppaBaby often make the cut of round up lists on the internet. I was familiar with UppaBaby and Graco but wanted to do a deeper dive on Thule.
*Disclaimer: I am not a physician. Please consult with your pediatrician and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before placing your child in a jogging stroller.
My Jogging Stroller Requirements
When I say I run almost daily, I mean it. There’s nothing I enjoy more than putting on my Hokas or APLs and hitting the road with Evy, and she enjoys it too. I knew I needed a jogging stroller that could keep up with my speed, handle some wear and tear, and, since I plan to start doing Southern California road trips with her when she reaches a year old, a stroller that could do double duty if I needed it. I have a “mini” SUV so, while jogging strollers tend to be a bit bulkier than standard strollers, it still needed to fit in the cargo hold. I note these requirements because, as with many things, you need to pick the option that best fits your lifestyle and how you intend to use your stroller.
Thule Urban Glide 2 Single All Terrain Stroller Bundle, $610
Overall: This was the winner for me. With a “lockable” front wheel, this one can transition seamlessly from a walking and shopping stroller to a high speed run when you lock the wheel in place. When the wheel is locked, I find the ride to be incredibly smooth, and the wheels absorb the impact of bumpy terrain well. The position of her seat also reclines just enough so she can see everything (which is very important to her), but is also comfortable enough for napping. This makes for a smoother ride for baby, which is important to me. When Evy is happy, mom is happy.
While some online reviews have noted the brake is a little weak, I haven’t had an issue with the brakes although we do not live in a particularly hilly area.
Extras: The storage below the stroller is so nice when we’re out and about for longer periods. I can throw shopping bags down there, or hide my water bottle. Up top, there is a deep coffee cup holder that perfectly holds my travel mug. In fact, when I seal the top of the travel mug, I can actually run with my coffee in the cup holder without worry of it spilling or falling out. This is wonderful because, on our runs, Evy eventually falls asleep for a little nap. At that point, I slow to a brisk walk, and I like to enjoy a little coffee.
Runners Up
Maybe you’re not a serious runner or you want something a little less “intense.” The Graco Modes Jogger 2.0 is a great, budget-friendly jogging stroller for any mom who wants to get out a couple times a week but isn’t committed to the running lifestyle. It has less shock absorption for baby, but if you’re not putting tons of miles in, it likely won’t be a big deal.
For all of you serious runners who aren’t living in Southern California where the weather is gorgeous 98% of the time, you might want to splurge for the Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer & Stroller. Priced at nearly $1,200, it’s not my pick for first-time runners, and there’s no way it would fit in the cargo hold of my tiny SUV. But if you live in the Northeast and want to run in different weather, this might be the way to go.
Happy running, mamas!
