Lowri Morgan - the Ultra marathon mum

Which parents are at the top of their game (athletically speaking) and juggle life with the help of a running buggy?  When former interviewee, Ironman Sophie Bubb mentioned Ultra Marathon runner Lowri Morgan when I was interviewing her back in April I had to find out more about this glamourous TV presenter who also happens to be an adventurer an Ultra marathon runner.

Fast forward 6 months and through the power of welsh friends I was delighted to be able to have a chat with Lowri and find out a bit more about her buggy running.  But first let me tell you a bit about Lowri’s amazing life to date (she is currently writing an a book about her running so watch this space for more details about that in 2018!)

Born near Swansea and now living nearer Cardiff, Lowri is a BAFTA and multi award winning television presenter, a World Class Ultra endurance marathon runner, having raced in some of the most extreme races in the world and an Adventurer. Lowri is one of only six to ever complete one of the notoriously difficult 350 mile non-stop footrace - 6633 Ultra in the Arctic.

A self-confessed adrenaline junkie she has represented Wales on the rugby field, in athletics, cross country and despite a serious knee operation and being told she would not be able to run competitively again, has competed in numerous marathons worldwide and completed the illustrious Ironman Challenge. 

In 2009 Lowri completed the Jungle Marathon in the Amazon. In the heat and humidity of the jungle, out of the 150 top runners only 50 finished. She managed to finish the race in the top ten in her first ever ultra-marathon. 

Having a baby clearly wasn’t going to stop a lady with this level of activity but maybe there was a team of people on hand to help this welsh supermum? I wanted to know more about how buggy running formed part of her new life.

“Getting a running buggy was my lifesaver.  I was kindly given the Baby Jogger Summit X3 soon after I had my son, and it was immediately including in filming of the program I was doing at the time.  It’s a great all-round buggy and goes everywhere with us.  When I was pregnant I was worried about losing that momentum having run a lot previously, but I think being able to exercise during pregnancy helped me to bounce back quicker. Obviously, I would advise that mums follow the advice of a medical professional but having a buggy that was suitable for being outdoors really helped me both physically and mentally on my journey back to running.  Working in the media I do not work traditional hours and I went back to work after 6 weeks.  I have a funny memory of shooting an adventure program and having to rock climb up a cliff, then once I was at the top I need to express so I had to do that in an empty field full of sheep before abseiling back down to where my parents were looking after my son and we did a bottle pass over!  I could never in a million years have imagined I would be doing that at some point!

I cannot emphasis enough how important having a buggy that enabled me to go out and run, was for my mental health.  We would regularly go out, even in the rain, me, my dog and my son.  Our running buggy is still our main buggy several years on.  We would stop start to look at things like the ducks which became an interval session.  I would sprint the 800m to the ducks.  Rest for a bit and then jog on.

In terms of when we went, there was no specific routine.  My son wasn’t a great sleeper at home and would only fall asleep in the car or buggy.  So I would time the runs for when he was getting sleepy, maybe after lunch."

I felt very uneasy about returning to fitness knowing how horrid it is to feel unfit, so I asked Lowri what advice would you give mums who feel daunted about returning to running? 

“It's always going to be hard, for everyone.  Lower your expectations then work on it consistently.  Before I was pregnant I completed many races of 100 miles plus, but I remember my first run vividly when I expected to go out for a gentle five or six miles but in the end I only did two miles and it felt incredibly hard.  But it does come back, and I found I was able to be competitively racing a year after.  Sometimes you have a bad day.  But now I’m back racing even stronger and many mums have the same experience.  (Paula Radcliffe and Sophie Bubb are just a few great examples.) 

One of the things that has changed is that I’m not so governed by the GPS.  Often, I just go out with my buddies (dog and son!) and enjoy it.  Fitting in the training around my son was my priority.  Sometimes it turns into an interval session. I will stop to see the ducks, 800m sprint, rest and then go again.  Or maybe if he fell asleep I’d keep going as long as I could.  Buggy running is difficult, but it is the best all over body workout; arms, core and legs!  Mentally it was so good for me to get out, I could run and be a good mother.  Not feeling guilty because I’m not away or not feeling guilty for not running.  The nature of my schedule is that now I will often get up at 5am for a two hour run before my husband leaves for work is I want to run solo and get some miles in.  My son was with me on shoots in the early days before nursery which he attends now.”

As a time pressed mum who has had a fair amount of injuries this year, I’m intrigued how she stays injury free?  “I listen to my body.  I know when to push or not, but I can only know this now based on my experience.  Recently I started to get shin pain and before I sought treatment for shin splints I tried some new trainers which sorted it out.  I don’t have a coach, it doesn’t really work for my schedule, I’m a bit of a nightmare for them when I say I’m off to film in Africa and won’t run for 3 weeks!”

And finally, I’m keen to know out of all these amazing adventures which was the best race?  “The best race over all was the Artic race, completely humbling race, broke me and happened to leave me with shattered metatarsals.  But when it comes to a buggy run I love my local parkrun, (Cardiff along the Taff trail).  Obviously, I stood in the back with the buggy and when we got started my mind suggests that I get the pace up but rather than that I know it’s not about racing everyone but enjoying the camaraderie which made me enjoy it so much more.  I loved it.”

So, like most of us Lowri loves parkrun!  Isn’t that refreshing for a famous Ultra runner!  I must confess I was a little nervous interviewing/talking to such an amazing (and rather famous) lady with my zero lack of interviewing/journalism skills but I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever spoken to a lovelier stranger!  She was extremely generous with her time and is a huge advocate for running buggies in order to help more parents find the freedom they need after they have a baby.  After one chat with her I was ready to set my alarm for 5am.  I just wish she was around the corner so I could join her (keeping up might be an issue) she officially has a new #fangirl! 

You can follow Lowri on Instagram @_lowrimorgan

How I stay motivated to Buggy Run by Mel

Staying Motivated

I’m not going to lie, sometimes I can’t think of anything worse than going running, with or
without the buggy. I can’t be bothered. I’d rather sit in the house snuggled under a blanket,
drinking hot tea and watching Grey’s Anatomy. Ok, this would never actually happen if I
didn’t go running due to the two little people requiring seemingly constant attention, but
you get my drift. How do I drag myself out of the front door? Glad you asked. Here are my
top 5 tips for staying motivated....

1. Dangle that carrot
Promise yourself a treat for going out running. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just a little reward for getting out and getting it done. My favourite things include a glass of wine with the kids’ tea, something from the M&S deli for my tea, a few squares of dark choc and the ultimate – a hot bath once the kids are in bed (choc/vino optional but recommended!).
Leave the clearing up/laundry etc and allow yourself the luxury of a 20 minute soak, you’ve earned it. Obviously, you don’t have to go running to be able to enjoy any of these things but if you have, it feels super virtuous!

2. Shout it from the rooftops
Tell a mate, tell a colleague, tell social media…. It doesn’t matter who it is but just tell someone. It’s amazing how this works, but the guilt of not going running once I’ve said out loud that I am heading out is enough to get me out of the front door! Maybe I should try this out with the housework….

3. Sign up to a race
When I first got my Mountain Buggy Terrain back at the end of April, I set myself a goal of being able to complete a 5k Parkrun course. One month later, after some serious sweat and slog, Austin and I did our first Parkrun at Ellenbrook Fields. The satisfaction from this was enough to keep me motivated for a while, but soon my enthusiasm started to wane. I’d ticked that box so what next? Instagram intervened as it so often does (I’ve put some serious browsing hours in), and up popped an ad for the Shoreditch 10k, part of the Adidas City Runs series. I ignored it a few times until the spark finally lit (or maybe it was the gin fizz) and I entered! I’ll admit it, I’ve been totally sucked into the cool marketing of this event but if it got me excited to run again, who cares?!

4. Variety is the spice of life!
Two suggestions for mixing things up here: firstly, try a new route. I love exploring new
running routes. It somehow doesn’t feel so hard when you’re having to concentrate on
where you’re going or you have no idea of the terrain. I’m yet to find anything the Mountain Buggy Terrain can’t handle – it’s more about what I can cope with! New places mean new things to look at, which helps to keep Austin entertained too. I hate running multiple laps – I once messed up my timings which meant that I couldn’t run around the grounds of a stately home and ended up doing 5k worth of laps around some greenery and fountains at the back of John Lewis. Fairly soul destroying!
Secondly, add some other exercises into your run. I sometimes combine this with a stop at
the park. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, some squat jumps in between pushing the swing, lunges at the bottom of the slide, tricep dips on a bench. Everyone wins!

The dreaded John Lewis run!  

5. Meet a mate
If you’re lucky to have fellow (buggy) runners living nearby then go out together. You’re
much more likely to go out if you’re meeting someone, you wouldn’t want to let them
down! Alternatively, arrange to meet a friend for coffee at the end of your buggy run. Better still, combine this with point no 2 and there’s absolutely no backing out ;-)

So, there you have it, my top 5 tips for staying motivated. Off you go!

Love Mel x

Mum of 2 small boys from Hertfordshire, UK and Mountain Buggy Terrain UK Ambassador

The importance of the right trainers when returning to exercise post baby

Imagine that scene from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Duncan was put on a boat in a very foggy lake.  The film has no relevance (apart from being one of my guilty pleasures) but the weather does.  After having both of my daughters I entered a foggy haze, this weird existence of feeding 24 hours a day so day and night became irrelevant. 

In a deep and dark crevasse at the back of my brain was the knowledge exercise would help me clear my head, find some energy and make me feel better about my body.  Not only did I want to loose baby weight but I also wanted to regain some strength so I could carry my baby around with sore knees, back etc. 

A great way to regain fitness post baby is to build up from walking with a buggy and then a walk run method.  

But are the old dusty trainers from the back of the wardrobe/cupboard under the stairs, suitable?  Maybe not! You could do real damage to your body by not having the right trainers when you return to running.  And here is why from an expert physio, Gibwa Cole B.Sc(Hons) Sport Physiotherapist and Movement Specialist, Drummond Clinic.

The feet undergo a few changes during pregnancy. Increased blood flow and fluid retention can lead to swollen feet, making it difficult to fit into previously well-fitting shoes. Additionally, the release of a hormone called relaxin results in looser ligaments which leads to longer, wider feet and flatter arches - both of which can compromise foot stability. Normally the feet revert back to normal after pregnancy, but some of these changes, and the resultant foot instability, can persist.

In the upright position the feet are the only part of the body in contact with the ground. How they react to this ground reaction force will determine how the rest of the body responds. A good and stable foot position is integral to allowing smooth transition of force through the ankles, hips and knees. A trainer is meant to facilitate a good and stable foot position. Ill-fitting shoes can alter the biomechanics of the foot and ankle complex which can have negative effects further up the kinetic chain e.g. feet turning out, knees falling inwards and hips dropping. This can lead to things like ankle, knee, hip and back pain. It’s also important to remember that no one trainer is suitable for everyone. You need to find the type of trainer which supports you and your movement. You can prevent a lot of issues by ensuring a good trainer choice and fit before you take to the roads/parks/trails.

Wow! So those body niggles you get some you return to running could be caused by ill fitting or structurally worn out trainers. Head down to your local running store to get fitted and assessed by someone in the know.  I like to go to the friendly team at Runners Retreat in Marlow.  If the body niggles continue then a physio (like at the Drummond Clinic) can assess your gait and recommend strengthening exercises to prevent niggles turning into injuries.  

In short, the sports bra & trainers are your bread and butter when returning to exercise post baby!  The Running buggy is important of course but that's another blog for another day.  Go get that fresh air and enjoy the energy boost! 

Wendy x

Double running buggy options in the UK

Now in many cases I like to think I live in a progressive nation, rule Britannia and all... 

However, as anyone who has twins or children with a close age gap will discover, there is a real lack of double running buggy options available.  In this day and age you would think that here in the U.K. we would get what's sold in the USA, or even Europe when it comes to buggies.  Sadly no.  So much so, that I started a petition last year to get manufacturer's to bring the models they had in Europe or the USA, here.  Since then Out 'n' About have launched their's.  (More info at the bottom of this piece)

Unfortunately it's more expensive to make buggies for the UK due to the extra strict fire retardant regulations which should be applied to anything that comes in the home.  I'm told we should blame the fire of London, if you believe that!

Britax who own the BOB have discontinued their running doubles (Duallie) in the U.K. in all variants (Ironman, Revolution and Sport Utility) and the ones still knocking about are pretty heavy and don't fit through doorways.  

I used to have a fixed front wheel BOB Sport Utility and it was pretty hard to lift to steer with a 4 yr old and 18 month old in.

From that I went to the THULE Chariot Cougar and then more recently their updated model, Thule Chariot Cross 2.  

This is a bike trailer which converts into a running buggy, stroller or even ski buggy, with the right attachments!  So in weight terms it's similar to the BOB doubles, but it is far easier to steer and push. It's a really smooth ride and perfect for older kids because the front completely closes over.  Raincover is included and seat’s individually recline slightly!  And no risking lost iPads, toys etc. But being a multi sport trailer, it's pricey.

However it's a hard wearing piece of kit and will last and last.  Because of this resale value is also strong.  Overall this type of double is my preference with my two girls, as it accommodates the eldest better.

In other countries Thule have a double Urban Glide and this is coming to the U.K. in April 2018!  This is a swivel front wheel double buggy which all the features for running that you would need.  Contact wendy@runningbuggies.com for more details.

The British company, Out 'n' About have a very popular (non running buggy). model called the 360 double which has many features of a running buggy EXCEPT the handbrake and the rear wheel being 16 inch. And obviously as it not designed for running with, any damage caused by running wouldn't be covered under warranty.

In 2016 they merged the design of their popular Single Nipper Sport v4 with their 360 double to create a light, fixed front wheel double running buggy.  It has 16 inch wheels all round to provide a smooth ride and can fit through doorways!

Like all the Out 'n' About buggies,  the Sport Double comes with a free rain cover so overall works out to be hundreds of pounds cheaper than the bike trailer option. It's very light (11.5kgs) which is always a benefit when pushing two kids and especially when steering a fixed front wheel, which needs lifting up.  It's folds in half so will fit in most car boots plus has a handbrake to slow you down if needed down hill.  At the moment it's sole colour option is in steel grey. 

It's a really fab double running buggy and great value.  

I (Wendy) started up Running Buggies .Com in 2015 in order to help parents find their perfect running buggy.  I'm always delighted to answer questions as I'm a Buggy nerd, and if you are looking for a community to ask questions then I also run the group THE ORIGINAL BUGGY RUNNERS on Facebook.  

Buggy Running helps Team GB athlete - here's how!

Here is an interview with one of the members of our Facebook community, Buggy Runners.  I was hugely inspired so wanted to get the lowdown from Lee.

​Q: So tell us the basics!

I'm Lee, aged 36, married to my amazing wife Kathryn and have a little girl Ella, aged 15 months. I'm an Air Traffic Controller and we live in Luton.

Q: When did you start running and what has your journey been to your latest Duathlon/Triathlon achievements?

My background is in cycling, mainly mountain biking which I started in around 1996. But have been pretty active throughout my life.I started running late 2013 spurred on by a successful ballot for the London Marathon and after the initial 'Oh what have I done!' I got stuck into the training and it kind of went from there.I enjoyed the easy accessibility of running, pop on trainers and kit and head out the door. I find it a great way to clear your head and take in your surroundings.As I ran more my times started to drop and I started to become competitive, finishing my first half marathon in 1 hour 27 and then the London marathon in 3 hours 45. London was tough and it broke me, never underestimate that distance and treat it with the respect it deserves ha ha.I continued to run and cycle separately for a period, along with my wife Kathryn who is a keen athlete herself, specialising in triathlon. We have always been active for the 10 years we have shared together, the highlight being our honeymoon when we rode to 1000 miles through Tibet and Nepal, including a trip to Everest Base Camp.Whilst kathryn was pregnant, I entered a local duathlon, run 10k bike 20k run 5k and finished 2nd. A friend suggested I might be able to represent Team GB in my age group, which I thought was a joke initially, but it seems he was correct as I was selected for the squad in 2016 to travel to Transylvania, Romania to compete in the Cross Duathlon European Champs.Our daughter, Ella was born in December 2015 and thanks to my hugely supportive wife, I was able to fit training around a busy work and family life, often training at 5am or late at night.Ella's first trip abroad, was in April 2016 at 5 months old and a great success all round, as she was as good as gold and I secured a bronze medal in my race.This year I have been selected again to represent Team GB at the European Champs and hope to live up to last years performance.

 Q: Tell us about your running buggy! Where did you buy it? How did you choose it and how often do you run with it?

With time being a premium I wanted to be able to run with Ella, both for training and social running and helping her explore her surroundings. Kathryn and I regularly run at Parkrun events so looked initially a specific running buggy, but as keen cyclists we also had thought about a trailer. This is where the Thule CX1 came in as it covers both of these disciplines perfectly. Its strong, rugged design is perfect to take the knocksand abuse the outdoors has to throw at it, along with the waterproof cover and uv screen to protect it's precious cargo from the elements. The switch between cycling and running is as simple as a couple of button presses. Ella absolutely loves her Thule buggy and her face lights up when she sees it. Our good friends, Sam and Luke recommended the Thule CX model as they have twin version and are regulars at the Northern Parkrun events.
Initially I was very cautious when running with Ella, but once I realised how supportive and cushioned the ride is, I could open up my legs and let it fly. It's pretty light and requires only one hand to push and turn, I tend to use two hands pushing uphill and I don't find that it adversely affects my running posture. Ella and I recently finished first at our local Luton Parkrun in 19:16 so it's no slouch.

Q: Why do you enjoy buggy running and what would you say to encourage others?

I'd recommend to all Mum's and Dad's to look into buggy running, it's a great way to keep fit and explore the great outdoors. With the boom of Parkrun, everyone has an accessible social group of runners, joggers and walkers on their door step. It's a great example to set to our children, the next generation, that a healthy active lifestyle is fun and whilst running may initially be challenging the rewards are great.The longest Ella and I have run is 90 minutes so far, tempted to do a half marathon with her. This is a great bonding opportunity, but also a great opportunity to give Mum a break as well. I get odd looks as I run down the road singing baa baa black sheep or various other rhymes.
Unfortunately in the modern world there are too many false idols, celebrities and icons that I personally do not feel are the best role models for our children. One of the reasons I compete and push myself is to be a positive role model for my daughter and to hopefully inspire and motivate other friends or parents to push their boundaries, get uncomfortable and sweaty once in awhile and show our kids what a true super hero looks like 😂 I'll get down off my soapbox now ha ha!!! Hopefully Ella will grow up seeing Kathryn and I enjoying an active lifestyle and follow suit.

Q: Any tips for increasing the pace with the buggy? And how you you politely navigate people during runs?

With regards to running faster, I would start on a flat smooth path or tarmac area and build up speed gradually. Maybe run 100m intervals, with rests in between to get the feeling of the pace you can run at. You'll be surprised how close to normal pace you can run even with the buggy. As a guide at Luton Parkrun, my solo pb is 18:05 but Ella's buggy pb is 19:16 so not a huge difference. I'd imagine for most maybe a 2 minute difference would be expected.

 Q: Any top tips for new buggy runners starting out?

Try to maintain good posture, I always try to imagine a piece of string attached to the top of my head pulling me up, to avoid the dreaded slumped hunchback bum out running style. Hills are good as a form of resistance training, down hills exercise caution as a trip could prove costly. Remember though why you are buggy running, it's to share the adventure, for fun and fitness and whilst my pace may seem fast, I always put Ella first and wouldn't risk her safety.
At Parkrun with such a mixed ability field, you will inevitably be passing runners, which always raises a laugh or a comment about batteries or engines. I always shout in advance buggy on your left/right to alert the runners which side I intend to pass on, this is a common thing in cycling and has served me well with the buggy, followed by a cheery thankyou. I have never yet received any kind of negativity from any other runners, but that is probably testiment to the cheerful lot that we are.