Options for running with 3 small kids?

[marisolstice]

Hi,

I'm expecting DD#3 and am trying to figure out how to run with all three. I have the Baby Jogger brand single and double, and love them, but the triple (Q series) seems daunting at 4' wide and 105 lbs of stroller and kids. And we live in the city, so it won't fit on sidewalks at all.
My only other option seems to be trying fit 3 kids in a double bike trailer/stroller (like a Chariot) which would be 15lbs lighter and 1' narrower ... has anyone managed to do that?
This is for "serious" running, not strolling or walking

Thanks!

[GearGirl]

Welcome, and congratulations on your new addition! I'm sure you already know, but you can't jog with a newborn, so maybe by the time the baby is old enough you will be able to figure out what best suits you. With three kids things got really busy for me, but I think it is great to make working out a priority. I wish I had! I would maybe see if you can run at a time when someone else can watch the kids!

[Penelope]

How old is your oldest? I have some success with having my kids bike as I run, although my dd is much better at it than my ds. Maybe by the time your new dd is jog-stroller age, your oldest could bike.

Otherwise - treadmill; taking only some kids or one kid while your partner or babysitter watches the remaining kid(s); or scheduling solo run time if it's possible.

[Three~Little~Birds]

Hi!
How old are your oldest two?
Personally, I have a difficult time running with three, so maybe I shouldn't be answering...but what has worked the best for me is having my oldest on a bike, and my other two in a double jogger - once the yougest is old enough to handle the jogs, of course!
I much prefer to go jogging by myself when hubby has the kids, tho...

[Naughty Dingo]

I have a double bike trailer/jogger and love it. I was able to cram my three in there when they were smaller, though it was heavy.

Honestly, with my 3, when I have all of them on my hands and I need to do longer than a 3 miler and don't have anyone to watch my kids, I use a treadmill.

For 3 milers, my oldest can ride her bike and we can run up and down the bike path. It isn't great but I can get the run in.

An idea would be to have a friend who could watch 1,2 or all of your kids for the time you need to run once or twice a week. I think if it was me, I would look into options like that, so you can do your runs with fewer or no kids. The reason is that when you run with an entourage (at least for me) it gets to be a drag because you are constantly having to stop and deal with the kids issues, push the heavy jogger, discuss why you can't stop at the park in the middle of the run etc. etc. etc. Its great to be able to run, but much nicer when you can enjoy those runs.

We live in a climate with harsh winters so my DH and I (both runners) decided to invest in a treadmill, and honestly, that is the way I have found most success in getting runs in with all three kids in hand.

I don't know how helpful this is, but hang in there. Having three little ones and keeping up with running is really tough. I know there were times (often) when I felt like it should be so easy to get it done, but really it was so hard. It gets better quickly though.

ND

[Nickarolaberry]

Hey!
I'd echo what ND said, the treadmill is your best friend with three tiny littles.

Another option (depending on ages and weather) is to go to a track, where the oldest (or two oldest) can play on the infield area and you can push the single jogger around the track and get in a run that way. Pretty boring (as is the treadmill!) but at least it's outside and you get your run.

Other options...switch off with a friend who also has little kids for exercise time/babysitting time.

Good luck!

[Naughty Dingo]

Or you could try joining the Y or some other health club with child care options. That never worked for me because my middle DD hated to be separated from me. But, if that works for you it could be a good option, especially since there are lots of great programs (swim lessons etc.) for kids through the Y that a family membership might be a good investment.

You could run on the TM at the Y, or go for an outside run......

ND

[mommajb]

Get up early and go before others are up. The littlest is likely to wake and could go in a jogger or if tanked up could stay with Daddy. This was my option as too many kids = too many needs for me to be consistent even with a treadmill. By 9 months pp I was a regular at the gym and at my chosen time give or take 20 minutes.

The best possible is to have all you options and pick what works today but that could take $$ and years to set up.