Finding a Stroller that Fits with Walking

By Brenda Ray Scott

I recruited my not quite-yet-three-year old, but nearly 40” inches tall daughter to join me in my quest to find the best strollers to recommend to parents who recognize the value of incorporating their small child (or children) in a fitness program that includes walking short and sometimes considerable distances. Here are our recommendations:

For the walker in training: The Bob Sport Utility Stroller D’Lux model, depending on the retailer, the price for this product ranges from $249.98 to $335. I felt that the “Bob” exceeded my expectations in every area and would make a wonderful stroller for someone planning to walk considerable distances such as training to walk the marathon. Apparently, many other walkers agree. There were several parents waiting to test the stroller as well.

For the more casual walker or moms, dads, or grandmas on the go: The Reebok Deluxe Jogging Stroller, which retails for $199.99 is just the thing for those wanting to get around town in something stylish, durable, and better than average. While a few other strollers included a large plastic cover to keep out the wet (and presumably the air), I liked the fabric cover included to fit over the child’s legs. Not so long ago, I talked with a mom enjoying morning coffee at a new, fashionable coffee shop. When I admired her stroller, she cited the adjustability, shocks, and brakes (front and rear) as the stroller’s most appealing features. This same mom also expressed consternation that the front wheel didn’t turn. She did though name this stroller as one for “moms on the go.”

For the casual walker looking for value:
Baby Jogger Performance Single has a smooth ride. Sells for around $290, this baby had a one-piece aluminum frame that was stable and solid. It was actually light and was easy to handle. The bonus was that it fit nicely into my small car.

For the walker who also enjoys bicycling: The Burley Walk ‘n Roller Kit, which is available starting at $89 at local retailers, begins its journey as a bicycle trailer. It converts — with some effort — into a stroller that offers an amenity most walking strollers don’t: a front wheel that swivels and allows you to change direction without having to back-up or do some other awkward maneuver to turn around.This converted trailer features room for a diaper bag, small carryall, or grocery bag.

For the two-child family: The Chariot Cavalier 2, retails for $400. The two side-by-side seats carry both of those little guys when you need to get out and walk. The frame felt tight and solid. It had a canopy with a transparent shield front panel, thus protecting the little guys from the sun but also allowing them to enjoy the view.

Qualities to look for:
Five-point harness: This type of harness is similar to the one found in any good car seat and is essential for keeping would-be Houdinis from making a quick escape or from sliding or falling out. Brakes: Front and rear brakes make it possible to respond quickly to changes in terrain or to a child needing assistance. Wheels: Wheels first and foremost need to work together to create a stable base and to navigate rough terrain. Remember: size does matter when it comes to strollers and trunk space. Suspension/shock absorbers: Look for a resilient frame that includes well-distributed weight and built-in shock absorbers.

Portability/collapsibility: Most of the jogging strollers and the few designed specifically for walkers are portable, but usually require both hands for collapsing the stroller. Having to use both hands for this feat could prove daunting if you need to have your hand on your child or you have to track more than one child.

If you want to further explore and compare other models, consider visiting www.consumerreports.org to develop a broader perspective. Once you’ve settled on a model that suits you, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov and use the site’s search engine (keyword: strollers) to identify any existing recalls for the product you’re considering.

Don’t forget to take this issue of Walk About with you on your shopping expedition! With this review, you have the insider information you need to pick the stroller that is just right for you and your family! Happy trails!

Ten Toe Express, a city-sponsored initiative designed to get people off the couch and into their walking shoes, has just concluded its first season. Volunteers led groups of up to 30 people on regularly scheduled jaunts through old North Portland neighborhoods.

Ten Toe Express returns next summer focusing on Laurelhurst, Mt. Tabor, Center, Sunnyside, Richmond, and South Tabor neighborhoods. Walks are open to everyone. If you’d like to toe-heel with Ten Toes, send an email to Rich Cassidy, TenToe@pdxtrans.org and you’ll be added to the mailing list. For more information, call 503-865-TOES.

New Blister Technology Stops a Blister with a Blister

"It takes one to know one." That's the idea behind a revolutionary new blister product called Blist-O-Banª that uses an artificial blister to take the sting out of the real thing and to prevent blisters from forming in the first place.

The idea for Blist-o-Banª was born from a blister. During a brisk afternoon walk, orthopedic surgeon and inventor Sam Scheinber (who invented the SAM¨SPLINT) developed an extremely painful heel blister. Desperate for relief, he pulled a cellophane bread wrapper from a trash can, tore off a piece, rolled it up, and stuffed it in his shoe. From the first step, the pain relief was dramatic. Four years of laboratory studies, clinical research and testing later, the Blist-O-Banª is now available to the running/walking world.

Like any blister-prevention product, Blist-O-Banª works best when applied to blister-prone areas before blisters actually form, and it adheres best to clean, dry skin. Blist-O-Banª is small enough to be carried in a fanny pack on your walks. If you feel a hot spot coming on, you can simply stop, take off your shoe, dry your foot, and slap it on.

www.blistoban.com

Going Out for a Long Walk Just Got Easier
Amphipod revolutionizes hydration with New SnapFlask Technology. After years of testing, design, engineering, and resulting patent-pending technology, Amphipod’s new RunLite SnapFlask series multi-bottle hydration belts optimize access to fluids with the exclusively engineered SnapFlask design. Each low-profile 8 oz. bottle snaps securely and fits into a minimalist, ergonomic, ultra-light belt-integrated docking base for one-handed click-in, click-out access to fluids, which eliminates struggles associated with elastic strap bottle holders.

Walking enthusiasts represent a wide range of body shapes and many have trouble finding a hydration system that fits. The one-handed access is a huge plus. You can actually position the bottles wherever you want. You can use as many as you need as you increase or decrease your mileage.

Each SnapFlask hydration belt model includes comfortable ultra-light storage for extra essentials like keys, cash, ID, bars and gel packets.

www.amphipod.com

www.walkingconnection.com

The Walking Connection provides information on products and services for walking and hiking enthusiasts and active adventure travelers everywhere. Gene and Jo Taylor founded the Walking Connection 13 years ago. They offer products and services that enhance positive and healthy lifestyles for those who participate through walking, hiking, and active travel.

Based in Arizona this site reaches thousands of people from more than 40 countries who visit the site on a daily basis.

Congress Approves Lewis and Clark National Park
Congress has passed and sent to the president a bill to establish the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Oregon and Washington states.

The bill would expand and rename Fort Clatsop National Memorial Park in Oregon in honor of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It also would add three sites along the lower Columbia River, bringing the park into Washington state.

The Bush administration proposed the federal park in February, calling it a fitting way to mark the bicentennial of the pair’s expedition seeking a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. The Senate gave the measure final congressional approval in October 2004.

While the Lewis and Clark-led Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1805-06 in Fort Clatsop National Park, the expedition traveled widely over the region, making a two-state park appropriate, said Interior Secretary Gale Norton.

The park plan follows approval of a law two years ago to expand the Fort Clatsop Memorial from 130 to 1,500 acres. The three new sites would add another 50 acres to the park.

The sites to be added to the park include the Station Camp site near McGowan, WA, where Lewis and Clak camped before returning east in 1806.