Run you over with my stroller???
Today is Memorial Day and I'm supposed to be in McHenry doing their annual Memorial Day 5k. Instead I'm sitting at home on my big butt on the couch typing this. Here is what transpired, I sent a short quick question to the race manager which read:
Today is Memorial Day and I'm supposed to be in McHenry doing their annual Memorial Day 5k. Instead I'm sitting at home on my big butt on the couch typing this. Here is what transpired, I sent a short quick question to the race manager which read:
"Before I register, I was just double checking that jogging strollers were allowed. My husband
and I would both be running with them in the 5k. Thank you!"
Shortly after in a very timely manner I received this response:
and I would both be running with them in the 5k. Thank you!"
Shortly after in a very timely manner I received this response:
"Thank you for inquiring about our race.
Per our Waiver of Claims:
'The use of baby joggers and strollers are also discouraged by the McHenry Memorial Day 5k
as the inclusion of baby joggers and strollers in races increases the potential for injury to race
participants and children.'
as the inclusion of baby joggers and strollers in races increases the potential for injury to race
participants and children.'
The full Waiver of Claims can be reviewed prior to registering online for the race or the paper
race application available at the race. Thanks! "
race application available at the race. Thanks! "
I know what you may be thinking. Really? She is upset about not being able to run with a jogger? She doesn't care about compromising other's safety? Yes I'm upset and no I don't think it is compromising other's safety.
If this were the Chicago Marathon I would totally understand that I can't push my jogger with 45,000 other people around but this isn't the Chicago Marathon. This is a 5k race in McHenry which is being held over Memorial Day weekend.
When I think of Memorial Day I think of honoring the men and women who serve our country, the mothers who allow their sons and daughters to fight for our freedom. I think of freedom, pride and FAMILY. This race has all the makings of a family event to me with a Memorial Day Parade to follow to boot!
In this day an age of computer chip timing I don't see why people with jogging strollers can't have a 5-10 minute delayed start. I just don't understand what the big deal would be??? I've managed huge races before when I coached cross-country and track and field. I even used to host a 5k community drug awareness run in Union Grove, WI several years ago and I can only see the advantages of this new technology that didn't even exist back when I used to coach and organize races. What's and extra 10 minutes when you can increase your participation???
By the way, I've run many races with the kids before. I've never had a problem before with people trying to get around me or trying to get around people. I always hang back at the start and then go. And really, more than not my husband Clint and I have been the only runners with strollers and I've actually never raced in the same race as someone who pushed a double stroller in a race like I have. I don't think it is THAT common where we have to start banning them from races.
I also have to comment that if I had a choice I wouldn't run with my stroller and kids. Do you think I really want to push a 102 lbs (33.5 pound B.O.B. Duallie Sports Utility Stroller, 35 pound son and 34 pound daughter) up and down hills for 3.1 miles at my fastest running pace? No! I'd rather run on my own but it's Memorial Day weekend and we are a family and we are supposed to be together this weekend!!!
Last night we flipped a quarter and I said to Clint, "Ok you flip it and I'll call it." I called tails and of course it was tails. Winner gets to run in the race tomorrow and loser gets to watch it with all 3 kids. This morning I just couldn't do it. It felt wrong to just abandon them and go run a race which wasn't family friendly.
It's really sad I think. There should be more family friend races where we can share our love of sport with our children. I love showing my kids how fun it is to run, bike play sports etc. They love seeing me do these things and someday I think they will have memories of me that I don't want them to ever forget. I hope they share those stories with their kids and that I am remembered someday in this way.
Next weekend I'm looking forward to running the Lincoln Park Zoo Run and then on the 19th will be doing the Brookfield Stroller Stride for Wishes. Both of which I will most likely be pushing a stroller with my kids! Don't worry, I've already contacted race management and I'm good to go. Afterwards will enjoy some zoo time! See, that's the way a race should be, at least in my world.
