Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Stevie and the BOB - BOB Stroller Giveaway!

John here. After much begging and pleading from Stevie, I contacted the folks at BOBgear and asked if they would consider sending us a stroller to review. My surprise when they said yes was only outweighed by Stevie's excitement. As you'll read below, she wasn't just excited for a new stroller -- she was also excited to spend more time with me. (Weird, huh?) Anyway, aside from the stroller we received no compensation for this piece. All opinions belong to Stevie and I.

As most of you know, John and I became runners earlier this year. And by "we became runners" I mean we managed to run several miles at a time without dying or complaining too much. Ok fine I complained a lot. But we did it. We ran lots of miles. See? Here we are all sweaty smiley. Me with my sister/trainer and John with his...pillow.




John raised money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and I "won the lottery" as all the cool runners say and ran the half marathon. It took months of training and attempting to eat well. But in all that work, the hardest part wasn't the trudging up hills and trying not to have beer the night before a run. It was the scheduling. 

After lots of frustration and failed training weekends, we finally figured out a schedule. John would run on Saturday mornings and then continue to recover from that Saturday the rest of the day while I watched the kids. Then I woke up on Sunday and complain-ran for a few hours and did my respective recovery while John watched the kids. Works, right? Sure. Logistically, it worked. We were getting our run in, the kids were being cared for. But there was something we were losing in our weekends. Us time. John and Stevie time. You see, we actually like each other. Like, we like-like each other. And we like spending time together. He's the Robin to my Batman. The Tennille to my Captain. So I started to miss my husband. 

We struggled through our training and did our races. And they were amazing. And we were happy we did it. But the whole time we couldn't help thinking that we would continue to not hate the idea of being "runners" if we could actually enjoy it together

I give you: BOB. The end-all-be-all of running strollers. And this is a double, to boot. 

No need to adjust your screen. This stroller and I are just that sexy. 

BOB is fancy-pants. (I'm bringing back fancy pants, by the way. John thinks it never left us). 

I could probably go on for days about this stroller. Just ask any of our friends that are currently not speaking to us due to our incessant conversations about how much we love our new stroller. (Not really. But they're all totally jelly). 

No more fights about who gets to sit in the stroller. Duchess and Captain both get their own seats complete with their own canopies and snack pouches. And they get to hold hands. Calm your ovaries, ladies. I know my kids are adorable in this thing. 



Aside from the  convenience of having our kids strapped in together and comfortable while we run, the thing is just so amazing to run with. Seriously, show me a stroller that doesn't have shocks and I'll show you a stroller that needs some. The support bar of the BOB has shocks, you know...in case John and I ever run really fast. We did find it useful when we would randomly run over something on the road or in the parking lot. The kids seemed significantly less mad about it the bump. And hills? Well let's put it this way, have you ever seen a goat run up a mountain? Ok picture that. Now picture this: 


Are you proud of me? I got all fancy-pants (see?) and made an animated GIF for you to show the goat-like grace of John pushing a double-stroller full of toddlers up a hill. 

Aside from the obvious perks of being a running stroller. It's a pretty rockin' double stroller for everyday life, too. We've been able to take it to outings over the last few weeks and it's seriously a life saver. Though it seems pretty wide (and it is) it certainly isn't too wide for quick trips to the grocery store or the mall. 


We actually got down-right giddy about getting up at sunrise a few weekends ago to see the hot air balloon festival a few miles away. Normally we probably would have driven there and circled around and cursed the lack of parking. But we're a walk-if-it's-within-reason family now. And it feels goooooood. 


It's most certainly not the least expensive stroller on the market but, in my opinion, it's worth the price tag. We pass other couples at the zoo and at the park with their BOB strollers and we are able to give them the nod. John calls it the "BOB nod." It says "Yes. We know something everyone else doesn't know. How awesome running with kids can be." So overall, yes. We love our BOB. 

And none of this is hurt by that fact that our stroller is pushed by this handsome bearded bastard. I think I like-like him.



If you would like to check out this and other strollers offered by BOBgear, here is a handy dandy link. 

BOB STROLLER GIVEAWAY!!

Want to win your own BOB Revolution SE? Well guess what? They gave me an extra one to give away. This one is a single, but that doesn't mean it is half as cool. If you're a runner with kids, or a just like to get out for long walks, then you want this stroller. I promise. You can even choose which color you want. Enter below! (US and Canada only... except Quebec, sorry Quebec.)

Note: I want to make sure everyone is aware that the giveaway is for the single pictured below, not the double. Thanks! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

201 comments:

  1. While I'm glad you're making sponsored posts recognizable as such, and while I recognize that you'd like to get some income (or at least free stuff) from your site, I think that posts like this really make your site a lot less interesting / useful.

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    1. Thanks for the feedback. We only take on stuff we're really interested in and think would be helpful or fun for people to read. The fact is, this is a hobby for me but it is a hobby that I put a lot of time, effort and heart into. And for the most part it is one I do for free. Sponsored posts represent less than 5% of the 149 posts I have written on the blog, and when we do them we try to make them fun and engaging. I think sometimes we can do better, but most of the time I am proud of what I put out there.

      But hey, you are welcome to your opinion, and I really do appreciate it. If you find 5% of my site uninteresting and not useful, I hope you'll still come back to enjoy the other 95% that I write and give away for free, because I really do enjoy having you (whoever you are) as a reader.

      Best regards,

      John

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    2. I'd go to the forest preserve and attempt a jog/run with my toddler!

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    3. I would have to go on hikes with the kids. My middle daughter is bow legged and her legd hurt when we walk, this would be perfect :)

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  2. On my daily runs after baby #2 gets here!

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  3. The first place I'd go if I won, is to the zoo!

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  4. Go for a run. Haven't done it yet with my DD but would like to.

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  5. For a run to the dog park! It would be so nice to get the dogs and the kids out more!

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  6. I'd take the kids I nannyon walks/hikes on real trails (not the paved kind)!

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  7. Walking around the neighborhood!

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  8. Pick me so I can take my kiddos to kickball practice. For our adult league. :)

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  9. I'd go for a run in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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  10. I'd love a bob stroller! I walk daily with my son and will take him to the tracks for to "run" together. He gets tired and I wind up shlepping him home since the stroller we do have sucks to run with. It feels like he'll fall out of it.

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  11. We await the birth of our second child, so this stroller would enable the Mrs. and I to be able to run together, each with a stroller!

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  12. The .gif had me laughing so hard. Fantastic!

    If I won, the first place I would go is RUNNINGDUH. I can't go as often as I like because the sidewalks here are all kinds of uneven (thanks, Obama!)

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  13. I would take that thing on a run through the park, as I have promised my soccer team I will be back for the season starting in October despite not having run a step since I got pregnant a year ago. And they are all just going to stare at me with pity and shake their heads, and I might possibly die. C'mon guys, I need this!

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  14. I'll go for runs after baby #2 is born!

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  15. I've always been super envious of BOB owners... They look so much easier to control and way cooler than my Instep. Would love to win this and take the kiddos for a nice long walk... Anywhere!

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  16. I would take it everywhere - beach, zoo, Disney World, neighborhood walks!

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  17. My son is 16 months and my hubby is an avid runner. If we could afford a BOB we would have one by now. We would love to win this! Keeping our fingers (and toes) crossed!

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  18. Definitely the park near our house!

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  19. I think commented already, but I don't see it. I would love to have a new BOB for rubbing with the newborn we'll have next month. :)

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  20. I would love to use this to take my son with me as I start the Couch to 5k program! :)

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  21. I would love this for our trip to Disney in December!

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  22. I mean I'd only be able to take one kid at a time :P but they both hate the stroller we currently have so, lol this would be better! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it!

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    1. Also, We'd probably go up to the Sandia Mountains and explore around the crest again :)

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  23. with a kiddo on the way a BOB sure would be helpful for all my future running ventures

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  24. I'd go for a jog around my neighborhood! :)

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  25. I have been wanting/ attempting to run but basically for all the reasons detailed by Stevie, lets just say it's difficult. My greatest motivator is my husband in a stop encouraging me kind of way, you're running to fast, let me catch up kind of thing. Any way we are in the process of moving and the area has a walking path around a bay. This is where I would run or walk really fast that almost looks like running alongside my hubster and son. =)

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  26. We have one single jogger now and really need another one or a double. Great stuff.

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  27. I'd take a run on the bumpy roads of my new neighborhood.

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  28. Running along the river! Ice cream on the way home!

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  29. If I won, I would take my kids to the zoo! They love the zoo :)

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  30. Giving away a single not a double--even better! I can make my husband go with me again!

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  31. Because I don't have a young child, I would give it as a gift to a friend who is a big runner.

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  32. I would go to the park and jog by the river if I win!

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  33. I would take my son and our neighbor who are the same age for a good long walk so his mom could have an hour to herself for the first time ever! After 14 months, she deserves it!

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  34. Running with DAD & baby!

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  35. I need to lose this post-baby weight. I'd walk all over town for this!

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  36. Ugh, click the giveaway link BEFORE posting... My little dude would ride on style to the park. Likely being pushed by my superhubs with the huge ginger beard.

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  37. I would go on the trail near my house!

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  38. Would love to use this when baby number 2 comes this fall - me to walk the mall and my husband to run :)

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  39. walk to downtown st. pete from my house for lunch!

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  40. I'd definitely take this out for a spin around the neighborhood, once I recover from the upcoming arrival of kiddo #2!

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  41. I'd love to take my kiddos on a run now that we are a family of four :)

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  42. Just had baby #5, and would LOVE a double stroller to help get out I'd the house and to the park with a seat for the 2 year old and baby.

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  43. I would love to have a BOB stroller ... a double would be even better, for when The Sequel arrives. Although The Sequel is hypothetical at this point....

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  44. I'd love to take my new baby running next year!

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  45. As a mom facing rehabilitation for a painful pelvic condition after baby #2 comes in 2 months, the thought of a double stroller sounds like a miraculous intervention!!! Thanks for this great giveaway!

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  46. I would love to use this stroller to take walks and runs with our little one who is due in early November. : )

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  47. My current jogging stroller has faulty tires, and I'm frequently filling them up. Man, I'd love a new jogger!

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  48. I would love to have this ready for when baby #2 arrives. We'd be running through the neighborhood while big sister is at school!

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  49. Oh this would be so awesome to have! I could never afford to buy one, so my fingers are crossed!!

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  50. I'm wanting to start thinking about becoming a runner! I've always been a short distance kinda gal. Love this blog post about how you guys did it!

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  51. (Sorry if this posts twice; my phone won't work). I will be taking this on my "get the baby weight off" jogs after #2 gets here. Hopefully it will make my toddler stay in it (while dad watches the newbie).

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  52. I want this! I'd go to the zoo. We have a membership and it makes me hate my stroller.

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  53. If we won the first Place we would go is to walk the waterfront and watch boats go by.

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  54. I've been looking for a new jogging stroller. Having #2 coming any day, I need to start preparing to lose all this extra baby weight!

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  55. I would take it on the running trail by my house!

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  56. I don't generally run unless chased, but I might make an exception for this. :)

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  57. Around my neighborhood. The shocks would help the rough sidewalks.

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  58. I'd take my son for a long walk and to the lake to feed the ducks!

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  59. I would go to Brackenridge park and walk around my little one in that stroller.

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  60. To our beautiful downtown austin park! It's beautiful with trails, water, ducks and beautiful trees!

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  61. Would love to have this with our girls! We love our single Beast Of Burden!!

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  62. Oh I would love to take this fantastic stroller on a jog around the neighborhood!

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  63. The question is more where wouldn't I go ? it looks like a excellent off roader .

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  64. I feel like I might be a runner if I had 1. A child and 2. This stroller.

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  65. To the mall or indoor Zoo because by November when baby #3 gets here it will be COLD in MN!

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  66. We would get out on the bruce trail!!

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  67. Id love to take my son on a run with me! He loves being outdoors and I could use some quality time with him!

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  68. Off to the park a lot more often :)

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  69. I would love to go the mall or hiking with my new Bob

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  70. I would go for runs with my husband in the morning before he goes to work. I really want to start running again. I participated in a 5k a few years ago to support huntsman cancer institute and I would love to start training for a longer run. -Ashley Wheeler

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  71. First I would bring it inside; they don't do indoor deliveries around these parts.

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  72. Just had baby #2 - I'd love to win this stroller as we currently have a single BOB for #1... Winning this could allow us to have his and hers strollers :)

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  73. I've been lusting after one of these since baby #2 is on the way and apparently it is the best stroller ever!

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  74. Always wanted to give this brand a try!

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  75. Living in Montana any parent needs to have one these handy buggers. Trails, hiking, running from bears. You get the picture.

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  76. I'm pregnant with baby 2 and would use this to take both my girls exploring in a few months!

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  77. This would be great for fairs/parades/hiking/etc. when my youngest outgrows the front to back double we are currently using and she wants to see more than her brothers back. :)

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  78. Thank you for sharing your love for the BOB! Now I'm THAT much closer to getting a double BOB stroller. With two in tow, I think it would be worth the money! For now, I'd be ever-so-happy to win the single stroller you are giving away :)

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  79. If I won this, I would be walking to the park instead of driving. :D

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  80. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  81. I use the excuse "I can't run because we don't have a BOB", the hubs isn't buying the excuse or the stroller, so if I won I would take the babe for a run around the hood.

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  82. I tried jogging with my Britax BReady and ... no ... just ... no ... bad bad idea ... I need the BOB!!!

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  83. I live in NYC where we walk everywhere so I would use it as my everyday stroller. I especially want to start walking through Central Park though, so that would be first on the agenda.

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  84. Colorado!! We want to take our guy every year of his life and enjoy the beautiful mountains!

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  85. There is this awesome trail near my house that I usually walk on but with this I would RUN! :)

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  86. I would go to my local park where there's a trail! I'm pregnant and currently on bed rest, so I'm itching to get out there after the baby is born and start running again!

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  87. If I win the BOB, I'm going to the moon! Okay, not literally the moon, but it sounds pretty cool (not as cool as winning a BOB stroller!)

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  88. I'd go for a nice stroll down Waterfront Park!

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  89. I would go for a walk with my baby to the park - he is one month old. And I would count down the days until he could safely go running with me in the stroller!!

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  90. I would love to win this stroller I had a graco and it just did not take the bumps and didnt fit in my car so I decided to go with a smaller stroller to fit in the car a first years ignite but it is very uncomfortable for my son because he is tall!! this would be great for all of our outings!!

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  91. I would go to the local state park!!

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  92. I would love to head down to the park and enjoy the scenery there!

    Carly D.

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  93. I have been training for a mini marathon on the weekends. I will be 25 weeks along when I race.

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  94. We'd run through the river trails in our town.

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  95. Dream stroller! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  96. I would love to be able to go running with my little girl.

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  97. I'd go jogging at the park with my little one.

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  98. I'd go through the nature preserve by our house!

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  99. I'd take it for a spin down Lombard.

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  100. I need a good storller like crazy. Ugh!

    Great story about the like-likes. I like-like my hubby too ;)

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  101. We would head straight to the park and enjoy a picnic lunch :)

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  102. I would go for a run to the park with my little guy. I plan to take up jogging again after two long years of coming up with every excuse in the book! How could I not with a new BOB! Oh and I would pay it forward and give our current stroller away for free to someone in need. Its a nice one too, just not a jogger :)

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  103. I would go for a jog in the park with our little one.

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  104. I'd go running down our favorite trails!

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  105. First place I'd go is on a jog to our local splash pad.

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  106. I would go to the running trail near our house first! :D

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  107. I would go to the airport and haul my toddler and all our gear to my brother-in-law's wedding in Arizona.

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  108. I would love this stroller! Due with my first baby in Nov. I'm going to need a good jogging stroller for running around the park.

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  109. It would go running with my twins along the Susquehanna River!

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  110. We love to walk to school!

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  111. I'd love to win this as we are currently waiting for #2!

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  112. Unfortunately I'd have to take the stroller to the Mall or the wellness center. By the time this one is born, it'll be the dead of winter but a fantasy location would be the park trails in Florida.

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  113. I'd take my kiddos (one walking and still stroller riding age) to the zoo for as long as we can go without meltdowns, which I am sure this stroller can help ward off with just its pure coolness factor!

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  114. If I won, the first place I would take it would be the famous Ice Age Trail of Wisconsin that is just a short drive (or jog) from our house! I would love to get the baby out there and go exploring while getting a good workout for myself.

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  115. I would run the track in my neighborhood!

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  116. I have the double Bob, and it really is sooo amazing! I love it!

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  117. I would take it to the Katy Trail!

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  118. I would take my puppy dog Sophie and my soon to be born baby boy on a walk around Hinkley lake! Its my favorite place to walk but I would most certainly need a BOB!!!

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  119. I would take it down the old rail trail!

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  120. I would take it for a test "drive" at the nature park near my house!

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  121. I would take it to school and anywhere else I wanted to go during the day. my oldest is starting school this year and I really need a single stroller. the double stroller I have is way to big and heavy to take in/out walk to/from school twice a day. so I need something I can put my youngest in while walking my oldest to school and going out during the day. thanks for the chance I really need one.

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  122. Off to grandma's and rolling around the lake.

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  123. I would love this nice stroller to take my boy to the park.

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  124. I'd take my LO for a walk and then I would use it to train for a 5k.

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  125. Around the neighborhood to the bus stop.

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  126. I'd send my oldest and hubby to the park and I'd take my littlest for a run by the lake.

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  127. I have a really old non-bob jogger. I'd love a new one for walks around the neighborhood. We have awful sidewalks and the big tires are the only way to make it.

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  128. I would take a nice long walk around the neighborhood.

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  129. Pumpkin patches, the zoo, family walks.:-)

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  130. Where would we not go, We would be exploring the neighborhood visiting the aquarium venturing to the zoo and finding new parks.

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  131. On a walk at our local beach trail

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  132. I already own a Duallie and hit the Towpath trail near the Ohio Erie Canal! Its an awesome way to experience nature with the little ones!

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  133. Would love to use this for trail running!

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  134. We have so many fantastic trails in our area, I'd use it on a different trail every day! :)

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  135. Strolling the beach with this stroller!

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  136. Around the block and then maybe some trails by south beach oregon!

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  137. I'd go on a walk to the duck pond with my new granddaughter and my grandpuppy

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  138. I enjoyed your funny summation. Bob strollers are the best!

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  139. I would go running with my new baby girl.

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  140. My husband and I would love this to go running with our three youngest girls!

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  141. We live one mile from the zoo and plan to take the little guy there all the time.

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  142. I would take it to Valley Forge National Park! What a great stroller for the on road/off road terrain of the park!

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  143. Into the forest! We live about 10 minutes from an amazing research forest!

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  144. First? To the park, lol! It's closest ;)

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  145. This would be awesome! You can't even find a used BOB Stroller where i live. lol

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  146. We would probably go for a walk in our favorite park! Or maybe the zoo!

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  147. I would take it out to the walking trails.

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  148. I would love to go for a run in a jogger stroller than the current one we use!

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  149. if I win I would go to the park, and the 2nd thing is to make sure it fits in my trunk!

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  150. I love long walks, so would definitely take this to the playground, the park, and then pack it up for a nice long walk on the coast enjoying the beach at the end of the summer after the crowds have left for the season....

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  151. I would take it around our local park

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  152. My first place would be driving it on the beach! It would be awesome! And btw, your gif made me giggle. :)

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  153. I would run along the lake.

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  154. Hubby would love his very own!

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  155. Park district lake path and 5k :)

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  156. First Time Mom...and this jogger looks awesome. Would love to win, and hopefully go for runs with my little one.

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  157. For a run around the neighborhood!

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  158. to the mall to test drive it

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