Local mumpreneur Wendy Rumble loves the freedom that buggy running enables parents to have. 'You are no longer trapped indoors,
you and your little one can both get some fresh air and you can fit in exercise during naps and running errands!' she says. And that's why she's launched her brilliant business, Running Buggies... 

Hi Wendy. What brought you to the local area?

My husband, John, and I live in the Altwood area of Maidenhead. We moved here without knowing the area just before my eldest daughter was born – nearly four years ago – because it was halfway between both our offices. We now have two daughters, Lila, three, and Heidi, one. There are so many hidden gems in Maidenhead. We live a stone’s throw away from Norden Farm Centre for the Arts and we love walks along the river or trips to Ockwells Park.

Tell me about your business...

Since having kids I’ve been searching for a more flexible work option and I thought that starting myown business would mean that one day that could be possible. I got into running in my twenties when I was bored of dieting. My brother is also a runner in the States and when we visit him, it feels like everyone has three-wheel running strollers. After I had Lila,
I wanted to get back into shape and without any childcare, running with a buggy seemed
like the best option. I bought the same American brand my brother had and suddenly experienced much-needed freedom. Whilst on maternity leave with Heidi a few years later,
I started thinking about how many people had asked me questions like: 'What makes a running buggy a running buggy?', 'What are the running buggy brands called and how do you work out what is the right one?' So I thought why not start my own business! No one else is providing specialist knowledge... I purchased the domain www.runningbuggies.com and then started developing the e-commerce site, my brand identity and the idea for the community.

Finish the sentence: Before I became a mum I...

... Did a Business Studies degree at Hull University but that feels like a LONG time ago now – before the age of e-commerce had even really emerged! My career has been in various Sales and Marketing roles in large FMCG businesses (Marks & Spencer, Budweiser, Diageo and Britvic Soft Drinks), so I think that I’ve had exposure to many good business practices even though some areas of running a company are completely new to me (VAT returns!). I still have a paid job in Sales at a luxury drinks importer three days a week to pay the bills so I’m certainly not bored.

What do you love about having a business? And what don't you like so much?

Running my own business feels like a fun hobby, not work. Providing parents with advice
and then the equipment to have freedom to exercise is an absolute pleasure. I’m passionate about building a buggy running community via my social media site ‘Buggy Runners’ and helping people to get out buggy running! I’m the Running Buggy expert in the 'Run Mummy Run' Facebook group and I’ve worked with many buggy bootcamp groups to provide advice.

   Lots of people have helped me get started, especially Amanda Smith, a Maidenhead NCT friend who has also started her own business as a family photographer since having her daughter. Having beautiful pictures was really important to make my website different and Amanda’s talent and generosity has meant I have had those 

(www.amandasmithphotography.co.uk)

   The worst part is like many mums I’m juggling lots of things! I work every night when the kids are in bed, don’t talk to my husband as much as I should and have to decide how to focus my limited time to maximum effect!

Where's your favourite place to go for a run? 

The Great Park in Windsor has lots of lovely smooth tarmac’ed routes which I love to buggy run round. But a close second are the trails in Swinley Forest, Bracknell.

And where do you like to go with the kids on the weekend? 

We often go to a park and then get an early tea together on the weekend. The Crown in Cookham works well for that and also Marlow park for a run around and then up the high street to Pizza Express!

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I have several friends who have been really brave and changed their career paths in order to do something they enjoy more – one is working for the Metropolitan Police, one is training as an acupuncturist. But often the most inspirational people I hear about are not famous but that single working mum who is a midwife and gets up at 5.30am to exercise in her garage. I read ‘Lean In’ and couldn’t help but think that if we all could afford nannies then maybe that would change our work choices or ability to deliver in a role. I hope that a strong work ethic will deliver success but if all else fails at least I’ve tried!

Anything we don't know about you, but should?

My five minutes of fame was aged 17 when I played hockey for my school’s boys first team and was featured in The Times! Having a brother who is four years older than me had made me tough!

Visit www.runningbuggies.com

Twitter @Runningbuggies1
Instagram @runningbuggies
Facebook group ‘Buggy Runners'