February Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!

Our February Mom of the Month is: Lindsey Sohre! Congratulations Lindsey!

Lindsey was also our Holiday Get Fit Challenge winner. She participated in our 10 week Get Fit Challenge that encouraged participants to stay healthy and fit through the holidays. Competitors were assessed on their cardio performance (through a timed mile), strength (through planks and push-ups), and overall body composition, and we also tracked their weight and measurements. Lindsey more than doubled her plank time and her push-ups, increased her mile speed, lost 8% body fat, plus lost over 14 lbs and several inches during the 10 week Challenge! What an awesome accomplishment, and even more impressive during the holiday season.

Lindsey has been with Stroller Strides since November, and she and her daughter Emery have been wonderful to have in class. Lindsey has set a great example for other moms through her dedication and frequent Stroller Strides attendance, as well as really pushing herself during her workouts. Join us in wishing her the best, and check out her answers below to get to know Lindsey a little better!


Hometown: Midlothian, VA (just south of Richmond)

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Fuquay Varina

Education: BS James Madison University, MBA James Madison University

Stroller Strides Member since: November 2010

Members of your Family: husband- Andreas, daughter- Emery 11 mos, dog- Fritz, horse- Pfinny

Tell us about your child: Emery is an energetic, fun, observant little girl. She loves to dance and throw her hands in the air- we call her a woo girl :). Her favorite pastime is people watching.

Current/previous Career: I started out as a business analyst in Washington, DC. However, when we moved to the Raleigh area for my husband’s job I fell into my dream job. I ran/managed Pepperwood Farm, a 52 stall equestrian boarding, breeding, and sales facility. I could walk to work, bring my dog and work with horses and people who love horses! Since I had Emery I have scaled back my responsibilities at the farm and now just manage the office.

What was your childhood ambition? To have my own horse farm.

What does motherhood mean to you? Extra laughs, smiles, hugs and kisses every day. My mom told me she had never seen me laugh as much as I do with Emery.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Germany (my husband’s parents live in Munich)

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Connected me with other moms and babies in the area. It is nice that Emery gets to see other children and I get to workout at the same time. SS has helped me make and reach some fitness goals, lose weight, and tone my body. I had reached my pre-baby weight before starting with SS. I am now smaller than I was before I had Emery!

What is your favorite exercise? Riding and working on the farm but I am learning to enjoy jogging

What is your proudest moment? Giving birth to Emery.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? horses/ riding (jumping and dressage), reading, German language and cooking

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I can drive a tractor and a Bob Cat Skid Steer (even while I was pregnant!- although the lap belt was a little snug!)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I asked my husband and copied his whole answer because it made me chuckle : ) “Lindsey's best qualities are: She is very caring, loves animals and is very beautiful. She is very dedicated, determined and enduring in things she cares about. She also actively does things rather than talk about them endlessly without action. She has a good sense of humor, and more importantly, appreciates mine!!! She is very eager to learn and open-minded. Notice how I didn't mention patient...”

What advice would you give to other moms who are struggling to get active and back into shape? Get into a routine. Join Stroller Strides! It is nice to have someone else tell you what your workout is for the day and to know that you have to make class at a specific time. Also, pick something to work towards. I find it easier to stay motivated with a goal.

(Get Fit Challenge Award day)

Did you make a New Year's Resolution this year?

Whatever your Resolution is, Stroller Strides has you covered!

7 Resolutions Stroller Strides will help you keep
(adapted from Stroller Strides Chicago)

Resolution: To Get Fit!
Stroller Strides is a total body workout, specially designed to work the areas that moms need the most. Intervals of cardio and strength training as well as targeted core exercises make it an extremely effective workout- you will burn calories and increase your strength and endurance with regular attendance. Stroller Strides classes are taught at various levels for all different levels of fitness- from first time exercisers, to marathon-runners: you will get a great workout. Classes meet 5 days a week, get it on your calendar.

Resolution: Have more ME time!
Stroller Strides is a perfect way to get some ME time in to your day. It's an hour for YOU, but you can sneak it in without having to leave your little one in the gym daycare. You will spend quality time interacting with your little one during class, and get your workout in at the same time. Mommy guilt not allowed here!

Resolution: Have an adult conversation!
Stroller Strides combines the great workout with the social network that so many new moms need. Being a new mom can be very isolating. Maybe your friends don't have babies yet or maybe you are nervous to bundle up your little one and head out of the house. Whatever your hesitation, know that you are not alone. Stroller Strides gives you a great reason to get up and get out of the house. You will meet other moms who feel the exact same way you do!

Resolution: Set a good example for my kids!
Come to Stroller Strides regularly and you will show your children that exercise is fun and a part of your daily life. In an age where childhood obesity is an epidemic, the sooner that your children see the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the better! You are their role model- are you living the lifestyle you want your child to live?

Resolution: Stay Active During My Pregnancy
Did you know that regular activity in a healthy pregnancy can help ease maternal aches and pains, increase energy and may even help speed the labor, delivery and recovery process? We welcome pregnant mommies (with your doctor's ok) to Stroller Strides class-- our instructors are trained in pre- and post-natal fitness, and we offer specific modifications for pregnancy where needed.

Resolution: Be INSPIRED!
At Stroller Strides class you will have the opportunity to be inspired on a daily basis. You will find inspiration from our instructors, other moms in class and the children. We've seen first push-ups for moms and first steps for babies. Will 2011 be the year you are INSPIRED?

Resolution: Have fewer regrets!
You will often regret NOT working out, but you will never regret actually DOING it. Spend 2011 having fewer regrets, come to Stroller Strides today!

Happy New Year! We hope to see you at Stroller Strides soon!

January Mom of the Month

Our mom of the month program honors moms for their efforts to lead healthy lifestyles, and gives us a chance to get to know them better at the same time!



Our January Mom of the Month is: Toby Lish! Congratulations Toby!

Toby has been with us since last summer, and has been one of our most dedicated and frequently-attending moms over many of the past six months. She'd made great progress while working out with Stroller Strides-- I still remember when you proudly announced you could fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans, Toby, thanks to SS! :) Toby also participated in our "Running Mamas" 5k training program, where she led the pack and inspired the rest of the moms with her amazing sub-25 minute times. We are also excited to announce that Toby will be completing Stroller Strides instructor training this month for potential teaching opportunities and running coaching later this year. Join us in wishing her the best, and check out her answers below to get to know Toby a little better.


Hometown: I was an army brat so I grew up all over, literally...I was born in Bryan College Station, TX..but moved to Panama, Brazil, Japan, Africa, Germany, and several states in the US before settling in NC for college and my career.

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Raleigh

Education: BS in Housing and Interior Design Minor in Fine Art, MS in Project Management, AOES (accredited Office Ergonomics Specialist)

Stroller Strides Member since: August 2010

Members of your Family: Mike (my husband), Ryan (my one year old daughter)

Tell us about your child: Ryan just turned one and I can't believe how the year flew by! It seems every week holds a new achievement...just within the last few days she is taking several steps by herself!

Current/previous Career: Currently I am a SAHM. I was Manager of the Space and Move Department of RTI International. I oversaw the day to day operations of ergonomics in the workplace globally for RTI. Basically, I made sure everyone had an office, moved if they needed to, designed new spaces/offices and made sure that it was code compliant and "ergonomically" setup.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be an artist...still is a passion for me.

What does motherhood mean to you? Everything...I wasn't sure how I would feel about walking away from my career, but I knew after the first few weeks there was nothing that would compare than being home raising Ryan...I have seen and been a part of all of her "firsts" and these have been the most amazing experiences I've ever had.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I guess from the US, the farthest I've been is Southern Chile.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has helped me lose the "baby weight" and has given me some great friends!

What is your favorite exercise? Not sure I have a favorite :), but I did really enjoy the running program.

What is your proudest moment? When I could tell Ryan knew who I was.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Soccer (although I haven't played since I became prego), diving, and painting.


Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have my PADI Rescue Diver Certification and I love to dive. My husband and I have close to 100 logged dives.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I had to ask my hubby on this...he said my patience, caring and devotion to family and friends-wow was I surprised by that :)!