Why join the “Running Mamas” 5k training program, vs just running on your own??

Our seasonal “Running Mamas” 5k training program is kicking off in just a few short weeks! This program designed specifically for moms will help beginners (or those who haven’t run in a while) build up to running a full 5k, or it can also help current runners to focus on their speed and beat their goal race day times.

Some may be wondering, is it worth joining a group like this, or should I just train for a 5k on my own? Here are just a few reasons why a group training program can make a difference in your fall running plans…

Make a commitment as part of a group of moms working towards the same goal!

Every season, moms of all ages and fitness levels start off the program together and are immensely supportive of one another. There is a great sense of camaraderie—we’re all in this together! It is so much more fun to run with supportive friends on a regular basis, and we all cheer for one another, each week and on race day!

You won’t have to make up a training plan for yourself!

Sure you can find various training plans online, but how do you decide among all of the options? What if you find certain training assignments to be too tough or too easy? Should you blend some of them or just stick with one?

Our Running Mamas training plans have helped moms for several seasons attain their running goals. Beginners have gone from barely being able to jog 2 minutes at a time, to running the full 5k goal race. Others who were more experienced were able to surpass their timing goals by race day. Our plans are a blend of national Stroller Strides 5k training and the well-known “Couch to 5k” plans, and there are 3 different tracks based upon what your starting jogging level is (Beginner—for those not able to jog much at all at the start; Advanced—for those able to jog 1-2 miles at start of program; and Advanced Plus—for those already able to jog 3 miles at a time, who’d like to focus on speed training.)

Training plans focus on time initially, then distance, and include speed training, hill intervals, timed mile and two-mile runs, tapering at the end, and more.

We’ll help you MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

How easy is it to plan to run, only to get caught up with everything else at home and in motherhood, and never get out the door?? If you’re trying to make yourself train on your own, it can be that much tougher to get regular training runs in. Sign up for a group training plan and you’ll be more likely to make your runs happen, especially with your coach and fellow mamas looking out for you.

Get your questions answered

What should I be eating on days when I run? How many days per week is best to train? Should I do any other exercise on my non-running days? Should I focus on speed or distance? How do I know if I’m hydrated? What should my goal be this week?

These are the types of questions your trained running coach can answer. Throughout our 9 week program, you’ll receive tips on all of the above topics and more, at the coached sessions, in your weekly emails, and through our private facebook group.

Plus—get extra training sessions such as Yoga for Runners, Core Workouts for Runners, Nutrition & Hydration tips, sneaker discounts, family race day photos, and more!

Get personalized training advice

Between the three levels of overall training, the advice of your running coach, the personal guidance surveys and feedback offered, you’ll get continuous feedback on your progress and what your next steps should be….much more helpful to your training than trying to figure it all out on your own.

We’re all moms and we’ve all been through what you’re going through!

Challenges getting out the door, little ones exhausting you and making you question your plan to run on a given day, coordinating naps and feeding and carpools, lack of sleep, and lack of time for anything for yourself! Train for a goal that will help you feel great about yourself with the support of other moms. You’ll be amazed at what you CAN accomplish, and feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally will help you be a better mom!

But don’t just take our word for it….check out all of the amazing things moms from our past seasons have had to say about the program! Click here to hear from past Running Mamas members

The season starts Aug 26^th, with weekday and weekend options available, in Raleigh, Cary and Apex.

Register now for the Fall “Running Mamas” 5k training program and cross that finish line with us in October!

August 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!

August's Mom of the Month is: Melissa Nafke! Congrats Melissa!

Melissa joined Stroller Strides in January with her adorable daughters Emma & Sara. She had been participating in Weight Watchers since this past fall, and has made amazing strides in health and fitness over the past year! She has lost an impressive 45 lbs since beginning her health and fitness journey last October. In addition to Stroller Strides workouts, Melissa joined our spring "Running Mamas" 5k training program, and went from having never really run before, to completing her first full 5k (the Run for our Heroes race) on April 30th! She has kept up the running, completing an 8k (Running of the Bulls) on June 18th, and she has challenged herself this fall to completing a half marathon, the Ramblin Rose, on October 16th.

Melissa and her girls have been frequent Stroller Strides attendees this summer, showing amazing dedication to fitness, inspiring our moms to keep up the hard work, and having a great time participating at many of our playgroup activities--- as a mom of two darling girls less than 18 months apart, Melissa is one impressive mama! Join us in congratulating her and read on to get to know Melissa a little bit better.


Hometown: Liverpool, NY

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex

Education: MA in Organization Development

Stroller Strides Member since: January

Members of your Family: My husband, Adam, and my daughters Sara and Emma

Tell us about your children: Emma turned two in March and she loves to be outside - swimming or riding her bike are her favorite outdoor activities, besides Stroller Strides, of course (she asks to go now :)). Sara turns one August 3rd, and is already walking and climbing up on things and loves to follow her big sister around.

Current/previous Career: I'm currently a SAHM, and I was a Human Resource Generalist before the girls were born.

What was your childhood ambition? To be a veterinarian.

What does motherhood mean to you? Raising Emma and Sara to be strong, healthy and independent women. Nurturing them and giving the best I possibly can to them everyday, and loving them for who they are.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Singapore

What has Stroller Strides done for you? It's help me become stronger and healthier than I've been in my life. I am toned and have much more endurance than ever, and I really need it now :) - helps me keep up with Emma and Sara. With the Running Mamas program, I started at running three minutes at a time, and worked my way up to regularly running miles at a time.

What is your favorite exercise? Crunches

What is your proudest moment? I have had many, especially since Emma and Sara were born. It's hard to narrow it down to one :)

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Friends, my BOB stroller, my iPad

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Unique, or probably just plain weird - I eat snack foods (like popcorn) with chopsticks so I don't get my fingers dirty.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I'm organized, thoughtful and a good listener

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Make small goals, be kind to yourself and don't give up and ask for help and support when you need it. Getting in shape is important for not only your physical well being, but your emotional well being. Taking the time to do this not only sets a great example for our children, but at least for me, I feel like I am a better mother because of it.