December 2012 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!

December's featured Mom of the Month is Jamie Hammermann! Congrats, Jamie!

 

 

Jamie and her adorable daughter Daniella have been rocking it at Stroller Strides for over a year now, and we love both of their easy-going natures and smiles.  Jamie's dedication and ability to get her own awesome workouts in frequently, mother a 2-year-old, and work on her graduate degree including TA work has all been inspiring, and she keeps us laughing and smiling throughout it all.  Jamie manages to be one of the most frequent Stroller Strides attendees even with all that she has going on, and she is also an alumnus of both our Raleigh Running Mamas and our Body Back programs.  Join us in congratulating Jamie and read on to get to know her a little better!

   Hometown: Bridgeport, WV

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: West Raleigh

Education: BA in Geography from WVU. Currently Pursuing Masters in GIS at NC State

Stroller Strides Member since: September 2011

Members of your Family: Dave and Daniella

Tell us about your children: Daniella is a sweet and easy-going 2-year-old (most of the time). She loves to sing and read books.

Current/previous Career: Currently a stay-at-home-mom, graduate student, and Teaching Assistant at NC State

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a doctor and open a free clinic for the disadvantaged.

What does motherhood mean to you? In spite of the pitfalls and challenges, it is such an amazing adventure. I recommend it highly.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Prague, CZ or Maui, HI

What has Stroller Strides meant to you? I love the great community of moms and kiddos. It's also great to have a workout option every day. What is your favorite exercise? Burpees! Strength, cardio, and core all in one!

What is your proudest moment? Early on, I had a hard time adjusting to the whole motherhood role - did not have much confidence in my ability and second-guessed myself all the time. When Daniella was about 7 months old, it just dawned on me one day that I was doing a good job, and that I could actually succeed at this mommy thing!

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? I love a full night's sleep, music, and a good laugh.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I learned to water ski when I was 4 years old.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? According to Dave: Fun spirit, kind nature, and attention to detail.
What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Baby steps!

 

November 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!

November's featured Mom of the Month is our newest Instructor,  

Valerie Liberto! 

Valerie has been participating in our programs since this past spring when she completed our 8-week Body Back program for moms with fabulous results.  This summer and fall she joined our Running Mamas 5k Training program and just completed her 5k race this past weekend, congrats!  She and her adorable son Kai have recently joined us at Stroller Strides as well, and we are excited to welcome her on board as our newest Stroller Strides instructor, active this week.  Her background and degree in exercise science and work in physical therapy will serve her (and our moms!) well as she begins teaching our fitness classes. 

Join us in welcoming Valerie and read on to get to know her a little better! 

Hometown: I claim Raleigh as my home but I did live in Orlando for about 10 years before moving to Raleigh in 1997.

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: On the Raleigh side of Jones Franklin Road by Crossroads Shopping Center in Cary

Education: BS in Exercise Science with minors in Psychology and Biology from Appalachian State and an Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant from Nash Community College

Stroller Strides Member since: BodyBack (July 2012), Running Mamas (Sept 2012) and Stroller Strides (Oct 2012)

Members of your Family: My hubby John, son Kai and our dog Riley

Tell us about your child: Kai was born on June 10, 2011 at Rex Hospital. He is all boy! Has lots of energy, always running or climbing, likes to make sounds that he hears and only has 2 back molars to go before having all his teeth ;)

Current/previous Career: I used to be a full time Physical Therapy Assistant at a skilled nursing facility prior to having Kai. I went back to work after my maternity leave but just found myself loving motherhood too much to give that up full time. Now I'm a SAHM to Kai, work on Sundays as a PRN Therapy Assistant, and starting as a new Stroller Strides Instructor

What was your childhood ambition? I always wanted to help others and when I was little I wanted to be a nurse just like my grandmother

What does motherhood mean to you? I thought that being a PTA was the most rewarding experience I would ever have but motherhood has far exceeded that. I feel so fortunate to be able to spend all my time with my son and to watch him grow every day

What is the furthest you have been from home? Europe. My dad lived in Amsterdam for a few years with work and I was able to travel there to see him some. My dad also took me to London one year, which I loved! And on December 30, 2006 my dad took my hubby and I to Paris for New Years where my hubby proposed

What has Stroller Strides done for you (or meant to you)? I've been able to get my weight loss and workout program back on track! Its hard to do everything on your own. With the help and support of everyone I've become stronger, more confident and met great friends that I can always count on.

What is your favorite exercise?  Forward lunges with upper body rotations. Love to hit different major muscle groups at one time.

What is your proudest moment? Besides the birth of my son, graduating with my Physical Therapy Assistant Degree. I spent 2 years (5 days a week) commuting from Raleigh to Nash to complete the degree while maintaining 2 jobs.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Ipad, camera, Pinterest

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique: I was a pitcher on a fast pitch traveling team when I lived in Orlando. That summer before moving to Raleigh, we played in the National Championship Series and placed in the top 10 teams. I continued to pitch for my school and another travel team in NC until I tore my rotator cuff and had surgery on it in 2001.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? My hubby is always telling me that I'm great at organizing, multitasking and taking care of others.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Losing weight and getting back into shape takes time, sometime its more time then what you were hoping for. But if you hang in there, give it 110% percent and have a great support system then you will be reaching your goals in no time. And don't beat yourself up, we all have those bad days. Just remember, tomorrow is a new day!!

October 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!

September's featured Mom of the Month is Rebecca Dunhem! 

Congrats, Rebecca!

Rebecca joined us at Stroller Strides two years ago while on maternity leave after her second adorable boy was born.  She then went back to work until earlier this year when she transitioned to life as a stay-at-home-mom and has been a Stroller Strides member ever since, and is now counting the days until baby boy #3 arrives!!  Rebecca brings a great upbeat spirit and energy to our workouts and meetups, and has inspired us all with her awesome running progress beginning with our Running Mamas program last fall and continuing through the present... even running 2 miles at over 8 months pregnant recently, wow!!  ;)  Join us in congratulating Rebecca and read on to get to know her a little better.  

Hometown: Roanoke, VA

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary

Education: Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Psychology as well as a Masters of Criminal justice. I've never actually used my Masters degree except to write it on my resume and to prolong entering the real world of work.

Stroller Strides Member since: I originally began participating in SS while on maternity leave Oct 2010 and participated during the summer when school was out. I became a regular member in Jan. 2012 when I decided to become a SAHM.

Members of your Family: Dan (my fantastic hubby of 12 years), Jonathan (7 yrs. old), Brayden (2 yrs. old), Kippy my cat (14 yrs. old), and soon to join us Landon.

Tell us about your children: As I respond to this survey, I have two boys who could not be more different from each other! I very lovingly call Jonathan "my little nerd". He loves science and reading (particularly non-fiction) and is curious about everything! He likes to take things apart just so he can figure out how they work and he also likes to build stuff. He is a 2nd grader at Penny Rd. Elem. School and a very active member of his cub scout pack. Brayden is two with A LOT of energy. He is very loving and playful. On one hand, I think he is the messiest kid ever, but on the other, he likes to help clean up. Any day now, we plan to welcome baby Landon into our family, and I can't wait to find out what he is going to be like!

Current/previous Career: I was an adolescent addictions counselor for 5 years. Then, I decided to go back to school to earn my license to teach. I taught middle school special ed. for a total of 5 years in Wake Co. before deciding to stay home with my boys for awhile.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a journalist and travel the world. I still want to travel the world!

What does motherhood mean to you? I love being a mom! I like to be challenged and motherhood has provided the ultimate challenge to me. I wonder everyday how my boys will turn out as teens and adults, and yet I look at them in amazement of who they are now.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I'm not sure which is further away, but it would be either Hawaii or Sweden.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Before joining Stroller Strides, I wanted to get back into shape for a very long time, but struggled to figure out how to manage this. Stroller Strides has provided me with much needed structure and support to get back into shape. Also, after a "15 year sabbatical", the Running Mamas has reintroduced me to running, and I'm loving it!

What is your favorite exercise? Running with the mamas and squats.

What is your proudest moment? I have two - becoming a mom the first time and 5 years later delivering a 9.5 pound baby without meds.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? traveling, food, and having fun!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I can't think of anything surprising about me, but what makes me unique is that I have an identical twin sister who lives in California.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I asked him, and he said I'm good at keeping the house going/ organized, encouraging and supportive of him and the kids, and loving.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Keep at it and stay positive! You don't get out of shape over night and you don't get back into shape over night (I hope I remember this in the coming months!)

September 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!

September's featured Mom of the Month is Jennifer Lewis! 

Congrats, Jenn!

Jenn has been a Stroller Strides member for almost a year now, and has made great strides in health and fitness this year, all while juggling a career as a cardiology PA, her two adorable boys, and most recently, a move to a brand new home!  She has been one of our most dedicated moms this summer, attending 3 workouts a week without fail, often bringing hubby and the boys ;), and also just completed our summer 'Body Back' bootcamp-style program at where she gained strength and increased fitness, after which she says she is 'probably in the best physical shape I've ever been in'.  Join us in congratulating Jenn, and read on to get to know her better!   

(PS-- did you know she was in the Peace Corp in Africa??!! So awesome.  ;) )

Hometown:  Englewood, Colorado

Current part of the Triangle that you live in:  Morrisville (as of September 1!)
 

Education:  University of Colorado at Boulder- undergrad psych, Duke for grad school, PA program

Stroller Strides Member since:  November 2011
 

Members of your Family:  Noah 4, Bowie 2, Brandon (husband), and kitty Edgrrr
 

Tell us about your children:  I call Bowie Sir Cling-a-lot- he is a very loving Momma's boy who makes me laugh.  Noah is a sweet boy who always loves his IPad and usually loves his brother.  He's a smart whipper-snapper.
 

Current/previous Career:  Currently a cardiology PA, I have worked in internal medicine and psychiatry too
 

What was your childhood ambition?  Either to be a vet or the President
 

What does motherhood mean to you?  Recognizing that I will never be June Cleaver- the house will never be without clutter, the boys may watch too much tv and play too much IPad, and I won't be perfectly made up with heels, but I must accept I am doing the best I can and my boys love me and I adore them.
 

What is the furthest you have been from home?  Peace Corps in Cameroon, Central Africa.  We also honeymooned in Egypt and Tanzania.
 

What has Stroller Strides done for you?  It has strengthened both my body and spirit.  This is such a wonderful group of women, and I love their support and friendship.

How was your recent experience with the Body Back program?  Awesome... I love that I am getting stronger and leaner- probably in the best physical shape I have ever been even though I am not the skinniest I have ever been.

What is your favorite exercise?  Burpees!  Psych!  Just kidding.  My favorites are lunges, squats, and reverse crunches.

What is your proudest moment?  I guess just getting through some difficult dark times and finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?    Africa, cooking/food, getting a bargain!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.  I'm hoping it will surprise people that I just turned forty ;)  I made my own wedding favors- an aromatherapy room spray. 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Brandon says, "calm, patient, and great butt from Body Back"

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?   You can find a way to have the time... In fact, you are doing yourself and your kids a favor if you set the example of fitness and good health.

Why join Running Mamas Race Training vs. run on your own??

Our seasonal “Raleigh Running Mamas” 5k/10k 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 our experienced running coaches can also help current runners to focus on their speed and beat their goal race day times, either for a 5k or 10k. Moms of all ages and fitness levels are welcome-- strollers optional.

You may be wondering, is it worth joining a group like this, or should I just train for a 5k (or 10k) 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. Experienced runners were able to surpass their timing goals by race day with our personalized coaching and training run assignments.

Our plans are a blend of national Stroller Strides 5k/10k 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; Intermediate—for those able to jog 1-2 miles at start of program; and Advanced—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? How do I increase my race day speed? These are the types of questions your trained running coach can answer. Throughout our 8 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 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 24th, with weekday and weekend options available, in Southwest Raleigh and Apex. Register now for the Fall Running Mamas Training Program and cross that finish line with us in April!

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 featured Mom of the Month is Maureen Walawender! 

Congrats, Maureen!

 

 

 

Maureen has been a hard-working Stroller Strides mama for the past 18 months.  She and her daughter Samantha bring great energy and smiles to their daily workouts.  Maureen's determination and dedication to health and fitness have brought her great results and a positive outlook, and you know she's a strong and fierce mama when she says our Cardio Killers are her favorite exercise; she clocks tons of miles as a runner as well; and we've seen her really work it when running our 'suicides', aka 'line drills' on the basketball courts! Maureen is one of our most-frequent Stroller Strides attendees, joining our workouts in multiple locations several times per week, always with a smile.  Join us in congratulating Maureen, and read on to get to know her better!

 

Hometown: North Wales, PA

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary, NC 

 

Education: B.S. in Chemistry/Business from the University of Scranton and Masters of Accounting from NCSU 

 

Stroller Strides Member since: February 2011 

 

Members of your Family: My husband Kyle and daughter Samantha 

 

Tell us about your child: Samantha is a 22 month old fearless ball of energy. She loves trying new activities, exploring new places, reading, dancing, and pushing stroller. She is very outgoing and loves playing with other kids. 

 

Current/previous Career: I am a full-time SAHM. Before Samantha I was a financial analyst at Duke and I have my CPA license.  

 

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be an astronaut 

 

What does motherhood mean to you? It is the hardest and most rewarding job ever.  

 

What is the furthest you have been from home? Europe and Hawaii 

 

What has Stroller Strides meant to you? I love Stroller Strides it gives us a daily routine that allows Samantha and I to exercise and play with our friends 6 days a week. It is a great workout and Samantha and I have made wonderful friends being a part of this group. Plus we get to participate in tons of fun playgroup activities after class.
 

What is your favorite exercise? Cardio Killers but Samantha prefers pushups and fast feet. 

 

What is your proudest moment? The birth of Samantha 

 

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Traveling, sleeping, and exercising 

 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have 4 brothers 

 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Determined, smart, funny
 

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?  Come check Stroller Strides out it is  a great workout and so much fun- you and your kids will love it. For those of you who think your child won't sit in a stroller for an hour try it out they might surprise you.

 

July 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!

July's featured Mom of the Month is Marcie Haug! Congrats, Marcie!

Marcie joined Stroller Strides this past fall, and she and her girls immediately made friends, with their smiles and upbeat attitudes.  She's had quite an adventurous past, including living in Malaysia and traveling extensively, and most recently moved back to Raleigh after living in Colorado.  Marcie and her girls are dedicated Stroller Strides women, showing up regularly most days of the week and working (and playing!) hard! Marcie joined our Running Mamas program this spring to see if she could get into running and finished her first 5k, even with an injury!, in under 29 minutes.  She also participated in our Body Back program where she saw great results, and she continues to set an awesome example to all of us with her dedication to health and fitness, her kick-$*! abs ;), her positive attitude and friendly smiles.  Join us in congratulating Marcie on being our featured "Mom of the Month", and read on to get to know her better!

Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary, but we are moving back to Raleigh this month!

    Education: East Carolina University- Elementary Ed. and Child Development

Stroller Strides Member since: September 2011

    Members of your Family: My husband Jeff, 2 daughters SkyeLynn and Josie, and our dog Duce

Tell us about your children: SkyeLynn is 2 1/2. She is such a sweet little girl that loves to give hugs and loves to dance! She is full of energy and has an amazing imagination! Josie is 15 months old and such a funny little girl, yet very strong willed! She is my little peanut and can be as sweet as ever until things don't go quite her way :) She also loves to dance and talk, but wants so much to do everything her big sister does!

Current/previous Career: I was a teacher assistant and nanny before we moved overseas where I couldn't work....that was THE life! Now I have the best job ever of being a SAHM to two fabulous little girls!

What was your childhood ambition? I always wanted to be a teacher and a Mom.

What does motherhood mean to you? It means so many things...happiness, excitement, frustration, exhaustion, unconditional love... It's the most rewarding, yet challenging job ever where we are pushed to our limits almost every day, but wouldn't trade it for the world.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I lived in Malaysia for a year and a half, venturing all around SE Asia.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller strides has been great for me to get in shape and find a fabulous network of friends for myself and my girls, especially being new to the area! I love that I can get in my workout without having to leave my kids in a stuffy gym nursery because they get to come with me. They love going with me every day and it's so fun to watch them mimic the exercises at home and while playing with their friends! Thanks to SS, I can wear my favorite jeans again!

How was your recent experience with the Body Back program? Body Back was awesome! It was exactly what I needed to drop the last 10 nagging pounds from pregnancy. Not only did I lose the weight, but I gained better eating habits and am in the best shape I think I have ever been in even before having kids! I was amazed when I started to see my ab muscles....something I gave up on happening a long time ago!

What have you enjoyed most about the Running Mamas program? Running :) I was never a runner and never thought I would ever want to be one. I joined Running Mamas to give it a shot and see if, with some coaching, I could run for more than 5 minutes without stopping. I was amazed that not only did I enjoy running, but I ran my first 5K in under 29 minutes!

What is your favorite exercise? Plank and push-ups

What is your proudest moment? Seeing and holding my babies for the first time!

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Traveling, Thai food, and baking

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I don't have a middle name.
 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?

I asked him and he responded with... "Patient. Always Supportive. Forward Looking. Funny. Fantastically Fit Momma! You take care of all the kids (including me J)"

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Stop making excuses, pack your diaper bag, and get out of the house! It's so easy to tell yourself that you're going to do it tomorrow or you're going to do videos at home, but it's so much healthier for you emotionally to get out and find some other mommies to exercise with! Once you get into a routine it gets so much easier and if you make new friends in the process, it makes a world of difference!

June 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!

June's featured Mom of the Month is Valerie Sherman! Congrats, Valerie!

Valerie first joined us as part of our "Running Mamas" race training in 2010, and completed her first 5k with our training program.  She joined Stroller Strides after the running season ended, to keep up the cross-training and challenging workouts with her adorable kiddos along for the ride, and has brought fierce determination to her workouts ever since, making huge strides in health and fitness over the past several years!  She is a dedicated 5:45am Body Back Bootcamp mama, working hard before the kiddos are even out of bed.  She's participated in additional Running Mamas seasons since her first season, and recently completed her first 10k with this past spring's program!  Join us in congratulating Valerie on all of her achievements in improving her health and fitness and inspiring other moms to do the same, and read on to get to know her better!

Hometown:  Leland, NC, right over the bridge from Wilmington.  My dad was in the Coast Guard so I did do a brief stint during my middle school years in Corpus Christi, TX but we always kept a house in NC as a home base.

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: 

Fuquay Varina 

Education: Not knowing what I wanted to do with my life after high school I chose to attend Peace College as a "finishing school" where I received a BA in Liberal Studies and then moved on to NC State to get my BA in Sociology.   

Stroller Strides Member since: May 2011.  Prior to joining I participated in last years Spring Running Mamas.

 

Members of your Family:  Paul who I ironically met my first day of school at Peace College (he was close friends with my room mate).  We have been married for 13 years.  Isabel, Jack and then our furry babies Amos, Laverne and Shirley and a fish tank full of fish!

Tell us about your children: Isabel (4) is an extremely smart and active little clone of me in every way possible!  She is very competitive and likes to be involved in as many things possible like ballet and gymnastics.  She also has a very sensitive side. She is the first to make sure another child is ok if they fall on the playground and she will go out of her way to please you to the point of melt downs if she feels you are disappointed in her.  The combination of fear of failure and shear competitiveness is scary and I am sure something I will have to manage very closely!  Jack (2) is all boy!  He is a daredevil and goes full force all the time!  I am honestly surprised I have not ended up in the emergency room with a broken bone yet!  He loves to jump off things, climb things and slide down the stairs on his belly.  He has hit the terrible twos and throws temper tantrums at the drop of a hat but in turn can make your heart melt with his huge smile and the bat of his long eyelashes.  Come to think of it both of my kids flip back and forth from one end of the spectrum to the other with little shades of grey in between...but then so does their mama!

Current/previous Career: Currently I am a SAHM and love it!  Previously I was a Senior Account Executive at a Pharmaceutical Advertising Agency. 

What was your childhood ambition? The first job I ever remember wanting was to be in advertising.  Now lets be clear I wanted to work with celebrities in consumer advertising not work with obnoxious doctors in pharmaceutical adveritsing!  Who knows, maybe I will go back one day!  The coolest thing I ever got to do in pharma was spend the day selecting nude models for the Mederma scar cream campaign. 

What does motherhood mean to you? Everything! I am constantly thinking of ways to form life long bonds or memories for my children.  Sometimes that includes yearly elaborate trips to Disney but mostly it means instilling traditions and carving out special mommy and daughter or mommy and son time to let them know how important they are to me individually. 

What is the furthest you have been from home? Hawaii

What has Stroller Strides done for you? First and most importantly it has gotten me on a regular fitness schedule.  Secondly, it has given me a whole new pool of friends who are going through the same things I am going through so I know I am not alone in this thing called motherhood.  I look at other friends who aren't Stroller Strides members and think how do you keep your sanity!   

What has your experience been like with our Running Mamas program? I love running mamas! Before I started running mamas I was more of a walker.  I never thought I would be able to run a 5k much less a 10K.  I have done running mamas three times and have no intentions of slowing down!
 
What have you enjoyed most about Body Back? The access to a personal trainer at a budget price and a phenomenal group of ladies who make working out at 5:45am fun!

What is your favorite exercise? Weight training.  I want Michelle Obama arms one day!

What is your proudest moment? The day I was able to say I had lost 100lbs.  Granted my heaviest day was the day I delivered Jack but it still counts right?!

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Handbags, a good book and me time.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. The only thing that is unique or odd is that i have an extra bone in my mouth.  So the inside of your mouth probably goes up right?  Well mine goes down.  It makes it hard to swallow pills, impossible to hold a lollipop in my mouth and me not a good candidate for dentures! 

  

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Well I asked him and his first response was a physical trait that I will spare you!  When I explained the question again his response was "an attentive mother who puts her family before herself, confidently opinionated (he was nervous to tell me this because he was sure I would take it as him calling me a b*#ch!) and finally patient at husbands shortcomings". 

After the Spring Run for our Heroes 5k this year

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? There are three things I have learned since I chose to be healthier and jump on the fitness train.  First, find a fitness buddy or buddies that has the same goals as you because they make you accountable and support you through your failures and successes.  Secondly, understand there are going to be those people who want to secretly see you fail so cut them out of your life because they aren't your real friends and keep on truckin it! Finally, fitness is lifelong with peaks and valleys.  When you hit a valley do your best to maintain until you get re-motivated to climb the mountain again!

May 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!

May's featured Mom of the Month is our newest Instructor, Ann Hallgren! 

Ann joined our Stroller Strides of Raleigh team as an instructor this past January, and we are so glad to have her on board!  Ann was our dedicated coach of our first-ever Half Marathon Training for Moms this year, and helped kick off our amazing Body Back workout program in January as well.  She recently completed her training to teach our Stroller Strides workouts as well, and will continue to help our mamas get their Bodies Back through all of our various upcoming workout programs!  Ann also has her own Personal Training business, if anyone is interested in one-on-one help, Fitting in Fitness, http://www.fittinginfitness.org/index.html.  Ann is a nationally certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, a former national level college cross country runner, and former high school cross country and track coach.  

Our moms who have had her as a coach in Running Mamas and Body Back have nothing but great things to say about Ann, her inspiration as a coach, and her awesome workouts!  Join us in congratulating Ann, welcoming her to the Stroller Strides community, and get to know her a little better below. 

Hometown: Okemos, Michigan

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary, near Bond Park.

Education: BA in Education from Wheaton College and ISSA certification in personal training

Members of your Family: David, husband, Ryan,5 year old son

Tell us about your child: He is a kindergartener at Laurel Park Elementary.  He is a perfectionist with a huge silly side. He loves art, Mario games, reading, running with Mommy and wrestling with Daddy.

Current/previous Career: I run a personal training business and am an instructor for Body Back, Running Mamas and Stroller Strides.

What was your childhood ambition? When I was 3 I wanted to be a Chimney Sweep, so I could be like Santa. A few years later I wanted to be a jockey in the Kentucky Derby.

What does motherhood mean to you? Being a mother changes everything. I thought I knew what love and sacrifice meant before he was born, but you don't really understand until you see the trust they have in you. My son is all the best parts of me and he inspires me to be my best more often, because I know I am his example of what it means to grow up. I also love how he makes me see the world with childlike enthusiasm again. A plane flight is not an annoyance to get through, but a chance to fly through the sky! A trail is not just to walk for exercise, but a magical world to explore.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Australia. It was amazing and I would love to go back again for longer.

What have you enjoyed the most about instructing for the Body Back program? Sharing the way exercise makes us feel strong and empowered in all areas of our lives. When you see that you can set goals, work hard and stick to what is important to you, it reminds you that you are rarely as stuck in one place as you feel and makes you believe again in all you are capable of.

What is your favorite exercise? Running outside.

What is your proudest moment? Besides the day I married the most amazing man and the day I became a mom to my little guy, I would have to say running at the NCAA Nationals in College.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Being in nature (especially around the ocean or the mountains), running and reading a great book.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I can play ping pong well enough with my left hand to beat most people. If I can't win left handed, I get to use the line from Princess Bride, "There is something you should know, I am not really left handed." =)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I asked him and he said that I was dedicated, detail orientated and perseverant.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? First, do not feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Exercising and eating healthy will make you a more energetic, healthy, confident and well-rounded mom and wife, and that will benefit your family in so many ways. Second, commit to sticking with the healthy changes you want to make, completely for the first week, even though it may feel impossible, and before you know it you will start develop the habits that will help you and to feel the amazing benefits, and you will not want to go backward and give those up.

April 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!

April's Mom of the Month is: Mary Oglesby! Congrats Mary!

Mary first joined our programs as a "Running Mama" in the fall of 2010, and built her way up from walking to jogging and completed her first 5k, the Turkey Trot, that November with the support of her teammates and her family cheering her on. She then joined Stroller Strides and has been an integral part of our "Stroller Strides family" ever since, be-friending all of our awesome mommies, while her daughter Taylor be-friended all of their kids! She's participated in 3 seasons now of Running Mamas (including one season and race while pregnant with daughter Kenzie!) and also just completed our inaugural 8-week "Body Back" bootcamp program, where she pushed hard, surpassed limits, lost weight and inches, gained muscle, helped cheer her fellow 5:45am mamas on, and made amazing changes in her health, fitness, strength, and body composition! Mary is truly an inspirational mama for all of us, with a lot of determination and hard work, a lot of smiles and laughs, and a great spirit and willingness to help out all of the other moms she meets.

Join us in congratulating Mary, and read on to get to know her better!

Hometown: GAULEY BRIDGE, WEST VIRGINIA

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: RALEIGH

Education: ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING

Stroller Strides Member since: SEPT. 2010

Members of your Family: JAY, TAYLOR, KENZIE, DOGS... VEGAS, RENO AND PEACHES

Tell us about your children: TAYLOR IS 3 AND A MINI VERSION OF ME, SHE HAS NEVER MET A STRANGER, IS VERY FUNNY AND SHE LIKES A GOOD PARTY!!! KENZIE IS 7 MONTHS OLD AND SEEMS TO BE VERY SWEET AND EASY GOING

Current/previous Career: PREVIOUSLY I WORKED 10 YEARS AS AN RN IN INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC CARE, I LOVED MY JOB AND MISS A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT IT BUT WOULD NOT TRADE STAYING AT HOME FOR THE WORLD

What was your childhood ambition? TO BE A TEACHER

What does motherhood mean to you? THESE GIRLS ARE MY WORLD, I HAVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS WILD ROLLER COASTER KNOWN AS PARENTHOOD. I KEEP REMINDING MYSELF THAT THIS TIME IS PRECIOUS, ENJOY IT, EVEN THOUGH SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS!!!

What is the furthest you have been from home? ARUBA

What has Stroller Strides done for you?

STROLLER STRIDES HAS GIVEN ME A NETWORK THAT I DID NOT REALIZE I NEEDED TO SURVIVE! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD ENJOY THE WORKOUTS OR THE GROUP BUT I AM GLAD I GAVE IT A TRY AND REALIZED EXACTLY HOW POWERFUL OF A NETWORK IT IS. THIS IS MY "FAMILY" HERE IN THE TRIANGLE AND I WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING!

How was your recent experience with the Body Back program?

BODY BACK WAS HARD BUT ENJOYABLE AT THE SAME TIME. I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON SO THE 545 START TIME WAS A BIT ROUGH SOME DAYS. I AM SHOCKED AT HOW MUCH STRONGER I BECAME IN 8 SHORT WEEKS, I NEVER IMAGINED HOW MUCH YOUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE CAN CHANGE THAT QUICKLY. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT ROUND AND SEEING HOW MUCH FITTER I BECOME!

What have you enjoyed most about the Running Mamas program?

I LIKE THE GRADUAL INCREASE IN RUNNING TIMES, I DO NOT ENJOY RUNNING AT ALL BUT I HAVE LIKED THE PROGRAM THE 2 TIMES I COMPLETED IT. IT GAVE ME A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO FINISH THE RACE

What is your favorite exercise? TRICEP DIPS

What is your proudest moment? THE DAY WE BROUGHT KENZIE HOME FROM THE NICU AND UNITED AS A FAMILY OF 4 TO START OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? WEST VIRGINIA FOOTBALL, TAKING VACATIONS AND CHERRY COKE ZERO

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA HOW TO MAKE A POT OF COFFEE

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? HE SAID HE IS ALWAYS AMAZED AT HOW QUICKLY I CAN MAKE THINGS BETTER WHEN EITHER ONE OF THE GIRLS ARE HAVING THEIR MOMENTS

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? YOU CAN DO IT, IT MAY NOT BE EASY AND SOME DAYS IT MAY SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF YOU BUT IT CAN BE DONE. WHY WAIT, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE!!!

(Mary completing last spring's 5k, 4 months pregnant, and cheering! :) )

March 2012 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!

March's Mom of the Month is: Kimberly Stephenson! Congrats Kimberly!

Kimberly has been with us at Stroller Strides almost since the beginning, she joined the month after we opened in spring 2010, and has continued to fit in her Stroller Strides workouts among her part-time work as a Registered Dietician at UNC, as well as before and after the birth of her son, Grant, last year. Kimberly keeps smiling as she works hard at Stroller Strides as well as, most recently, in our evening "Body Back" program for moms (where she is known as "the cheerleader" for her determination and willingness to cheer her fellow moms on and keep everyone motivated!). She is an inspiration to all of us in terms of working hard, juggling motherhood and work and fitness, AND keeping up a great attitude. The story of her two miracle children is also an inspiration to all of the moms out there who struggle waiting for their children to arrive in their lives. Thank you for sharing Kimberly, as it may help moms out there who are dealing with similar challenges. And those who have been through them know just how important it is to value your time with your little ones and the amazing (albeit exhausting ;) ) experience of motherhood.

Join us in congratulating Kimberly, and read on to get to know her a little better!

Hometown: Boone, NC
Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex. The Peak of Good Living, so the water tower says.
Education: Masters in Nutrition
Stroller Strides Member since: April 2010
Members of your Family: Myself, husband Daniel whom I met at the Longbranch in Raleigh, daughter Scarlett Evelyn 3 years, and son Grant Everett 1 year.

Tell us about your child/children: Scarlett was placed with love into our arms through open domestic adoption at her birth. We remain in contact with her wonderful birthmother, whom we call Angel Anna because she brought us a gift from God.

We chose adoption after bearing the sadness and loss of 3 miscarriages. Everyone asks about IVF and we signed up a couple of times but never went through with it. God had other plans for creating our little family.

When Scarlett was one, we had the courage to try again and Grant came along. I was truly shocked when I didn't miscarry. Despite a back injury, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and meconium aspiration, he popped out just perfect. He is the second little miracle that came into my life. I love them both with every inch of my being.

Current/previous Career: Registered Dietitian in Pediatrics at UNC's Children's Hospital. I've been there 13 years; part-time after Scarlett came along. Currently, I work with children who have Cystic Fibrosis.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be Ramona Quimby or Nancy Drew.
What does motherhood mean to you? Because it was so elusive to me for so long, I really treasure it. It's a gift from our Creator that makes you love greater than you've ever loved before. I say to my husband all the time, "look at those beautiful children."
What is the furthest you have been from home? Switzerland, as a chaperone for my (much) younger sister's High School Senior class trip.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? It's helped me maintain a regular exercise routine that involves the kids instead of excluding them.

What have you enjoyed most about the Body Back program? It's given me the accountability that I needed to focus on my health again. I know what to eat and how to exercise, but too often those get put on the back burner while caring for the children.
What is your favorite exercise? Dancing.
What is your proudest moment? My masters thesis research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It looked at the effect of weight loss in lactating women on the growth of their infants.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Clogging, wakeboarding, and Topsail Beach.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I've clogged at the Grand Ole Opry and danced on CMT's (old) TV show "Club Dance".
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I would guess compassionate and organized.

But I asked him and he said my best quality was that I'm a good mom to our children. He also said I'm a kick-&@$ cook and Clogger.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Join Stroller Strides or Body Back, of course! Seriously, I do say that all the time.