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.