December 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 Ashley Arnold! 

Congrats, Ashley!

Ashley started taking Stroller Strides classes this spring, and joined as a monthly member this summer.  She has been a regular attendee, particularly at our Streets of Southpoint location, where she and her daughter Gracie bring smiles and great attitudes to the weekly workouts and playgroup activities.  We are so glad to have them as part of our Stroller Strides 'family'!   Thanks for setting a great example and inspiring other moms with fitting in regular exercise and working hard at your workouts, Ashley.

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

Hometown: Oak Ridge, NC
 

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Morrisville
 

Education: B.S Biology, B.S Nursing
 

Stroller Strides Member since: Officially June 2013, but I used those 10 class passes like they were going out of style
 

Members of your Family: My husband, Matt, and daughter, Gracie.
 

Tell us about your child: Gracie is very easy going 2 year old. She is a happy, sweet, generous, and intelligent child. It seems like we laugh most of the day! 

Current/previous Career: Currently, I am a SAHM. I used to work as an RN in drug safety at PPD.
 

What was your childhood ambition? I think I probably wanted to be an Olympic swimmer or a stunt woman.
 

What does motherhood mean to you? It means putting someone’s needs before your own. This job I can say is definitely the hardest, but also the most rewarding job I have ever done. I believe I am a better person because of my daughter.
 

What is the furthest you have been from home? Hawaii
 

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller strides has gotten me back in great shape. It has also introduced me and my daughter to some many great and beautiful people. I’m so lucky to have my Stroller Strides family.
 

What is your favorite exercise? Jumping lunges, jack squats, and plank.
 

What is your proudest moment? Definitely giving birth to my daughter. I didn’t realize how strong of a person I could be. Especially after coming home and not sleeping for 6 months!
 

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Aerobics classes/ exercising, T.V and traveling 
 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. 

When my husband and I first got married, we traveled together across the country while I worked as a travel nurse. We lived for 3 months each in Austin, TX, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and then 6 months in Maui.
 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I asked him and he said, “good looks, intelligence, kindness.”
 

What advice would you give to moms looking to start a healthier lifestyle? If you don’t have much time, start with a 30 minute exercise video during nap time or morning/ night. Also I think it’s important to keep challenging yourself. If you always do the same thing, your body will eventually adapt to it and not burn as many calories. Remember to switch things up, cross-train, add weights, reps, or time to keep yourself from plateauing. And most of all, make it fun!

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 Mandy Yentsch! 

Congrats, Mandy!

Mandy initially joined our Raleigh Running Mamas race training in February this year, having never run outside of HS sports and not worked out much in 8+ years.  She built her way up to running the full 5k at the end of the season, and gained strength, endurance, confidence, and friendships with other amazing moms.  She recently completed her first 10k race (in a great time we might add!) as part of our Fall 10k training season, and is now planning to complete her first Half Marathon in the spring! Super inspiring to all moms out there!  Mandy has been a frequent Stroller Strides attendee in recent months, and we love her hard work, strength, and friendly smile and attitude.  Her boys are adorable and experienced Stroller Strides participants, and overall we're glad to have Mandy (and Henry & William) as part of our Stroller Strides 'family'! 

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

Hometown: Bangor, WI

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary, NC
 
Education: Attended University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Stroller Strides Member since: September 2013/Running Mamas February 2013

Members of your Family: Neil-hubby; Henry-2yrs; William-11mo; Baylen-5 year old Maltese/Pomeranian dog

Tell us about your children: Henry at 2yrs is loving his dinosaurs, dump trucks, and bugs. He also LOVES to read! He defines the word "determined" when he wants or doesn't want to do something. :) William at 11 months is just going with the flow. Getting beat up on every day by big bro, tackling sign language, and learning to walk, he keeps smiling!
 
Current/previous Career: Currently a stay at home mom. I decided to leave American Airlines when our second was born. 

What was your childhood ambition? I have always wanted to work with animals, not sure that will ever happen.

What does motherhood mean to you? Everything. Friendship, leadership, example, nurture, love, education, building forts, playing in dirt, and PATIENCE.
 
What is the furthest you have been from home? Sad to say I haven't left North America, but did make it to Cancun, Mexico
 
What has Stroller Strides meant to you? Stroller Strides has introduced me to so many amazing moms. It has made me more aware of myself including my health and strength. 

What was your experience with Running Mamas like? Amazing. In February I showed up to the first group run never having ran before in my life outside of high school sports, 3 months postpartum, and honestly never having worked out for 8+ years. I couldn't run more than 90 seconds at a turtle's pace. The other moms and exercise made it much easier to be a stay at home mom and feel better about myself; two things I was really struggling with. I made some great friends, lost 27 pounds, and found a new love of running. My husband and kids can vouch, I'm a better person when I run.  

What is your favorite exercise? Running
 
What is your proudest moment? So many moments as a mom make me proud so this is tough. My kids are incredible. About a month ago, Henry read his first word, "mom". I had tears. 

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, chocolate milk

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I can't do a cartwheel. I'm second cousins with Red Fraggle from Fraggle Rock; she was also in A Bug's Life.
 
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I'm a planner. He's super laid back so needs that structure. (wink)

What advice would you give to moms looking to start a healthier lifestyle? Start small. Set achievable goals and reach them one by one. The more you have checked off your list, the more you'll feel unstoppable.

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!

October's featured Mom of the Month is Lisa Qualls! 

Congrats, Lisa!

Lisa has been a Stroller Strides member for over a year now, and she has also recently been helping out as a Playgroup/Meetup organizer for our free local Moms Group (with some fabulous activities at and around the Carpenter Village area, including the recent fun outing to the Fire Station among others!). Lisa has made great strides in fitness, motherhood, and life this year and even completed our Raleigh Running Mamas race training this spring and ran her first 5k this summer, and she's recently started up with our Body Back bootcamp-style health & fitness program for moms as well.  In addition to being a strong and healthy mom, what you may or may not know is Lisa is also a successful business owner and entrepreneur, in many areas including her Monkey Lisa products that are great for moms (Crankles straps for Crocs, wristlet stretchky key chains that are great for moms with full hands--some of you may remember these from last year's SS Christmas gifts for members!, and more).  

Lisa and Elliott bring such a positive vibe and energy to our weekly Stroller Strides workouts, and we are glad to have them in the group!  Please join us in congratulating Lisa, and read on to get to know her a little better. 

Mom of the Month: Lisa Qualls

October 2013

Hometown: Newport News, VA

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary

Education: BA in French from the University of Virginia

Stroller Strides Member since: 2012

Members of your Family: 4

Tell us about your children: Many of you have met Elliott, who'll be 3 in November.  He is usually very outgoing and introduces himself to people everywhere he goes (he's probably hugged your child--hopefully, without knocking him/her to the ground), loves Thomas the tank engine and any kind of music, and always asks us over dinner, "Mommy and Daddy, what was your favorite part of the day?"  Josh, my 10-year old stepson, who has joined me for just a few classes and loved them, is a very soft-spoken, bright 5th grader who loves reading, playing soccer, and participating in Cub Scouts and has recently taken up an interest in drawing cars.  If you every have any questions about Pokemon, Legos, Star Wars or Bakugan, he's your guy!

Current/previous Career: This is an easy question that's tough to answer.  Most of my career has been in marketing for tech companies.  Then, I started my own business, Monkey Lisa, for which I design and make fashion and home accessories, and I did some marketing consulting for tech companies on the side.  Then, I had Elliott and had no time for any work.  Now, I'm doing a little bit of Monkey Lisa work, volunteering my marketing services for a non-profit, and working as a neighborhood coordinator for The Produce Box.  And looking for a marketing job.

What was your childhood ambition?  To be an actress (I did some community theatre a few years ago, so I consider that done) and to see John Travolta and Olivia-Newton John in concert (I was/am a Grease junkie and I saw ONJ in concert a few years ago, so I consider that done, too!).  

What does motherhood mean to you?  Expressing love for someone in so many ways I never thought possible.  Hugs, kisses, holding tight, letting go, words, silence, action, inaction, planning for the future, and taking care of myself.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Austria

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides helped my days return to "normal" after Elliott was born.  It's a four-way tie between the benefits that I immediately got out of SS: social time for me, social time for Elliott, exercise for me, and time out of the house for both of us.

What was your experience with Running Mamas like?  The most mentally challenging physical activity I've ever done.  The running was hard, but making myself complete each run was harder.  Jen K. and the other mamas were so positive and inspiring, though.  I am proud that I started running and am still loving the results.

What is your favorite exercise?  Tennis, but in SS, one of my favorites is the jumping jack/high knees/skier pyramid.  Not only do I feel satisfaction about finishing, but if I can remember which one comes next, that's an added level of accomplishment!  

What is your proudest moment?  Besides giving birth with no epidural (not by choice), I'd say it was when I signed a licensing agreement for my Cranklz straps (reversible, stretchy straps for Crocs which you can find on www.monkeylisa.com) with a company that took my product to the international retail market.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?  Leisurely mornings at the beach, dark chocolate, and hitting a winning shot on the tennis court with my killer backhand.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Je parle français.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?  Integrity, compassion, creativity and family-focused.  (Yes, I asked him.)

What advice would you give to moms looking to start a healthier lifestyle?  Find a workout outfit you feel good in, be brave, and walk into a Stroller Strides class.  (Or a gym, or around your neighborhood.)  That first step is important, but so is surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are committed to a healthy life style.  It's easy to learn from their examples, osmosis, and, yes, peer pressure, but it's also comforting to know there are others in the same boat.

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 Kristi Snow! 

Congrats, Kristi!

Kristi has been a Stroller Strides mom since spring 2011, and has made great strides over the past 15 months in her health and fitness after the birth of her second little one, Nicole.  Kristi also joined our Raleigh Running Mamas 5k training program this past spring and has officially gotten the running bug, rocking her 5k and now training with us again this fall for her first 10k!  Kristi has been working hard this summer on her health and fitness, having just completed our summer Body Back program, building muscle, toning, and focusing on healthy eating.  She is also one of our Meetup/Playgroup organizers, and has put together some excellent crafts and activities for the kiddos.  We are so glad to have Kristi as part of our programs, and we're so proud of all she's accomplished in recent months.  And we love the smiles and fun that Tyler and Nicole bring to class too!  ;) 

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

Hometown: Originally from southern California. Grew up in Charlotte, NC

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

Education: BS Biomedical Engineering in ‘00, BS Radiologic Science in ‘06

Stroller Strides Member since: Spring 2011

Members of your Family: Justin, hubby; Tyler 3 ½; Nicole 1 ½

Tell us about your children: Tyler loves to play outside and get dirty! He has an imaginary persona and reads his Richard Scarry books daily. We joke he’ll be an engineer like my husband (though we don’t push it) as he’s fascinated with motors and plumbing systems and loved it when we had our hot water heater replaced recently. Nicole is a firecracker! She’s very agile and has been climbing ladders since 12 mos. And she’s not afraid to say what she wants. We joke she’ll be a ninja or a jewel thief.

Current/previous Career: now a PRN MRI technologist. Past life: RTP’er until the tech bubble, then biopharma co.

What was your childhood ambition? Either a model or an astronaut!

What does motherhood mean to you? My kids mean the world to me. Taking care of them and teaching them is the greatest responsibility I could have. I still call my mother to thank her for all that she’s done for me.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I visited Japan for 10 days in 2002 when my former college roommate taught English classes there. It was beautiful! I spent 3 days in Tokyo then the rest of the time in very rural Japan (Ishinomake) where I was likely the only blonde they had seen. The school children would run up to us to practice their English. Unfortunately, the rural area I visited was greatly affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has played a big part in helping me redefine myself after becoming a SAHM 1 ½ yrs ago. I’m the fittest I’ve ever been in life! I’ve never considered myself very athletic in the past so I’m very pleased with my accomplishments. Participating in the Running Mamas program this spring really accelerated my fitness and brought my cardio to a whole new level.  Who is this person who wakes up at 6 to go run? ;)

What has your experience with our Body Back program been like? I love the high intensity workouts with the music! They really get me going! The nutrition part was a big surprise for me, which was great so I didn’t get to talk myself out of it. BB finally got me out of drinking soda at lunch. This has also been great for my kids to see me now drink water and they’ve stopped asking for soda. Our kids really have a way of holding the mirror up to us.

What is your favorite exercise? Running. It’s so liberating after being with the kids all day.

What is your proudest moment? Natural breech delivery (Nicole) with no meds (unintentional).

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Coffee,knitting/crafting, and the beach

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I went to a Montessori preschool and kindergarten as a kid.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?  Kind-hearted, funny/good sense of humor, and patient.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? What’s stopping you (from reaching your goals)? Don’t overthink it and find support in likeminded people. 

Kristi leading a storytime meetup after Stroller Strides

All about Stroller BARRE!

STROLLER BARRE COMES TO 

 FIT4MOM RALEIGH!

Stroller Barre® is a brand new Stroller Strides class format which incorporates movements from pilates, ballet, yoga and barre methods to provide a unique and effective workout for the pre and postnatal mom.

Along with focusing on building your strength and your core, we work on your internal focus and aim to improve muscular imbalances we all have as moms.  And we'll also keep the little ones entertained in the stroller with songs and fun! 

This new workout format of exercises, offered only through Stroller Strides, uses your stroller handle as a point of focus and balance (like a ballet barre in a traditional Barre workout class). Stroller Barre, created by a mom who was formerly a professional ballerina, takes pieces of ballet, yoga, Pilates and other barre methods and fuses them together with our Stroller Strides format (dynamic warm-up, power-walking or jogging to several stations, songs and fun for the kids). The movements are small, concentrated and intentional. Stroller Barre uses tubing, the stroller and the environment to provide an all over toning and fat burning experience, and is the perfect complement to your Stroller Strides workouts and other weekly exercise.
Stroller Barre focuses on strengthening and lengthening muscles, creating an ideal length/tension relationship in the all postural muscles, to give you beautiful, sculpted, lean muscles – without the impact and injuries dancers endure.

The entire body and mind are constantly working throughout the workout to enhance your posture, burn fat and transform your body.


Important benefits of Barre workouts:

(Adapted from Wellbridge.com)

• Hard on muscles, kind on joints. Barre Conditioning’s small, controlled and intentional movements reduce pressure on your joints, tendons, ligaments and spine, eliminating undue stress on the body. The classes also lead to a remarkable improvement in core strength and posture due to its focus on correct form and alignment. While a tight core will give you a taller appearance, it will also keep you safe from injuries.

• Improve muscular imbalances and posture.  As moms we all develop muscular imbalances, due to body changes after pregnancy as well as our day-to-day parenting activities.  Postpartum women tend to have tight and weak pectoral (chest), abdominal and quadriceps muscles. In addition, the back and hamstrings muscles become stretched and weak. This occurs due to hunched posture from breast or bottle feeding, excessive spinal curves while carrying baby in utero and after birth, and repeatedly picking their new (and rapidly growing) baby up. Stroller Barre focuses on strengthening and creating an ideal length/tension relationship in all the postural muscles, creating a leaner-looking mommy.

•  Work muscles to failure. Barre Conditioning’s tiny motions, many reps, intentional squeezes and pulses (otherwise known as isometric moves) are designed to fatigue muscles to failure. Embrace the shaking as it’s totally natural for your muscles to quiver uncontrollably – it means you are exhausting that muscle and forcing it to tone.  

• Increased flexibility. Through focused stretching, an improved range-of-motion is one of the greatest benefits of barre exercise. Sometimes people are flexible but not strong, or strong and not flexible, so whether you can sit comfortably in a pretzel position or you’re stiffer than a board, Barre Conditioning actually teaches your body to be both. Having flexibility and strength allows you to enjoy a longer, active life free of injuries.

• Lost weight and inches. Many of the workouts target the largest muscle groups in the body, like the thighs and glutes. The larger the muscle, the more calories burned! As you build more lean muscle mass and raise your resting metabolic rate, which can help you to produce more energy and expend calories. Perhaps more important than actual weight loss, Barre Conditioning will help by redistributing inches on your body – making you appear (and feel) longer and leaner.

• Greater range of motion and endurance for all other activities and sports.  Barre Conditioning targets the core muscle groups that are neglected in conventional strength training, in a variety of interesting ways. You may notice enhanced knee alignment, improved balance and greater quad and hamstring recruitment. If you’re a golfer or tennis player, you just may experience greater hip openness and movement allowing for a better swing. Runners can attain increased endurance, faster PR times and reduced impact on joints. 

Your First Stroller Barre workout is FREE!  

 

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 Shannon DeMeo! 

Congrats, Shannon!

Shannon has been a member of Stroller Strides since we started workouts at The Streets at Southpoint in South Durham, in February.  She is also our Playgroup Organizer for the Durham area and has led tons of fun events for moms and kids, including after-class crafts and storytimes, field trips, Moms Nights, and family outings.  She and Maddie are a consistent and smiling presence at Southpoint workouts and we're glad to have Shannon as part of our group!  Congrats on the strides you've made in fitness, motherhood, and life! 

Hometown: Kearny, New Jersey - about 20 minutes outside of New York City

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Durham
 
Education: B.A. in Studio Art from Drew University in New Jersey and M.S. in Art Therapy/Counseling from The College of New Rochelle in New York
 
Stroller Strides Member since: February 2013
 
Members of your Family: My husband, Steve, and daughter, Maddie
 
Tell us about your children: Maddie will be 2 in October - learning more and more words everyday and has made life so much fun!
 
Current/previous Career: Before having Maddie, I worked as a Child Life Specialist - helping hospitalized children cope during their stay by teaching them about medical procedures they had to go through so they would having better understanding of what was happening to them as well as trying to make the hospital as fun as possible!
 
What was your childhood ambition? To be a nurse - and a Mom!
 
What does motherhood mean to you? Putting someone else's needs before your own because you love them so much you always want the best for them.
 
What is the furthest you have been from home? Ireland for a week when I was 17
 
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has been a life saver for me this year - moved into the area last June and was really having a hard time settling in here even 6 months later. Finding SS has given me the exercise routine I was looking for since Maddie was born which has helped me feel better about myself. Most importantly though, Maddie and I have found a group of friends that has helped make North Carolina feel like home :)

What is your favorite exercise? Our paper plate cardio workouts are always tough but the soreness the next day means they were worth it :)
 
What is your proudest moment? Definitely having Maddie! Most recently though, when she used the potty for the first time I almost cried I was so proud (I remember thinking I can't imagine what I will be like at high school graduation if this is what I'm like over the potty!)
 
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Dessert, shopping and bad reality television
 
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. Because I was an outgoing toddler, my mom put me in a modeling agency - over the years got to be in a few commercials and an extra in a movie with Al Pacino!
 
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Honest and selfless

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?  Having a set routine every week of classes to attend has made all the difference to me. If I just planned on exercising at home while Maddie was asleep, I would always find something else to do instead. Setting aside the time to get out of the house and exercise (and having a group to do it with) keeps me motivated!

Why join Raleigh Running Mamas vs running on your own??

Our seasonal “Raleigh Running Mamas” 5k/10k/Half Marathon training programs are kicking off in just a few short weeks!

Running Mamas is designed specifically for moms, and 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, or try for a new distance, and work towards a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon. 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 race training and the well-known “Couch to 5k” plans, and there are 3 different tracks based upon what your starting jogging level is (for example, for 5k moms, we offer: 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 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 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 this August, with weekday and weekend options available, in Southwest Raleigh, Cary, and Apex. Register now for the Fall Running Mamas Training Program and cross that finish line with us this fall!

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 Valarie Nifong! 

Congrats, Valarie!

 Valarie has been a member of Stroller Strides for almost 2 years now.  She is a dedicated and hard-working fit mama, and we have loved watching her little Lyla grow up over the past 2 years!  Valarie is also an alumni of our Body Back program, and inspires all of us with her fitness and strength.  We are so glad to have Valarie as part of our program.  Please join us in congratulating Valarie and read on to get to know her a little better!

Hometown: Dover, Florida

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex

Education: Bachelor's of Science in Nursing

Stroller Strides Member since: August 2011

Members of your Family: Husband, Justin and 2 year old daughter, Lyla

Tell us about your children: Lyla is a little girl with a huge personality. She loves to play in the mud (until she realizes her hands are dirty) as long as you didn't forget to put a bow in her hair. Her sweet and loving side just melts my heart.

Current/previous Career: Neonatal Nurse

What was your childhood ambition? My mom said that I always wanted to be a "baby nurse".

What does motherhood mean to you? Loving someone more than you could ever even imagine. The best roller coaster of my life.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Amsterdam, for a college study abroad...haha!

What has Stroller Strides done for you? The first time I went to Stroller Strides it was get a little exercise (a walk in the park...right?) and find some way to establish a routine for Lyla and myself. It has turned into so much more, a community of moms who can relate to my daily life, adult conversation, exercise, and most of all wonderful friends for both Lyla and myself.

 

What is your favorite exercise? About any arm exercises, would so love to have toned arms!

What is your proudest moment? Looking into my daughter's eyes for the very first time.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? The beach, fresh flowers, and hearing Lyla and Justin play and laugh.

 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I hate feet. Especially my husband's!

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? He said I am a wonderful mother to Lyla, a good cook, and that I will usually laugh at his corny jokes.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?  One step at a time. Period. Make realistic goals and be easy on yourself. After all, we are our worst critics.

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 our newest instructor Karen Peloquin! 

Congrats, Karen!

Karen recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as a Stroller Strides member, and what a way to celebrate-- she traveled to DC to train to become a Stroller Strides instructor last month!  Karen is an inspiration to all of us with her dedication, strides in fitness, and on-going smile, and we are glad to have this marathon-completing fit mama join our team, and to have she and Annie as part of our 'village' ;).  Karen also completed training for Stroller Barre, the newest Stroller Strides program incorporating ballet-inspired moves with the stroller, and she will help us launch Stroller Barre in the coming months.  Join us in congratulating Karen, and read on to get to know her better!

Hometown: Greensboro, NC 

Education: Double Major in Elementary Education and Sociology 

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex

Stroller Strides Member since: May 2012 

Members of your Family: My husband Tom and our 13 month old daughter, Annie. 

Tell us about your children: Can't help but smile when writing about Annie!  Annie was born on April 1, 2012.  Annie can light up the room and makes a bad day turn great with her smile and laugh.  She is always a lady on the go and likes to get into everything.  She is a nice mix between being independent and dependent on her mommy and daddy.  She loves when people wave and smile at her and she loves to wave and smile back.  She loves the book, Pat the Bunny ,and could play Peek-a-Boo with the character Paul all day ;)

Current/previous Career: 1st grade teacher 

What was your childhood ambition? To be a teacher like my mom and be a great mother like my great mother! 

What does motherhood mean to you?  Motherhood is loving someone more than you could ever imagine.  I'm reminded of this quote I once saw that sums up what I want for my daughter and any other children I have, "I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright, I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye."

What is the furthest you have been from home? Honolulu, Hawaii...Beautiful!

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Originally, I joined Stroller Strides to drop the many extra pounds I gained from pregnancy.  Once I began working out, I was able to meet some really great friends and that has made motherhood so much more enjoyable!  I've always been a proponent of, "It takes a village to raise a child", and I think this group shows that quote to be true.  Only I used to think the village was just specifically for the child and now I have learned it's for the mother too ;)

What is your favorite exercise? Running

What is your proudest moment? Crossing the finish line for my full-marathon in 2010, so emotional and so rewarding!

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Coffee - not necessarily for the caffeine, but for the taste and calmness that it brings first thing in the morning!  Other two, flowers and massages!   

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. The picture that's attached to this questionnaire is of my husband, Tom, and I celebrating our one year anniversary ;) 

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? He said," devoted, passionate, determined and caring."

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?  Everyone starts somewhere!  Everyone has had that pair of pants that didn't fit.  Everyone has gasped for air from walking up and down one flight of stairs at one point!  Get out there and know that you are not alone and enjoy it along the way!

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 Ashley Jones! Congrats, Ashley!

Ashley has been a Stroller Strides member since last summer, and has made friendships everywhere she goes with her friendly smile, as has her adorable daughter Maggie Claire.  She has worked hard in fitness over the past months, as a frequent Stroller Strides attendee and just completed her FIRST 5k run after training with our Spring Raleigh Running Mamas program, and says she might be "hooked on running" now.... after some fabulous race times she is signing up for more running over the coming months!  Join us in congratulating Ashley and read on to get to know her a little better.

Hometown: Madison, MS

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex out near Holly Springs

Education: BA Education of the Deaf

Stroller Strides Member since: August 2012

Members of your Family: My husband of almost 8 years Matthew, our almost 11 month old daughter Magnolia (Maggie) Claire, and 2 dogs Milo and Kida

Tell us about your child: Maggie Claire was born June 9, 2012. She is named Magnolia for our home state of Mississippi, the Magnolia state. She is a very happy baby and laid back and easy going. She is pretty reserved in general and likes to take her time doing things. I love watching her have her little thoughts and explore the world around her. She loves music and playing with empty soda bottles. Right now she is learning to wave and of course waves backwards, but she is so pleased with herself! Her bright cackly laugh is the best sound I have ever heard.

Current/previous Career: We moved to NC within a few months of my college graduation, so I never put my education degree to use as I originally intended. For most of the time since living here until Maggie Claire was born and I became a SAHM, I worked for the AICPA in their membership service center as a corporate trainer. It was great meeting all of the new employees, but at times it felt like teaching high school!

What was your childhood ambition? To be a mother and a vet. Mother, check. Vet, reconsidered after realizing how attached to all the animals I would be. Also, blood/shots/etc = icky.

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means being completely in love with and in awe of this tiny person who is both a part of me and separate from me. It means doing my best to nurture her and letting go of selfishness. It is joy and fear and hard work and the best thing I've ever done.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Cozumel, Mexico for my honeymoon. Side note: I finally made it above the Mason-Dixon line for the first time last year when I went with a friend to Philadephia.
 
What has Stroller Strides meant to you? Stroller Strides is all about relationships for me. The relationships I've made with other moms, the relationships my daughter is making with new friends, and the relationship with myself and my health. Being in the best shape since early college isn't bad either!

What has your experience with Running Mamas been like so far? I love Running Mamas! I have tried a couch to 5k program on my own before but was not successful. Meeting all the other moms for the group runs has been great motivation and has given me accountability for myself to get those homework runs done during the week on my own. The coaches have great advice and are so supportive. I really feel like I'm a runner now and plan to continue running in the future. I have completed two 5ks so far, and I already have a couple more races lined up!

What is your favorite exercise? Planks! The March plank challenge really helped me to push my plank time further than I ever would have thought I could go on my own. I try to do a plank every night before bed... ok so not quite every night but a good goal to shoot for. ;)

What is your proudest moment? Holding my daughter for the first time and seeing my joy reflected back in my husbands eyes at this life that we created

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Irish dancing, crafting, and dessert

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have been Irish dancing for a little over 2 years now. It's so much fun! Also, I have an identical twin sister named Heather who lives in MS.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? He said, “you are a dedicated mom, and you take care of us all as a family.”

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?   Just get out there! Getting started is the hardest part but so worth it. Finding something you love to do and having a good support system really help keep you going.