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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

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: Jessica Garner
Congrats Jessica!
 

 
Jessica joined Stroller Strides with an annual Teachers Pass this summer, and she and her adorable twin boys Samuel & Henry have been dedicated members since then.  Jessica inspires all of us moms with her dedication and double stroller at her workouts, never a dull moment but always with a smile!  Jessica has made great strides in fitness, motherhood, and life, and recently had a huge accomplishment in completing the City of Oaks Half Marathon!  Join us in congratulating Jessica and read on to get to know her a little better. 
 
  
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA 

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: The "Quay" aka Fuquay-Varina

Education: Math Degree from Elon University and Masters of Education from Wake Forest University 

Stroller Strides Member since: June 2014

Members of your Family: Hubby Mike and 8 month old twin boys Samuel Joseph and Henry Paul

Tell us about your children: Samuel is the calm one and Henry is the wild one.....even though Samuel is older (by 2 minutes) I have a feeling Henry will dominate and convince Samuel to do crazy things later on in life :) They both are so happy most of the time and Samuel has an infectious laugh while Henry has the biggest smile.

Current/previous Career: Math teacher at the community college

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a vet....what was I thinking??? But, I do have two boston terriers (Ric Flair and Lucy).

What does motherhood mean to you? I love my boys and couldn't imagine my life without them. They have changed so much already and I look forward to watching them grow up.....but not too fast I hope!

What is the furthest you have been from home? Ghana, Africa.....I went on a study abroad program for a month in college. You don't know hot until you've been to Africa with no AC, but after a few 50 cent beers you don't seem to notice.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Not only has it helped me to get back into shape but it allows me the opportunity to bring the boys along while I do it.....and I think they secretly get a kick out of me attempting some of the exercises! 

What is your favorite exercise? Favorite might not be the best word but I have a love/hate relationship with burpees

What is your proudest moment? Besides my boys, most recently it was completing the City of Oaks half marathon.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Cruising, cruising, cruising.....It has everything I love, beautiful weather, traveling, beaches, gambling, dancing, and drinking! I even convinced my husband to get married on a cruise and we had 40 of our closest friends and family with us for 4 days.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. When I was growing up I was a competitive figure skater, sparkly outfits and all. I haven't been on the ice in years but every winter I watch it and still think Michelle Kwan was robbed of an olympic gold medal :)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Well I cheated and just asked him and he said beauty, brains and my sense of humor.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Don't ever give up! I was on bed rest for 2.5 months, 2 of those were in the hospital and I was soooooo out of shape when I started. Almost 5 months later I'm finally starting to get back to where I once was.