Our December Mom of the Month is: Janet Yunker! Congratulations Janet!
Janet first tried Stroller Strides in the summer of 2010, and loved it so much, she signed up immediately after her first class. She and Addison were regular attendees several days each week, and Janet continued working out with us throughout her second pregnancy, and as soon as the doctor gave her the ok to come back after baby Carson was born! She credits Stroller Strides and exercise as helping her to have a smooth labor and delivery, and for helping her get in better shape than she was before she was pregnant. And she is in AMAZING shape these days-- who would think she is a mom of two, including a 6 month old! ;) Recently Janet joined our Running Mamas program for the first time, and has been running amazing times at her first 5ks this fall! Join us in congratulating Janet and read on to get to know her better.
Hometown: Richlands, NC
Currently live in: Apex
Education: BS in Accounting from NC State University
Member since: July 2010 (or around that date)
Family members: Husband-Casey, 2 daughters, Addison-2 and Carson-6 months
Tell us about your children: Addison loves being outside, dancing, reading (especially Curious George), playing play doh, and coloring. Carson is very strong willed and vocal. She loves watching her sister and she also loves being outside.
Current/previous Career: In a previous life, before Addison was born, I was the Assistant Controller at Toll Brothers Inc in Raleigh.
What was your childhood ambition? My childhood ambition was to be an Astronaut, but it turns out Science was not my best subject. I still love visiting the Air and Space Museum in DC and actually met Buzz Aldrin several years ago in Houston at the Space Center.
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood to me means putting all of your wants and needs aside and doing everything you can to make your children happy and healthy.
What is the furthest you've been from home? Maui Hawaii.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has been so important to me. I joined at the end of my first class because I loved it immediately. I'm in much better shape than I was even before I had children and taking classes through my entire 2nd pregnancy helped me have a very smooth labor, delivery, & recovery. I also think an important benefit is that I'm setting a good example for my girls.
What have you enjoyed most about the Running Mamas program?
Running Mamas helped me do something I never thought I could do which is run a 5k. I've never been much of a runner, but the program stepped me up gradually so it made it easy to keep up with. It really surprised me the first time I ran 1 mile without stopping, I never thought I would even do that. Now I want to run a 10k!
What is your favorite exercise? My favorite exercise is hiking, especially in the Smokies.
What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment, well moments, was when I had both of my beautiful girls.
What are 3 of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Traveling, scrapbooking, & chocolate
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.
Something that might surprise you is that I have been skydiving twice and considered trying to be an instructor for a brief period of time.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I had to ask my husband because I had no idea what he would say and he says my best qualities are my attention to detail and my passion for life.
What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?
My advice to a new mom who wants to get back in shape would be don't give up, you can do it. Find a program whether it be Stroller Strides or something different that supports you being a mom and helps you achieve your goals. Your children will thank you for being the healthiest mom you can be.
