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.

Why join Running Mamas Training programs, vs just running on your own?

Our seasonal “Running Mamas” 5k 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. We also have a 10k program available, either as an add-on after the 5k, or on its own.

Some 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 spring 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. Others who were more experienced were able to surpass their timing goals by race day.

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 Yoga for Runners, 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 March 2nd, with weekday and weekend options available, in Raleigh, Cary and Apex. Register now for the Spring Running Mamas Training Program and cross that finish line with us in April!

February 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!

February's Mom of the Month is: Kate Thompson! Congrats Kate!

Kate joined Stroller Strides this past fall, after moving from Chicago where she also participated in Stroller Strides workouts. She and her two adorable girls, Kylie and Abby, jumped right in to the Raleigh group and have brought smiles and energy to the daily workouts. Kate gets the award for best attendance this past month, Jan 2012, when she worked out with us an impressive 20 times! And not only that.... she worked out 20 times with us in Jan during her FIRST TRIMESTER! We want to congratulate her to her dedication to fitness, Stroller Strides, and her girls, AND we would also like to congratulate her on her current pregnancy!

Join us in congratulating Kate, and read on to get to know her a little better.

Hometown: River Forest, IL (western suburb of Chicago)

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Cary

Education: Undergrad at Univ of Minnesota, Master of Arts in Teaching at National Louis Univ in Chicago, just started this semester on 2nd Masters in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment at Univ Of Illinois at Chicago

Stroller Strides Member since: Oct 2011

Members of your Family: Husband Steve, Kylie 3 1/2, Abby 2 and Colorado (border collie/lab mix 12), baby due 8/29/12

Tell us about your child/children: My girls are 16 mo apart. It amazes me how different they are. Kylie is very observant, detail oriented, and inquisitive. Abby is more daring, enjoys the moment, and wants to do whatever Kylie does. Kylie tries to be the mom and Abby gets very upset when Kylie tells her "no" or does
not share.

Current/previous Career: 1st- worked at Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, 2nd- head swim coach at YMCA, 3rd- 3rd and 4th grade teacher

What was your childhood ambition? Have a family to spend time with and take vacations with (never really had job in mind or wanted to travel the world)

What does motherhood mean to you? Ultimate sacrifice, I know you are supposed to put yourself first but that doesn't happen and that is the choice I make, huge struggles but huge joys too, every night at dinner we go around and say our favorite part of the day- some days this is hard but it makes you come up with something good even on the worst days.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Traveled Europe with my grandma when I was 10- she took each grandchild when we turned 10, i still have a postcard that I sent home- it said "don't forget I come home on Friday and you are picking us up"- as if they would forget and as if the postcard would get there in time.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Given something for me, allowed me and my girls to meet friends who I immediately have something in common with-
exercise and kids, stress relief, feel good about me.

What is your favorite exercise? jacks, skiiers, jump rope 10 to 1 (not sure name) and lat pulls w/ band

What is your proudest moment? Finally getting Kylie out after 4 hrs of pushing and them threatening c-section.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Sitting by the pool in the sun, gardening (but hate watering), playing games (scrabble, boggle, sudoku, cards, etc).

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.- back in school for 2nd masters, My dad's cousin (my 2nd cousin) is Norm from Cheers- hopefully people know this show.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? organized, tough, love for family,

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Don't try to get back to "how you used to be", this is the new you- a mom, really listen to those who say you look good- don't just brush it off- take it to heart (easier said than done).

January 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!

January's Mom of the Month is: Kim Schmitt! Congrats Kim!

Kim (pictured above with her husband Matt, son Cohen, and daughter Hadley at the Monster Dash 5k) has been a Stroller Strides member for a year and a half now. She has brought a great attitude to her workouts from the beginning, with plenty of smiles and laughs that brighten up the morning for the other moms working out alongside her. She exercised with us during her second pregnancy, and since the birth of Hadley last summer, she's been working out hard again and made amazing strides in fitness and getting that pre-baby body back. She was part of our fall Running Mamas 5k training program, and ran her first post-baby 5k race when Hadley was just 3 months old! Kim has also been an active member of our Moms Group and a great example to all of us about managing motherhood with a smile.

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

Hometown: Fairmont, WV

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex

Education: WVU (Bachelor of science in Journalism!) Let's go Mountaineers!

Stroller Strides Member since: July 2010, Cohen had just turned one!

Members of your Family: My husband Matt, my son Cohen 2 and my daughter Hadley 5 months!

Tell us about your children: Cohen is full of life! He is a little social butterfly! Lots of energy and your typical boy! He has a big heart! My daughter Hadley is 5 months and has just started to roll over and assume crawling position! Her personality is beginning to blossom! And she loves to laugh, which melts my heart.

Current/previous Career: Worked at orthodontist

What was your childhood ambition? To be a wedding coordinator

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood is all those small moments that fill your heart that makes life worth every minute of the rough moments.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Bora Bora! Our honeymoon!

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Giving back to me in so many ways! First of all the bond between the other mothers! My children love all the other children! I finish one task of the Day! (I love checking my workout off my to do list)!

What have you enjoyed most about the Running Mamas program? The encouragement and support of the other moms!

What is your favorite exercise? Running! Relieves stress!

What is your proudest moment? Having my children! They are such blessings and truly amaze me each and everyday!

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Running, Shopping, and the beach!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I've skydived before:) I use to be such a risk taker definitely have slowed down!

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I hope he would say I'm caring, generous, and funny!

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? Don't be so hard on yourself! It's a work in progress!

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!

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.

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 Mom of the Month is: Jessica Kalendra! Congrats Jessica!

Jessica first joined us as a Running Mama last spring, joining us with her adorable daughter Alice for our 5k training program for moms. She did an amazing job in the running program and signed up for Stroller Strides workouts as well, and has been with us ever since. She has been a frequent attendee at Stroller Strides in recent months, and recently completed her second Running Mamas program this fall, culminating in the Monster Dash 5k with an excellent time, almost 2 minutes faster than her goal for the race. As she tells us below, she feels she is in better shape now then even before she was pregnant. She has been setting a great example to all of us moms on what you can do if you set your mind to it, and also setting a great example of a healthy lifestyle to her daughter Alice, who has been doing 'maniacs' and other Stroller Strides exercises at home to be just like mommy! :)

Join us in congratulating Jessica and read on to get to know her better.

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Apex

Education: I graduated from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University in 2004 with a degree in Marketing.

Stroller Strides Member since: March 2011

Members of your Family: Me, My husband Mark and our daughter Alice.

Tell us about your child:

Alice was born in May 2010 and is 18 months old. She is terrifyingly fearless, goofy and full of energy. We recently took her to the ocean, and I swear she would run into the waves and float away if someone wasn't there to catch her. Her favorite new game is to run up to someone, tickle them and run away. She has also started randomly walking sideways and doing maniacs, I guess she's trying to do some Stroller Strides of her own! It's so much fun to watch her grow.

Current/previous Career: Sales and Marketing Associate for a small company

What was your childhood ambition?

I've always wanted to have a family and kids. Other than that just enjoying life with people I love.

What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood means learning that I never really knew the true meaning to words like "Worry" and phrases like "Unconditional Love". It also means discovering a strength in myself that I never knew existed and gaining a whole new respect for my own mother.

What is the furthest you have been from home?

Germany

What has Stroller Strides done for you?

Stroller Strides has done so much for me, but the first thing it did was get me out of the house. I didn't join until March when Alice was 9 months and lets just say it was a LONG winter. When I decided to stay home with Alice I figured we would have plenty to do. There are so many meet up groups and tons of other moms staying home with their kids that it would be no problem to find things to do. I found out pretty quickly that unless you have something scheduled for every day it's really easy to get stuck at home doing nothing. Stroller Strides got me out of the house and so much more. I met a ton of great people and great kids. I have plans for most days of the week that provide adult conversations for me and playtime with other kids for Alice. Also I'm probably in better shape now than I was before I was pregnant with Alice. And I found that being in shape makes the sleepless nights a bit more manageable. I'm really glad I found Stroller Strides, it is a great program!

What have you enjoyed most about the Running Mamas program?

I had run in the past, but the thought of gaining back my endurance (which I knew was not an easy road) while pushing a stroller was keeping me from even getting started. Running Mamas gave me an opportunity to ease my way back into running and realize that I can run while pushing a stroller. It also provided a great community and support system on days when what is usually an easy run felt like running up Mount Everest.

What is your favorite exercise?

I will choose cardio over strength training any day of the week. I love the Cardio killers, where we do Jumping Jacks, Skis and Jump Rope counting down from 10.

What is your proudest moment?

When I saw my 5K time in the spring and realized it was faster than my goal.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?

Reading, Coffee and Swimming

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

I've jumped out of an airplane...twice.

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

I'm pretty game for trying new things and love to be active and outdoors.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape?

Join Stroller Strides...no seriously. I actually gave this advice to my sister. She lives in Seattle and has a 2 yr old and a 7 month old. She had been trying to go the the gym, but the kids were not liking the care center very much which made it really hard for her to get a consistent workout. When I went out to visit her I told her about Stroller Strides, how it works and that it's a great workout. She joined SS in her area and the running program they have and really enjoys it. So there you go!

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!

August's Mom of the Month is: Marisa Park! Congrats Marisa!

Marisa has been a member of Stroller Strides since this past spring, and she and her son Christopher have brought great smiles and energy to our classes and playgroups. She has made great strides in her own health and fitness these past several months, and sets a great example to all of us moms, and through Stroller Strides has realized that you can have fun while exercising! She recently joined the fall Running Mamas program, where she went from a beginner runner to making great progress each week, and she'll be completing the Monster Dash 5k on Oct 30th to complete her goal. Join us in congratulating Marisa, and read on to get to know her better!

Hometown: Northern Virginia (Arlington, Chantilly, Centerville) and then Roanoke, Virginia; we moved to Cary when I was 10.

Current part of the Triangle that you live in: Western Cary

Education: I went to UNC-Chapel Hill for undergrad (I double-majored in Comparative Literature and French) and then went to Western Governors University to get my elementary school teaching license.

Stroller Strides Member since: May 2011

Members of your Family: My husband, Chris; our son, Christopher; and our three cats, Annelise, Elwyn, and Perry.

Tell us about your child: Christopher was born September 1, 2010. He is so sweet and loving, and loves to smile at people and hug other kids. He is very busy, active, and inquisitive, and spends all his time figuring out how things work, how to get into things, and running around on the move!

Current/previous Career: I'm a stay-at-home mom now. Before, I worked as a TA and then I got my teaching license a year before Christopher was born. As an elementary school teacher, my favorite grade to teach was fourth.

What was your childhood ambition? I was all over the place. I wanted to be a doctor, a teacher, a ballerina (although that didn't last very long, since I can't dance!), and in high school, I wanted to be a professional soccer player (back when WUSA was still around). It wasn't until my senior year of college, when I volunteered at a local school, that I realized I really did want to become a teacher as my career.

What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means I get to show Christopher the world and everything wonderful about it. It means doing everything I can to make sure he has a healthy, happy life. And most importantly, it means I get to watch him grow up and share my life with this amazing little person who means everything to me.

What is the furthest you have been from home? I got to study in Montpellier, France for a month in college, and we went to Arles, Avignon, and Paris while I was there.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? Like several other people have said, Stroller Strides gave me myself back. I didn't have any local mom friends who were around during the day until I joined Stroller Strides, and it has given me a network of moms as well as a playgroup for Christopher. I was always very active before I had Christopher, but was having trouble finding a way (or motivation) to get back into that after he was born—Stroller Strides has gotten me in better shape than I was before I got pregnant and has made it fun, too! I've been having so much fun, I didn't realize how much of a workout I was getting until I was surprised one day by my arms looking different (I thought something was swollen at first, and then I realized it was just muscles I'd never really had before!) and then discovered through Running Mamas how far I could actually run!

What is your favorite exercise? I enjoy anything that makes Christopher laugh—the tickle runs, Five Little Fingers, etc.—because he loves them and trying to make him laugh makes the exercises easier.

What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment would have to be giving birth to Christopher. After that, it would be getting my teaching license—I was fortunate enough to be able to do my student teaching at the same school that I had been working in as a TA, and I got to share that achievement with all my friends and colleagues who had helped me get to that point.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Reading, soccer, and spending time with friends.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I like to write and someday hope to have a book published, although so far the closest I've come is writing the story for a video game that my husband's company made.

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? I guess he would say I'm hard-working, a loving mom, kind, and optimistic.

What advice would you give to moms looking to get back into shape? I would say to find something that you enjoy so you are more likely to keep it up. Also, even though it can be hard to get started, especially when you are so tired from taking care of a little one, exercise actually ends up giving you more energy, so go for it!